The best masks for dry hair in the UK 2023

Can't stand to see your hair damaged by coloring, pollution and heated appliances? Try a mask for dry hair. For this, we particularly recommend Kérastase Masquintense, a mask for dry hair rich in irisome. It will provide the essential nutrients for the beauty of your hair from the very first use. Read our guide to find out more.

Kérastase Masquintense 1
8/10

Best value for money

Kérastase Masquintense

Best dry hair mask in 2021

This mask exists in 2 versions: for fine hair and for thick hair. It provides dry and weakened hair with a powerful moisturizing and nourishing concentrate. We like its sweet fragrance and its creamy texture.

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From the very first use of this mask for dry hair, your hair will be much more hydrated, silky and shiny. No more worries about styling because Masquintense smoothes and detangles hair, eliminates frizz and protects the ends from split ends. Its gentle fragrance and easy application make it a pleasure to use. Once applied to washed and towel-dried hair, leave the mask on for 10 minutes before rinsing. For more pronounced effects, leave the mask on for several hours while wrapping your hair in a warm towel. Despite its limited capacity of 200 mL, the Masquintense lasts quite long.

The Little Marseillais 2
7/10

Best value for money

The Little Marseillais

Best entry-level dry hair mask

This mask will provide you with extremely nourishing and restorative care to treat your dry and damaged hair. Radiant and revitalized, the hair is well nourished, softer to the touch and very easy to style.

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The Le Petit Marseillais nourishing mask takes care of damaged and dry hair without weighing it down. The recipe combines two ingredients, coconut water and orange blossom, to revitalize and strengthen your hair. Rich in magnesium, potassium, amino acids, vitamin C and omega 3, coconut water has been known for generations for its revitalizing and strengthening properties. As for the orange blossom, it will give a blow of brightness to the dull hair and invigorates them. This mask for dry hair can be used in 3 ways for the same results: as a shower mask, as a night mask or as a leave-in treatment. Some users have even claimed that it removes excess oil from naturally oily hair.

L'Oréal Elsève Total Repair 3
7/10

Best value for money

L'Oréal Elsève Total Repair

Best high-end dry hair mask

Known for its high concentration of ceramides, this mask will delight women who wish to soften their hair. It is an effective solution to revitalize dehydrated and damaged hair.

7,19 £ on Cdiscount

It is a repairing solution enriched with calendula and ceramides to repair, strengthen and deeply replenish hair. The combination of these 2 ingredients with extraordinary virtues is the secret weapon of this mask to treat split ends, moisturize dried out hair and overcome the negative effects caused by daily aggressions, coloring and heating appliances. The packaging of the mask, simple but well sealed, avoids any spillage. We like the creamy and pleasant texture of the product. Same for the smell, which is rather light.

Olaplex Hair Perfector 4
7/10

A great choice

Olaplex Hair Perfector

Best moisturizer for colored hair

Suitable for all hair types, the Olaplex Hair Perfector mask guarantees deep and permanent hair repair. Given the rather high price, we deplore its small size. Indeed, the bottle contains only 100 mL.

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Olaplex Hair Perfector works simply. Once applied to the hair, it targets specific broken protein bonds in the hair fiber and rebuilds them. It also provides all the necessary moisture to dry hair. This product is a great choice if you have dry, damaged hair. It also helps revive bleached hair, before and after bleaching. For best results, follow the instructions on the bottle. Leave the mask on for at least 10 minutes on clean, towel-dried hair. In some cases, you may need to leave it on for 24 hours to get the results you want.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best mask for dry hair

Any specific needs?

Best dry hair mask in 2021

Best entry-level dry hair mask

Best high-end dry hair mask

Best moisturizer for colored hair

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best masks for dry hair

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Kérastase Masquintense 5
8/10
The Little Marseillais 6
7/10
L'Oréal Elsève Total Repair 7
7/10
Olaplex Hair Perfector 8
7/10
OUR SELECTION
Kérastase Masquintense
The Little Marseillais
L'Oréal Elsève Total Repair
Olaplex Hair Perfector
This mask exists in 2 versions: for fine hair and for thick hair. It provides dry and weakened hair with a powerful moisturizing and nourishing concentrate. We like its sweet fragrance and its creamy texture.
This mask will provide you with extremely nourishing and restorative care to treat your dry and damaged hair. Radiant and revitalized, the hair is well nourished, softer to the touch and very easy to style.
Known for its high concentration of ceramides, this mask will delight women who wish to soften their hair. It is an effective solution to revitalize dehydrated and damaged hair.
Suitable for all hair types, the Olaplex Hair Perfector mask guarantees deep and permanent hair repair. Given the rather high price, we deplore its small size. Indeed, the bottle contains only 100 mL.
Volume
200 mL
300 mL
600 mL
100 mL
Main ingredients
Keratin
Orange blossom and coconut
Calendula and ceramides
Composed of leading ingredients protected by several international patents and non-allergenic
Pot/bottle life
How to use
As a mask on clean, towel-dried hair
In the shower, as a night mask or as a leave-in treatment
As a mask on clean, towel-dried hair
In a mask on clean, towel-dried hair
For which hair?
Normal hair
Dry and damaged hair
Normal hair
Normal hair (women)

