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The 11 Best Hair Masks for Speedy Damage Recovery

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By Nerisha Penrose, Tatjana Freund and Sam Peters
hair masks
Astrid Stawiarz

Whether your strands are bleached, over-processed, over-exposed, or spend too much time around hot tools, this is a safe space for damaged hair. And while damage—and the frizz, flyaways, limp curls, and breakage that come along with it—may be inevitable, hair masks can help restore your hair back to its former glory.

“Hair masks are more intensive than an everyday conditioner in terms of treating dryness and damage, whether it be from color or chemical treatments, heat styling tools, the environment and climate or water type, or the hair’s natural texture,” explains Howard McLaren, co-founder and creative director of R+Co.

While hair masks are not miracle workers capable of returning your hair to the state it was in before you started manhandling it, these treatments can really do a lot to repair every hair type. Similar to how a great protein treatment can help strengthen your locks, masks can do everything from reversing damage to rehydrating and toning locks. “A good hair mask should provide nourishing nutrients and prolonged protection against environmental factors, and contain at least one oil rich in proteins, such as coconut and green tea oil, to keep your hair completely hydrated and healthy,” adds Aaron Grenia, co-founder of IGK Hair Care.

Finding the perfect hair mask for your hair can feel overwhelming, but these best-selling, editor-approved treatments will nourish even the most depleted strands.

  • Intense Hydrating Mask

    Best Hair Mask for Frizzy Hair

    Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask

    $18 at Amazon
    Read more
  • Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask

    Best Hair Mask for Damaged Curls

    Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask

    Read more
  • Babassu Oil Mint Deep Conditioner

    Best Hair Mask for Dry Hair

    Mielle Babassu Oil Mint Deep Conditioner

    Read more
  • Coco Crème Curl Quenching Deep Moisture Mask

    Best Hair Mask for Dry Curls

    Carol’s Daughter Coco Crème Curl Quenching Deep Moisture Mask

    Read more
  • Leave-in Molecular Repair Mask

    Best Hair Mask for Bleached Hair

    K18 Leave-in Molecular Repair Mask

    Read more
Best Hair Mask for Frizzy Hair

Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask

Best Seller
Intense Hydrating Mask
Best Hair Mask for Frizzy Hair

Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask

$18 at Amazon$13 at Walmart
Pros
  • Hydrating
Cons
  • May not be suited for oily hair

If you want to improve your hair’s manageability, elasticity, and overall texture, this argan oil-infused mask is waiting to help your hair feel brand new. It’s also packed with glycerin—a natural humectant—and linseed extract for extra nourishing benefits. Although this mask is designed for fine, dry hair, some reviewers with thicker hair note it worked well for them when they left the mask on for longer than the recommended five to seven minutes.

Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I’m in the Army Reserve, and I occasionally neglect my haircare, so my hair was extremely dry and frizzy. I got this product as a desperate attempt to repair it, and after the first application, I fell in love. My hair is medium to thick, so I tend to leave it in for about 10 minutes at a time. All day I just want to run my fingers through my hair to feel how soft it is. The smell is divine, and it styles well.”

Active ingredientsArgan oil, glycerin, linseed extract
Hair TypeDry
Size2.53-16.9 fl. oz.
Best Hair Mask for Damaged Curls

Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask

Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask
Best Hair Mask for Damaged Curls

Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask

Pros
  • Deep conditions
Cons
  • Pricey

When you have rosehip, sweet almond, argan oil, and biotin working together to revamp your mane, the word “damage” is a thing of the past. This lightweight mask is suitable for all hair types, including those with natural textures, and is designed to smooth, detangle, and fight flyways.

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

Our testers say: “The combination of oils in this product—rosehip, sweet almond, and argan—coats my hair like a warm hug, and my hair loves it. When I put on my favorite thermal cap for deeper penetration, the mixture feels buttery smooth and creamy yet lightweight.” —Nerisha Penrose, Beauty Commerce Editor

Active ingredientsRosehip, sweet almond, argan oil, biotin
Hair typeAll
Size8 fl. oz.
Best Hair Mask for Dry Hair

Mielle Babassu Oil Mint Deep Conditioner

On Sale
Babassu Oil Mint Deep Conditioner
Best Hair Mask for Dry Hair

Mielle Babassu Oil Mint Deep Conditioner

Now 12% Off
Pros
  • Nourishing
Cons
  • Some may dislike the scent

Ain’t no mountain high enough to keep us from re-buying Mielle Organic’s fan-favorite Babassu Oil Deep Conditioner over and over again. Designed specifically for natural textures, this jar is packed with natural oils and Amazonian palm fruit to stop dead hair in its tracks.

