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4 min read
Whether it’s UV rays, chlorine, sea salt or humidity – our hair faces a lot of challenges on holiday. Show your strands some extra TLC with these nourishing hair masks…
Our hair goes through a lot in summer: UV rays can weaken the hair shaft, chlorine from swimming pools strips away natural oils and sea salt can cause dehydration and breakage. Humidity doesn’t help either, leading to frizz and flyaways. Which is why it’s a good idea to ramp up your hair care routine during the summer months with nourishing treatments that can protect and repair.
Treating your hair to a weekly mask can work wonders in bringing hydration and nourishment back to your strands. Plus, if you’re worried about the effect of chlorine and sea salt on your hair, a mask can act as a brilliant barrier. Simply apply the mask to damp hair before swimming – this way, your hair absorbs the mask’s nutrients instead of soaking up damaging chlorine or saltwater. It’s a real holiday hair must-have.
“My rule is the longer you can leave it, the better,” says Ross Kwan, celebrity hairstylist and TRESemmé creative director. “Throw it on and watch a movie and rinse it out after if you can. For extra benefits, wrap it up in a shower cap and put a blow dryer on the hair to help open up the hair cuticles to allow the treatment to penetrate.”
Wondering which hair mask is best for you? Below we’ve rounded up the best hair masks for all hair types, loved by the Stylist beauty team…
Typebea G4 Hydra-Gloss Treatment Mask
This hydrating mask really does do it all: it nourishes hair with a blend of argan and avocado oils, while shea butter helps to strengthen and moisturise – giving you a shiny, swish-worthy finish.
Beauty Pie Super Healthy Hair Luscious Moisture Hair Mask
Specifically formulated to bring dry, sun-damaged hair back to life, this ultra-nourishing mask is rich in argan oil, panthenol and hyaluronic acid – acting like a tall glass of water for your hair. Leave on for three to five minutes for best results (or use as a hair protector before jumping in the pool or sea).
Shop Beauty Pie Super Healthy Hair Luscious Moisture Hair Mask, £45 (£10 for members)
Ouai Thick Hair Treatment Masque
Ideal for thick hair, this mask provides intense hydration and nourishment. It’s great for taming frizz and adding shine, making it a beach bag essential for those with fuller hair.
Act+Acre Conditioning Hair Mask
This beauty editor-approved mask uses plant-based ingredients to deeply condition and repair. After just one use, you’ll notice more manageable, silkier, salon-worthy hair.
TRESemmé Lamellar Shine Mask
“TRESemmé Lamellar Shine Mask is amazing to add extra shine and gloss in between a hydration mask,” says Kwan. “Leave it on after freshly washed hair for at least five to 10 mins to see the real glossy benefits.”
Hair By Sam McKnight Deeper Love Intense Treatment Mask
This luxurious mask is a treat for your hair, offering intense moisture and repair. Perfect for hair that’s been exposed to the sun’s harsh rays, it leaves your strands silky smooth and revitalised. Oh, and it smells delicious.
Shop Hair By Sam McKnight Deeper Love Intense Treatment Mask at Cult Beauty, £48
Coco & Eve Youth Revive Pro Youth Hair and Scalp Mask
A dual-action mask that cares for both your hair and scalp. It revitalises and strengthens your hair while promoting a healthy scalp environment. Use it after a day at the beach to soothe and rejuvenate.
Shop Coco & Eve Youth Revive Pro Youth Hair and Scalp Mask at Cult Beauty, £32
Ceremonia Mascarilla de Babassu Hair Mask
Infused with babassu oil, this mask offers deep nourishment and shine. It’s perfect for thicker and curly hair types, especially if you’ve been in the sun all day. Leave it on for at least 15 minutes to let the rich oils work their magic.
Shop Ceremonia Mascarilla de Babassu Hair Mask at Cult Beauty, £33
Philip Kingsley Swimcap Water-Resistant Mask
Designed specifically for swimmers, this water-resistant mask is a must-have. Apply it before hitting the pool or beach to create a protective barrier against chlorine and saltwater. It conditions and protects while you enjoy your swim – a holiday must-have.
Shop Philip Kingsley Swimcap Water-Resistant Mask at Lookfantastic, £24
Kérastase Première Anti-Breakage Repairing Filler Hair Mask
Ideal for those with weak, colour-treated or brittle hair, this mask uses innovative technology to fill and strengthen hair fibres. Leave it on for five to 10 minutes to give your hair a fortifying boost.
Shop Kérastase Première Anti-Breakage Repairing Filler Hair Mask at Lookfantastic, £55.35
JVN Nurture Intense Hydration Mask
This indulgent mask is packed with nourishing ingredients that hydrate and revive even the driest hair. Apply it once a week for soft, manageable locks.
Aveda Be Curly Advanced Intensive Curl Perfecting Masque
If you’ve got curls, this one’s for you. This intensive mask enhances and defines curls while providing deep hydration. Use it weekly to combat dryness and keep your curls bouncy and beautiful.
Shop Aveda Be Curly Advanced Intensive Curl Perfecting Masque at Lookfantastic, £48
Wella Professionals Care Ultimate Repair Hair Mask
A great go-to for all-around protection, this nourishing mask targets various forms of damage, from chemical to environmental, making it perfect for holiday hair. Apply generously to damp hair, leave on for at least 10 minutes, and rinse thoroughly.
Shop Wella Professionals Care Ultimate Repair Hair Mask at Lookfantastic, £15.75
Adwoa Beauty Deep Conditioning Treatment with Baomint
A brilliant mask that’s been formulated specifically for curly hair types, it helps to nourish both your strands and scalp. Essential oils and rich butters work together to hydrate and moisturise, leaving your curls defined, smooth, bouncy and hydrated.
Shop Adwoa Beauty Deep Conditioning Treatment with Baomint at Sephora, £12
Images: courtesy of brands
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