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Buying guide - mask for dry hair

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How to choose your mask for dry hair

To ensure effectiveness and avoid the opposite effect, you should choose your dry hair mask according to your hair type.

#1 - Dry, damaged or coloured hair

For hair that is dull and tends to dry out due to coloring or any other reason, it is best to use a mask to stimulate natural oil production and promote a healthy scalp. A keratin protein mask is perfect for leaving hair deeply nourished, while improving resilience and shine. Since it's enriched with keratin protein and a blend of nutrients (like vitamin E, limnanthe seed oil, and rosemary leaf), it will help repair, rejuvenate, and rebuild the elasticity of your hair fiber.

#2 - Curly or thick hair

For thick or curly hair, you'll need a mask that's going to really give your hair fiber a good boost. Since curly hair is naturally drier, using masks with keratin, coconut oil, castor oil, marula oil or borage oil will only benefit your hair and work deep down to protect and strengthen each of your curls and strands. For this, a Borago borage oil conditioning mask is the perfect complement. Containing borage oil, keratin, gamma-linolenic acid and ceramide, it effectively penetrates the hair cuticles to treat the hair fiber from the inside as well as the outside.

#3 - Fine hair

If your hair is fine and dry, bet on a mask that won't make your hair feel heavy. Instead, opt for lighter moisturizers like jojoba oil or biotin that will keep your hair soft, shiny and manageable. A biotin-rich mask is also a good choice.

#4 - Oily hair

Oily hair can sometimes become dry due to external aggressors such as pollution, the sun, or any other reason. In this case, opt for a coconut oil-based mask that will deeply nourish your hair without making it any greasier.

Ingredients to consider in a mask for dry hair

  • Pea protein

Plant-based, pea protein adds shine to your hair and strengthens it from the roots. Using a hair mask containing pea protein can add volume to your hair and reduce breakage while promoting intense hydration.

  • Omega 3 fatty acids

A hair mask rich in omega-3 fatty acids gives you the confidence to go out in the sun because they are excellent protectors against dust and pollution. Omega-3 fatty acids also reduce hair loss and hair loss and stimulate hair growth. For example, coconut water is rich in magnesium, potassium, amino acids, vitamin C and omega 3.

  • Ceramides

The role of ceramides is to protect and strengthen the hair fiber. They help keep your hair follicles flattened and your hair intact. Ceramides allow you to manage tangles, reduce damage to your hair and restore the balance needed to achieve healthier hair.

  • Shea Butter

This is a product known for its moisturizing properties and its richness in fatty acids such as linoleic and oleic acids, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

  • Avocado oil

This oil guarantees shine and strength to the hair. It is rich in vitamin E, lecithin, potassium, unsaturated fatty acids and chlorophyll.

  • Coconut oil

Known for its powerful moisturizing properties, coconut oil penetrates and deeply nourishes dry hair.

  • Honey

A natural ingredient with antimicrobial and protective properties. Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, honey repairs dry and damaged hair.

  • Argan oil

Shine, softness, hydration and protection. These are the positive effects that argan oil can bring thanks to its high content of minerals, vitamins and fatty acids.

  • Green tea

The repairing and nourishing virtues of green tea are no longer to be demonstrated. This is particularly due to its high content in antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, folate and vitamin B.

  • Castor oil

Castor oil, particularly rich in fatty acids, has been used for generations for its revitalizing and strengthening properties.

Good to know

For protein treatments, always follow the instructions on the product label as leaving the hair mask on your hair for too long can lead to excessive protein absorption and breakage.

Mask for dry hair or conditioner?

Mask for dry hair

The mask is a concentrated solution of active ingredients that works deep down to heal, nourish and moisturize frizzy, curly and wavy hair. Masks often contain proteins and are therefore more recommended for hair with high porosity.

The use of masks is especially recommended for people who frequently use colour, who use heated appliances (straightening irons, hair dryers, etc.) or whose hair is dry by nature. In general, the masks are affordable, but it all depends on the brand that sells them. But if you don't have time to go to the supermarket or if your budget is limited, you can concoct a homemade mask that is easy to make and won't cost you anything.

