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Talking about my favorite hair masks today! When it comes to haircare, the more moisturizing, the better if you ask me. As I’ve mentioned before, I have a love-hate relationship with my wavy-curly hair. It’s thick, full and long, but very dry, damaged and frizzy.
I got my hair chemically straightened (Japanese straightening) about 5-6 years ago. Initially, it was blissful having sleek and silky-smooth hair without wrestling with a flat iron. But once the effects of the chemical treatment wore off after a few months, I was left with damaged, more frizzy and rough strands.
My hair is in a much better state now but I wish I had never gone the chemical straightening route! To avoid further damage, I stay away from heat-styling tools as much as possible, and use them maybe just twice a month or so. Oh, and did I mention my hair is also color-treated. I need to color every few weeks (even though I don’t want to!) in order to cover those pesky grays!
Now that you know all about my hair woes, let’s get to my favorite hair masks that pamper my dry, unruly tresses and add the much needed moisture without weighing them down. I use these hydrating hair treatments once or twice a week instead of my usual conditioner.
Best Hair Masks For Dry, Damaged Hair
Kerastase Discipline Oleo-Relax Anti-Frizz Hair Mask ($62)
My #1 favorite, this is the best moisturizing hair mask I’ve ever tried (and trust me, I have tried a lot!!) It’s a smoothing mask on steroids and provides deep-down nourishment for irresistibly soft hair!
The rich, creamy formula is super hydrating but not thick, greasy or heavy and applies easily. And a little goes a long way, which is great because this miracle mask is pretty expensive but totally worth the splurge! I leave it on cleansed, damp hair for about 5 minutes while I finish my shower and then rinse thoroughly.
Not only does it leave my hair feeling silky-soft but also detangles them and minimizes frizz and unwanted volume for my curly, crazy poofy hair (without weighing them down) so they are much easier to style. Not to mention, it has a lovely floral fragrance that makes my hair smell amazing!
Pantene Pro-V Intense Rescue Shots ($4.97, pack of 3 treatments)
This is the only drugstore deep conditioning treatment that I really love! These power-packed shots give my dry and damaged hair the TLC it needs, leaving it super soft and smooth without any greasy residue or build up. For under $5, this is such an affordable luxury! I also listed it in my Best Beauty Products of 2019 roundup.
It comes packaged in single-dose compact tubes that are also perfect for travel and on-the-go use. One tube has the perfect amount for my thick, long (waist length) hair and I use it with a generous hand. My full review here.
Joico Defy Damage Protective Masque ($21.50)
This is an intensive mask especially designed for hair damaged due to constant heat styling, coloring and chemical treatments. Infused with nourishing ingredients like rosehip oil, keratin, arginine and moringa seed oil, it helps repair and strengthen hair while boosting shine and softness.
The creamy formula leaves my hair weightlessly soft, smooth and hydrated with a clean and fresh fragrance. I massage it through my damp hair after shampoo, focusing on mid-lengths and ends of hair and leave it in for 5 minutes.
Image credit: Joico
Even if you end up putting a little too much (like I did the first time), it rinses out easily and won’t make your hair look weighed down. It treats my tresses with a ton of moisture and makes such a difference in the manageability of my unruly hair, making it easier to comb through and style.
Kerastase Nutritive Mask For Dry Thick Hair ($56)
Another Kerastase hair mask that works wonders for my perpetually parched tresses! This nourishing treatment is designed to replenish moisture and soften dry, thick hair and it really does what it says.
I love how incredibly smoothing and hydrating it is without being heavy. The creamy formula spreads easily and slides down my strands, smoothing and detangling as I massage it through my wet hair. This one also gets the job done in 5 minutes, leaving my hair soft, shiny and healthy-looking. Oh, and it smells divine too! It’s available at Amazon.com for only $25!
Saints & Sinners Velvet Divine Hair Masque ($30)
This is the newest addition to my haircare arsenal and it’s a good one! It’s an intensely deep conditioning masque ideal for dry, frizzy, chemically treated, curly, thermally damaged, unruly, coarse, moisture starved hair.
This deep conditioner really packs a punch and provides long-lasting moisture for a healthy, hydrated feel. And it works its magic in just 3-5 minutes! Another one of my favorite things about this moisturizing mask is its citrusy floral scent…SO good!
The creamy formula is luxuriously rich and slightly thick so I need to apply this on soaking wet hair to distribute the product evenly. It rinses out easily though and doesn’t leave any greasy residue or build up.
Also, I like that it can be applied as an overnight treatment as well for an extra boost of hydration. The formula is free of parabens, phthalates and it’s 100% vegan and cruelty free.
So, these are some of the best hair masks for dry damaged hair. Whether you hair is dealing with extra dryness and damage or simply in need of some serious TLC, these hydrating hair treatments can really help to revitalize and repair.
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Which one would you recommend for long, thick, coarse Indian hair that gets frizzy- the Kerastase Oleo Relax mask or the Kerastase Nutrive Masquintense Thick Hair Mask?
I would recommend the Kerastase Oleo Relax mask!