Whether your hair is dry, damaged, colour-treated, or just in need of some TLC a good hair mask can make all the difference. A good hair mask is an intensive treatment designed to hydrate, repair and revive tired locks, giving you that swishy, healthy-looking hair we see on all our favourite celebrities. We often treat our skin with the best moisturisers or under-eye cream, so it's time we gave our hair a little treat as well.
Before we even get to hair masks, it's important to make sure you're using the right shampoo for your hair type. Shampoo for curly hair needs a different shampoo for coloured hair, for example, whilst greasy hair doesn't need the same regime as dry.
Hair masks follow a similar rule - there are lots of options out there according to hair type and also what you want it to do. There are longer, more intensive treatments you might only use occasionally, or lightweight leave-in masks. In fact, it can be difficult to know where to start when choosing a hair mask.
Luckily, we've been busy testing a wide range across different formulas, budgets and hair types so you can make an informed decision.
We've also been chatting to Mark Leeson, Goldwell UK Ambassador, asking him to answer some of the most common hair mask questions. His expert advice will help you get the most from your chosen treatment, whatever your hair type. Do check out the rest of our Q&A at the bottom of the page for more information on how to use a hair mask, too.
Best hair mask
What does a hair mask do to your hair?
“Think of a hair mask as your hair’s version of a luxury facial,” says Mark Leeson. “It delivers a concentrated burst of nourishment, hydration and repair that goes much deeper than your everyday conditioner. While a conditioner smooths the surface, a mask works from the inside out, helping to strengthen and revive each strand.
“It’s brilliant if your hair is feeling dry, frazzled, or just needs a little TLC either due to heat styling, colour processing, or simply day-to-day wear and tear. Used regularly, a good mask will leave your hair noticeably softer, shinier and stronger.”
How often should I use a hair mask?
“It really depends on your hair and what it’s going through,” Mark explains. “For most people, once a week is ideal. If your hair is coloured, chemically treated, or regularly heat styled, you might benefit from using one twice a week.
“That said, more isn’t always better. Too much product can weigh the hair down, especially if it’s on the finer side. Listen to your hair – it will tell you what it needs.
The best hair masks tried and tested
I shall start this review by saying I would never normally contemplate using a hair mask, partly because of time, and partly because I never see the point. However, the Goldwell Rich Repair mask has changed my outlook!
Perfect for dry, stressed or colour-treated hair (which is my hair to a T), the Goldwell Dualsenses Rich Repair 60sec Treatment delivers noticeable results in under a minute. With a smooth, creamy formula and a luxurious scent, it’s designed to restore softness, manageability, and shine, making it ideal for those with damaged or overworked hair.
It smells great, really luxurious, and it goes on beautifully. I just leave it on for 60 seconds and rinse which suits me and my lifestyle so well. It’s so quick and easy, but the results are fantastic. As a fitness instructor with dry, colour-treated hair, I was so impressed with how much healthier my hair looked and felt after using the mask. It's more wavy, easier to manage, and it makes me look fresher overall. So, I take back all I said about not being bothered with a hair mask. With results in 60 seconds I will happily continue using this!
Pros
- Smells beautiful
- Works in 60 seconds
- Softens and strengthens hair
Cons
- Easy to use too much - so err on the side of caution and find what works for you!
Designed to deeply nourish and smooth dry or damaged hair, this rich, creamy mask from Hairburst is formulated with black oat extract, coconut, and avocado oils to support hydration, strengthen strands, and tame frizz. Ideal for use once or twice a week, it works in just 10 - 15 minutes to improve the overall look and feel of your hair.... and we loved it!
Our tester said: “I’m really impressed with the results of the Hairburst Hair Mask. The texture is rich and creamy, so applying it was a total breeze. I detangled my hair and left it on for around 10 minutes, then rinsed it out, followed up with my usual hair products, and let my hair air-dry. It instantly looked smoother and reduced frizz.”
With minimal effort and no heavy residue, this mask is a great choice for adding softness and shine without weighing hair down and, although pricey, we do feel it's an investment worth making!
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Smooths and reduces frizz
Cons
- A little on the expensive side but totally worth it
Designed to nourish dry, curly, or frizz-prone hair, this rich, plant-based formula from Evolve Organic Beauty delivers deep hydration with every use. Enriched with a blend of Murumuru and Brazilian Cupuaçu butters alongside Monoi Oil, the mask works to smooth the hair cuticle and lock in moisture, while Baobab proteins help to strengthen and protect against heat and UV damage.
