Korean Hair Masks Are the Secret to Strong, Shiny Strands

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Pros Non-greasy Fast-acting Cons Some say it has a strong scent Dermatologist Dr. Zion Ko Lamm previously called this his “go-to [Korean hair product] for deeply conditioning and repairing strands after chemical processing.” Formulated specifically for dyed, bleached, and heat-damaged hair, it delivers high concentrations of Keratin-PF to help target damage at a deeper level. After just a few uses, customers report softer, silkier, visibly nourished hair-with noticeably less fallout. Size: 7 fl. oz. Key ingredients: Keratin-PF Pros Gives that glass hair look Light, musky scent Cons On the pricier end This shea butter- and argan oil-infused mask is another favorite of Cho and a staple in celebrity-frequented hair salons across Korea. “It’s deeply nourishing yet lightweight, delivering that signature glossy, ‘glass-like’ finish Korean hair care is known for,” she says. Apply it for 10 to 15 minutes as a mask, or use it as a conditioner or styling product to smooth brittle ends. Size: 8.8 fl. oz. Key ingredients: Shea butter, argan oil Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Pros Lightweight and multitasking Doubles as a heat protectant Cons Some wish the scent lingered in hair longer “This is a great example of Korean hair care that feels like skin care for your hair,” says Cho. “La’dor’s salon-grade Wonder Balm immediately improves texture and radiance while supporting long-term softness and smoothness.” Packed with protective ceramides, strengthening amino acids, and shine-boosting aloe vera, the versatile formula is designed to be applied from root to ends-and can even double as a heat protectant. Size: 6.76 fl. oz. Key ingredients: Ceramides, amino acids, macadamia oil, aloe extract Pros Playful packaging Nourishing yet lightweight Cons Some dislike the nutty vanilla scent Inspired by the age-old DIY hair hack, TonyMoly’s viral mask only resembles bottled mayo. Instead, it blends shea butter, macadamia seed oil, and egg yolk extract into an equally quenching yet surprisingly lightweight treatment that helps soften and smooth staticky strands in minutes. Size: 9.9 fl. oz. Key ingredients: Shea butter, macadamia seed oil, egg yolk extract Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Pros Rich texture Penetrates the cuticle Cons On the pricier end Combining three forms of natural butters, this rich formula targets severely damaged strands and is especially well-suited to thick hair in need of a quick weekly refresh. Vegan proteins work to smooth the cuticle while penetrating the hair shaft to help repair damage at its source. Size: 8.8 fl. oz. Key ingredients: Shea butter, squalane, glycerin, jojoba seed oil Pros Snail mucin helps restore parched strands while you sleep Leave-in treatment Can be applied to the scalp Cons Pack of four may not last long Cho also loves these serum ampoules for smoothing, plumping, and reviving hair overnight. “Snail mucin, a standout K-beauty ingredient, makes perfect sense in a hair treatment for boosting softness and hydration,” she notes. Depending on your level of dryness, you can...

Preview: ~500 words