Mind your (hair) mask

Gone are the days when masks were only for the face. Now, your hair can benefit from them too

By Catherine Hawkes 
 Hair artistic director, Tips & Toes

Published: Fri 24 May 2019, 12:00 AM

Last updated: Fri 24 May 2019, 2:00 AM

They say your hair is your crowning glory - and they're not wrong. Having healthy, shiny locks that look incredible is priceless. And getting that dreamy hairdo is all about regular hair maintenance.

Today, a sure-fire way to pamper your hair is through hair masks - treatments that you can get done at a salon or at home. We put so much stress on our hair these days, whether it is through hot styling tools, tight updos, environmental factors or even exposure to the elements. No one can prevent hair damage altogether, but everyone can benefit from applying regular hair masks. Depending on your hair's condition, you should look at doing a hair mask at least once a week and then consider topping this up with a professional mask when you visit a salon. The more intensive the treatment, the more the mask's nutrients will be able to sink into your hair, therefore, allowing better results - which sometimes show even after a single use!

Hair masks have a whole array of benefits that include moisturising, strengthening and nourishing. The best part is that there are so many in the market right now that you will be able to find a great mask that is just perfect for you, no matter your hair concern or problem. Hair masks, in general, are rich in moisture and protein so they enrich your hair shafts with nutrients and lock in moisture. This adds a protective layer to each strand of hair and also coats the cuticle. So, as well as softening hair, most masks will also treat your hair and start fixing any problems related to damage at the same time.

When it comes to brands, there are scores on the market, so it's very easy to get overwhelmed with the choice. Here are my top three products at the moment:

Oribe is a brand that creates some truly luxurious hair products. What I like about them is that they are completely natural and include ingredients such as watermelon, lychee and edelweiss flower extracts, which help defend and protect the hair strands. They have a number of masks developed for all hair types. They may come with quite a price tag but they give unbelievable results. I would try and indulge in them as much as possible, if I were you.

Schwarzkopf is a brand that is really great in terms of targeting different problems. In the salon, they have two different bases for either thick or fine hair. Once you choose the base, a stylist can then create a completely customised mask by adding in nutrients.

Kérastase hair masks are rich in protein, so they are best for treating damaged hair. They have a fantastic range of products that have been created for different types of hair so there is something for everyone. They are super easy to use and smell gorgeous, so I would invest in the mask with the correlating shampoo and conditioner and have this as a go-to for everyday home washing.
wknd@khaleejtimes.com