We put some hair masks to the test - here's what the team had to say:

NOUGHTY TO THE RESCUE INTENSE MOISTURE HAIR TREATMENT, R149,95

I have naturally curly hair but it’s frizzy when I leave it, so I blow-dry and straighten it often. As a result it’s damaged and brittle. I chose this mask because it’s a vegan product and also because I liked the sound of the nourishing sweet almonds and restoring black oats. I applied a generous scoop onto washed hair and combed it through. I left it in for 20 minutes for an intense treatment, but you can leave it in for as little as three minutes. I noticed results immediately – my hair looked healthier and shinier (the smell is great too), although it did look a bit greasy the next day. I’d definitely do an intense treatment once a month, going forward. – Charis

HASK ARGAN OIL HYDRATING HAIR MASK AND DEEP CONDITIONER, R62,95

My hair is very curly, slightly brittle and dry at the ends. After one use it felt shiny, silky-smooth and super manageable. After using it for a month my hair looks healthier and always smells great! The only problem I have discovered is that my hair tends to get greasier faster than before. I would recommend it without a doubt though – it’s a great fix for damaged hair. – Liezel

L’ORÉAL ELVIVE EXTRAORDINARY OIL NOURISHING MASK BALM, R94,95

I’m always on the lookout for products that add volume to my thin hair as there’s nothing worse than damaged, stringy hair. My hair is prone to dryness and this balm soothes and nourishes the hair fibres. After using it my hair felt soft, lightweight and healthy. It smells incredible too. If you’re sick of split ends, this one’s for you – it gives your hair the moisture hit it needs. – Tasneem

SORBET FEED ME FABULOUS REPAIR & PROTECT INTENSE TREATMENT TUB, R130

I don’t have dry hair but I have been struggling a lot with knots and tangles. After shampooing and conditioning, I applied this mask. It hardens during the drying process but is very easy to wash out and you can feel the difference in your hair while rinsing it. It smells fresh and lovely – good enough to eat! My hair feels nourished, smells amazing and is much easier to manage. – Janine

GARNIER ULTIMATE BLENDS THE STRENGTH RESTORER HONEY TREASURES HAIR BALM, R74,95

I was a bit reluctant to try this – not only because I’ve never used a hair mask in my life but also because I have fine hair, and was worried it would make it heavy and lank. But I loved the texture of the mask itself: it was much lighter than I expected. I applied a little when I got up, left it on while I fed the dogs and then washed it out in the shower. It was probably on for about 10 minutes in all, and it was really good: it’s got a great smell and my hair felt smooth and silky – not at all heavy or greasy. I usually try to wash my hair only every four to five days and I was worried the mask would make me wash it more often, but that didn’t happen either. I’m a fan! – Suzy

JOICO K-PAK DEEP PENETRATING RECONSTRUCTOR, R535

There is a lot of damage going on with my hair, thanks to many hours spent swimming in the sea during summer. I washed it first, rinsed, then applied the mask and left it for five minutes. It has a nice coconut-y, tropical fragrance. There was no indication on the packaging of how often to use the mask, so I used it with every second wash (my hair needed lots of help!). It started to get some lustre back after the second application and also felt smoother. I really like this mask because it doesn’t make my hair greasy afterwards. – Crystal

SCHWARZKOPF BC REPAIR RESCUE TREATMENT MASQUE, R399

My hair is very fine and poofy – cotton-wool like – and often reacts badly to new treatments, so I wasn't convinced I wouldn’t end up with horrible greasy hair or fluffy flyaway hair. After washing my hair with my normal shampoo, I towel-dried it and rubbed in the mask, working it down to my scalp. It has a lovely scent, a bit like fresh strawberries. My hair seemed to like the attention and felt really soft and silky; many people commented on how shiny it was. I'd spent some time in the sea and sun, so I think my hair follicles just sucked up all that nourishment. I now use it once a week – just replacing my conditioner with the mask – and it works very well! – Caryn