In a rush? Here are 7 hair products that get to work in under 5 minutes
All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article
Don’t have the patience to sit with a hair mask on for an hour? We’re with you. Here are the speedy hair treatments and masks that deliver hydrating results in a flash.
If you’ve set yourself a long list of new year’s resolutions, they might be starting to look a little daunting now that you have to action them. From regular visits to the gym to investing in a new skincare tool, January is the best time to introduce some self-care – but you might be tight on time.
That’s where a speedy hair product comes in. When we say fast-working, we mean it. These treatments take effect in five minutes or less. No sitting around for 40 minutes waiting for a hair mask to sit in – these efficient products will save you time, without compromising on glossy results. All you have to do is listen to one song, and you’re good to go. Plus, some don’t even require rinsing – talk about time saving.
From the rapid hair gloss that only takes 60 seconds to the one-minute hair mask, these are the products that repair damage, hydrate and are low-maintenance to use.

L’Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss 5 Minute Lamination
Designed to be left on hair for five minutes after shampoo and conditioner, this bond gloss treatment leaves hair silkier, brighter and shinier after just one wash, thanks to the glycolic acid-based complex.
Shop L’Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss 5 Minute Lamination, £16.99

K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask
If you haven’t tried this viral four-minute wonder, this is the year to do it. It’s got the Stylist team’s seal of approval, as well as countless celebs, so you know it lives up to the hype. Apply the molecular repair formula to towel-dried hair after your shampoo stage, wait four minutes and then you’re good to style as you wish. You’ll notice healthier, thirst-quenched strands and fewer split ends in no time.
Shop K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask at Cult Beauty, £30

Amika Flash Instant Shine Mask
It doesn’t get any easier than achieving mirror-like shine in just 60 seconds. This hydrating water, packed with amino acids and flaxseed, can be used as a conditioner or afterwards for a more intense treat. Strands will feel smoother and softer, while UV filters will keep your colour bright.

Goldwell Dualsenses Rich Repair Restoring 60Sec Treatment Mask
The aim of this intense mask is to rebuild the fibres of the hair, to reduce flyaways and restore frazzled ends to their former glory. The reparative formula takes just one minute to set in and is designed to repair and minimise colour fade.
Shop Goldwell Dualsenses Rich Repair Restoring 60Sec Treatment Mask at LookFantastic, £19

Typebea R.4 Intense Repair Leave-in Treatment
Another speedy leave-in treatment, this doesn’t require a wash and features a bond-repair complex that will rescue hair that’s been bleached one too many times or been scorched by heated hair tools. It’s lightweight, delivers hydration and will prevent your colour from diminishing. You can read our full in-depth review here.
Shop Typebea R.4 Intense Repair Leave in Treatment at Sephora UK, £43

Garnier Ultimate Blends Rice Water Infusion & Starch Hair Remedy Mask
Powered by moisturising rice water and starch, this rich butter seals cuticles to leave ends looking refreshed and feeling plush. Shampoo and condition your hair as normal, then slather it in this for just one minute, and you’re good to go. All the hydration without any greasiness.
Shop Garnier Ultimate Blends Rice Water Infusion & Starch Hair Remedy Mask, £7

Oribe Mirror Rinse Glass Hair Treatment
Lasting up to 15 washes and taking up to 60 seconds to get to work, this is as low-maintenance as hair care gets. The hydrating water makes it easy to drench every strand in hydration, due to thirst-quenching ingredients such as watermelon, lychee and edelweiss flower extract. Use instead of a conditioner and be prepared to see some serious shine.
Shop Oribe Mirror Rinse Glass Hair Treatment at Cult Beauty, £63
Image: courtesy of brands










