Amp up your haircare routine with these frizz-fighting hair masks

The dreaded F-word of haircare concerns is no picnic to deal with, especially when you factor in the daily toll that ever-escalating levels of pollution and humidity has on your strands. Preeti Singh, director, Rock Paper Scissor Salon, explains the connection between the two. “The different products that our hair is subjected to daily strip away the moisture from the shaft, which compels your hair to seek moisture from the humidity in the climate. This leads to the formation of hydrogen bonds between water molecules and proteins, which is why you’ll find that you have a hard time holding a blow-dry in place once you step outdoors,” she says.

Helping you fight the good fight are smoothing hair masks, which form the first line of defence against frizz and flyaways. “Anti-frizz hair masks serve the dual purpose of locking moisture into the hair, and also forming a protective layer against heat styling to prevent further loss of nourishment,” the Bengaluru-based hairstylist elaborates. “When shopping for one, look for ingredients that are rich in oils and lipids. For best results, towel-dry your hair after shampooing and gently massage the product into your hair, stopping until you reach a few inches away from your roots. Use once or twice a week for manageable tresses with an added lustre.”

If you haven’t added these frizz-fighting soldiers to your haircare routine yet, choose from our edit of the best hair masks and treatments available on the market right now.

The best frizz-fighting hair products you need in your beauty kit

Schwarzkopf BC Bonacure Keratin Smooth Perfect Treatment

This frizz-control formula takes on even thick, coarse hair by utilising amino compounds to coat the hair shaft with nourishment, forming a layer of defence against humidity and heat styling. It improves manageability and enhances shine.

Kérastase Discipline Smoothing Mask

Sealing in moisture from root to ends, this mask directly feeds dry tresses with nourishing lipid agents. Invite it into your daily haircare routine as a daily deep conditioning mask for pronounced control over frizz and flyaways. The mask is lighter and glossier than a hair butter—the creamy product is light and has slip. It lightly coats the hair shaft without weighing strands down.

L’Oréal Professionnel Liss Unlimited Hair Masque

This smoothing hair mask calls upon the benefits of pro-keratin complex, kukui and evening primrose oils to add lustre to unruly hair and effectively protect your tresses from up to 80 per cent humidity levels. Incorporate this once-a-week mask into your weekend haircare routine to ensure smooth, manageable tresses for the coming work week. Apply to towel-dried hair, press into the ends and work up to the mid-lengths, then rinse.

The Body Shop Banana Truly Nourishing Hair Mask

If you don’t quite have the time to whip up a home remedy to make frizzy hair toe the line, treat your tresses to a weekly nourishment session with this vegan hair mask, pumped with the benefits of organic banana puree. For those that have super dry and super fine hair, this mask is silicone-free, so it won’t weigh hair down or leave it looking flat.

L’Occitane Masque Réparateur Repairing Mask

This anti-breakage formula works double time to serve as an aromatherapy agent with a dedicated crew of essential oils—including ylang-ylang, sweet orange, lavender, geranium and angelica—for a lingering scent that accompanies you all day. Shea butter and sweet almond oil soften and protect tresses in the quick three minutes it takes for this mask to work its magic.

Wella Professionals Enrich Moisturizing Treatment

Give your hair a timeout with this nourishing mask, which uses silk extracts to declare checkmate on frizz. If you’ve been loading up on styling products like texture sprays, have been backcombing your mane, or are simply overusing heat tools, this mask will come in handy.

Kevin.Murphy Smooth.Again Anti-Frizz Treatment

Unlike the creamy candidates on this list, this silky treatment doubles up as a handy serum that can be massaged into dry hair as a leave-in treatment. In addition to replenishing moisture levels, it works overtime as a styling aid by offering heat protection—leaving you with a smoother mane that is more amenable to varied hairstyling options.

Ouai Treatment Masque

Whether you’re dealing with moody waves or tightly spiralled coils, this healing mask works on zapping life back into dull, dehydrated locks. Finger-comb this formula into your hair after your daily shampoo ritual for a soft, fluffy mane.

Also read:

How to use haircare and styling products to keep frizzy hair at bay

5 incredible skincare and hair care innovations you can’t miss in 2019

Why tea tree oil deserves a spot in your skincare and hair care regimen