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- 10 Best Deep Conditioning Hair Masks in 2022 (Licensed Cosmetologist-Reviewed)
10 Best Deep Conditioning Hair Masks in 2022 (Licensed Cosmetologist-Reviewed)
While the onset of winter might signal the coming of turkey and tinsel, it also means drier air and drier hair. And even if you already use conditioner, winter requires a little more effort. So, to keep your hair looking as lush as possible, you want to use a deep conditioning hair mask. However, choosing a hair mask can be quite difficult since there are hundreds of options available online.
To help you out a little, we've searched through the Internet to find the best deep conditioning hair masks. Our number one pick is Arvazallia's Hydrating Argan Oil Mask. It's formulated with argan oil which can deeply moisturize and strengthen your hair. Read on for more picks and check out our buying guide as well for some tips that will help you choose the best one for your needs!
I'm a hairstylist who works with all types of hair daily. A large part of my job is repairing hair and helping clients restore their hair to a healthy and beautiful place. I'm also an expert on which products and techniques will be best for each person depending on what condition their hair is currently in.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
How to Choose Deep Conditioning Hair Masks
Choosing a deep conditioning hair mask doesn't have to be difficult. Just make sure that the product is formulated with ingredients that can do wonders for your hair type and is convenient to apply. In this section, we'll introduce some ingredients that you should look for before making a decision.
Choose Ingredients Suitable for Your Hair Type
When choosing a deep conditioning hair mask, take into consideration your hair type and look for ingredients that can improve it.
For Dry, Frizzy, and Textured Hair, Look for Heavier Oils Like Coconut and Shea
If you have heavier, more textured hair, don’t be afraid to go after thicker oils like coconut and shea. Thick hair is usually healthy but might need assistance in the detangling department. And light moisturizers are often not enough to turn thick, straw-like hair into something soft to the touch.
Protein is another fantastic ingredient that can further strengthen your hair strands as well as prevent breakage and frizz. We'll go over more about protein in another section below.
For dry, frizzy, and textured hair your best friend is going to be heavy oils and butters such as coconut oil and shea butter. Jamaican black castor oil is another heavy oil great for extremely dry hair.
These oils are able to penetrate the hair strands and provide an excellent source of moisture to your hair. Look for masks that have some, if not all of these ingredients. Proper hydration is key to beautiful, healthy hair.
Find Moisturizing Ingredients and Oils to Tame Curly, Wavy, or Fine Hair
On another spectrum, if you have fine and dry hair, go for moisturizing ingredients that won't make your hair feel heavy and actually allow it to stay light and volumized. Some ingredients to look for include vitamin A, C, E, as well as aloe vera.
Likewise, the key to taming curly or wavy hair is moisture. Hair with a little more volume tends to be drier than straight hair, so opt for intensely hydrating oils like castor, avocado, and olive.
They can soften curls and keep frizziness at bay. Even if your hair is on the thinner side, these oils can still help to define curls, fight frizz, and nourish your hair without weighing it down.
You never want to go too heavy with oils when you have fine or wavy hair. Argan oil and vitamin E oil are some of the best options for these hair types. These are lightweight oils that will provide your hair with excellent shine and hydration without making your hair heavy.
Jojoba oil is also a great option. It's not greasy and will work best when applied just to the ends of hair.
Protein Will Strengthen Strands for Color-Treated Hair
As a general rule of thumb, keep an eye out for products designed for color-treated hair. As for specific ingredients to look for, linseed extract will help you to preserve melanin if you’ve gone darker. Protein-rich formulas will also strengthen strands and prevent brassiness.
You should also search for antioxidant-rich ingredients such as jojoba, sunflower seed, and marula oils. They can help neutralize the effects of environmental stressors to preserve your hair color and at the same time moisturize it effectively.
While coloring your hair can be a safe process, it's still taxing and stressful on the hair. To ensure your hair has enough protein to keep it strong, you want to use ingredients that will infuse protein into the hair strands.
Coconut oil has always been known as a great source of protein, and hydrolyzed ingredients are the ingredients you didn't even know you were missing! They come from foods that are not only great for our bodies, but they can benefit our hair as well.
Look for Light, Clarifying Formulas for Oily or Thin Hair
It may feel counterproductive, but even those with oily or thin hair can benefit from a deep conditioning hair mask. Of course, heavy moisturizers such as coconut oil or soybean oil can weigh down thin hair and make oily hair look greasy, so avoid them!
Instead, you want to look for lighter, more clarifying formulas that will hydrate your ends without blocking up your scalp. Apple cider vinegar, propolis extract, and aloe vera are some great ingredients to look for.
Thin hair can also benefit from ingredients such as sesame oil and argan oil, as they are chock-full of phenols, antioxidants that can stimulate cell production, increase hair's elasticity, and promote and hair growth. Essential oils such as rosemary oil and peppermint oil are also known for their ability to stimulate the hair follicle.
