Aveda self-care essentials for hair and body.

How To Use A Hair Mask

 

Wondering how to use hair mask products? We recommend masking as a hair treatment after you shampoo. Gently squeeze out excess moisture from your hair and apply your mask of choice. Depending on the thickness of the mask, it can be helpful to use a comb to evenly distribute it through hair.

 

We love using hair masks to address specific hair needs, but if you're new to this kind of hair treatment, you might be wondering where to begin. We’ve created an essential hair mask guide to help you understand why you need them as part of your hair care routine, how to use a hair mask, and understand which one is right for you. You’ll also meet our brand-new botanical repair™ masques for intensive hair repair which help your locks look thicker, feel stronger and burst with hydration.

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Hair Masks

 

What is a hair mask?
A hair mask is an intense treatment that targets specific haircare needs. Depending on which one you choose, hair masks may help to strengthen, hydrate, de-frizz, rejuvenate, thicken, repair, and more.

 

How to apply a hair mask
We recommend masking as a hair treatment after you shampoo. Gently squeeze out excess moisture from your hair and apply your hair mask of choice. Depending on the thickness of the mask, it can be helpful to use a comb to evenly distribute it through hair. Some masks you leave on for just a few minutes, while others you leave on overnight.

 

How often should you use a hair mask?
You should use a hair mask as often as you feel necessary, but the rule of thumb is generally to apply a hair mask around once a week. If you have thick, dry hair, then you can afford to mask up more regularly, however using a hair mask too often on thin or oily hair could cause it to feel flat or limp.

 

Do you use conditioner after a hair mask?
In general, yes. Particularly if you have dry or damaged hair, it’s wise to use a conditioner after a hair mask to seal in the moisture.

 

Can you leave a hair mask on overnight?
This is usually dependent on the mask itself so make sure you follow the individual instructions for each mask. If you have very thick, dry or damaged hair, you might want to keep a mask on for longer or overnight.

 

 

How to find the best hair mask

 

 

Botanical Repair Intensive Strengthening Masques Light and Rich surrounded by ingredient close ups.

If hair masks aren’t currently part of your hair care routine, you should incorporate them. Hair masks are a great way to target specific hair concerns. You might be looking for a remedy for dry hair or hair damage, or perhaps you want to address hair thinning or a dry scalp. Whatever your hair needs are, hair masks act as effective treatments you can do right at home.


Best hair masks for dry damaged hair


1. botanical repair™ intensive strengthening masque: rich
Why we love it: Enriched with coconut oil, avocado oil and sunflower seed oil, this intensive treatment instantly strengthens and repairs, improving the look and feel of damaged hair, leaving it looking healthier, softer, smoother and shinier after just 1 use.
How to use it: After shampooing, smooth through damp hair and leave on for 2-5 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.


2. nutriplenish™ replenishing overnight serum
Why we love it: This hair mask is infused with our nutrient-rich superfood complex of pomegranate seed oil, mango butter and coconut oil which helps to restore lost moisture and revitalise depleted, dry and brittle strands. Hair is left feeling soft and smooth to the touch.
How to use it: Apply the serum to dry or damp hair lengths and ends before bed. Do not rinse. In the morning, style as usual.


3. botanical repair™ strengthening leave-in treatment
Why we love it: Infused with nourishing avocado oil and sunflower seed oil, this treatment instantly smooths and conditions hair, leaving it feeling softer and healthier. It also detangles to help reduce further breakage. 
How to use it: Apply through damp hair, do not rinse.


4. nutriplenish™ daily moisturizing treatment
Why we love it: If you want a mask to give your hair the deep, buttery moisture it craves, this is the one for you. It’s enriched with sand ginger which is a natural UV filter and helps to protect hair from the drying effects of the sun. Organic pomegranate seed oil revitalises brittle hair while organic coconut oil softens and adds moisture.
How to use it: Work a small amount into damp hair for deep moisturisation and instant detangling, before blow drying or air drying. You can also apply it to dry hair to reduce frizz and flyaways and refresh dry ends.


5. nutriplenish™ multi-use hair oil
Why we love it: While this isn’t technically a hair mask, this hair oil can work as a great overnight treatment for dry hair. It features a concentrated blend of five power oils – including pomegranate seed oil, coconut oil and jojoba seed oil - which work to hydrate depleted strands. How to use it: Apply it to dry hair from root to tip and gently work into hair. Do not rinse. Shampoo out in the morning.


Best hair mask for frizzy hair


1. botanical repair™ strengthening overnight serum
Why we love it: Powered by Nangai oil, this hair strengthening serum is designed to build bonds and repair all three layers of hair, leaving it stronger, sleekier and healthier.
How to use it: Apply this serum to the lengths and ends of your hair before bed. Do not rinse. In the morning, style as usual.


2. botanical repair™ strengthening leave-in treatment
Why we love it: Perfect for taming unwanted frizz, this leave-in treatment uses avocado oil and sunflower seed oil to instantly transform hair, leaving it looking healthier, softer and shinier.
How to use it: Apply the treatment through damp hair and leave without rinsing.


3. nutriplenish™ multi-use hair oil
Why we love it: Enriched with five power oils and mango seed butter, this hair oil is super hydrating and can be used as a leave-in mask to nourish and smooth dry, frizzy strands.
How to use it: Apply through lengths and ends after washing or styling to reduce frizz and flyaways.


Best hair mask for hair growth and scalp health

1. scalp solutions overnight renewal serum (infused with hyaluronic acid)
Why we love it: This hyaluronic acid overnight mask soothes the scalp and renews the scalp barrier, helping to reduce the look of redness and dryness. Your scalp is left feeling supple and nourished, encouraging healthy hair growth.
How to use it: Apply the serum directly to your scalp at bedtime (hair can be damp or dry) and massage in. Leave without rinsing.

 

Best hair masks for fine hair


1. botanical repair™ intensive strengthening masque: light
Why we love it: Enriched with avocado oil and meadowfoam seed oil, this luxurious silken cream is designed to strengthen and nourish hair with weightless conditioning, making it ideal for fine hair.
How to use it: After shampooing, smooth this mask through damp hair and leave for 2-5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.


2. nutriplenish™ leave-in conditioner
Why we love it: This leave-in conditioning spray uses nourishing ingredients like pomegranate seed oil and sunflower seed oil to replenish hair for 72 hours without weighing hair down. It also detangles and protects from thermal styling.
How to use it: Shake well, then lightly mist onto clean, damp hair, or dry hair for added nourishment. Do not rinse. Detangle or style as usual.

 

Best overnight hair masks/serums


1. botanical repair™ strengthening overnight serum
Why we love it: This overnight mask helps to strengthen your hair while you sleep. Powered by Nangai oil, it creates an invisible veil over each strand to minimise friction and renew each layer of hair.
How to use it: Apply this serum to the lengths and ends of your hair before bed. Do not rinse. In the morning, style as usual.


2. nutriplenish™ replenishing overnight serum
Why we love it: Infused with mango butter, pomegranate seed oil and coconut oil, this pillow-proof, lightweight hair serum absorbs for 8 hours of continuous hydration and creates an invisible layer of power-packed nutrients restoring lipids while you sleep.
How to use it: Apply the serum to dry or damp hair lengths and ends before bed. Do not rinse. In the morning, style as usual.