Can I leave hair mask overnight

While my background is in fine arts, I've been in the beauty industry for 4+ years now. My current role is in digital content production as an SEO Coordinator. In between researching and publishing our guides, I’m usually snacking and making spontaneous (and somewhat chaotic) choices about what to do with my hair.

Is it safe to leave a hair mask on overnight? Well, many hair masks are actually recommended for overnight use to achieve the best results.

So, if you know know how to use a hair mask overnight, why not try it?

Deep conditioning treatments have plenty of benefits for damaged hair, but many people find that they weigh their hair down.

As far as we're concerned, the key is to find a hair mask overnight treatment that works for your hair type.

Keep scrolling for all our top overnight hair masks for damaged hair, plus tips for using hair masks on dry hair...

What Are the Benefits of Using a Hair Mask?

There are many different types of hair masks on the market. While certain products specialise in colour protection, volume, or smoothing, hair masks universally aim to moisturise the hair.

Even in Ancient Egypt, women applied homemade masks to their hair for extra moisture. Although most of the ingredients have advanced since then, today's treatments follow the same principles.

How Often Should I Be Applying a Hair Mask?

Depending on the mask itself, it's usually recommended that all hair types apply a mask at least once a week.

As long as you pick a product that's tailored to you, there's no harm in using an overnight hair mask on a regular basis. If you have dry or particularly unruly hair, you can even use a mask after every shampoo.

How Long Should I Leave My Hair Mask On?

Usage instructions for hair masks vary widely. Looking at the recommended application time is a good way to gauge how well the overnight hair mask will work for your hair type.

Side note: Our lovely Millie shares some of her favourite hair masks for damaged hair in the video below...

Psst, Here Are the Best Overnight Hair Masks for Damaged Hair...

An all-rounder nourishing hair masque, truly designed for all hair types, including coloured hair. Recently, on their instagram, Olaplex gave the okay to use this excellent hair treatment ovenight. This unique leave in hair mask works to restore broken bonds within the hair shaft. It also restores damage, condition and hydrates, improves the feel and look of your hair and treats split ends and frizz. It's a classic overnight hair mask for damaged hair that gain poularity in salons, so you know it's good.

Technically a pre-shampoo, this deep conditioning hair treatment benefits a range of different hair types. Use this treatment as the first step in your routine on slightly damp hair (we recommend using a spray bottle) and either leave in for 20 mins and follow with shampoo and conditioner, or alternately, leave it on for as long as you like. There is no limit with this mask, but personally I've found the best results using it overnight. The key to this mask is it's first ingredient, castor oil. It leaves the hair soft and shiny, and infinitely more managable than before. If i could choose one hair product to be shipped to me by the gallonful - this would be it.

IGK ANTISOCIAL Overnight Bond-Building Dry Hair Mask is the ultimate dry hair treatment, and you don't even have to wait in the shower while you was it off! This leave in time release mask is great for all hair types and rebuilds bonds, smooths frizz, hydrates and adds UV protection. If you're not used to using a leave in hair mask on dry hair, this one's easy. Simply spray on this formula and leave this hair mask on dry hair overnight for brilliant results.

Bleach blonde babes rejoice! We have a treatment that performs as well as the best overnight hair mask for shiny hair. The Kérastase Blond Absolu Night Hair Serum is formulated to boost blonde and highlighted hair, which hydrates with a lightweight feel. You can use this leave in hair mask on dry hair overnight, just apply a small amount to your palms, warm it up, and distribute through your lengths.

Will Leaving a Mask on Overnight Damage My Hair?

No evidence suggests that leaving a mask on overnight causes damage to your hair. However, there are questions as to how beneficial an extended treatment time actually is.

Once your hair becomes saturated with moisture and actives, leaving the product on longer than the recommended time seems pointless.

However, some experts disagree and suggest that leaving a mask on longer actually boosts the effectiveness of the mask, which supposedly soaks in further after your hair dries.

Leaving a deep treatment on overnight may simply be more convenient for your lifestyle. You can just wake up and wash your hair as usual.

Leaving a hair mask on overnight isn’t going to cause any damage, but it may feel too heavy for some hair types.

If you're curious, give it a try and see whether overnight conditioning works well for your hair and your routine.

The most important thing is simply to incorporate a hair mask into your haircare routine, whether it’s overnight or just a few minutes. Masks are a great way to ensure healthy hair.

Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.

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