12 Best Hair Masks for Dry Hair in Australia for 2025
Rivalling a $100 hair mask, this budget-friendly dupe came to the rescue after a dreadful hair mistake and is a must-have.
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Treating yourself to a hair mask every week is the perfect kind of self-care that you can easily slot into your routine. It’s not something you have to do – but it’s a lovely extra step you can take to really target dry, damaged and dehydrated strands.
However, finding the right hair mask can be complicated as you need to ensure it’s well suited for your hair type – whether that be curly, fine, thick or coloured.
That’s where we come in! If you’re looking for the best hair mask to treat dry hair, we’ve rounded them all up for you below. Including one budget-friendly $20 pick that completely “saved my hair” from disaster.
OUR TOP PICKS
EDITOR’S PICKS: BEST HAIR MASKS FOR DRY HAIR
Hairification H24 Complex Leave-In Hair Repair Mask, $20 at Priceline
Why we love it: Affordable price point and you can both feel and see the repaired damage.
What to consider: Not stocked at too many retailers.
Size: 50ml | Best for: All hair types | Works in: 4 minutes
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Senior Shopping Writer
Similar to K18, the Hairifcation H24 Complex Leave-In Repair Mask promises to reverse damage on coloured, dry or damaged strands in just four minutes.
I was religiously using the K18 hair mask last year to help my hair get strong and healthy before my wedding. And while it worked wonders, right before the wedding I had tape-in extensions installed for some extra length and volume. I then left them in for about eight weeks – and my hair was not loving me after I finally took them out.
I went to my lifelong hairdresser – the only one I trust to colour my locks – and she refused to dye it in the state it was in. I had tonnes of breakage, and my hair was damaged, dry and lifeless.
It was time to focus on restoring my hair’s health again. After using the H24 hair mask for two months, I went back to my hairdresser for my biannual highlights and she was so impressed with how drastically different my hair looked.
The process is the same; shampoo your hair as normal – I used the matching one from Hairification – then I step out of the shower and wrap my hair in a head towel for 10 minutes.
Once most of the moisture is out, I use about three to four pumps of the hair mask, rub it into my hands until it turns white and then apply to my whole head of hair.
Then I wait four minutes, brush it out and continue with the rest of my hair care routine.
This dupe has seriously saved my life and I recommend it to anyone who will listen – especially since it’s just a mere $20. What a bargain!
My hair is stronger, softer, shinier and looks so much more healthier.
Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector, $54 at Amazon Australia
Why we love it: This is a popular concentrated treatment that visibly repairs hair damage.
What to consider: It needs to be applied and left on prior to your normal hair care routine.
Size: 100ml | Best for: All hair types | Works in: 10 minutes
Tried and Tested by Jessica Smith, news.com.au checkout Health and Wellness Writer
The Olaplex No. 3 Hair Mask claims to repair the hair on a molecular level – from the inside out – for stronger, silkier hair. This is a pre-shampooing treatment designed to be used on towel-dried hair, before your wash. In as little as three minutes, the Olaplex technology is said to work to reduce breakage and split ends and prevent further damage, so you’re left with smoother, healthier hair.
I have long, thick, colour damaged hair which often winds up frizzy and dry at the ends. The Olaplex No. 3 hair mask was super easy to apply and did not add too much time onto my hair-wash routine. Just apply it to damp or wet hair from roots to ends and leave it in for 10 minutes before following with a shampoo like usual. After blow-drying, I noticed my hair felt so soft and silky – something that normally takes at least three different post-wash serums to achieve.
K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask, $99.95 at Adore Beauty
Why we love it: Really helps to repair damaged hair, leaving it feeling soft and smooth.
What to consider: The high price tag.
Size: 50ml | Best for: All hair types | Works in: 4 minutes
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Senior Shopping Writer
After consistently using the K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask for about six months, I can truly say this is an epic hair product. And there’s a specific way to use it.
Shampoo your hair as normal in the shower but skip the conditioner. On towel dried hair, apply one pump (or more if you have long, thick hair) into your hands and rub them together until it turns into a white paste.
Then run the product through your hair, coating each strand from root to tip. Let it do its magic for four minutes and then brush out your hair and style as you normally would.
This hair repair mask has helped strengthen my locks and changed it for the better. It’s made my hair feel stronger and softer, and supported my hair growth journey.
I will say it is pricey – sitting at $100 a pop – but it does last a while.
BEST HAIR MASKS FOR DRY AND CURLY HAIR
Kérastase Curl Manifesto Hydrating Nutrition Mask, $92 at Adore Beauty
Why we love it: Designed for curly hair types and suited to all curl patterns.
What to consider: High price tag.
Size: 200ml | Best for: Curly hair types | Works in: 5-30 minutes
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
The Kerastase curl manifesto range is seriously my holy grail and the hydrating nutrition mask is the pièce de résistance. Every now and again I try something new and I always regret it.
Nothing compares to this product. It leaves my hair feeling so silky soft and hydrated, plus it’s amazing when it comes to detangling any knots. It also works just as well when I leave my curly hair natural or when I decide to blow dry it.
