When deciding on which mask to try out, creative hair stylist Shirley Hagel of Parlor Hair Salon recommends choosing a mask based more on hair need rather than hair type—essentially, whether your hair is dry, frizzy or heat damaged, rather than just straight or curly. 

Here we’ve rounded up five of our top hair masks, from affordable trial kits to plant-based treatments, for you to try out!

OLAPLEX INTENSE REPAIR HAIRCARE TRIAL KIT (LIMITED EDITION) 

Photo: Olaplex

A two-part system that works to rebuild hair bonds while strengthening and protecting your hair, the Olaplex Intense Repair Hair Care Kit includes a 30ml sample of No.3 Hair Perfector and 40ml of No. 0 Intensive Bond Building Hair Treatment. The professional-inspired, science-backed duo is suitable for all hair types and works most effectively on colour-treated hair. For best results, we recommend applying slowly to dry hair, distributing it evenly from root to tip.

MOROCCANOIL WEIGHTLESS HYDRATING MASK

Photo: Moroccanoil

A high-performance argan oil-infused mask, the Moroccanoil Weightless Hydrating Mask has a rich and creamy texture that helps with the manageability of fine, dry hair. In just five to seven minutes, this mask will hydrate and condition your hair—without weighing down your hair. Fragranced with its signature Morroconoil scent, the mask is packed full of argan oil, vitamin E, shea butter and hydrolyzed vegetable protein—which supports hair elasticity and strength.

AVEDA BOTANICAL REPAIR™ STRENGTHENING LEAVE-IN TREATMENT

Photo: Aveda

Created by Aveda, the Botanical Repair Strengthening Leave-In Treatment is ideal for highly damaged hair. It repairs, prevents and protects against everyday damage like heat styling and the drying effects of the sun. The plant-based formula contains non-petroleum minerals and includes hand-harvested sacha inchi oil, an indigenous plant native to the Peruvian Amazon forest as well as avocado oil and green tea oil. 

KEVIN MURPHY KILLER CURLS

Photo: Kevin Murphy

The ultimate anti-frizz curl defining creme, Kevin Murphy’s Killer Curls is an antioxidant-rich formula that works to put some of that bounce back into your curls. It contains Australian fruit extracts, aloe vera and baobab seed oil that strengthen and moisturise your curls. It’s most effective for medium to coarse, curly or wavy hair.

OUAI TREATMENT MASQUE

Photo: Ouai

The ultimate healing hair mask, the Ouai Treatment Masque works to give your hair an intensive moisturising treatment for a smooth and soft finish. The treatment works in just 5-10 minutes, repairing any existing damage and increasing resistance to future damage. It’s packed full of artichoke leaf extracts which work to seal hair cuticles and protect hair colour. If your hair is very damaged, it’s recommended you use this treatment daily after shampooing.