After a summer of heat-styling and UV damage, your hair might be feeling a little frazzled as we head into autumn. Add central heating and endless rain into the mix and you might be experiencing signs of hair damage. But there’s a fairly simple solution when it comes to tackling it head-on. Used properly, a good mask has the power to transform your hair – not only in terms of its appearance but also in terms of its health. 

Whether your hair is victim to constant curling, blow-drying, straightening, bleaching, chemical styling or if it just looks a bit lacklustre, masks should form part of your weekly hair routine to keep the colour looking fresh and the ends looking healthy. It’ll also make it a whole lot more manageable in the long term.

However, with so many different products out there, it’s hard to decipher what’s best for your specific hair type or hair needs. It’s also worth knowing what the best way to use them is to make the most of their superpowers.

Our advice is to smother on a hair mask during the afternoon, leaving it to work its magic while you’re busy doing other things around the house. Here, we’ve spoken to the experts about choosing the products that’ll work the hardest for you and how to really maximise the benefits.

How long should you leave a hair mask on for?

Paul Percival, co-founder of Percy & Reed, says most masks will get to work within 10 minutes, but leaving them on longer provides additional benefits. “The longer you leave it on, the more time it has to deliver extra nourishment and hydration to the scalp,” he says. 

Are hair masks best applied onto wet or dry hair?

“It really depends on the treatment you’re using,” explains Percival. “Wet hair opens the hair follicles so it is easier for the product to penetrate; however, some products are specifically for dry hair due to the formulation,” he adds. So always check the instructions before application.

Should you cover your hair after applying a hair mask?

The short answer is yes. “Wrapping your hair generates heat which allows the hair follicle to open. The scalp benefits most from this as it allows more hydration which then intensifies the conditioning process, giving superior results,” says Percival. You can use a shower cap or clingfilm – both will work equally well. 

Is there a difference between pre-shampoo treatments and conditioning masks?

Contrary to popular belief, there is a difference and both have different uses. “Most pre-shampoo treatments strengthen hair, while most post-wash masks work to hydrate and nourish the hair,” says Percival.

So depending on what your hair needs most, choose the product you use accordingly.

The best masks for all hair types

Images: Fenty Hair; courtesy of brands