When I leave my curls natural, I don’t even have to use any other styling products and I know my curls will look amazing. Trust me, when I say this is the hair mask to buy if you have curly hair.
Coco & Eve Super Nourishing Coconut & Fig Hair Masque, $56 at Adore Beauty
Why we love it: This cult fave hair mask is repairing, smoothing and totally hydrating.
What to consider: It may be too thick for super fine hair.
Size: 212ml | Best for: All hair types | Works in: 5-10 minutes
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
Curly hair is already usually drier than other types and this makes nourishing, hydrating masks super important. The Coco & Eve Like A Virgin Hair Masque is designed to restore and nourish dry hair creating a healthy shine and bringing the hair back to its ‘virgin’ condition.
I can confirm it does all of this and more. This hair mask leaves my hair feeling incredibly soft and hydrated – especially my ends, which need the extra love.
BEST HAIR MASK FOR DRY AND FINE HAIR
Ouai Fine To Medium Hair Treatment Masque, $69 at Sephora
Why we love it: This hair mask is specifically created to hydrate fine and thin hair types.
What to consider: High price tag.
Size: 236ml | Best for: Dry and fine hair types | Works in: 5 minutes
What You Need To Know
It’s not easy finding a hair mask that’s lightweight enough for fine hair, but also moisturising to repair the dry and damaged strands. That’s where this brilliant find from Ouai comes in.
Formulated with shea butter, panthenol and hydrolyzed keratin and proteins, your hair is set to look shinier, softer, more hydrated and overall, a lot more healthier.
The product has racked up well over 1000 five-star ratings on the Sephora website with one rave reviewer commenting its “worth every penny”.
Another user said, “I have very fine hair and often find hair masks are too heavy and/or leave my hair feeling greasy. This mask however is great!”.
BEST HAIR MASK FOR DRY AND THICK HAIR
MOROCCANOIL Intense Hydrating Mask, $67 at Sephora
Why we love it: This super-rich hair mask is best suited for thick and dry hair types.
What to consider: May feel too thick and creamy for fine hair.
Size: 250ml | Best for: Dry and thick hair types | Works in: 5-7 minutes
What You Need To Know
You know MOROCCANOIL for its super hydrating range of products, formulated with the hero ingredient argan oil. And the Intense Hydrating Mask is no exception.
In addition to the argan oil, it’s also packed with linseed extract and glycerin to replenish and moisture, as well as improve hydration, shine and overall texture.
From almost 1500 five-star ratings on Sephora, the popular hair mask has been named “one of my favourites” by happy shoppers.
“This doesn’t weigh down my hair and makes it silky soft”, said another five-star customer.
BEST HAIR MASK FOR DRY AND COLOURED HAIR
Wella Professionals Ultimate Repair Mask, $82 at Adore Beauty
Why we love it: This product features a colour-safe formula that’s suited to all hair types and textures.
What to consider: Some reviewers didn’t notice a major difference to their hair after use.
Size: 500ml | Best for: Dry and coloured hair types
Tried and Tested by Susannah Hardy, news.com.au checkout Partnerships Writer
I have very thick coarse hair that’s incredibly dry and never really looks soft or silky. So I find I’m always looking for effective hair masks or moisture treatments in order to give my hair a burst of much-needed moisture.
One of my favourite finds is the Wella Ultimate Repair. More intense than a regular conditioner, this product really works for me as it leaves my hair feeling much softer and more manageable. It has a rich, creamy texture and is easily applied. I have a lot of hair but find I don’t need too much for all-over coverage – either as a quick conditioner in the shower or 10-minute leave-in hair treatment. I use it approximately once a week and sometimes I use it in conjunction with the Wella Professionals Ultimate Repair Shampoo – but even if I use it on its own it still works like a dream. It makes my hair feel silkier and when it comes to drying and styling, it’s much less frizzy and bouffy than usual.
Wella Ultimate Repair definitely improves the condition and appearance of my hair – the only trouble is I have two teenage daughters, both with equally plentiful hair and I find that it doesn’t last as long as it should!
Bondi Boost Growth Miracle Mask, $40 at Adore Beauty
Why we love it: It’s made in Australia, vegan, cruelty-free and safe to use on coloured or chemically treated hair. What’s not to love?
What to consider: The product may feel too thick for some users, especially those with very fine hair.
Size: 250ml | Best for: Dry and coloured hair types | Works in: 15 minutes
What You Need To Know
Aptly named a “miracle” hair mask by five-star rating Adore Beauty shoppers, this top pick from Bondi Boost is exactly what you need if you’re looking for something nourishing.
Packed with argan oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, macadamia nut oil and abyssinian oil, the ingredients work together harmoniously to revive lifeless hair – making your tresses feel softer, smoother and look so much healthier.
BEST K-BEAUTY HAIR MASK FOR DRY HAIR
Elizavecca Cer-100 Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment, $15.99 at Amazon Australia
Why we love it: Affordable price tag.
What to consider: Can sometimes be hard to get your hands on.
Size: 100ml | Best for: All hair types | Works in: 5 minutes
Tried and Tested by Jessica Smith, news.com.au checkout Health and Wellness Writer
The Elizavecca Collagen hair mask is one of the most popular hair masks on Amazon. It uses hydrolyzed collagen, keratin and proteins to restore moisture and repair damage, while also making your hair soft and silky – something to which I can seriously testify.
