As the scorching summer days give way to the crisp, dry air of autumn and winter, our hair often bears the brunt of the seasonal transition.
If your locks are feeling parched and brittle after months of sun exposure, seawater and late nights then you may need some deep nourishment to get them back in business ahead of the new season.
Whether you spent a little too long in the ocean, are a sucker for some heat styling or perhaps left your haircare routine in the dust over the new year, a nourishing hair mask is a quick and easy trick to breathe new life into dull, dry and damaged hair.
These potent treatments are like a tall glass of water for your mane, offering deep hydration and repair where it’s needed most.
Luckily, hair masks have come to the beauty treatment forefront in recent years and there are ample options on the market to suit all of your diverse hair needs.
To give you a head start, we’ve done a deep dive into the best hydrating hair masks available to buy here in Australia that will have your locks thanking you.
2024’s top 3 hair masks for dry hair
- Kerastase Nutritive Hair Mask for Dry Hair, $81 at Adore Beauty
- A’kin Daily Shine Hair Mask, $22 at Woolworths
- K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask, $100 at Sephora
The best hair masks to tackle dry hair in 2024
Kerastase Nutritive Hair Mask for Dry Hair
$81 at Adore Beauty
Finish your hair routine with this heavy-duty hair mask that targets dry, tired hair. Infused with nourishing ingredients, it precisely targets areas in need of hydration. Simply apply a small amount, warm it in the hands, and gently distribute from mid-lengths to ends for noticeable results.
This particular formula has fine hair in mind, however, they also offer an option for those with thicker locks.
Key features:
- Lightweight formula so as not to weigh down hair
- Concentrated nutrients for intense results
Also available from:
A’kin Daily Shine Hair Mask
$22 at Woolworths
No need to spend your whole paycheck on the hunt for a quality mask, A’kins Daily Shine formula will not only nourish tired hair but bring back shine, reduce breakage and strengthen the locks.
Use this in place of conditioner or for deeper nourishment swap it out for your overnight mask.
Key features:
- 100 per cent vegan
- Australian-made and owned
- Packaging made with 70 per recycled plastic
K18 Leave In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
$100 at Sephora
It may be pricey but this quality hair mask has quickly become a cult hair product thanks to its ability to repair a multitude of hair damages. Using K18 peptide technology, it can restore hydration, softness, shine and reduce frizz in just minutes.
Key features:
- No rinse formula
- Great for those with bleached or heat-damaged hair
Also available from:
SoSublime! Hydro Repair Serum
$39.95 at Unwritten
If you want something more lightweight than a mask that still delivers the same results, an intense serum like the Hydro Repair formula from Unwritten may be the perfect option.
Not only does it deliver deep hydration but it also helps with heat protection and UV damage.
Key features:
- Sustainably-sourced and packaged
- Australian-made and owned
Shea Moisture Intensive Hydration Masque
$13.49 at Amazon
Known for their deeply nourishing formulas, Shea Moisture’s Manuka Honey & Marufa Oil Intensive Hydration Masque is unparalleled when it comes to natural, hydrating ingredients.
This is a great mask option for those with curly hair in particular and as a general intense deep conditioning product.
Key features:
- Sustainably-sourced and packaged
- Australian-made and owned
Ouai Fine to Medium Hair Treatment Masque
$69 at Sephora
A mask that does it all, the Ouai formula will combat frizz, target split ends and deliver deep hydration using hair-loving ingredients. Not to mention, as with all Ouai products, the smell is to die for.
Dye your hair? Fret not as this is colour-safe as well as appropriate for those with keratin and treated hair.
Key features:
- Cruelty-free
- Uses shea butter, panthenol and hydrolyzed keratin
Repair Mask
$38 at Mermade Hair
With 17 amino acids that work to repair, nourish and hydrate the locks, this thick mask fights against damage caused by heat styling, environmental factors and colouring.
It uses ingredients like vitamin B5, Argan Oil, Shea Butter and Quoina to increase elasticity in your hair, renew its shine and leave it silky smooth.
Key features:
- Anti-aging effects
- Can work for all hair types
- Clean formula
Davines NOUNOU Hair Mask
$49.95 at Oz Hair & Beauty
If you have bleached or dyed hair and are struggling with dry locks, this mask was designed with this in mind and nourishes and hydrates without weighing it down or leaving it feeling greasy.
Key features:
- Great mask option for those with bleached hair, highlights, perms or relaxed locks
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Detangling
Also available from:
Oribe Deep Treatment Masque
$102 at Rogue Beauty
If you are wanting to splurge out then Oribe’s array of high-quality ingredients is a must-try. Their Deep Treatment Masque was designed to provide intense hydration to curls and dry hair, leaving it shining and healthy.
A delicious-smelling concoction of Murumuru, Mango Seed, Illipe Nut, Shea and Cupuacu Butters will defend against environmental factors like sun damage and dry air whilst also repairing damage done by heat styling.
Key features:
- Sulfate, paraben and gluten-free
- Provides UV protection
- Safe for colour or keratin treated hair
Also available from:
What is the best treatment for very dry hair?
To effectively treat very dry hair, it’s essential to incorporate a combination of hydrating techniques into your hair care routine. Begin by using deep conditioning masks or leave-in conditioners containing nourishing ingredients like shea butter or argan oil.
Additionally, get regular haircuts to remove split ends and prevent further damage, minimise heat styling and opt for protective hairstyles to shield your hair from environmental stressors.
Make sure to use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner and massage your scalp regularly to promote healthy circulation and natural oil distribution.
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