Dreary cold weather doesn’t just impact our skin, wardrobe choices and moods. It also can do a number on our hair. Frigid temperatures can turn the silkiest locks into dry, straggly, frizzy messes that no amount of shine serum can fix. Strands need more than a temporary smoothing out. They need moisture and they need it desperately. And hair masks provide ample nourishment to dry ends and colored strands.
Hydrating hair masks are often on rotation in people’s summer routines when they want to combat the drying effects of heat, salt water and hair coloring sessions. But in winter, we sometimes get so preoccupied with preventing dry scales on our faces and bodies that we forget about our strands and simply hide them under a hat. #Guilty
It’s time to break the bad habit. We’ve rounded up some of the best hydrating formulas that will combat the moisture-sucking impact of arctic temperatures, central heating and excessive holiday party hairstyling. The masks provide deep nourishment to extremely dry and dyed hair that conditioner can’t.
Keep strands nourished in the colder weather with these moisturizing hair masks that fight frizz and provide major hydration.
[ Next: The Best Tea Tree Oil-Based Products to Invest in This Winter ]
12 Nourishing Hair Masks to Hydrate Dry, Damaged Locks
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The Doux
WOAH. Deep Conditioning Mask, $14.99 at The Doux
This mask goes beyond the cuticle to impart lasting moisture to locks. It works on every hair type and eliminates snagging and friction. So all you’re left with is soft, bouncy and tangle-free strands. It even improves elasticity.
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Ouai
Treatment Masque, $32 at Ouai
Ouai's deeply nourishing hair mask claims to create "like-virgin hair in 5 minutes flat." It's a lofty promise, but the restorative formula does transform locks in record time. Additionally, it helps prevent further damage by having artichoke leaf extract seal the cuticle. Those with straggly strands in need of TLC can leave the formula on for 10 minutes and use it daily after shampooing.
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L'Oréal Paris
Elvive Total Repair Extreme Emergency Recovery Mask, $5.99 at Walmart
Extreme dryness calls for a rich, fast-acting recovery mask. This budget-friendly hair mask comes to the rescue by penetrating hair and encouraging fiber regrowth. Use it post-shampoo at least once a week to turn hair from straw to silk.
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IGK
Prenup Instant Spray Hair Mask, $16 at IGK
Those who adore the nourishment of a hair mask but don't like the cold, thick formulas can try this spray hair mask. IGK's innovative design is inspired by trendy splash masks. The new formulation is misted on damp hair in the shower. It only needs to be left on for one minute to work its magic. Unlike a jarred hair mask, the aerosol design is less prone to getting water in it, which preserves the effective formula.
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Living Proof
Restore Mask Treatment, $29.99 at Walmart
Hair masks should be the four Rs: restoring, revitalizing, rich and renewing. This one checks all the boxes. It's suitable for anyone with dry, damaged hair. It relies on the brand's patented healthy hair molecule and a restore system to increase moisture levels and repair the cuticle. The oil-free mask is even designed to repel dirt, which means less frequent shampooing. Yasss.
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Drybar
Mudslide Nourishing Hair Mask, $35 at Sephora
Drybar wants to ensure strands are bouncy and healthy no matter how they're being styled. After shampooing, apply the yuzu and argan oil formula for 5 to 10 minutes. It brings hair back to life regardless of whether it's straight or tightly coiled. It's also OK for dyed, colored, chemically-treated and keratin-infused locks.
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Moroccanoil
Weightless Hydrating Mask, $38 at Moroccanoil
Moroccanoil is a byword for shiny, healthy hair. Those who want hydration but don't want it at the cost of excess grease or limp tresses will like this weightless argan oil formula. Rinse it out and hair will feel nourished but still have plenty of bounce, including fine strands.
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Briogeo
Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask, $36 at Sephora
Stop stressing about damaged, limp locks and start doing something about them. This weekly restorative treatment will banish bad hair days. It simultaneously strengthens, moisturizes and increases shine thanks to a range of hydrating ingredients. It's suitable for use on all hair types, including those who have dyed, relaxed, chemically altered or keratin-treated strands.
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Christophe Robin
Regenerating Mask With Rare Prickly Pear Seed Oil, $71 at DermStore
Beauty aficionados can't get enough of Christophe Robin's hair care range for the way it transforms colored hair. This mask doesn't come cheap, but the difference in locks will be obvious. Exotic ingredients and plant ceramides strengthen hair, repair and revive color pigments. The formula absorbs quickly, resulting in a swishy, shiny head of hair with no residue.
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Pantene
Gold Series Repairing Mask, $14.99 at Amazon
Dry ends be gone. Water activates this argan oil-rich mask to replenish strands that are showing the effects of wind, snow and heating. Just a dollop is needed to adequately coat hair. Users will see results when using the treatment a couple of times a week.
