These “Mane” Masks Transform All Hair Types

Summer is here in all of its glory. And, along with those sun-shining rays comes salt, chlorine and a host of other chemicals that wreak havoc on our hair. 

Whether your mane is dull and brittle, fried and frizzy or curly and kinky, it’s well worth treating your locks to a moisture-replenishing hair mask. Beautytap spoke with some of the industry’s most revered hair experts for tips on taming your tresses.  

Larry Sims, celebrity stylist extraordinaire who works with Gabrielle Union, Tracee Ellis Ross, Victoria Beckham, Lupita Nyong’o, and Kerry Washington tells Beautytap, “keeping hair moisturized is one of the most important things you can do.” And, he points out that those with fine hair should “stay away from masks containing heavy oils that could weigh down the hair.” He suggests looking for ingredients such as avocado or coconut oil which are “super light.” 

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“Hair that sheds a lot, hasn’t been deep conditioned, needs strengthening, or is simply in need of a detox from heavy products will benefit from hair masks,” adds Felicia Leatherwood, the stylist who has worked with Issa Rae and Ava Duvernay.

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These masks aren’t necessary after every wash, so you won’t be adding much time to your routine. “At least twice a month, swap out your regular conditioner for a mask and wrap your hair in a hot towel for at least 15 minutes,” says Adam Livermore, an educator at Oribe. “The heat will open up the cuticle and help the ingredients penetrate deeper into the hair.”

Tom Reynolds of Coco & Eve, explained that “you can also towel dry hair, work in a generous amount of the mask throughout, leave it in for at least 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.” If your hair is super damaged, allow the mask to stay in overnight and rinse in the morning. 

Here, five moisture-inducing hair masks that will create enviable shine.

1. Oribe Moisture & Control Deep Treatment Masque

Reynolds explained that this mask is ideal for people with “naturally frizzy or wiry hair,” thanks to moisturizing butters like murumuru, mango seed and shea, that work to tame and heal damaged hair. In addition to the thick, conditioning butters, it also contains coconut oil, as well as watermelon, lychee and edelweiss flower — all of which are said to defend the hair from future damage. 

2. Christophe Robin Regenerating Mask With Rare Prickly Pear Seed Oil

From the beloved French hair colorist, Christophe Robin, this celebrity-loved mask is filled with  antioxidants such as the starring prickly pear seed oil, known for its regenerative properties. Not only does this creamy concoction help the hair feel soft and sumptuous, it also contains inula extract, which protects and revives both natural and dyed hair. This luxury brand offers many color-specific masks that are ideal for those who are fans of experimenting with dyes. Makes sense, given Robin is a world-renown master colorist!

3. Girl + Hair Curl Cloud Ultimate Hydrating Hair Mask For Curly And Kinky Hair

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Chemical and alcohol free, this luscious mask contains pimento, castor, olive and grape seed oils for a super nourishing formula that treats split-ends and frizz, and heals the scalp. It also promotes hair growth, smooths damaged ends and leaves curls defined and bouncy.

4. R+Co Palm Springs Pre-Shampoo Treatment Mask

Garren, celebrity stylist and co-founder of the coveted R+Co collection of products, recommends this particular mask for those with fine hair that “want their hair to look full, but don’t want to over-condition.” Apply this mask 20 to 30 minutes prior to hopping in the shower. You can also leave it on for three to five minutes after you’ve rinsed your shampoo. It’s filled with natural, hair soothing ingredients such as rice extract for added shine and sage leaf and rosehip extracts to strengthen the hair.

5. Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing Hair Mask

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If you wanna talk about ✨DRAMATIC✨ benefits for your hair in a ✨SINGLE✨ use, you gotta talk about this Monoi mask! 💁🏾‍♀️

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Infused with hydrolyzed silk and monoi oil — ingredients that not only repair, but prevent future damage, this decadent mask provides the hair with a surge of moisture. The monoi oil, made from gardenia flower extract and coconut oil, is ultra hydrating and smells heaven sent. Enriched with a dose of hydrating moringa oil, this mask will help combat any heat styling damage and environmental pollutants.