Our tester, who has long, curly hair prone to dryness, found this a standout choice for taming frizz and boosting softness. “Conditioning is a non-negotiable part of my routine, and this mask really enhanced and prolonged the effect,” she said.
“It left my curls feeling soft, smooth and frizz-free after just one wash.” She also appreciated the thick texture, which stayed in place during the 10-minute treatment time. While the earthy, herbal scent may not be for everyone, this is a high-performing mask that delivers noticeable results in a single use.
Pros
- Leaves curls soft and hydrated
- Prolongs anti-frizz
- Works after just one wash
Cons
- Scent might not be liked by everyone
This eco-conscious hair mask from Adem London pairs sustainability with salon-style results. It comes in packaging made mostly from wood and recycled plastic, so it’s a great choice for anyone looking to reduce their beauty footprint.
The bright yellow formula is infused with pure hazelnut oil and is designed to repair and revitalise damaged hair using heat or steam for deeper absorption.
Our tester said: “I tried the Adem Pure Hazelnut Hair Repairing Mask Steam, and honestly, I’m pretty impressed. The conditioner-like texture made it easy to comb through, and I liked that I had options to use a hot towel, steam, or just letting it sit. After about 10 minutes, I could already feel my hair getting smoother before I even rinsed it out.”
She also noted the mask has a strong, salon-like scent, which fades quickly and doesn’t linger on the hair. “It didn’t leave a strong fragrance, but the results in terms of softness were definitely there.”
Pros
- Can use in different ways; steam, hot towel or let it sit
- Easy to comb through
- Instant results
Cons
- High price point, but does get great results
Formulated for thin or fine hair, the Fabriq Hydrate Mask delivers a deep moisture boost to leave hair feeling softer, thicker and easier to manage. The rich formula works to smooth strands and improve texture, all without a heavy or overpowering fragrance. It's ideal for those with sensitive skin or scalps due to its gentle fragrance but the results are still powerful.
Our tester said: “The Fabriq Mask was easy to apply and had a lovely texture that made it simple to work through my hair. After rinsing it out, my hair felt noticeably softer, smoother, and more manageable.” She did mention that the 100ml squeezy tube is on the smaller side, especially for long hair. “I needed a generous amount each time, so it might not last long if you’re using it regularly, but the results are definitely worth it.”
Pros
- Great on very dry hair
- Gentle formula and fragrance so good for sensitve scalps
Cons
- 100ml tube might not last long if you have very long hair
Give your little one’s hair a tropical treat with this Moana-inspired hair mask! Packed with nourishing shea butter and algae extract, it’s perfect for boosting moisture and leaving hair super soft, shiny, and smooth. Plus, it smells like dreamy coconut – yum! Just scoop out the perfect amount with Moana’s iconic paddle, smooth it through, and let it work its magic while your mini adventurer relaxes. Haircare has never been so fun!
Our tester, a mum of two young girls, said this hair mask transformed bathtime into something they actually looked forward to.
“My girls are huge Disney fans and absolutely loved using this Moana hair mask. Hair wash night is usually a bit of a battle, but this made it so much more fun! The little wooden paddle, just like Moana’s, is such a clever touch – they took turns applying it to each other’s hair and giggled the whole time.
The coconut scent is gorgeous – both girls commented on how nice it smelled – and once we rinsed it out, their hair felt amazingly soft, brushed through easily with barely any knots, and smelled like a tropical holiday. It’s definitely earned a spot in our bathtime routine!”
Pros
- Lovely coconut scent
- Makes hair washing fun
- Leaves hair more manageble and soft
Cons
- Not suitable for children under 3
Formulated to support healthier-looking hair, the Hair Gain Nourishing Hair Mask is infused with ingredients designed to strengthen and condition from root to tip. It’s intended for use once or twice a week, left on for 5 to 10 minutes after shampooing and towel-drying, to help hydrate and restore tired strands.
Our tester said: “There’s very little guidance on the packaging, no indication of how much to use or whether to follow with conditioner, so I experimented and settled on a walnut-sized amount for my thick, shoulder-length hair, and treated it as my conditioner.”
She found the bright green colour surprising at first, but liked the smooth texture and subtle application. “It smells lovely and the scent lingers for a day or two, which I really enjoyed.”
While she didn’t notice any change in hair loss, the nourishing effects were clear: “My hair felt a lot more conditioned, and I don’t seem to get greasy between washes anymore.” She did note that if left to air-dry, her hair could become “very frizzy and big,” so styling was needed for a sleeker finish. Despite some practical quirks, this mask left her hair feeling clean, soft, and refreshed.
Pros
- Reduces grease buildup between washes
- Nourishes hair
- Lingering scent
Cons
- Offputting colour - but it does a good job!
