By Chloe Schneider
Most of us have got the lather, rinse and repeat routine down pat but when it comes to those times our tresses need a little extra TLC but we don’t have the cash for a salon visit, we are left wondering where to turn.
The answer is hair masks. Just like skin care enthusiasts will use a mask once to twice a week, hair masks make a fantastic semi-regular addition to your hair care regime especially if you have coloured, thin or dry hair or if you suffer from split ends.
Rescu. Expert:
We asked David Salinger, the Trichologist for Dove’s Damage Therapy Haircare Range, for the low-down on how frequently treatment masks should be used and why we should bother with them.
- The use of chemical treatments and heated styling appliances cause chemical bonds in the hair to break, weakening the hair’s structure, leading to split ends and eventually hair breakage
- These broken bonds cannot be reformed, however new chemical linkages can be created through the regular use of a hair treatment
- I recommend incorporating a treatment mask into your haircare routine at least once a week, in order to help strengthen and protect hair from damage
Rescu. Recommends:
Salon-Worthy Steal
Dove Damage Therapy Treatment Masks
Every woman’s hair is subjected to brushing, drying and styling, all of which weaken the hair structure and slowly leave it looking and feeling less than healthy. Dove have created a range of hair masks for three concerns; Intensive Repair, Colour Care and Heat Defence.
Trichologist David Salinger says, “Dove Damage Therapy Treatment Masks work by absorbing deeply into the core of the hair to help bind proteins to boost its inner strength and help build resilience to future damage.”
As they say, a great defence is a good offence and at this price you have no excuse not to care for your hair before the damage is done.
Available from May 2011 in supermarkets and pharmacies ($8.79)
The Age-Gracefully Solution
L’Oreal Série Expert Age Densiforce Masque
When it comes to skin-care, anti-ageing products are as much as a staple as cleanser but hair care products that eliminate the signs of ageing are a rarity.
L’Oreal have created a solution for women who want their hair to look and feel as young as they do. This density-enhancing masque helps to nourish and reconstruct hair fibres and directly addresses the needs of ageing hair to ensure your hair is full of vitality. Tooclever!
Available from L’Oreal Professionnel salons ($30.00)
When Colour is the Culprit
Wella BioTouch Colour Protection Intensive Mask
If you colour your hair regularly, extra conditioning is a must. This mask from Wella is the perfect solution for coloured hair as it not only repairs damage but uses the powers of Vitamin E and apricot to help protect and seal your locks, providing longer-lasting colour.
Using this one to two times a week will ensure your colour looks its shiny bests and lasts up to 35% longer so you can save on salon visits!
Available from Wella Salons ($22.00)
For Serious Hydration
Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie Aqua-Immersion Crème Masque
Hair that’s drier than a desert is even more susceptible to damage, not to mention is prone to fly-aways, frizz and split ends.
Matrix Biolage have released a masque that is paraben free, silicone free and ultra-hydrating masque that will deliver results to even the most stressed-out hair. Aloe, passionfruit and sunflower oil are the power ingredients in this formula, working together to nourish.
We love how luxurious, thick and silky this masque feels and it leaves hair beautifully soft and completely weightless.
Available from salons and selected retailers, visit www.matrixaustralia.com for stockist information ($29.00)
Rich Locks at Pauper Prices
L’Oreal Paris Hair Expertise EverPure Moisture Deep Restorative Masque
This mask from L’Oreal is incredibly intensive and leaves dry, damaged hair restored and revitalised. The formula is colour preserving and free from the harsh sulfates and salts that put your hair at risk of stripping or dulling.
This rosemary and juniper mask may be gentle but it certainly packs a punch in the moisture stakes!
Available from pharmacies, department stores and variety stores ($12.95)
