Get your hair into good condition

This is not a paid post. Products are press samples.

Guido, Redken's global creative director and one of the most influential hairdressers of our day, said he has seen a resurgence of a new idea of luxury for autumn/winter 2017  – very clean hair that’s left to dry naturally. 

“The simplicity of washing your hair and letting it dry gives an almost child-like shine quality which feels new again. I don’t believe anything truly comes into or goes out of fashion, but these days it seems like a blow-dry can now seem forced compared to an air-dry look. Women can be afraid of letting their natural texture out, but there’s so much you can do, like only blow drying the top part to flatten, and allowing the rest of the length to dry naturally,” he said.

When testing these masks I used a hair dryer as my locks revert to their natural texture quite quickly in humid weather. 

If you are going to show off your tresses they need to be in good condition that is why it is so important to use a good mask once a week, especially if it is looking and feeling dry and brittle from late summer holidays or too much processing or overuse of heated appliances.

Here are my favourites.

Redken Extreme Mega Mask (for damaged, sensitised hair), £23
If heat damage has ravaged your tresses, this wonderful protein hair mask will cocoon them in moisture as well as help to strengthen them. It contains two formulas: a treatment and care-extender to keep your hair looking healthier for up to three washes. Another plus is that you only have to keep it on for no longer than five minutes to reap rewards. 

I put it on roots to ends and left a little in the hair when I rinsed out. This really helped to add a little weight to the hair so that I could keep frizz and fluffiness at bay. My hair felt great after use and looked sleek and smooth. Hair masks do not always deliver on their promises, this one does. 

Leonor Greyl Masque Fleurs de Jasmin, £37 (Space NK)
Leonor Greyl prides itself that its hair care products are made using plants and natural ingredients. Smells gorgeous. Laced with botanical oils and amino acids this restorative mask is particularly good for fine dry or limp hair. It will not weigh it down but will leave it feeling moisturised. Can also be used as an everyday conditioner. Leaves hair with a nice sheen. 

Davines OI All In One Milk, £19.40
Although this is not a mask it is rich enough to be used as one. If you have got damaged or dry hair that is crying out for a bit of TLC, try this leave-in formula. It also helps eradicate frizz as well as making it soft and shiny. Contains roucou oil, which is renowned for its conditioning powers.  

L’Oréal Série Expert Inforcer Vitamin B6 + Biotin masque, £16
Especially good for long hair this powerful masque has been created especially to combat breakage. Laced with vitamins B6 and B8 which are said to aid in strengthening, I found after use my tresses were easier to comb and split ends were less noticeable.

Once again I left a small amount in the hair when I rinsed. This trick works for me but it will depend on the texture of your locks to whether it will do the same for you. Really pleased with this product.

Davines Nounou (part of the Essential Haircare Line), hair mask, £19.45
A great option for those with dry, brittle or coarse hair. Laced with tomato extract this protein-rich mask provides long-lasting hydration and helps restore your locks to their former glory. This is a superb mask which gives your hair a good dose of nourishment leaving it easy to manage. There is also a matching shampoo (£15.45) and conditioner (£17.20).

72 Intense Replenishing Mask £24.99
This is a great mask for those with frizzy, dry hair. Boosted with germ oil and avocado oil, it helps to strengthen and restore the moisture levels in your hair. After a few uses, I noticed that my tresses look shinier and certainly felt more nourished. This is a great treatment whatever type of hair you have, be it Afro Caribbean, coloured or virgin. I also tried it on dry hair and left it to soak in for 20 minutes before shampooing and got great results.

syoss SALONPLEX Serum, £3, Tesco

A good buy for only £3. This leave-in serum is worth keeping to hand for when your hair could do with a boost. Use it a couple of times a week to improve the health of your tresses. Great value for money.

By Daralyn Danns