“Now is a good time to do hair treatments at home because, with the pandemic, most of us are staying in a lot more,” says Vernon François, celebrity hairstylist and founder of his eponymous haircare line. “Most of us are seeing our hair in its most authentic state right now, so we can really get to know its texture, see its true color, and give it the love and attention it deserves.”
Lindsay Victoria, a stylist at Spoke&Weal hair salon in Los Angeles, explains that hair treatments do much more for your hair than your typical wash day.
“Shampooing is about stripping build-up and oils; conditioning is about hydrating and softening. You can compare it to washing your face and adding moisturizer,” says Victoria. “This is a maintenance ritual for the health of your skin and hair, but treatments for your hair would compare to a facial for your skin. It creates deep repair that keeps a strong, healthy foundation that will show over time.”
Idle time may make you want to explore homemade hair treatments, but Paul Labrecque, celebrity stylist and owner of an eponymous salon and hair-care line, says to stick to store-bought treatments. “Self-made and DIY products containing things like olive oil do not emulsify out and can leave a nasty film on your hair,” he says. Victoria adds that DIY concoctions that include foods like honey or egg could also be difficult to wash out of your hair.
François explains that there are two types of hair treatments: those with a focus on strengthening, and those that are deeply moisturizing.
“Within that, there are lots of different kinds—those you can do at home, those that you’d need to go to a salon to have professionally applied, and ones that are ready-made or shop bought,” he says. “If you’re looking to get the best out of a hair treatment, consistency is key, and remember it’s not what you do but how you do it. Be ready to commit to using it regularly and have realistic expectations.”
Steer clear of any chemical treatments or other products that are designed to be used only by professionals. Below, you’ll find some safe and effective hair treatments to use at home.
Best strengthening hair treatments to use at home
Aveda DAMAGE REMEDY INTENSIVE RESTRUCTURING TREATMENT, $40
“For damaged hair that needs deep repair, go for a mask that is packed with protein,” Victoria says. She’s a fan of this one, which contains quinoa protein to strengthen and smooth damaged hair.
VERNON FRANÇOIS OVERNIGHT REPAIR TREATMENT OILS, $43
PAUL LABRECQUE REPAIR CONDITION RESTORATIVE PROTEIN MASK, $40
This is an ideal mask for color-treated or processed hair. Silk proteins and egg, soy, and milk extracts work to strengthen dry, brittle, and over-stressed hair. Oils of macadamia nut, Abyssinian, and coconut make your hair softer and shinier while smoothing split ends.
VERNON FRANÇOIS RE-VAMP MID LENGTH REPAIR CREAM, $34
Olaplex No. 3, $56
K18PEPTIDe MASQUE STARTER KIT, $30
Victoria calls this treatment “incredible” for all of her clients. “This [product] regenerates the bonds in your hair so it will actually rebuild the cuticle of your hair.” This is for anyone who has weak, damaged, dry, broken hair, she says. “It repairs from the inside out.”
Best hydrating hair treatments to use at home
VERNON FRANÇOIS WHIPPED DEEP CONDITIONER, $40
KÉRASTASE Nutritive Mask for Dry thick Hair, $56
Labrecque loves this mask for clients with dry, thick hair. It’s infused with an dryness-detecting complex and glucose proteins to help reduce frizz and replenish moisture.
KÉRASTASE Nutritive Mask for Dry Fine Hair, $56
Philip Kingsley Elasticizer, $49
Aveda DRY REMEDY MOISTURIZING MASQUE, $40
Victoria recommends this deep hydrating mask for naturally dry hair that tends to be more coarse.