Have you been taking care of your crowning glory? Beyond the standard rinse and go, pampering yourself weekly with a hair mask can help repair and rejuvenate your tresses, especially if they’re frizzy or damaged due to air pollution, dust, chemical treatments and other factors.
How are hair masks different from conditioners?
Hair masks tend to have a richer, thicker consistency than conditioners. (Photos from: theouai.com and sephora.sg)
Hair masks and conditioners are similar as they are both designed to nourish and hydrate your tresses. However, hair masks tend to have a richer, thicker consistency than conditioners and they work on a deeper level to address various hair concerns. You are also recommended to use a hair mask on a weekly basis, compared to a conditioner, which you can apply daily after your shampoo, depending on your concerns and needs.
Ready for your hair-mazing transformation? Read on as we round up 12 hair masks that address different hair types and concerns — from intensively moisturising hair masks for dry and dull hair to smoothing masks for curly tresses.
1. For all-rounded care: Coco & Eve Like A Virgin Hair Masque
The Coco & Eve Like A Virgin Hair Masque is sulfate-free and cruelty-free. (Photo from: int.cocoandeve.com)
This 5-in-1 treatment from Coco & Eve contains nourishing ingredients such as AcquaSeal coconut to hydrate and strengthen hair, vitamin-rich fig extract to neutralise free radicals and shea butter to detangle hair without weighing it down. It not only revives and restores hair to its pure “virgin” state but also repairs, conditions and tames the hair such that it’s smooth, manageable and lustrous.
How to use: After shampooing, distribute an even amount of the product onto towel-dried hair. Comb the product through the hair and leave it for five to 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water. For an even more intensive masking experience, keep the product on overnight with a towel wrap and wash out the next morning.
This product retails for SGD56 per 212ML at cocoandeve.com and it comes with a complimentary Coco & Eve Tangle Tamer.
2. For nourishing hair with superfoods: Farmskin Hair Mask
The Farmskin Ultra-Moisturising Hair Mask (above left) helps to lock in moisture and add volume to lacklustre and dry hair. (Photo from: @farmskin_sg)
You’ve heard of superfoods for your skin and body — did you know there are healthy concoctions designed to nourish your tresses too? The Farmskin Ultra-Moisturising Hair Mask Blackberry Complex contains a high concentration of cranberry, raspberry and blackberry to “instantly” moisturise and care for dry hair. It’s also designed to combat frizziness and split ends. Check out TBL Bureau’s review of the Farmskin Ultra Nourishing Hair Mask here.
How to use: Wash your hair and towel it dry. Gather your hair in a bun and slip on the mask bag. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse off the product with lukewarm water.
This product retails for SGD12.90 per piece at Lazada.
3. For smelling hair-mazing: OUAI Fine To Medium Hair Treatment Masque
The OUAI Hair Treatment Masque features a rose fragrance called ‘Melrose Place’. (Photo from: theouai.com)
Strong, lustre locks? Check. Next on the wish list? An amazing scent that leaves you feeling beautiful and confident for the rest of the day. The OUAI Hair Treatment Masque is scented with Melrose Place, the brand’s rose fragrance that has hints of bergamot, lychee, cedarwood and musk. It also has shea butter, panthenol and hydrolysed keratin to restore hydration, fight frizz and smooth split ends.
How to use: Apply product generously to wet, clean hair from roots and ends. Comb through with fingers and leave on for five to 10 minutes. Rinse off the product with water.
This product retails for SGD64 per 236ML at Sephora.
4. For texturising fine hair: Moroccanoil Weightless Mask
The Moroccanoil Weightless Mask is designed to hydrate and condition fine dry hair. (Photo from: moroccanoil.com)
Don’t let your fine tresses get you down. As its name suggests, the Moroccanoil Weightless Mask aims to revive lifeless, dry hair with its formula that hydrates and conditions fine hair while “dramatically improving” its texture, elasticity, shine and manageability. Rich in argan oil and nourishing ingredients, this five-minute mask claims to have a creamy yet lightweight texture as well.
How to use: Apply a generous amount of this product to towel-dried hair and comb through. Leave it on for five to seven minutes and rinse thoroughly after.
This product retails for SGD64 per 250ML at Sephora.
5. For managing unruly, curly hair: Kerastase Oleo Relaxing Smoothing Hair Masque
The Kerastase Oleo Relaxing Smoothing Hair Masque contains virgin coconut oil and shorea butter to ease your hair’s frizz. (Photo from: kerastase-usa.com)
Blessed with curly locks? Keep those natural waves in place and ease the frizz with the Kerastase Oleo Relaxing Smoothing Hair Masque. This mask helps to make curly, unruly hair softer and more manageable with its blend of nourishing ingredients. It features shorea butter (moisturising), virgin coconut oil (penetrates hair fibre) and rose muscata fruit oil (protects).
How to use: After shampooing, apply a quarter-sized amount of product from the ends to mid-lengths of your hair. Massage product into our hair and pay attention to your ends before combing through for even distribution. Finally, leave on for five minutes and rinse with water.
This product retails for SGD82 per 200ML at Sephora.
6. For calming chemically treated hair: Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector Treatment
The Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector Treatment features Bond Building technology to strengthen damaged hair from within. (Photo from: olaplex.com)
Known for its patented Bond Building technology, haircare brand Olaplex is a favourite among trendsetting celebrities such as Kim Kardashian. The No.3 Hair Perfector Treatment addresses damaged and compromised hair but can also be used on all hair types. It has antioxidants and AHAs to repair damaged strands and restore locks to their healthy shine.
