15 Best Hair Masks For Shinier, Stronger Strands

Truth be told, we’d recommend any and every Davines hair mask, but for very thick strands, it has to be the inexplicably named OI Hair Butter. It’s loaded with Amazonian roucou oil and really softens straggly strands, imparting major shine (and a white-floral scent) in the process. Leave it on for ten minutes, or let it linger overnight for the deepest of treatments.

I've been using Kérastase's most recent line since the start of the year, and honestly I can't quite bring myself to try much else. The matching shampoo works to remove the calcium that damaged hair soaks up (this will ring especially true if you live in a hard water area), then the mask rebuilds the damaged sections of each strand. If your hair is bleached or processed frequently, and a simple moisture mask doesn't quite cut it, don't hesitate.

There is no-one better placed to create a haircare line than Sam McKnight. Throughout his incomparable career, he has worked on hair of every texture, colour and condition, and it's safe to say he knows exactly what works.

Now, McKnight has finally expanded his eponymous range to include shampoos, conditioners and styling products. The first thing to try? This lightweight yet deeply hydrating mask, which is best used before a big night out: expect shinier hair, less frizz, and a ridiculously delicious green scent (formulated by perfumer Lyn Harris, no less).

Leading stylist Adam Reed is a true Fragrance Head, so when we heard he was to launch his own line, we expected an aromatic treat. And boy were we right: this sensorial wonder imparts notes of fresh flowers and sticky rhubarb with every hair swish.

That's not all: of course, it works wonders on turning around dry, lacklustre lengths too. With shea butter, coconut oil and baobab oil, it's a recipe for seriously glossy strands. If your hair is simply lacking a little life, start with this one.

ELLE's Kara Kia recommends Bouclème's curly-girl approved line for anyone hoping to reinvigorate curls, coils, waves and kinks.

'I’ve tried dozens of deep conditioners over the years, and Bouclème’s Intensive Moisture Treatment is hands-down the best,' she says. 'I have multi-textured hair, a mix of 3b and 4a, and using this mask once a week has made a huge difference with frizz, hydration, and definition.'

'The ingredients are super-concentrated, there’s no strong smell, it has incredible slip for easy detangling on thick and Afro hair, and it works beautifully as a leave-in conditioner without weighing down wavy or looser curls. I always go back to this mask for a hair reset – especially after heat styling.'

Finally breathing some much-needed life into the textured hair market is Bread Beauty Supply: the name to know if you're looking to make the most of your curls, coils or kinks. This pearly, lemon-scented conditioner delivers incredible slip to curls and ensures curls bounce into shape with serious shine. Trust us, try it.

Yes, this one costs as much as a big night out, but I think it's worth every penny. The extra-rich, mega-moisturising formula envelops hair in moisture, resulting in bigger, bouncier blow-dries with an unbelievably glossy shine. The scent is expensive - think Champagne-o-clock in St. Tropez – and the experience truly indulgent. You deserve a treat...

Sisley's ultra-luxe haircare line really does deliver on its promises. A recent launch, this deliciously scented hair mask has a precise acidic pH that helps to seal the cuticle of each strand, locking in your colour pigments and ensuring a smooth, light-reflecting surface. Ceramides and rich plant oils add plenty of moisture, ensuring even the fluffiest of hair dries smoothly – so much so, you'll likely forget all about the hair straighteners.

Yes, London's favourite fragrance house also makes some pretty great hair and body heroes. This moisture mask is as thick as they come and makes even the most parched of ends feel impressively soft. It rinses away with ease, but the scent thankfully lingers: a woody, heady incense blend that's every bit as good as the famous Santal 33.

Fun fact: the minerals in your shower water are likely preventing those expensive highlights from looking their best. Copper deposits in particular can lead lengths to take on a dull tinge: but thankfully, this clever mask is here to reverse the damage. Unlike a purple shampoo, which adds more colour to balance the warmth, this mask works by removing those unwanted deposits and feeding hair with moisture, resulting in brighter blondes and more vibrant browns. Genius.

Fine hair needs moisture, but so many masks leave thin strands overloaded – and there’s nothing more annoying than blow-drying your hair to find your roots are flat and lengths limp. L’oreal Paris’ jelly-like formula will slick over delicate lengths, imparting moisture while rinsing away with ease, so you’re left with nothing but silky strands. Consider this one proof that you don't have to spend a lot to get a product that delivers.

Cult line Virtue takes things one step further than most haircare brands. Central to the line is the brand's patented Alpha Keratin 60ku, which has the exact molecular structure as the keratin protein in our hair.

This means the formula can seek out strands in need of help and sink in seamlessly to repair from within. For hair that's recently been coloured, this is the investment to make.

It's no secret we love the original Olaplex bond-repair treatment, but we admit hopping in and out of the shower to use it is a bit of a faff. Lazy girls, listen up: this mask delivers all of the benefits of the famed original with none of the effort. Simply slick it on after your shampoo, wash your face, and enjoy your sleeker, stronger lengths.

Fable & Mane's philosophy is to introduce Indian hair rituals into Western beauty practices – and if you're new to the brand, this hair mask is a great place to start. It smooths cuticles to combat frizz, breakage and stressed strands, with soothing fragrance notes of coconut and banana to keep you smelling sweet.

Act + Acre's trichologist-formulated products are ideal for delicate, breakable hair that needs treating extra nicely. The brand's hair mask contains a little protein alongside a lot of moisture, so it a great one for repairing moderately damaged hair. It's fairly rich, so ideal for thicker hair, and comes in the most genius waste-reducing aluminium packaging.