One of the more frivolous talking points of nationwide lockdown has been our collective desperation for a haircut, especially those of us who were on the cusp of getting a trim or treatment as businesses were ordered to close. Combined with many more hours of sun exposure than normal in recent months, your hair may be parched, dry and in need of some serious TLC. So without further ado, here is our guide to some of the best-rated treatments to buy and use at home.
Aveda Damage Remedy Intensive Treatment
Damage Remedy is one of those all-star, cult products that beauty editors and writers often name check. The collection targets the four main causes of damage – environmental, heat, chemical and physical. This intensive treatment is designed to be used weekly, and contains Quinoa Protein that works from the inside out to strengthen and repair. It also smooths thanks to Caster, Jojoba and Meadowfoam Seed Oils.
Philip Kingsley Elasticizer
Another long-time favourite of beauty editors and commentators is Philip Kingsley’s Elasticizer. Unlike many treatments, it’s designed to be used before shampooing to boost elasticity, manageability, bounce and shine. As a result (because all the residue is washed out) it’s great for fine hair that is usually weighed down by similar products.
Big Hair + Beauty Deep Conditioning Clay Mask
This best-selling mask by Big Hair + Beauty is packed full of moisturizing ingredients to revive curls, kinks and coils, including Cocoa Butter, Avocado Oil and Banana. The USP is Moroccan Rhassoul Clay which has superior cleansing properties, relieving your hair of product build-up.
Bumble and bumble While You Sleep Overnight Damage Repair Masque
As its name suggests, this Bumble and bumble mask works overnight to repair and fortify your tresses against further damage. Suitable for all types of hair, whether fine or thick, straight or curly, this treatment contains Evening Primrose to soften and is lightweight in feel.
Davines Naturaltech Nourishing Vegetarian Miracle Mask
This treatment from Davines is a must for thick and unruly or dry and brittle hair. It moisturizes deeply and works to bring damaged strands back to life by sealing the cuticles. It can be used how and whenever you need it most and is free from parabens and sulphates.
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Jim + Henry Leave-in Conditioner
Jim + Henry’s ‘eight’ leave-in conditioner is called “the curly girl’s secret weapon” for a reason. It’s light when it comes to texture, but packs a serious punch in terms of nourishing ingredients, specifically Shea Butter and Rosemary essential oil. Post purchase, be sure to consult the ‘How to use’ videos on the Jim + Henry site.
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
The name of this product could double as the title for this feature, and we like that. Briogeo’s award-winning mask was part of a clinical study that revealed a 75% reduction in breakage after 3 uses compared to untreated hair. Used weekly, it will boost shine and resilience and the formula is safe for colour treated, keratin treated, chemically-treated, and relaxed hair.
ICK Hair Offline 3 Minute Hydration Hair Mask
Turmeric butter is the star ingredient in this hydrating and replenishing mask. As well as boosting shine, it has UV and heat-protective qualities and is safe for colour and chemically-treated hair. As the name suggests, you leave it to do its thing for three minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
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The Afro Hair & Skin Co. Flourish Totally Nourishing Hair Butter
Only produced in small batches due to scarcity of ingredients and a commitment to using them sustainably, the Flourish mask is a rich hair butter for afro hair that replenishes and absorbs deeply. Combining Organic Walnut Butter with Camelina, Flaxseed and Poppy Flower Seed Oils, it’s best applied to slightly damp hair to lock in moisture.
Christophe Robin Regenerating Mask
Suitable for all hair types and for use every day, Christophe Robin’s mask promises to transform even the most damaged tresses. As well as reinforcing from the inside out, it also protects and revives colour pigments for added brightness and clarity.
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