I tested three hydrating masks to help dry your hair in the summer and one is my new favorite discovery

The quickest way to remedy dry summer hair without weighing it down or causing an oily scalp is to use a moisturizing mask regularly.

This week, I put three to the test.

Budget

GARNIER Ultimate Blends infused rice water and starch hair medicine mask, £6.99 for 340ml, superdrug.with.

If you were on TikTok during the pandemic, chances are you came across the “boomerang” rice water hair trend.

First people loved it for helping with hair growth, then they hated it for making hair brittle after excessive use.

The good News in other words, it has the perfect dose of the nutritious, protein-rich ingredient, with a moisturizing formula.

My hair instantly became smoother and shinier. The results last for one wash, but the tub is so big you can use it several times a week.

It’s my new favorite hair find.

Mid range

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OUAI Hair Shine, £30 for 177ml, boots.with.

I’m a big fan of Ouai. Founded by celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkins, the brand combines hard-working formulas with high-quality fragrances for a truly luxurious experience.

This glow mask is no different. The perfume lasts between washes and the formula works in just five minutes and can be used in place of conditioner.

While it definitely made my hair shinier, it’s very easy to use and can be difficult to wash out, so you may end up with residue on your lengths and oily roots.

Plus, this product is heat activated, so you’ll get only the best benefits if you heat style.

Lux

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PHILIP Kingsley Elasticizer Therapies Lemon and Bergamot, £39 for 150ml, cultbeauty.co.uk.

I would place a big bet on the fact that any hairdresser would recommend the original Elasticizer as one of the best treatments.

It’s a cult classic for a reason and has been one of the longest-lasting hair masks for over a decade.

You can trust it to do exactly what it says, which is strengthen hair long-term, from the inside out, and immediately nourish for smoother, more manageable lengths.

The new limited edition is perfect for summer and worth the money.

Pick of the week

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MY most frequently used beauty product — by a country mile — is lip balm.

There are few I haven’t tried in my quest for non-chapped lips, but the best to cross my desk this year has been The Inkey List Tripeptide Plumping Lip Balm, £11.

This week it is being released in three shades. In addition to nourishing dry lips, it is clinically proven to plump up to 40% in four weeks and smooth lines in two weeks. See theinkeylist.com.