Shampoo

Conditioner is especially suitable for healthy hair. In other words, it works on the surface, leaving a protective film along the hair fibre for a shiny, moisturized result. It also fights knots and softens the hair thanks to its detangling agents. Therefore, if you have dry "problem" hair, a conditioner alone will not help.

However, this advice is especially true for normal to thick dry hair, as regular use of a mask on fine hair can weigh it down. For fine hair, it is better to use a mask specifically formulated for this type of hair. As for price, the more expensive your conditioner becomes, the more expensive it is. And yet, to keep your hair healthy and beautiful, it's best to pay the price.

Verdict

The choice between mask and conditioner will depend entirely on the health of your hair. Healthy hair does not require a mask, but weak hair does. On the other hand, mask and conditioner can be used in complementarity to better treat dry or brittle hair. To do this, the mask should be applied first, followed by the conditioner for protection.

Know how to read a product label!

The first ingredients mentioned on a product's label are those that are most present in the product.

Tips

Frequency of use of a mask for dry hair

The frequency of use of a mask depends mainly on the hair problem you wish to solve. But in general, it is recommended to do a hair mask once a week or even every two weeks. For certain hair types, such as dry, dull or brittle hair, you will find, you can do a mask whenever you feel the need. So rely on the texture of your hair. For others, such as irritated scalps or those affected by dandruff, follow the instructions on the product packaging or on the brand's website instead.

Apply a hair mask effectively

For

the amount of mask to apply, rely on the instructions on the product package. Apply it to your hair from the roots up and then cover the length of your hair. Once you've applied the mask, comb it through your hair to distribute it evenly. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse.

Knowing whether to shampoo after or before the mask

To

find out if you need to shampoo your hair before applying your mask or not, rely on the instructions on your product packaging. Some masks will only require rinsing with clean water, while others will need to be washed off with shampoo. Such is the case with oil-rich masks that could weigh down the hair and make it greasy.

Rinsing hair at the right temperature

It

is highly recommended to rinse the hair with cold water in order to seal the hair scales and keep the active ingredients in the heart of the hair fiber. This will give them a nice shiny finish. However, it should be noted that this rule does not apply to oily hair. It is therefore better to rinse the latter with warm water to open the pores of the skin, to optimize the penetration of the active ingredients and to dilute somewhat the excess of sebum.

Rinse your hair at the right time

It's

obvious that when you notice the rinse water becoming clearer, your hair has been properly cleared of all product residue and is ready for rinsing. To be sure, massage your hair. If you feel your hair squeak when you massage it, it's ready to rinse.

FAQ

What is the best mask for dry hair?

The best mask for dry hair depends on your needs and budget. Read our buying guide to find out which products are the best.

Do I have to apply my hair mask on wet hair?

Most hair masks work best when applied to clean, towel-dried hair that is still damp. However, it is best to apply a hair mask made primarily of oil such as coconut or olive oil to dry hair.

Can I use a hair mask on dirty hair?

No. Be aware that even the most nourishing hair masks can't penetrate dirty hair, so be sure to get the most out of your product by using it on clean hair.

What is the difference between hair conditioner and hair mask?

A hair conditioner makes hair strands soft and less unruly. The hair mask deeply moisturizes the hair strands, in addition to performing an intense revitalization work.

What is the application time for a mask made of protein ingredients?

Twenty minutes or so will be sufficient, as keeping protein on your hair for too long can weigh it down and could even lead to breakage.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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  2. , labelleadresse.com
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  5. , pratique.leparisien.com
  6. , europe1.fr
  7. , sante.lefigaro.fr
  8. , elle.fr
  9. , healthline.com
  10. , amelioretasante.com
  11. , elle.fr
  12. , grazia.fr
  13. , labelleboucle.fr
  14. , femmeactuelle.fr
  15. , best-comparatif.fr
  16. , remedes-de-grand-mere.com
  17. , bioalaune.com
  18. , beautiful-boucles.com
  19. , beautecritique.fr
  20. , blog.pranaloe.fr
  21. , elle.fr
  22. , justefemmes.com
  23. , deavita.fr
  24. , kerastase.fr
  25. , recettemarocaine365.com
  26. , cheveux-parfaits.fr
  27. , amazon.co.uk
  28. , labelleadresse.com
  29. , lalogebeaute.com
  30. , santeplusmag.com
  31. , selectos.eu
  32. , aufeminin.com
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Kérastase Masquintense 9
Kérastase Masquintense
The Little Marseillais 10
The Little Marseillais
L'Oréal Elsève Total Repair 11
L'Oréal Elsève Total Repair
Olaplex Hair Perfector 12
Olaplex Hair Perfector

Lecteurs

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