How to use: Apply a generous amount of the product onto damp, towel-dried hair. Work the product through from roots to ends. Let it set for a minimum of 10 minutes. Rinse off with water.
This product retails for SGD52 per 100ML at Sephora.
7. For maintaining coloured hair: Oribe Masque For Beautiful Colour
Tame frizz and add life to coloured hair with the Oribe Masque For Beautiful Colour. (Photo from: oribe.com)
Having coloured hair is fun, but making its vibrancy last can be quite a head-scratcher. Add the Oribe Masque for Beautiful Colour to your routine as it’s designed to keep hair in the best condition, both in response to and in preparation for ongoing colour treatments. It’s packed with Oribe Signature Complex to defend hair from oxidative stress, bioflavonoids to protect hair from fading and discolouration and phytoceramides to provide enhanced colour protection.
How to use: Massage product into hair after shampooing. Let it absorb for five to 10 minutes. Rinse with water.
This product retails for SGD98.10 per 175ML at shunjimatsuo.com.sg.
8. For hydrating dry hair: Virtue Labs Restorative Treatment Mask
The Virtue Labs Restorative Treatment Mask “actively rehabilitates hair” without weighing it down. (Photo from: virtuelabs.com)
Your hair is susceptible to dryness if you use heating tools frequently or if you’ve been using a shampoo product with harsh ingredients. Restore gloss and shine to your tresses with the Virtue Labs Restorative Treatment Mask, which “actively rehabilitates hair” without weighing it down. It is infused with Alpha Keratin 60ku® to intensely hydrate and condition hair.
How to use: Remove excess water from your hair after washing and apply a generous amount of product to your hair. Leave on for two to three minutes before rinsing the product off.
This product retails for SGD119 per 150ML at Sephora.
9. For hair repair and extra smoothness: Fino Premium Touch Hair Mask
Fino Premium Touch Hair Mask promises to repair and replenish your hair with the help of seven beauty ingredients. (Photo from: watsons.com.sg)
This hair mask contains seven hair-nourishing ingredients that promise to bring back your tresses' natural beauty. There's Royal Jelly EX for moisture, trehalose + sorbitol for moisture control, pyrrolidone carboxylic acid for hair strength, phytosterol for hair strength, lipidure EX for smoother hair, squalane + dimethicone for hair texture, and glutamic acid for hair colour retention.
How to use: After rinsing off your shampoo, towel dry your hair. Next, apply the hair mask liberally, especially on dry and damaged areas. Rinse off after a maximum of 10 minutes.
This product retails for SGD14.85 per 230G at Watsons.
10. For thinning hair and extra volume: Shiseido Professional Adenovital Hair Mask
The Shiseido Professional Adenovital Hair Maks promises to strengthen each strand from the roots, leaving your hair nourished and full of volume. (Photo from: shiseido-professional.com)
Stress can get the best of us and with stress, our hair suffers and sometimes it starts thinning out. This is where the Shiseido Professional Adenovital Hair Mask comes in to save the volume of your locks. Formulated with advanced bioscience technology, it targets hair thinning by optimising scalp health, creating the ideal environment for key ingredients to penetrate deeply.
How to use: After shampooing, remove excess water from your hair. Take an appropriate amount and spread it in your palms then apply from the ends to the upper lengths of your hair. leave it on for three to five minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
This product retails for SGD82.84 per 200ML at shunjimatsuo.com.sg.
11. For ultimate hair hydration: Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Mask
The Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Mask has bio-fermented coconut water which can add a natural glow and smoothen dry, frizzy strands. (Photo from: sephora.sg)
Dry and coarse hair is begging for a hydration fix. This is why the Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Mask is the ultimate moisture hero. Infused with powerhouse ingredients like squalane and hyaluronic acid, this mask drenches your strands in hydration, leaving them plump, soft, and oh-so-supple. Perfect for your weekly self-care ritual, it’s like a waterfall of nourishment for your locks.
How to use: Apply the mask from mid-lengths to ends, combing through to distribute evenly. Let it sit for five to 10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Use it weekly for better results.
This product retails for SGD58 per 250ML at Sephora.
12. For silky, smooth strands: LUCIDO-L Argan Rich Oil Hair Treatment Mask
The LUCIDO-L Argan Rich Oil Hair Treatment Mask promises to repair internal and external hair damage. (Photo from: watsons.sg)
Split ends and frizz are annoying, and in a tropical climate, they’re almost impossible to dodge. The LUCIDO-L Argan Rich Oil Hair Treatment Mask will keep your hair hydrated and smooth. Infused with ultra-high-pressure processed argan oil, this deeply nourishing treatment works from the inside out to repair damage and restore vitality. Its protective coating technology leaves your strands silky smooth and selfie-ready.
How to use: Apply the mask generously on your hair after shampooing, avoiding the scalp. Rinse thoroughly with water and use once or twice a week for best results.
This product retails for SGD19.20 per 220g at Watsons.
(Cover photo from: moroccanoil.com)
This article was first published on 20 June 2023. Last updated: 21 November 2024.
Want your hair to shine? Achieve glass hair with these hair oils.
Comments, questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected].
