Hair Masks to Repair Dry, Damaged Hair

Dry, damaged hair happens to the best of us, especially if you’re trying to grow yours out. DIY remedies like beer and mayonnaise have long been the at-home go-tos for getting moisture back in, but products for hair hydration have come a long way, with loads of salon-grade ingredients like keratin and collagen. Now you can stave off a trim just a little longer—and save the mayo for your sandwiches!

Buying a hair mask with harsh ingredients would be counterproductive, so be on the lookout for phrases like “sulfate-free” and “no parabens or silicones” when choosing your treatment. Instead, search for nourishing oils such as almond, jojoba, avocado and rosehip.

Keratin is a protein that occurs naturally in our hair, skin and nails, which is why so many masks list it as an ingredient. In addition to helping increase strength and elasticity, it’s also a natural SPF, so it can protect your strands from the sun. (Don’t confuse the miracle ingredient with keratin treatments, which are a type of semi-permanent chemical straightening process that confusingly use toxic formaldehyde, not keratin, to get results.)

Though the effectiveness of animal collagen in hair masks is up for debate, people who’ve used them report lots of moisture without a weighed-down, greasy feeling. Pro tip: to intensify the effects of any mask, put on a shower cap and keep it on for as long as you can!

Retinol isn’t just for your face—there’s a place for it on your head, too! When combined with nourishing coconut oil, it helps repair thirsty hair, even if it’s been damaged by chemical straightening.