When you have oily or thin hair, you definitely have to be careful when choosing the right hair masks! One wrong ingredient can result in you having to shampoo your hair multiple times just to get all of the oils and product out.
For those with oily or thin hair, you're going to want to look for masks with detoxifying and clarifying properties. Masks that have ingredients such as charcoal, rosemary, or bentonite clay are going to be the most helpful. These ingredients have the ability to clarify your hair and scalp of excessive oils, leading to control oil production from your scalp.
For Dull, Lackluster Hair, Check for Ingredients that Add Shine
If your ultimate goal is to make your hair look more lustrous and healthy, look for essential oils such as chamomile oil and sweet orange oil. They are packed with vitamins like vitamin E and C to strengthen your hair and add shine to recharge dull hair.
Butters and oils such as shea butter, avocado oil, and coconut oil are also fantastic ingredients. They are rich in vitamins, fatty acids, and lipids such as vitamin E, omega-6, and sterols to fortify your hair strands and add luster. And since they can soften and smooth out your hair, you'll find your hair much more manageable.
Struggling with dull hair? Avocado and almond oil are just some of the many oils that can revitalize and add some extra shine to your hair! Not only will they make your hair stronger, but they will give you that boost needed to make your hair look healthy.
Avocado oil has biotin as well as vitamins D and E, resulting in strong, healthy, and shiny hair when applied to strands. Almond oil is just as great! It has omega-3 oils, guaranteed to give you that healthy and polished glow.
Take into Consideration Application Time
If you have thinner, straighter hair, you won’t need the mask to stay in for very long, and up to 20 minutes once a week would work great.
Those with drier, more textured, or damaged hair, on the other hand, will require more time to let the moisture sink in. That could even mean leaving it in overnight, applying heat to help the formula penetrate into your strands, or using a mask several times a week.
Keep in mind that leaving a hair mask on too long might cause your hair to absorb too much moisture and lead to breakage. So check the instructions carefully and apply the mask as directed. You might want to screen through the reviews for some advice as well!
Aside from hair type, you should also consider your schedule when checking how long a mask should stay on. If you don’t have time to let your hair rest for an hour a week, pick a lower time commitment option instead.
For whatever hair mask you use, it is very important that you follow the instructions for application time! Some masks require three to five minutes while others call for 10 to 15. Generally, the more damaged your hair is, the longer you may need to keep the mask on.
In most cases, exceeding 20 minutes is excessive and truly unnecessary, because by that time our hair has absorbed all the nutrients that it can. Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary or even effective to let your hair mask sit in your hair overnight. 20 minutes maximum will get the job done.
10
Best Deep Conditioning Hair Masks Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Arvazallia Hydrating Argan Oil Mask | | An Intensive Treatment With Argan Oil | |
2 | Majestic Pure Avocado Hair Mask | | This Moisturizing Hair Mask Rescues Dry Hair | |
3 | SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Mask | | Black Castor Oil Deeply Hydrates Your Hair | |
4 | Garnier Whole Blends Hydrating Mask ｜2 pack | | Propolis Extract to Rejuvenate Damaged and Dry Hair | |
5 | Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask | | Super Moisturizing for the Driest Hair | |
6 | TruePure Natural Hair Mask | | A Natural Mask for All Hair Types | |
7 | ecoLove Hair Mask | | 100% Vegan Formula With Fruit Extracts | |
8 | SAFISA Super Nourishing Hair Masque | | Restores and Tames Frizz | |
9 | Nature's Potent Argan Oil Hair Mask | | Repair For Heat- and Color-Damaged Hair | |
10 | Vitamins Hair Cosmetics Keratin Hair Mask | | Strengthening Keratin Formula for Dry, Thin Hair |
An Intensive Treatment With Argan Oil
Some reviewers complained that the hair mask made their hair feel greasy. But according to others, this problem could be solved by rinsing the mask out thoroughly.
On another note, most reviewers vouched that the product revived their damaged hair and further mentioned that they noticed their hair looked softer and more radiant than before. Some others were also contented that the product tamed their unruly and frizzy hair.
This Moisturizing Hair Mask Rescues Dry Hair
The main complaint people had was that the product left their hair feeling a bit greasy. But some reviewers mentioned that following the instructions of re-washing the hair after using the hair mask seemed to help.
Nonetheless, most users complimented that the product rejuvenated their damaged hair and kept it soft, healthy, and manageable. People with color-treated hair were also happy that the hair mask improved their hair condition without hurting the color.
SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Mask
Black Castor Oil Deeply Hydrates Your Hair
Many buyers complimented the thick and creamy consistency of the product and further commented that their hair looked and felt much softer and silky-smooth after using it. Moreover, it didn't leave behind any greasy residue.
