The beauty in curly and coily hair lies, among many things, in its uniqueness. From 3a to 4c hair textures, no two heads of curls are the same. But there is one thing just about all parties of the curly hair committee can agree on — caring for said curls properly takes a big of extra, very particular effort.
As the summer months arrive, external environmental efforts can make it that much harder for you and your locks go see eye to eye. The heat can, naturally, suck what feels like all of the moisture out of your hair — the very ingredient your coily beauties need to thrive. During this time, it’s crucial your wash day goes beyond the good ol’ wash and condition. Enter — hair masks. Sure, it’s an extra step, but consider it more a spa day at home.
The difference that one step makes goes a long way. While conditioners are great for maintenance, providing softer and silkier looking hair, it’s hair masks that do the work that lasts, actually going in and hydrating each hair strand, repairing brittleness and re-bonding split ends. And, well, it does its fair share of conditioning, too. Because we know curly hair has its special needs, we’ve rounded up the best hair masks created with curly hair in mind. See them below.
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Olaplex No. 3 Hair Repair Perfector
The power of Olaplex goes beyond the hype, and this hair treatment comes with over 2,000 5-star reviews on Sephora for a reason. (In fact, the brand says one of these is sold every three seconds.) Designed for pre-shampoo use, it’s proven to reduce breakage and repair split ends, a must-have if you use chemicals or heat on your hair often.Available at Sephora
Infused with coconut oil, silk protein and neem oil, this deep treatment mask caters to curly hair, defending against frizz, boosting shine and leaving your main hydrated.Available at Ulta
Protecting your hair from future damage all falls down to strengthening your strands, and this hair mask does just that. It uses jojoba oil and tea tree oil to smooth, repair and revive brittle hair from its malnourished state.Available at Amazon
From softening to detangling to moisturizing and conditioning, this mask, rich with Vitamin B & C complex, delivers your curls everything it needs.Available at Ulta
Cater to your hair with this salon-like hair mask at home. Your mane will thank you for its ability to re-bond split ends and boost elasticity.Available at Giovanni Cosmetics
Whether you hair is wavy or curly, this mask is ready to work its magic. Its key ingredient is almond extract, resulting nourished, manageable curls you’ll have no trouble combing through. Available at Amazon
With this moisturizing butter, your coils get the definition they deserve by way of almond oils, shea butter and coconut oil. Afterward, you’ll understand why Carol’s Daughter has been a household go-to for years on end.Available at Amazon
Anyone with ultra-curly or coily hair knows shrinkage is a you-know-what, and that’s where Living Proof’s elongating cream comes in. All at once, it elongates, strengthens and defines curls. Plus, according to the brand, it’s proven to control frizziness by 90 percent.Available at Sephora
Leave it up to icon Tracee Ellis Ross to come up with just what fellow curly-haired queens need. Ingredients such as Rice Water Ferment and Moringa Seed Extract are employed to soften your hair while simultaneously making each strand stronger, sure to leave your crown sleek and shiny as well.Available at Ulta
Try As I Am’s Hydration Elation Conditioner for a product that tackles hair growth at the source, by feeding your scalp a heaping dose of pure herbal ingredients. Smoothing the hair’s cuticle layer, this it’s great for preventing tangling as well.Available at Sally Beauty
Treat your hair to this hydrating conditioning mask after shampooing for bouncier, healthier hair in no time. A life saver, for color treated hair as well, you can even use this as a daily conditioner for maintenance and repair.Available at Amazon