I used the Elizavecca Collagen hair mask after a week of styling, hairspray, dry shampoo and dry, windy weather – so my hair was definitely in need of some TLC. After washing my hair, I applied a good dose of the hair mask to my towel-dried ends and took the treatment up to the back of my head. I don’t love putting hair masks right in my roots at the top as I don’t want my hair to feel oily, but this can definitely be done if your hair needs more nourishment.
After five minutes, I rinsed the mask out and dried my hair. I was thrilled to see my hair silkier than perhaps ever before. Just five minutes with this mask made my hair so soft and lush – I can definitely say this is one of the best hair masks I have used.
It has been on constant rotation ever since.
BEST VEGAN HAIR MASK FOR DRY HAIR
Amika Soulfood Nourishing Mask, $55 at Sephora
Why we love it: If you really need extra moisture, you can use this as your everyday conditioner.
What to consider: Designed to treat dryness, so may not target damage as well as other products.
Size: 250ml | Best for: All hair types | Works in: 5-7 minutes
Tried and Tested by Harriet Amurao, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
If you’re after an incredibly nourishing and hydrating hair mask, I highly recommend this offering by Amika. It features an amazing scent that lingers on your hair and it leaves my hair feeling super healthy, luscious and soft.
I could immediately see a difference in my hair and it also didn’t leave it feeling heavy or greasy which is a huge plus!
Vegamour HYDR-8 Deep Moisture Repair Mask, $84 at Sephora
Why we love it: It’s vegan, cruelty-free and especially great for those with coloured hair.
What to consider: High price tag.
Size: 147ml | Best for: All hair types | Works in: 3-5 minutes
Tried and Tested by Melody Teh, news.com.au checkout Acting Editor
I’m a big fan of Vegamour, having used their shampoo, conditioner and hair growth serums many times before. Holding a 4.8 rating out of more than 800 reviews on Sephora, Vegamour’s hair mask is no exception.
The HYDR-8 Deep Moisture Repair Mask does exactly what it promises – it deeply moisturises and hydrates your hair leaving it oh-so-soft, smooth and glossy for days. It smells so nice as well, which is always a plus in my books.
I like how you only need to use it for a few minutes (although you can use it longer for sure) to get the full benefits and I find you only need to use a small amount. It is a rich formula so any more can weigh down your hair, especially if it’s fine. I use it once every week to two weeks when my hair needs a hit of nourishment.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A HAIR MASK FOR DRY HAIR
When choosing hair masks to include in our list, we evaluated several factors:
Price: No matter your budget, we’ve made sure to include a variety of hair masks ranging in price from $20 to $100.
How it works: The idea of a hair mask is to leave it on and let it do its magic. The recommended length of time can vary for each product – for example the H24 and K18 hair mask work in just four minutes, whereas other products may need 10-15 minutes to really make a difference to your strands.
Hair type: The hair mask you choose comes down to your hair type. Whether you have curly hair, coloured hair, thick hair, fine hair – there’s a hair mask out there that’s going to be more suited for you and fix your dry hair, so we’ve made sure to break all that down.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
With hundreds of hair masks available, it’s impossible to test every product out there. However, in order to help you find the best hair mask for dry and damaged hair, we tested a bunch of well-known brands at different price points. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best hair mask for your dry hair.
We also spoke to Jordan Mylius, Founder and Managing Director of Hairification Haircare, to understand what’s the best way to incorporate a hair mask into ones hair care routine.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS A HAIR MASK?
Jordan explains, “a hair mask is a deep-conditioning treatment designed to nourish, hydrate, and repair hair. It’s typically thicker and more concentrated than regular conditioner, providing intense moisture and nutrients to help improve hair health.”
HOW TO USE A HAIR MASK?
This can depend on the hair mask, as they all have slightly different recommended ways of using them – some work better on wet hair, others on dry hair. And the length of time can vary too.
If you’re looking to try the H24 Repair Leave In Hair Mask, Jordan recommends the following:
“After double cleansing with the H24 Hair Repair Peptide Shampoo, towel dry by 60 per cent. Place 1-3 pumps into your palm and rub hands vigorously to emulsify into a thick, white paste. Distribute evenly through your hair, do not rinse.
“Give active ingredients four minutes to penetrate the hair before applying other products, blow drying or using hot styling tools.”
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU USE A HAIR MASK?
Again this can vary depending on the hair mask, but Jordan recommend using the H24 Mask for the first 4-6 washes and then weekly or as required.
WHAT MAKES THE H24 HAIR MASK DIFFERENT TO OTHERS ON THE MARKET?
“The H24 Leave-In Repair Hair Mask is a multi-benefit product which repairs the hair and fuses broken bonds, increases hair strength by over 300 per cent, increases hair smoothness by 100 per cent as well as protection from heat exposure up to 230C.”
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Jordan continues, “this product is a dupe of the popular K18 Leave in Mask which retails for $99 where the H24 mask is only $20 and delivers four key benefits.”
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