Masking the problem: Hair masks that put a stop to (and reverse) hair damage

By Aisling Keenan
22nd May 2019

Masking the problem: Hair masks that put a stop to (and reverse) hair damage

Hair damage plagues us all at some point, whether that’s because of too much colour, heat treatment, or even illness or having babies. There are a few masks I’ve tried and tested and always have to hand…

Best for nourishment

Klorane is one of my favourite French pharmacy brands, and their mango mask is something I use a lot when my hair needs a bit of love. It really makes your hair feel moisturised, nourished and less brittle. It’s particularly good in summer or on holiday when you’re in the sun a lot. Luckily for the OG grease ball over here (me) it’s rich but not so greasy that it weighs the hair down.

Klorane Nourishing Mask with Mango Butter

€24.28 from Care To Beauty

Best for anti-breakage

I am a long-time devotee of Nioxin and love their three-step programme, but since trying this mask first about a year ago, it hasn’t left the shower shelf. You work it evenly through your hair, from root to tip, leave for five minutes (I always use the time to shave my legs!) and then rinse thoroughly. Once a week with this saw my hair make vast improvements.

Nioxin Deep Protect Density Masque

€21.50 from Peter Mark

Best for strengthening

I’m fairly convinced by the fact that this is called ‘Extreme’ – until recently, I considered my hair to be extremely damaged, and so something hardcore was needed. I’d heard a lot about Redken’s blue extreme range and this one seemed to be a good option to start with. I use this about once a fortnight – you put it on towel dried hair and leave for 15 minutes so it’s a bit more of a time-drain than the others, so mightn’t suit once a week.