- Hair can get frizzy if left to air dry
Formulated with sustainability in mind, the Moo & Yoo Miracle Hair Mask is vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free, making it a gentle but effective treatment for dry or damaged hair. Ideal for coloured hair in need of moisture, it works to soften, smooth, and revive dull ends without the use of harsh ingredients or overpowering fragrance.
Our tester said: “I loved this hair mask from Moo and Yoo! My hair is coloured and often goes dry on the ends. I applied the mask and left it on for just over five minutes before rinsing — my hair was noticeably softer and not as crispy on the ends.” She noticed even better results the second time with a longer application and extra focus on the ends. “The fragrance is barely there, so if you’re after a lasting scent this isn’t the one for you, but the results are great.”
Pros
- Vegan friendly
- Paraben free
- Great for coloured hair
Cons
- Barely any scent so not for you if you want fragrance that will last
This ultra-fast treatment from Goldwell is ideal for those who want visible results without the wait. Designed to strengthen and repair damaged or weakened hair in just 60 seconds, it’s especially suited to hair affected by stressors like heat styling, chemical treatments, or hormonal changes. The rich formula helps improve elasticity and resilience while adding softness and shine.
Our tester said: “I LOVE that this works in 60 seconds. My hair is prone to so much breakage due to menopause, and within two uses the difference was noticeable.” She used it on both wet and towel-dried hair and found the results more impressive when hair was towel dried. “But I don’t always have time for that. I can leave it on my wet hair while I shave my legs, then rinse it off and my hair is stronger and feeling thicker.”
She added that while the fragrance doesn’t linger long, it smells nice and the treatment is “good value” overall. A fuss-free option that delivers quick, visible results.
Pros
- 60 second treatment ideal for busy women
- Great for damaged hair
- Fabulous for combatting menopausal hair changes
Cons
- Can use on wet or towel dried hair but results are better on towel dried hair
Best smoothing hair mask
AmazonDesigned to tame frizz and boost shine, this keratin-infused deep conditioner from HASK is ideal for smoothing dry or unruly hair. Packaged in a handy sachet with enough product for up to three uses, it’s an affordable way to try out a more intensive hair treatment without committing to a full-size tub or bottle.
Our tester said: “I liked the idea of it being a three-application sachet, but in reality, once it’s open, it’s tricky to store, especially in a house with curious young fingers!” That aside, she found the mask effective: “The smoothing treatment did a good job, though my hair felt a bit greasy after the second use, probably because I applied too much. It was much better the third time around.”
She also appreciated HASK’s wider range of budget-friendly single-use treatments. “They’ve got a whole range including an argan oil deep conditioner too, so you can try a few and see which one suits your hair best.”
Pros
- Small sachet so good for trialling
- Great value
- Good at smoothing hair
Cons
- The sachet isn't the easiest to store once opened
How to use a hair mask
Do I apply a hair mask before or after shampooing?
“Always after shampooing,” Mark advises. “Shampoo opens up the cuticle (the outer layer of the hair) and gets rid of any dirt or product build-up, which means your mask can get right in there and do its job properly.
“I always recommend gently towel-drying your hair before applying the mask so it’s damp, not soaking, because too much water can dilute the product. Then just sit back, relax, and let the mask work its magic.”
Should I apply conditioner after using a hair mask?
“In most cases, no, you don’t need to,” says Mark. “A hair mask is already a more intensive version of a conditioner, so it’s designed to give your hair everything it needs in one go.
“If your hair is extremely coarse or dry, you can finish with a light conditioner to seal everything in, but for most hair types, the mask alone will be more than enough to leave it smooth and manageable.”
I have coloured hair – should I use a specific mask for colour-treated hair?
“Yes, 100%!” Mark confirms. “Colour-treated hair needs special care to keep it looking vibrant and feeling healthy. A regular mask might not offer the protection or support your colour needs, whereas something formulated specifically for coloured hair will help lock in pigment, boost shine, and prevent fading.
“Goldwell has some fantastic targeted options. The Dualsenses Color 60Sec Treatment is one of my go-to recommendations. It delivers fast, visible results and really enhances colour vibrancy.”
Mark Leeson is a renowned hairdresser and ambassador for Goldwell UK
Becky Fuller is a senior digital writer for Yours.co.uk. She is also a fully qualified personal trainer and strength coach, specialising in fitness and wellbeing for over 50s. Prior to joining Yours, Becky was a fitness writer for Saga, and a freelance entertainment and theatre journalist. Becky is passionate about helping people to move well and discover the many benefits of strength training.