If you have curly hair, you probably know how integral it is to maintain your hair’s hydration. However, even with an ultra-moisturizing routine, your curls occasionally need a little extra TLC. That’s where a hair mask comes in. If you’re ready to maximize your curly hair care routine, we’ll walk you through:

Are hair masks good for curly hair?

Think of a hair care hair care mask as you would a face mask. You don’t need to use it every day, but when you add a face mask to your weekly routine, it keeps your skin looking radiant. Hair masks follow the same rules—using a mask once or twice a week can impart hair of all types with long-lasting hydration, shine and strength. This rule applies to any hair type but especially curly hair, as hydration is a core need for curl health.

What ingredients should I look for in a curly hair mask?

While every hair mask formulation is different, there are a few key ingredients to look for when finding the best hair mask for curly hair. The mask you use doesn’t have to contain all of these ingredients to be effective but will likely contain one (or multiple) of these on the label:

• Shea butter
• Glycerin
• Coconut
• Argan oil
• Panthenol
• Jojoba oil
• Aloe vera

Curly hair typically needs hydration in the form of lipids and oils. These ingredients penetrate deep into the hair shaft to add shine and strength, define curls, reduce frizz and seal in lasting moisture.

How do you use a hair mask?

Using a hair mask is as simple as using a face mask. First, you want to wash your hair, then gently pat with a towel to leave it damp, not wet. Apply the hair mask from mid-lengths to ends, gently brushing through with a wide-toothed comb or your fingers. Then, depending on the instructions for the curly hair mask you’re using, you’ll leave it on anywhere from five to twenty minutes, rinse and style as usual.

What are the best hair masks for curly hair?

As someone with curly hair, you’re probably well aware of the fact that curly hair products are not always one-product-fits-all. Instead of looking for a general curly hair mask and hoping for the best, try to find a mask that targets your main concern.

If your main concern is: repairing damage

If you feel like your hair is looking brittle and dull, OLAPLEX No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask is a great option. It contains OLAPLEX’s patented bond building technology, which targets hair’s damaged disulfide bonds to add manageability, softness and shine without causing a heavy or sticky feeling.

If your main concern is: frizz

Frizz and curly hair often go hand in hand, which is why Ouidad created the Advanced Climate Control Frizz-Fighting Hydration Mask. It contains Anti-Frizz Nano Technology®, a signature formula containing proteins derived from silk, to create an invisible barrier that seals in moisture and blocks out frizz.

If your main concern is: hydrating coily, coarse hair

Just as with different skin types, there are different curl types. If you have a coarser hair strand and tight, coily curls, you likely need to put moisture at the forefront. L’Oreal Professionnel Curl Expression Intensive Moisturizer Rich Mask targets the curl pattern for added strength while hydrating with plant-based glycerin.

If your main concern is: color maintenance

Maintaining color and curly hair is simple with a mask that does it all. Pureology Color Fanatic Multi-Tasking Deep-Conditioning Mask offers 21 benefits in one easy-to-use formula. Designed to maintain hair color, add shine, deeply nourish, strengthen and repair damage, it’s the perfect solution to protect hair color and add hydration without weighing hair down.

If your main concern is: hydration

Since curls and dryness often go hand in hand, your main concern might just be hydration. If this is the case, Surface Curls Intensive Masque is a great option. This curly hair mask soothes and renews curls, detangles and adds shine while maintaining your curls’ internal structure and flexibility.

If your main concern is: preventing breakage

Breakage doesn’t have to be a fact of life when it comes to curly hair. Containing amino-acid rich Keratin A18+, PHYTO Repair Intensive Repair Mask helps rebuild hair from within by targeting damaged fibers and adding shine, minimizing the look of split ends, preventing breakage and maintaining length.

In search of additional curly hair tips? You can learn more about the Curly Girl Method on the LovelySkin blog.