GarnierWhole Blends Hydrating Mask ｜ 2 pack
Propolis Extract to Rejuvenate Damaged and Dry Hair
A few buyers found the scent to be too overwhelming. Yet, numerous reviewers liked that the hair mask deeply hydrated their hair and kept brittle strands smoother and more resilient. They also noticed that their hair looked shinier and felt more manageable.
NeutrogenaTriple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask
Super Moisturizing for the Driest Hair
This mask is meant to be used weekly and left in for just three to five minutes, which is great for those who are short on time. It can also be used as a normal conditioner or as an overnight leave-in mask. However, you need to remember that this is a heavy mask, so straighter, thinner hair requires less time.
A lot of buyers were amazed at how effective the hair mask was in strengthening their hair. A few others noted that the product softened their hair and made them look much healthier as well.
A Natural Mask for All Hair Types
Unlike many others, this mask is meant to be used concentrated at the roots rather than the ends. It washes out clean after just a three to five minute resting period, leaving the most important part of your hair strong and ready to grow. A few reviewers didn't like the watery consistency and noted that they had to apply a lot to get the result.
Still, various buyers agreed that the hair mask tamed their hair wonderfully and made it look soft and shiny. On top of that, it restored moisture to their dry hair, resulting in less brittleness and breakages. Also, instead of weighing their hair down, this product added more volume and bounce.
100% Vegan Formula With Fruit Extracts
A few buyers commented that the product was scented and advised those with fragrance sensitivity to take caution and use the product sparingly. Yet, many reviewers were happy that the vegan formula that didn't contain any chemicals. They also verified that the product effectively strengthened and smoothed out their hair.
Restores and Tames Frizz
According to many buyers, this product deeply conditioned their hair and provided a hydration boost to leave their hair feeling silky and soft. Most reviewers also appreciated the faint coconut smell and thought the product worked well with damaged and curly hair.
Repair For Heat- and Color-Damaged Hair
This mask is meant to be used once or twice a week and left on for up to 15 minutes, though it can be used more often for longer periods (up to overnight) if you feel that it’s necessary. A few buyers complained that the hair mask contained quite a bit of added fragrance and might not be suitable for those with sensitive skin.
On the other hand, the majority of reviewers, particularly those with damaged hair, praised that this hair mask made their straw-like hair feeling smooth, healthy, and shiny. Many others further complimented that this hair mask rinsed nicely and didn't leave their hair feeling greasy or sticky.
Vitamins Hair Cosmetics Keratin Hair Mask
Strengthening Keratin Formula for Dry, Thin Hair
This mask should be applied all over your hair with emphasis on dry ends. It’s recommended that you leave it in for five to 10 minutes before rinsing it out. Some reviewers mentioned that the product had a strong fragrance and might not be suitable for those with fragrance sensitivity.
Meanwhile, various reviewers shared that the product effectively strengthened their hair, leaving it feeling soft to the touch. Those with thin hair were also pleased that their hair had more body and their frizz disappeared.
Tips to Use a Hair Mask Correctly
Before applying the hair mask, make sure to shampoo your hair and damp dry it since clean, damp hair can soak in the treatment better.
However, if your hair mask has a high concentration of heavy oils such as castor oil and coconut oil, apply it when your hair is dry. Those oils don't blend well with water and might not give you the desired results with wet hair.
Hair masks should be applied from the scalp to the tips. You can either use your fingers or a hairbrush to distribute the treatment evenly. To help the nutrients absorb better into your hair, cover your head with a shower cap or hot towel.
Regarding the time of application, check the product's instructions. Some hair masks can be left on overnight, while others can be used for roughly 15 to 20 minutes. But afterward, wash your hair thoroughly to remove any greasy residue.
Unless specified otherwise, hair masks are going to work best on clean, damp hair. You don't want any product build-up getting in the way when you're trying to treat and repair your hair. Damp hair allows your cuticle to be open and ready to receive and absorb all the great properties the hair masks offer.
Be sure to follow the directions listed on the products you use. Rinsing your hair out with cool water after letting the masks sit for the appropriate amount of time is my favorite hair care tip! Cool water closes helps close the cuticle, allowing all those great ingredients to get locked into your hair.
Some More Products to Keep Your Hair Healthy
It takes a lot of time and effort to keep your hair healthy and shiny. But there are a lot of products that can provide your hair with the needed treatment. Take a look at our articles to see which products can bring your hair that glossy look!
Buying Guide Reviewed by Licensed Cosmetologist Courtney Mack
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
Top 5 Deep Conditioning Hair Masks
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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- 10 Best Deep Conditioning Hair Masks in 2022 (Licensed Cosmetologist-Reviewed)
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