Colorists and Editors Agree—These 14 Masks are the Antidote To Dull, Damaged Hair

Harper Rose8 October 2024Last Updated: 8 October 2024

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Colorists and Editors Agree—These 14 Masks are the Antidote To Dull, Damaged Hair

It’s no secret that color can be wreck havoc on your tendrils. Hair dyes usually use powerful formulas (usually a cocktail of chemicals like ammonia and peroxide) that not only alter the appearance of your hair; but the overall structure of your strands and their delicate follicles. They’re also notorious for their ability to zap away moisture, leaving your hair dry, brittle, and at risk of further damage. So, how can someone who wants to get there hair dyed help counter the lasting effects of the styling aid?

The answer can be found in the hallowed aisles of your beauty retailer: masks designed to support the health of color-treated hair. According to colorists, and fellow beauty editors who’ve dyed their hair, it’s one of the best ways to take care of your hair between appointments. If you’re in the market for a new hair mask, keep scrolling. I’ve rounded up the best hair masks for color-treated hair in need of a hit of moisture and repair, including pics by colorists and my fellow beauty editors.

What Are Hair Masks and Why Should I Consider Using Them?

According to celebrity colorists Christopher Naselli and Reece Walker, hair masks are essential for boosting the health of color-treated hair since they can deliver much-needed moisture, repair damage, and extend the wear time and vibrancy of your color. When shopping for a mask to add to your haircare routine, be on the look out for products that are formulated with ingredients like keratin, shea butter, Argan oil, coconut oil, vitamin E, and macadamia oil. These superhero ingredients will help nourish, protect, repair, and lock in color.

Like all hair products on the shelf, there are also some popular ingredients that should not be lurking in the formula of a color-safe hair mask. “[Avoid] ingredients like sulfates, parabens, and sodium chloride which can strip color and damage hair further,” warns Naselli. In addition to contributing to fast-paced fading, they can also strip the strands of its essentials oils that allow for there to be moisture.

How Should I Add a Hair Mask To My Haircare Routine?

Of all the steps experts recommend taking in your hair routine to keep your tendrils happy, hair masks is by far one of the east ways to boost their health. To incorporate hair masks effectively in your routine for the best results, apply after shampooing and before you condition,” Naselli says. “This will allow the mask to penetrate the hair shaft, and following with your conditioner, this will seal the cuticle.” He also recommends using a deep conditioning mask once a week for extra nourishment (especially if you have dry or damaged hair).

Like Naselli, Walker encourages using your hair mask following shampoo and before your conditioner to help lock in moisture and nourishment. He also tells us using a color-safe hair mask is simpler than you think. “Just apply the mask, leave it on for about 10 to 20 minutes, and then rinse it out for the best results,” explains Walker. Remember: consistency is key! Don’t skip out on treating your hair to some TLC with a hair mask if your strands are struggling.

Keep scrolling to discover the 14 effective hair masks colorists and Who What Wear beauty editors swear by to keep color-treated hair thriving, plus glowing customer reviews from Sephora, Ultra, Dermstore, and more.