The Best Hair Mask to Nourish Your Hair

Lifestyle

The Best Hair Mask to Nourish Your Hair

I recently shared ten ways that I sneak in self care, one being my frequent use of hair masks. Between postpartum hair loss and years of heated styling tools, I’ve come to realize just how important it is to take extra care of my tresses. So I went on a hunt to find the best hair mask. After testing out many different products, I’ve finally narrowed it down to a few that I really love using.

Today I’m going to share my favorite hair masks, which products did not work for me, and a few tips for applying treatments with ease. I’ll also touch on some of my favorite daily haircare products that I use alongside these masks.

About My Hair

Before jumping into my favorite products, I thought it might be helpful to share a little about my locks. While I do have thin hair, I have a lot of it. It’s naturally straight and fine. I think many of the products that I’m discussing today would be great for a variety of hair types, but keep in mind that sometimes outcomes will vary for different textures, lengths, etc.

The Hunt for the Best Hair Mask

Like many women, I suffered from postpartum hair loss after having children. Due to this, I started paying extra attention to which beauty products I was using. Additionally, I typically blow dry and curl my hair two to three times a week. And on the other days, I usually let it air dry and throw it in a ponytail or twist it back using Teleties. So between hormones, heated styling tools, hair ties, and just getting older, I really wanted to prioritize taking better care of my hair. Therefore, the hunt for the best hair mask began!

Tips for Applying a Hair Mask

One last note before sharing my favorites…I wanted to share some tips and tricks for applying hair masks. While it’s really quite simple (I mean, you just rub it on and rinse it off), there are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years to make the process quick and easy.

1. Hair Mask & Multitask

The last thing any of us need is another item on our daily to-do list. I’ve found the best way for me to routinely use a hair mask is to incorporate it seamlessly into my daily routine. On most mornings I apply a mask, slick my hair back into a bun using Teleties, and then go for a walk or work out. It’s such an easy way to sneak in self care without adding time to your schedule!

2. Embrace the Slicked-Back Look

No time to shower immediately after a morning walk or workout? Thanks to Hailey Bieber, the slicked-back look is in! I’ve gone out in public with my hair slicked back into a bun many times. But, if I’m feeling a little too greasy, I’ll sometimes throw on a baseball cap. Either way, it’s totally acceptable to go out and about in a hair mask, in my opinion!

3. Invest in a Hair Towel

On the other hand, there are some masks that you apply after washing your hair (rather than on dirty hair), leave on for 10+ minutes, and then rinse. For these, I like to use this hair towel to let the mask “soak in” while I apply lotion, skincare, etc. before rinsing it off.

The Best Hair Mask 2024

Okay, now let’s get down to it! After searching for the best hair mask over the past few years, these are the products that I’ve found to be the most beneficial. I use a couple of different masks routinely, depending upon how my hair is feeling, the weather, etc. Each of these are used in heavy rotation!

Mielle Organics Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil

If you’re determining the best hair mask by the one that is used most often, Mielle Organics Rosemary and Mint Scalp and Hair Strengthening Oil would be my winner! It also happens to be the least expensive. I was consistently using this treatment for a few months, and my stylist noticed that I had a lot of baby hairs! It is such a great product and always a repurchase for me.

To use this mask, I simply drop some oil along my hairline and massage it in. Then, I slick my hair back into a low bun and go!

RŌZ Foundation Mask

I recently purchased the ROZ Foundation Mask. Since I’ve only used it a couple of times, I can’t say for certain if it will turn out to be the best hair mask, but I’ve seen great potential! I think I will especially like using this one the week after I get my hair colored, as it is deeply hydrating.

If you prefer a mask that you apply in the shower, then this might be a great option for you. I simply wash my hair, wring it out, apply, comb it through, let it sit for a few minutes, and rinse.

Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask

Olaplex No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask is one that I (and many others) love. If you’re searching for the best hair mask for damaged or super dry hair, this is a great option.

For this treatment, you wash your hair, and then leave it on for up to ten minutes. That’s typically too long for me to finish up in the shower. So instead of waiting, I’ll hop out, throw my hair in a towel, and then rinse it off with the sprayer from my tub after 10-20 minutes.

Gisou Honey Infused Hair Mask

The Gisou Honey Infused Hair Mask is a great treatment for when your hair is feeling a little fried. This mask really packs a lot of hydration. It’s one that I’ll apply in the morning, leave on while I walk or work out, and rinse later in the shower.

Hair Masks that Didn’t Work for Me

Naturally, there were a few products that didn’t work for me. This isn’t to say that you wouldn’t love these, as many others have. I think it all just depends on your hair type and what you’re looking for.

First up is the K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask, which has a cult following. I bought this a few years ago, and I still haven’t finished it. While I’ve heard rave reviews from many, I didn’t think it did much for my hair. But, I might give it another try! Similarly, the Kristin Ess Softening Hair Mask was a miss for me. I usually like Kristen Ess products, but this one didn’t work well for my hair type.

Weekly Haircare Routine

In addition to my list of favorite hair masks, I thought it might be helpful to touch on some of the other haircare products that I use daily and/or weekly.

Cleansing

For cleansing, I switch between ROZ Shampoo and Conditioner and Olaplex. I also use Goop G Tox Salt Scalp Scrub Shampoo a few times each week. The amount of times that I’ve repurchased this product over the years is absurd. I’ve tried other similar products, but nothing makes my hair and scalp feel quite as clean.

Combing

No matter which conditioner I use, I keep a comb in the shower and comb through the conditioner after I’ve let it sit on my hair a minute or two. And because my hair tangles easily, I still have to detangle it afterward. From my experience, the Tangle Teezers are the best for this, and my boys would agree!

Spraying

And speaking of my kids, this might make you laugh, but I’ve repurchased this Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel Conditioning Spray 17 times since the boys were little. It’s a natural anti-lice and detangling spray, and so far, we’ve never had lice in the house. I also use it when I’m combing out wet hair.

The Best Hair Mask for Nourishing Hair

If you’ve been searching for a great hair mask, I hope these reviews help make your hunt a little easier. And if you have a favorite haircare product that isn’t on my list, I’d love to hear about it. Please send me an email or DM! For additional hair, beauty, and wellness favorites, be sure to check out my Oura Ring review, 10 ways I prioritize self care, and my favorite Teleties products.