This is a must if you regularly subject your hair to heat-styling, backcombing, tons of hairspray and top knots. And even if you don’t, bear in mind that the weather, air-conditioning and UV rays can also rob your hair of moisture and nutrients.

Professional luminoforce hair mask, $76 by Shiseido.
This sweet, floral-scented lightweight cream mask instantly made dyed hair softer and more vibrant.

To pick the right mask for you, you need to know your hair type. Is it thick, frizzy and dry? Then opt for a mask that provides intense hydration. If your hair is limp, thin and breaks easily, look for a mask that contains proteins and keratin to strengthen your hair.

Smooth infusion smoothing masque, $58 by Aveda.
If you have straw-like split ends, this hydrating mask will make them soft and smooth again. Its magic ingredient? Cupuacu butter. We use the mask as a daily conditioner when hair feels particularly dry.

To get the most out of a hair mask, comb the product in to ensure that every strand is coated with goodness. Remember to always use a wide-toothed comb on wet hair to prevent breakage!

Aromachologie body and strength intensive care, $40 by L’Occitane. 
Have only an extra minute to spare? That’s all you need with this essential-oil- infused mask – leave it on for one minute, rinse off and voila! Hair that smells fresh, and looks glossy but full.

The ends of your hair are the oldest, and most fragile parts of your hair (split ends, anyone?). Masks can’t save split ends (they can only help to prevent further damage), so just snip those off!

Paris oleotherapy deep recovery mask, $19.90 by L’Oreal
If you like sweet-smelling treatments, this hits the spot. The vanilla-scented, botanical-oil-packed mask left our locks shiny and silky-soft but not limp.

Colouring, especially if you’re going to bleach your hair, will suck all the moisture out of your hair. To prevent your hair from looking fried and dry as hay, it’s best to start masking your hair two weeks before your colouring appointment. Not only will it keep your hair from breaking apart, it also helps the colour stay vibrant.

Night cap overnight perfector, $36 by Living Proof.
Think of this leave-in conditioning treatment with amino acids as beauty sleep for parched tresses, deeply moisturising hair overnight so you wake up to smoother, glossier locks in the morning. We love its serum-like texture – and the fact that it didn’t stain the pillowcase.

This ensures that all of the product is really removed from your hair. Oil-based masks, if not properly removed, can leave your hair and scalp greasy. And make sure to rinse it off the back of your neck and back properly, otherwise bacne might make an appearance!

Chronologiste creme de regeneration, $69 by Kerastase
This is great for a dry scalp and parched hair that need some extra TLC. The vitamin- E-packed formula is creamy but not too thick, and has a powdery scent. Leave it on for five minutes, rinse off and you’ll have silky-smooth hair.

Text: Natalie Pang/Cleo and Her World