The Most Hydrating Hair Masks to Use Before Your Wedding

By Elizabeth Swanson, Martha Stewart

As far as big-day beauty prep goes, most brides aren't giving their hair too much thought. Sure, they may consider changing their color or cut, but few think hard about the overall health of their hair. That's why we're here to make it clear that your pre-wedding beauty routine should focus on your strands, too. That means you should invest in a few moisturizing hair masks—especially during the fall and winter, when hair can tend to be more fragile, dry, and brittle. (And while we're on the subject, lay off the heat tools, too—this simple change can make a huge difference in the health of your hair, especially if you're trying to grow it out for your wedding.)

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Whether you're looking for a treatment you can use time and time again or you're after a quix fix before before an engagement party or bridal shower, we've found the mask for you. But why do they work so well? Hair masks are essentially intense conditioners that treat a wide range of problems, so they can help protect and repair your strands while also making damaged hair seem healthier and shinier than it actually is. Some of our favorite ones even make it seem like you just stepped out of the hair salon with a color refresh.

Not all treatments are created equal, though. For the most effective masks, look for those that contain antioxidants, omega fatty acids, biotin, and amino acids. Here, we've rounded up a few we're obsessed with now.

Briogeo

Get the salon treatment at home with these individually-packed hair masks (each packet comes with a plastic cap that you wear to ensure the product goes deep into your hair follicles). For maximum effect, Briogeo recommends sitting under a dryer for a few minutes with it on. Made with algae extract, biotin, and B-vitamins, this mask delivers shine instantaneously and stronger hair in the long run.

Briogeo "Don't Despair, Repair!" Deep Conditioning Hair Cap System, sephora.com.

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Oribe

Oribe's treatment dispenses as a balm instead of a cream, but turns into an oil once you rub it between your hands. About 20 minutes before your shower, apply the product from the middle of your hair to the ends, then shampoo and condition as usual. It contains coconut and macadamia oils to help protect your hair from water damage (that's right, even the water from your shower can damage your locks!). Our tester noticed that her hair color was so much richer and multidimensional after one use.

Oribe Gold Lust Pre-Shampoo Intensive Treatment, neimanmarcus.com.

Kérastase

Turn to Kérastase for an intensive treatment mask that's formulated just for your hair type—from fine to super thick. Those with fine hair tend to shy away from these kinds of products, fearing they'll weigh down your strands, but it's not so with this line. Our tester's wavy hair air dried to perfection, frizz free.

Kérastase Nutritive "Masquintense Fine" Nourishing Treatment, kerastase-usa.com.
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Davines

This mask is specifically designed for those with damaged and brittle hair, so we found a tester with super blonde, colored hair. She loved how it made her hair reflective, thanks to olive butter, vitamin E, and tomato, which is plentiful in antioxidants. Icing on the cake? It has a scent that's different from most hair masks: It's a little spicy, a little citrusy, and makes it that much more fun to use.

Davines "NOUNOU" Nourishing Hair Mask, birchbox.com.

Devacurl

The beauty in this Devacurl mask is not just the fact that it works, but that it's malleable to your needs: If you need a deep-conditioning treatment, wear it for 20 minutes once or twice a week. If you want a fast touch up, wear it for just three minutes and you'll notice softer, shinier curls. You can even wear it overnight for intense hydration.

Devacurl "Melt Into Moisture" Matcha Butter Conditioning Mask, sephora.com.
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Phyto Paris

Those with long hair can help prevent split ends with this Phyto Paris mask. Super-rich sapote butter replenishes your hair's suppleness, while a blend of 18 amino acids that help thicken and strengthen strands. Those with already thick hair can wear it for ten minutes; if you have fine hair, you'll notice a difference in just three.

Phyto Paris "Phytokeratine Extreme Masque d'Exception," ulta.com.
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Pureology

As the name implies, this Pureology mask is packed with superfoods, like avocado and coconut oils, for intense moisturization and shine. Those with color-treated hair will also love that it helps preserve the integrity of your color, keeping it vibrant between touch ups.

Pureology Hydrate Superfood Treatment, ulta.com.

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