The Best Hair Masks to Combat Dry, Winter Hair

When winter comes, it’s not just your skin that needs a bit more love—your hair is going to need it, as well. A hair mask might be just the solution you need.

During the colder months, the lack of moisture in the air coupled with indoor heating can lead to dry hair and brittle ends. A mask can help repair these damaging effects. If you’re already dealing with this, or just want to prevent it from happening in the first place, these are the best hair masks to soothe your dry hair.

Best for All Hair Types: Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair!

Those looking for an all-purpose hair mask should look no further than Briogeo’s Don’t Despair, Repair! The mask is designed to be used weekly in order to combat dry, damaged hair. As the product sits in the hair after shampooing, b-vitamins and biotin help to repair damage caused by dryness, natural oils like rosehip, almond, and argan help to moisture hair and increase shine.

Once the mask has sat for 10 minutes, rinse your hair, and then move into styling as usual. You should begin to see results after a few weeks of use.

Best Protective: Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3

If you’re looking to not only heal your dry strands, but also keep them protected, look no further than the cult-classic brand Olaplex. This hairstylists’ favorite is a salon-quality, at-home treatment for all hair types that features bond-building technology designed to repair the hair from the inside.

The product relinks broken bonds in the hair to create a smooth, seamless shaft for a healthier-looking strand. Plus, with over 96,000 ratings on Amazon and a whopping 4.6-star rating, it’s hard to deny that this stuff works.

Best for Curls: Bread Beauty Supply Creamy Deep Conditioner

Bread Beauty Supply’s hair mask is perfect for those with curly and coily hair. The formula utilizes Australian Kakadu Plum helps to support collagen and elastin in your scalp and hair for strength and resilience. Starflower oil helps strengthen the follicle as it nourishes. Throw in that the mask helps detangle, also acts as a leave-in treatment to lock in moisture, and adds softness to your hair, and you’ve got a must-try.

Best for Dry Scalp: Living Proof Dry Scalp Treatment

Your hair isn’t the only thing that can get dry in the winter. Your scalp is skin, after all, and it needs care as well. That’s why a scalp treatment mask is ideal.

This option from Living Proof uses vitamin B3 to help balance your scalp’s microbiome (AKA, the combination of good bacteria that hangs out on your scalp) to soothe and support dryness relief. The treatment also includes hyaluronic acid—your skin’s hydrating best friend—to draw in moisture and seal in it. No more dry, flaky scalp for you!

Best for Thin Hair: Ouai Treatment Mask

If you have thin-to-medium thick hair, the idea of putting a heavy moisturizing mask on your strands might not sound so appealing. After all, it could make your hair greasy and weighed down. Say hello to Ouai’s Treatment Mask.

This mask is lightweight and helps restore hydration via shea butter, as well as restoring shine to brittle strands, thanks to panthenol. Throw in keratin and proteins that help prevent future breakage, and you’ve got an all-in-one mask for your winter hair woes. It works on thin straight, wavy, and curly hair.

Best for Color-Treated Hair: adwoa beauty Blue Tansy Reparative Mask

When you have color-treated hair, you have to be extra careful about which products you use to avoid damaging your hair or dulling your color. If you’re looking for moisture and protection from the winter cold that’ll work with your color-treated hair, the adwoa beauty Blue Tansy mask is the way to go.

It both clarifies the hair of oil and buildup—which is particularly important if you use a lot of product—and adds shine. Meanwhile, plant proteins strengthen your hair to prevent damage, and mango butter softens and moisturizes every strand.

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A hydrating hair mask can be a huge help when it comes to battling dry, winter hair. And if you want something a bit more affordable to use between treatments, check out these DIY hair mask options.