Once upon a time, I had terribly dry and damaged hair.
Wait – it was worse than that even, I had dry damaged BLEACHED hair. I had gone to a salon to get a few highlights in my [then] dark brown hair.
After applying the bleach to my hair the hairdresser told me she was going to let it sit for a few minutes and she would be right back. Well, she forgot about me and went for lunch.
I began panicking when I was unable to find the hairdresser who was supposed to be doing my hair and kept asking the other hairstylists there if they knew where she went. Finally, one said that they thought she had left and she would take care of my hair. And that’s when we saw the damage.
My hair was truly in ruin. The bleach had turned my healthy brown hair into a white gummy breakable mess. For months even brushing my hair meant that huge chunks would break off.
I had to cut off approx. 4 inches, I couldn’t style my hair, and I was afraid that she had burned my scalp with bleach to the point of no return. Quite the horror story. right?
Well, after that experience I went to a different salon where I found the hairdresser I have been going to since. She was the one who broke the news that I needed to cut off 4 inches, the one who helped nurse my hair back to health, and the one who turned me to some of the best deep conditioning treatments I’ve ever tried.
Now that a few years have passed, my hair is healthier and longer than ever. By using less heat on my hair, going ombre, and investing in great deep conditioners I’ve been able to turn all that horrifying damage around.
As someone who has put her hair through the wringer, I know how truly frustrating it is to have dry damaged hair. And over the years, I have probably tried nearly every product on the market to fix my fried locks.
After all these years of damaging my hair, I’ve learnt two things – the first being that there’s nothing better than a good hair cut and the second is that a great conditioner can help get your hair back to looking and feeling healthy.
How Often Should You Deep Condition Your Hair?
Depending on your hair type, you want to deep condition your hair 1-2 times a week.
If you have dry damaged hair, then try for twice a week. If not, then just deep condition your hair once a week, or even once every two weeks if you find that once-weekly makes your hair feel oily.
How Long Should You Deep Condition Your Hair?
This also somewhat depends on the condition of your hair. And, it also depends on the product.
Be sure to read the directions of your hair conditioner and follow them. If it says to keep it on for 30 minutes to 1 hour then try to stick to that. If it says to leave it on for 5 minutes then do that. Those directions highlight how the product works best.
The 7 Best Hair Masks for Dry Hair
1. Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque
Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque, $49
One of my favourite haircare lines is the Macadamia Natural Oil haircare line.
All of their products add moisture back into your hair which is great for damaged hair, but the Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque, in particular, is a miracle worker.
This rich masque provides deep conditioning and nourishment that is so needed by damaged hair.
Simply leave this conditioner on for 5 – 10 minutes and you’ll find that your hair feels silky smooth and healthier than ever.
2. Briogeo Dont Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask, $46
While the entire Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair haircare line targets damaged and dry hair, for me, the Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair Hair Masque takes the cake.
This conditioner contains Rosehip Oil, Algae Extract, B-vitamins, and almond oil which all help to strengthen hair while also making your hair look shiny and gorgeous.
This conditioner is pretty lightweight so unlike many deep conditioners out there, you won’t find that your hair feels heavy or sticky after rinsing this mask out.
It’s overall a great mask and really does just leave your hair feeling really soft, silky, and healthy.
3. Coco & Eve Super Nourishing Coconut & Fig Hair Masque
Coco & Eve Super Nourishing Coconut & Fig Hair Masque, $65
I began using the Coco and Eve conditioner back in the summer and I have to say, I am such a fan. I had read a lot about this mask before trying it out and I am so glad that I did as it’s now one of my very favourite hair conditioners.
This mask is super creamy and rich and it really coats your hair. They recommend you leave this mask on for 10 minutes, but usually, I’ll leave it on for an hour while I am doing housework and then rinse it out.
I love how soft and silky this mask is, and I adore how it smells.
This Coco & Eve Super Nourishing Coconut & Fig Hair Masque has coconut oil, which is supposed to add shine to your hair and strengthen it, as well as Fig and Shea butter which is supposed to moisturize, detangle, and smooth split ends and frizz.
It comes with a little tangle teaser comb for you brush the conditioner through your hair which is quite unique, though I don’t always use it because I do worry about brushing my hair when wet since that is when it’s most fragile.
4. Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3
Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3, $38
Olaplex is a game-changer for those that lighten their hair. I had heard so much about Olaplex before purchasing it and honestly, it does live up to the hype.
This hair treatment helps reduce breakage and keep hair feeling strong and healthy. I personally love to use the Olaplex treatment after lightening my hair to give it that much-needed boost back to health.
5. Moroccanoil Restorative Hair Mask
Moroccanoil Restorative Hair Mask, $48
I know, another Moroccanoil hair mask in this list? But, I’d be lying if I said this wasn’t another one of my favourites.
For years now, Moroccanoil has been one of my go-to brands when it comes to hair care. In fact, I used this product immediately after my bleach disaster and found that it really did help the look and feel of my hair.
My hair was still damaged, but it was a little bit more manageable and smoother looking after using this treatment.
The Moroccanoil Restorative Hair Mask is heavier and richer than the Weightless Mask I mentioned earlier. This is a deep DEEP conditioning treatment and it will seriously help your hair look and feel softer.
Moroccanoil Restorative Hair Mask is an intense deep conditioner rich with shea butter, restorative proteins, and argan oil, which aims to help reverse the damage and restore your hair’s shine, luster, and health.
6. Kérastase Discipline Smoothing Mask
Kérastase Discipline Smoothing Mask, $65
I first came to try the Kérastase Discipline Smoothing Mask when I received a mini/travel-version in my stocking for Christmas a few years ago.
I went home, tried it out, and well – let’s just say the travel version didn’t last very long because I LOVED it.
This mask is super thick and buttery which I personally love. If you don’t like heavy masks though, this may not be for you.
This mask seriously packs a punch and will make your hair look and feel super soft, shiny, and silky.
The downside of this mask is the cost. It’s definitely a pricy one, but it really does help make your hair look great.
7. Living Proof Living Proof Restore Mask Treatment
Living Proof Living Proof Restore Mask Treatment, $65
This treatment is great for an extremely intense and deep conditioning treatment making it one of the best hair masks for damaged hair.
Living Proof says that after 5 conditioning treatments with their Restore Mask Treatment your hair will be 9 times more resistant to breakage.
While I can’t say if it made my hair 9x less likely to break, I can say that this product has made my hair feel and look healthier while also making it feel silky smooth.
This product is free of GMOs, Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Dyes, Petrochemicals, Phthalates, Triclosan.
The 7 Best Hair Masks for Damaged Hair
The Best Hair Mask for Bleached Hair?
In my opinion, all of these masks are the best hair masks for split ends and bleached/damaged hair.
I actually started using nearly all these masks back when I really damaged my hair.
The few hair masks that I’ve discovered more recently are truly wonderful for maintaining healthy hair after I lighten it.
If you’re really focusing on repairing bleach damaged hair then I would start by using the Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3 as it really does help repair your hair and make it stronger.
Best Deep Conditioner for Fine Hair?
I have fine hair, but lots of it, and I’ve found all these masks have worked really well for me.
Of course though, if you feel like you easily get piecy or stringy looking hair from hair masks then I’d go for one of the lighter masks, like the Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair Mask.
If you liked this post, then be sure to check out:
– DIY Coconut Oil Hair Mask (Hot Oil Treatment)
What are your favorite hair masks for damaged hair? Let me know in the comments below!
I absolutely love my Living Proof mask, but these others sound divine as well! I'll definitely have to check them out. Happy Monday! XO
Anna
A Lily Love Affair
I love both of the L'Oreal masks, they work so well. Also Lee Stafford does a good one
Laura x
fbl-savvy.blogspot.co.uk
I have recently started using Living Proof and I am growing more convinced each day! Definitely planning to purchase the Restore Mask, I hope it'll work its wonders on my hair too and reduce that breakage..
Bree… I'm totally into hair conditioners and masks… I never used the Pantene one, I like that it cleans the build up and then moisturizes… xox ♡
These masks all sound incredible! I've only recently started getting interested in trying different treatments, but even applying coconut oil to my hair has convinced me I need to try new things. I will have to splurge on the Living Proof formula at some point…since their line has always impressed me.
Jackie
Something About That
Such a great guide of hair masks! My hair has been so dry, I definitely need to try one. I was looking at the Living Proof mask the other day and was tempted!
xo, Rachel
A Blonde's Moment
I need these, my hair is so dry
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
we don't have some of those in the states, but i swear by macadamian oil!
