These Are The Best Winter Hair Masks For Each Hair Type
Meredith Holser is B+C's resident affiliate writer. Meredith enjoys writing about a range of topics, but she's adopted e-commerce writing in all its many facets. Outside of work, you can catch Meredith hiking, trying new recipes, and dreaming about having a yummy little treat.
Winter’s on its way, which means our dry skin has been crying out for more moisture at every turn. Though changing your hair color for the season can be so much fun, you may find your hair requires additional care in the face of cold winter weather. Reach for a moisturizing hair mask this season to help maintain your healthy locks.
When choosing a new product to add to your rotation, it’s important that it fits into your current routine — and even more important that it’s compatible with your unique hair type. We’ve rounded up some stellar moisturizing products organized by hair type to help combat those winter blues.
So, What's My Hair Type?
Before we get started, let's define our terms: Your hair type is primarily determined by its curl pattern. There are four hair types: straight, wavy, curly, and coily. The types are categorized further using numbers (1-4) and letters (A-C) that correspond with the tightness (or looseness) of your curls.
Different hair types call for different care. Getting to know your hair type is a crucial step in taking proper care of your beautiful locks! We recommend talking with a stylist or taking an online hair type quiz to master your very own hair care routine.
Best Treatments for Straight Hair (Type 1)
Image via Jonaorle/Pexels
Straight hair is more susceptible to collecting oil and dirt day-to-day. Because of this, it’s important to wash it regularly. If you have a straight hair type — especially if your hair is also fine or medium in texture — a routine full of oily products could disrupt your natural oil production. Opt for sulfate-free shampoos that won't dry out your strands. You won’t want to overdo it on the conditioner. Instead, try out these moisturizing hair masks about once weekly:
This popular intensive moisture mask will provide strong repair to any damaged hair.
Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask
This sulfate-free mask will leave your hair super soft after washing.
Amika Soulfood Nourishing Mask
Rice water protein acts as a moisturizer and protective agent in this treatment, supporting healthy strands all the way through.
Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Rice Water Treatment
Leave this lavish hair mask on for 15 minutes to notice an amazing difference in thickness and shine.
BondiBoost Thickening Therapy Hair Mask
This hair mask is super-lightweight, allowing you to moisturize your hair without leaving it feeling or looking greasy.
Verb Ghost Hair Mask
Best Treatments for Wavy Hair (Type 2)
Image via Olya Prutskova/Pexels
If you have a wavy hair type (2A-2C), you may not need to shampoo as often. Stylists recommend washing wavy hair about one to two times a week. This will help maintain the natural oils that form those beautiful waves. Using a quality conditioning product occasionally can assist those natural oils and enhance your curls by locking in moisture.
This product is the ultimate repairer for dry and damaged hair. If you style your wavy hair with heat frequently, it's a great idea to opt for regular repair treatments like this one.
Oribe Gold Lust Transformative Hair Masque
This mask can be used as a deep conditioner or for daily use. Made with few oils, it will still bring a wave of moisture to your locks.
It's A 10 Miracle Hair Mask Deep Conditioner
JVN Nurture Deep Moisture Mask ($24)
Not only does this mask smell heavenly, it works like a miracle, too! This mask provides perfect hydration for dry, textured hair.
JVN Nurture Deep Moisture Mask
This elevated overnight hair mask combats frizziness that might come with a wavy hair type.
Vegamour ENSO Overnight Restoring Hair Mask
This is like a drink of water for your hair, leaving it feeling well-moisturized and well-loved.
Remedy Restorative Masque
Best Treatments for Curly Hair (Type 3)
Image via Godisable Jacob/Pexels
Type 3 ringlets range from S-curves to spring-like shapes. Curly hair doesn't need to be washed frequently. Experts recommend having a wash day once every two to three weeks to maintain scalp health. Infrequent washes will encourage natural oils to form healthy bonds. Opt for moisturizing products that won’t disrupt your curls, like these:
Manuka honey is a big player in this made-for-curls hair mask. Frizz fighting and curl enhancing to the max!
Kerastase Curl Manifesto Leave-In Cream
If you have broken hair bonds, your strands may feel weak. This yummy-smelling salve acts like a deep conditioner to strengthen those bonds, leaving your curls more defined.
Curlsmith Bond Curl Rehab Salve
This ultra-conditioning mask does so much good for your curly hair. Use as a deep conditioner in the shower, or even leave this product on overnight for less frizz, more moisture and super nourished curls.
Devacurl Melt Into Moisture Treatment Mask
This mask is healing by nature, able to repair breakages and smooth out frizz.
Ouai Thick Hair Treatment
This hair mask is made with Australian kakadu plum and starflower oil, which keeps your hair shiny and moisturized.
Bread Beauty Supply Hair Mask Creamy Deep Conditioner
Best Treatments for Coily Hair (Type 4)
Image via Breno Cardoso/Pexels
If you have a coily hair type, you have tighter and smaller curls. Infrequent washes are also helpful to show off your coils. Avoid any silicone products for washes. Between washes and protective styles (if that’s your jam), reach for super-moisturizing creams and masks regularly.
Miche Strengthen Protein + Moisture Balancing Deep Conditioner
If your coils feel weak, look no further than this strengthening conditioner mask to bring your locks back to life.
Miche Strengthen Protein + Moisture Balancing Deep Conditioner
This moisturizing vegan hair mask is free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates and synthetic colors.
Dae Monsoon Moisture Mask
This vegan mask detangles, hydrates, repairs, nourishes, restores, and tames coily hair. Need we say more?
It's A 10 Coily Miracle Mask
Raw shea butter acts as a super moisturizer for coily hair in this handy mask.
SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Moisturizing Masque
This hair mask is made of raw honey, jojoba, and olive oil which work together to nourish, heal, and strengthen your strands.
TGIN Honey Miracle Hair Mask
Looking more more ways to practice self care this season? Check out our newsletter for regualr seasonal recommendations, fit for fall.
- 7 Seasonal Hair Masks to Give You Shiny Kate Middleton Hair - Brit ... ›
- 4 Hydrating Haircare Recipes You Can DIY at Home - Brit + Co ›
- Hair SOS: 12 Tips for Repairing Dry Hair - Brit + Co ›
- The 9 Best Overnight Hair Products for Dry, Brittle Strands - Brit + Co ›
- 10 DIY Hair Masks To Get You Through The Colder Months ›
- 10 Nourishing Hair Masks For Dry Hair - Brit + Co ›
- Revive Your Dry Hair: Top 10 Expert-Approved Hair Masks - Brit + Co ›
Meredith Holser is B+C's resident affiliate writer. Meredith enjoys writing about a range of topics, but she's adopted e-commerce writing in all its many facets. Outside of work, you can catch Meredith hiking, trying new recipes, and dreaming about having a yummy little treat.