Singapore’s erratic weather and constant humidity can spell bad news for your hair, from causing frizz to causing sebum levels to go into overdrive. Add to that chemical treatments or dye jobs and your hair could definitely use some extra TLC. To restore your hair to a shiny, silky state, or even just to maintain healthy hair and scalp, use an enriching hair mask at least two to three times a week (more if you have extremely damaged hair). No matter your hair type, there’s a hair mask out there for you. Here’s how to choose the right one to restore your tresses:
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Those with curly hair usually face problems such as frizz and breakage due to unruly tresses, and this is only made worse by Singapore’s humid weather. Curly hair also has a tendency to be dry, hence, the priority would be to find a hair mask that is hydrating, yet still allows hair to be bouncy, soft, frizz-free and defined.
This intensely nourishing blend of coconut milk and organic honey, plus HASK’s unique memory curl complex, works to enhance your curls while keeping frizz and flyaways in check. It’s also formulated without sulphates, parabens, phthalates, gluten or alcohol. Available at Guardian, Watsons and Cold Storage.
Masks that are too rich might weigh long hair down, so the best hair masks are the ones that are lightweight yet still moisturising. Look out for an oil-rich formula as these tend to be hydrating, yet won’t weigh your hair down. Use the mask once a week to keep your tresses lustrous and manageable.
You’ve heard of sheet masks for your face, but have you heard of sheet masks for your hair? Specially designed for those with long tresses, this unique hydrating mask from the Korean beauty brand works like a hair cap, and is infused with keratin, collagen and a host of natural ingredients like aloe vera to nourish your hair. Available at Sephora.
For those with shorter cuts, your strands tend to be young and fresh, which is an advantage over those that have long tresses, as they tend to be more damaged. However, your hair will still need some TLC, especially if it has undergone processes such as bleaching, color-correcting/dyeing or frequent heat styling. Just like before, look for hair masks with rich oils that will thoroughly hydrate your locks.
This nutrient-packed hair mask contains quinoa protein, ungurahua oil to fortify and protect your hair from root to tip. Available at Sephora.
Being able to change our hair colour is one of the most effective ways of expressing our individuality. And although many of us have had our hair dyed before, unfortunately, the dyeing process is more often than not very damaging on our tresses. To ensure that our hair colour stays vibrant and shiny, hair products need to help reduce colour fading, while being ultra moisturising. To do this, stick to hair masks that are specifically for coloured hair.
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Lock in your new hue and give chemically-treated hair to a moisturising treat with this hair mask. It’s available in a wide variety of colours so you’re sure to find one that best matches your new dye job. Available at selected salons, including Harts Salon and Artica Hair Studio.
Straight hair looks best when it’s soft, shiny and not greasy. Choosing the right hair mask will depend a lot on your individual hair texture, so a good rule of thumb is to look out for keywords such as ‘coarse’ or ‘fine’ on the packaging. Generally, however, a good deep conditioning hair mask wouldn’t go wrong for those with slick straight tresses.
If your hair’s looking a bit dull and flat, bring back smooth and lustrous locks with this deep conditioning formula, paying attention especially to the ends. Available at Watsons.
Does your hair feel brittle or breaks easily? These are signs that your tresses are too dry and/or damaged, and this occurs because your strands are lacking moisture that usually helps to keep them looking smooth and silky. Your hair needs some serious, intensely deep hydration to bring it back to its full glory. A good option would be an overnight treatment mask that will let your hair and scalp recover while you sleep.
Here’s another hair cap-type mask, but this one lets you sleep on it and wake up to softer and more well-hydrated hair. This one works to strengthen your hair to prevent breakage or split ends. Available at Sephora.
If you have thicker strands, you generally have nothing to worry about as it is more likely that your full head of hair is a result of healthy, nourished tresses. The only significant problem you might face is in detangling. To address this problem, a deep conditioner can help make your hair more manageable.
Keep your hair strong and healthy, and minimise risk of breakage or split ends with this omega-3 rich formula. Available at Guardian.
On the flip side, those with fine hair should avoid deep conditioning masks at all costs, as your fine hair will quickly feel oily and greasy. Choose a lighter product that can add shine, moisture and volume without being too rich for your delicate tresses.
Formulated with hyaluronic and acacia collagen, this lightweight mask works to restore and revitalise thinning hair by infusing the hair fibre with these active ingredients. Available at Robinsons stores and Beauty By Nature at ION Orchard.
Oily scalp is a dread, but no worries – there are ways to fix it. Instead of focusing on your strands, turn your attention to your scalp. It desperately needs a balancing treatment, such as an oil-regulating product, as it is likely your scalp is over-producing oil, leading to greasy hair. Avoid deep conditioning masks as they might clog your pores and make your hair even heavier.
Stop the overproduction of oil in its tracks with this intensely hydrating and cleansing silicone-free mask that’s been enriched with salicyclic and hyaluronic acid. It claims to leave your scalp fresh for up to 72 hours. Available at leading personal care stores and supermarkets.
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Text: Lydia Teo, Female / Additional Reporting: Elizabeth Liew