New gen hair masks – which ones are worth the spend?

Hair masks have come a long way in recent years, and we’re lucky to have some truly hair-changing ones on the market. With so many new releases, how can you be sure which is right for you to splash out on?

When choosing a mask, you know yourself what you’re looking for. Everyone’s needs are different, but luckily there’s a mask match made in heaven out there for all of us. For me, I’ve got bleached, fragile and fine hair that lacks volume (and pretty much lacks any redeeming quality) so I need all the help I can get.

When using a mask, you want to get your money’s worth – or I do at least. Make sure you’re getting the best use from your masks with these few tips.

Top tips for masking correctly

Mask once per week
Even if you think your hair is relatively healthy, the change of seasons can mean you need a weekly boost.

Apply to dry hair
Apply your mask to dry hair, and let it absorb for about 20 minutes.

Sleep in it
Apply the mask at the end of your shower (or apply it to dry hair), and cover with a shower cap. Rinse out in the morning.

Comb it through
Apply the mask using your hands and comb through. Combing the mask through your hair helps to evenly distribute the mask.

If you need… strength

Shea Moisture’s Jamaican black castor oil range is one of a huge number of ranges they have on sale in the US, but they’re launching in Ireland with their best four.

I love these because they’re made with natural, certified organic and fair trade ingredients. This deep treatment masque gives hair strength, resilience and elasticity.

Strengthen and Restore Treatment Masque

€17.95 from pharmacies nationwide

If you need… repair

This L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert mask has flecks of gold shimmer in it, which act like an Instagram filter for your hair, but while it’s making your hair look great? Yes, it’s repairing too. It contains quinoa proteins that feed your hair the help it needs.

L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Absolut Repair Gold Mask

€20 from L’Oréal Professionel salons

If you need… hydration

This one is so nourishing for when you hair is drier than the desert. You feel the results immediately but they’re also long lasting, with the frizz control element lasting for three days. It contains Amazonian brazil nut oil and Thai rice bran oil.

Apply, after double washing your hair, to mid lengths and ends. It says to leave for five minutes and rinse – I leave it longer.

Kerastase Aura Botanica Masque Fondamental Riche

€41.30 from Kerastase salons

Read more: Four nourishing hair masks to help bring your hair back to life

Read more: We tried and tested all the hair products to land on the beauty desk in February

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

Photo from Unsplash