I've heard that Living Proof mask is divine!
The Adored Life
Who doesn't need a good hair mask?! I have been loving Living Proof products lately so I am glad to hear good reviews on this one! Can't wait to try it out!
This is a good post.
http://the-renaissance-of-inner-fashion.blogspot.co.uk
I love moracan oil for my hair especially when blow drying. Thanks for the tips!
omg your poor hair! i could use one of these – lots of good options! http://www.corner52.com
wow, that is quite an horror story! You should sue..lol. Thanks for the tips will definitely try the macaroon oil!
Any hair hack I can get is necessary lol
Ooooh! Love this post! I’m all about the deep conditioning. The Redken and Macadamia Oil conditioners are especially good (although the Macadamia Oil Masque made me break out. Boo…).
Thanks for the great recommendations! I definitely need a good hair mask.
I live by the Macadamia hair mask. So good!!!
Pro Naturals makes the best in my opinion! 😉
Thank you for such a wonderful article dear and from my side I want to say that i am using conditioner for dry hair from long for my hairs and its really effective.It will improve your hairs for sure so try it once people because it is the best way to ensure that your curls are soft, smooth and tangle free even on the go!
It was such a wonderful article dear.The product i am using deep hair treatment from long and its really effective. This deep nourishing treatment masque is enriched with the goodness of Argan Oil – touted for its high concentrations of vitamins A and E that help strengthen and smoothen hair naturally, as well as Sea Kelp extract, which is a humectant that helps your hair retain moisture.
Thank you for such an awesome article dear and from my experience with sheamoisture I want to share that i am using hair care products for my hair Because this deep nourishing treatment masque is enriched with the goodness of Argan Oil – touted for its high concentrations of vitamins A and E that help strengthen and smoothen hair naturally, as well as Sea Kelp extract, which is a humectant that helps your hair retain moisture.
WOW I have the exact same story about my hair lol, but I’ve tried a lot of stuff that hasn’t worked so I’m obviusly trying this. Thnx for saving me!
Hey nice ideas. Love them. Thanks a lot for sharing. Here is some egg hair mask you can check.
This is the very important article for every girl. Because nowadays everyone is facing the same problem ( dry damaged hair ) problem. L’HYDRATATION is developed to provide moisture to the dry hair. This mask can be used on hair types. I have personally used this product and it gives good result.
Lastly thanx to the author to write such a great and important article. keep posting !!
Oh my goodness your poor poor hair! Mine is stupidly sensitive and gets all dry and ick at the drop of a hat even though its not dyed or anything (I’m brunette and shudder to think what going blonde would do to it!), but I’ve found that my best bet for keeping it remotely manageable is Pump Haircare”s Repair Mask – it’s free from sulphates and all those nasties, and leaves my hair feeling so much smoother and looking absolutely amazing! https://pumphaircare.com/collections/moisture-collection/products/pump-repair-mask
oo thank you for sharing! Looking into it right now!!
I use coconut oil on my hair sometimes, but not as a mask. I use it as a sealing oil for my moisturizer. To do that, I apply my leave-in conditioner or moisturizer and then apply coconut oil on top of that paying close attention to my ends. https://lecap.net/traitement-capillaire-cellophane/
I’ve tried the Moroccan Oil mask, Kerastase and I just bought Olaplex (They use that in my salon every time I do a Balayage). My hair was so thin and it broke so easily, after I started using those masks and reducing the heat my hair has improved a lot. Thanks for sharing.
I am so happy to hear those have helped your hair!! They really helped mine, too. My hair is a lot better now but for quite some time I had super weak, brittle, and damaged hair – it was terrible. Those masks were really helped my hair and even now I still adore them – they make my hair feel so healthy and soft!
What shampoo and conditioner did you use to safely wash and condition your hair? I have the same issue
but add heat damage to the list!
You article is a wow. thank you. I’m using Elin Bianco Hair Mask (elinbianco.com) for more than 7 years and my hair is so soft and managable so I’m affraid of trying something else 🙂
Hey nice ideas. Love them. Thanks a lot for sharing. Here is some egg hair mask you can check
I was also having some trouble with damaged hair, I will surely gonna try these for myself. BTW thanks for sharing these products with us.
Really love your article, I was dealing wit damaged hairs for quite some time, I will try these hair masks.