In Their Kit: The Best Hair Masks According to Hairstylists

Long gone are the days of two-in-one shampoo and conditioner. Our hair deserves better. For some of us, a single scrub of shampoo and conditioner won’t cut it, either. Perhaps you shampoo twice before your conditioner, or maybe apply a treatment before you step into the shower.

According to these nine Australian hairstylists, we shouldn’t underestimate the power of a good hair mask. And, as the founder of Extra Silky says, we should be using them “often instead of now and then” for the best results.

Don’t reserve your hair masks for special occasions. Instead, integrate them into your weekly “everything” shower. Here are some of the best hair masks on the market right now.

Lauren Cooper, co-owner of Etcher Adelaide

Why do you love it?

“It’s super hydrating and helps dehydrated hair get its lustre and shine back. It’s not heavy, so it’s safe to be used on all hair types. It helps to seal your hair’s cuticles to prevent moisture loss and control frizz in humidity.”

How should you use it?

“Use on wet hair, after shampooing. For best results, wring out water from hair, apply a 10-cent piece amount of product and work through mid-lengths and ends and let sit for five minutes. Only use it once a week and it will last for ages!”

Tara-Lee Mitchell, founder of Mitch

Why do you love it?

“I love Davines Oi hair butter! It’s so luxurious. It’s the most sold hair mask in our salon. It’s extremely rich, with a gorgeous fragrance. It’s really good for most hair types, especially super dehydrated hair. I always recommend it to my clients if they’re going on holiday.”

How should you use it?

“It’s perfect to put in your hair in super hot and humid places, before doing a loose plait or braid. I wouldn’t recommend it on fine hair as it could be too heavy.”

Madison Finn, founder of Madison’s World

Why do you love it?

“I love it because it repairs environmental damage and colour services, making your hair feel soft and shiny.”

How should you use it?

“It’s best used in conjunction with the whole Ultimate Repair range to feel as soft as an angel! I see instant results after using it on my clients who get regular lightening services. If you don’t need any repair and only need cosmetic softness, then it’s not worth spending the money.”

Jules Tognini, co-owner of Tognini’s

Why do you love it?

“This one’s a shower staple. Evo’s The Great Hydrator mask works in just five minutes to seal the cuticle, boost moisture, reduce frizz and bring that shine back. It also makes detangling a total breeze.”

How should you use it?

“Just apply from mid-lengths to ends post-shampoo. Let it soak in, rinse out and voila – happy hair. Use it once a week and, if you’re after that extra-silky finish, feel free to follow up with conditioner.”

Elly Paynter, independent hairdresser and educator

Why do you love it?

“This mask is equally impressive as it is beautiful. It’s a lightweight formula that deeply nourishes the hair and creates incredible shine while promoting colour longevity. Not only does it perform, but it ticks many environmental and sustainability boxes – it’s vegan, uses recycled packaging and is free of parabens and gluten. The stunning bottle is a bonus.”

How should you use it?

“For best results, apply to shampooed and lightly towel-dried hair. Comb through and leave on for five to 10 minutes, then thoroughly rinse.”

Jaimme-Lee Hallgath, founder of Salon Jaimmelee

Why do you love it?

“I absolutely love this mask for its beautiful smell, incredible versatility and thoughtful packaging. The fragrance is fresh and luxurious without being overpowering, making every use feel like a holiday. Its versatility means I can use it both as a deep treatment and to help style sleek, polished looks. The packaging is practical, travel-friendly and easy to use in both salon and home settings.”

How should you use it?

“The Eleven Australia Miracle hair mask is an ultra-nourishing treatment designed to replenish moisture and restore vitality to all hair types. Infused with aloe vera and white mulberry leaf, it’s packed with antioxidants and hydrates deeply from within the hair fibre. It’s perfect for dry, damaged or depleted hair that needs a little love. It can be used on wet hair as a traditional mask, or on dry hair to smooth and style, especially for slicked-back looks.”

Becc Snow, founder of Alchemy Salon

Why do you love it?

“It is a super universal product that works across most hair types. It smells nice, which makes the experience of using it amazing, and it is super hydrating. I like supporting Kevin Murphy as a company because they are ethical, sustainable and have beautiful packaging.”

How should you use it?

“It’s best used in the shower when your hair feels dry and dull. Do two shampoos, apply the treatment, comb it through the hair and leave for five-plus minutes before rinsing. You can use a conditioner afterwards but you don’t have to.”

Nina Metta Lee, founder of Extra Silky

Why do you love it?

“I love it because you can instantly feel how much smoother your hair is once you apply it in the shower. It’s good for all hair types and helps to avoid frizz by being really hydrating. I’ve tried heaps of masks over the years but always come back to this one, knowing it gives my hair a really good injection of moisture.”

How should you use it?

“All hair types can use it, just be sure to use the best amount for your hair type. For medium-to-thick hair, use about a 20-cent to 50-cent piece amount. For finer hair, use a 5-cent to 10-cent piece amount. You can always add a little bit more after applying that first, rather than wasting the product by using too much initially. It’s very concentrated, so a little goes a long way.

“It’s used in the shower after wringing out as much water as you can or, if you have time, apply it outside the shower to towel-dried hair, comb through and leave for 15 minutes. A hot tip: apply to your hair’s mid-lengths and ends first and slowly move up to the roots, rather than the other way around. Also, I do really encourage using it once a week. Hair masks are an amazing product when used often instead of now and then.”

Jaye Edwards, founder of Edwards and Co

Why do you love it?

“My favourite hair mask to use in the basin is the O&M Power Base Masque; this is actually my go-to hair mask for every single client. This protein-rich hair mask helps to bind broken hair strands, resulting in fuller and more lustrous locks. It’s also colour-safe, so using this mask won’t compromise your colour. It contains ingredients like rice protein, which helps to strengthen the hair and boost fullness and growth, and apricot kernel oil moisturises and nourishes the hair’s exterior.”

How should you use it?

“This two-in-one treatment works for all hair types and will add strength to hair, but also leave it looking glossy and healthy. The O&M Power Base mask is best used after you have shampooed your hair. You can leave it on for a minimum of two minutes and a maximum of 10 minutes before washing it out.”

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