These Colour-Depositing Hair Masks Are So Impressive, We Cancelled Our Salon Bookings.

      As someone who dyes their hair, I fully understand how time-consuming the process can be. Don't get me wrong; I love visiting the salon for a color refresh, balayage, or just to indulge in that fantastic scalp massage at the sink. However, I must acknowledge the significant time and financial investment involved in coloring hair, which is why I often turn to the best color-depositing hair masks to keep my hue looking vibrant between salon appointments. Similar to a semi-permanent color or hair gloss one might get at the salon, color-depositing hair masks are an excellent way to enhance or adjust your hair color at home. Depending on your existing hair color and the shade you wish to achieve, they can help eliminate brassiness by toning, refreshing highlights or balayage, or allow you to experiment with bolder colors without the risks associated with permanent dye. These masks typically wash out after a few weeks, gradually fading with each shampoo. They are perfect for dipping your toes into new hair color trends or simply brightening and refreshing your hue in between salon visits. I know that trying a color-depositing hair mask can be somewhat intimidating, so I gathered insights from the Who What Wear UK beauty team, who tested some of the best products available. Scroll down for our candid feedback and essential before-and-after images showcasing the results.

      **Best Hair Color Depositing Masks**

      **Best Overall:** Wella Professionals Color Fresh Semi-Permanent Colour Mask, £17

      **Best for Highlighted Hair:** Glaze Supergloss Conditioning Gloss, £16

      **Best for Blondes:** DpHue Gloss, £36

      1. **Wella Professionals Color Fresh Semi-Permanent Colour Mask**

      **Best Overall**

      Wella Professionals

      Color Fresh Semi-Permanent Colour Mask - Cool Espresso

      **Pros:** Wide shade range, leaves hair shiny and soft

      **Cons:** Application can be messy and may stain clothes

      **Editor Review:** I’m naturally a dark, cool-toned brunette, and after years of using permanent color to cover gray hairs and balayage throughout my hair, I find it can take on a brassy tone with warmer undertones if I don’t keep up with my color appointments. Recently, I wanted to revert to my natural shade but was unhappy with the visible band of old color as it grows out. I discovered Wella's Color Fresh Masks after consulting a hair colorist, and they've proven to be a fantastic temporary at-home solution for neutralizing the warmth in my hair without resorting to dye.

      The Color Fresh Masks come in 14 different shades, from pearly and golden blondes to rich brunettes, along with bolder options like pink and copper if you're feeling daring. I used the darkest brown shade, Cool Espresso, which created a rich chocolate hue (think Lindt 80% cocoa) that matched my natural color well. I highly recommend wearing gloves during application to avoid staining your hands and donning an old shirt that you don’t mind getting ruined—especially with darker shades—because it can be a messy process (the same goes for your bathroom tiles, so clean promptly to avoid stains!). After applying, I let it sit under a shower cap for 10 minutes before rinsing it off.

      I was thoroughly impressed, not only with the color change but also with how much softer and shinier my hair felt. It even blended well with the few gray strands at the roots. They weren't fully covered, but the effect resembled that of a skin tint. It gradually faded over a couple of weeks (I noticed it coming out with each rinse), so I'd need to use it once a month to maintain the color. However, it does wash out completely, so there's no commitment needed.

      **A word of caution:** If you have blonde hair or highlights brighter than a caramel shade, I would steer clear of the Cool Espresso, as it can impart a greenish tint to very light hair. Likewise, for those with dark hair, lighter shades won’t be effective, so they are better for lighter hair colors. I suggest carefully reviewing the shades (and the before-and-after images) to see how it may work with your color. If you want to experiment with all-over color without the expense of a salon visit, this is a great way to try it out. Yes, it is a bit messy, but it has become an affordable and low-maintenance addition to my hair care routine.

      2. **Glaze Supergloss Color Conditioning Gloss**

      **Best for Highlights**

      Glaze

      Supergloss Color Conditioning Gloss in Caramel Lights

      **Shades:** 16, including three toning glosses for highlighted hair

      **Pros:** Excellent shade variety, leaves hair shiny, toning shades perfect for highlighted hair

      **Cons:** Results not as long-lasting as others

      **Editor Review:** "I frequently get my hair colored, and my stylist always suggests I come in for a gloss treatment to