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

Our testers say: “This deep conditioner was my first encounter with Mielle Organics. When my hair becomes tired of my indecision—and I’m someone who manipulates her hair constantly—intense repair is just what I need. Slathering this mask through my hair makes it soft, powerful, and ready for the next style.” NP

Active ingredientsBabassu seed oil, palm extract, glycerin, peppermint oil
Hair TypeDry, natural
Size8 fl. oz
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Best Hair Mask for Dry Curls

Carol’s Daughter Coco Crème Curl Quenching Deep Moisture Mask

Coco Crème Curl Quenching Deep Moisture Mask
Best Hair Mask for Dry Curls

Carol’s Daughter Coco Crème Curl Quenching Deep Moisture Mask

Pros
  • Hydrating
Cons
  • Can feel sticky

Carol’s Daughter’s blend of coconut oil, coconut milk, mango butter, and mirumiru butter is the antidote for dry, curly hair. It’s thick and gives hair a healthy sheen.

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

Our testers say: “If moisture is what your hair needs, let me introduce you to a luscious mask that will completely transform it with just one use. My coarse, curly hair enjoys a rich curl cream that makes it softer than before.” —NP

Active ingredientsCoconut oil, coconut milk, mango butter, mirumiru butter
Hair typeDull, dry, curly
Size12 fl. oz.
Best Hair Mask for Bleached Hair

K18 Leave-in Molecular Repair Mask

Editor’s Choice
Leave-in Molecular Repair Mask
Best Hair Mask for Bleached Hair

K18 Leave-in Molecular Repair Mask

Pros
  • Repairs damage
Cons
  • Cannot use with conditioner

This mask doesn’t just make hair feel healthier via nourishing wheat protein—it actually reverses the damage with some pretty powerful bond-repairing peptides. It’s a must-have for anyone who’s ever bleached their hair, but it can even alleviate the damage caused by hot tools, too. When you use it, skip the conditioner, put this in towel-dried hair for four minutes, and watch miracles happen.

Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars

Our testers say: “When I was bleach blonde, this was the product that saved my hair. After an intense double process, in one use, this mask brought my curls back to life. I give everyone in my life a bottle to help them revive fried hair.” —Tatjana Freund, Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor

Active ingredientsK18Peptide, hydrolyzed wheat protein
Hair typeDamaged
Size0.17-1.7 fl. oz.
Best Hair Mask for Blondes

Matrix Total Results So Silver Triple Power Hair Mask

Amazon’s Choice
Total Results So Silver Triple Power Hair Mask
Best Hair Mask for Blondes

Matrix Total Results So Silver Triple Power Hair Mask

Pros
  • Reduces brassy tones
Cons
  • Can be messy

Those in need of a mask that works hard to make sure your blonde stays cool and looks like you just left the salon—with no signs of brassiness—look no further. Not only does the blue/green color of this mask tone down warm tones, but the treatment is also designed to help replenish moisture in bleached hair.

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

Our testers say: “I’ve used so many purple shampoos, but none of them worked like this one did. Most blondes go more orange than yellow, which means to truly cancel out warm tones, you need a greenish mask like this one. Instant results. I used it recently on my bleached brows to really turn them invisible.” —TF

Active ingredientsHc Blue No. 2, ci 60730/acid violet 43
Hair typeBlonde, silver, gray
Size6.8 fl. oz
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Best Hair Mask for Color-Treated Hair

Bleach London Reincarnation Mask

Reincarnation Mask
Best Hair Mask for Color-Treated Hair

Bleach London Reincarnation Mask

Pros
  • Hydrating
Cons
  • May not be suited for very fine hair

Breathe a little life back into your damaged strands. This mask is intense, so prepare to be in awe of your newfound silky strands. The Reincarnation Mask is packed with healthy proteins to strengthen weak hair and moisturizing glycerin and sunflower oil to give hair that’s been put through a lot some relief. Plus, it contains lactic acid, which may help boost hair growth and increase hair density.

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I have thick black hair, and I bleached my hair twice in one day to go full platinum blonde. My hair felt like silly string when wet. I’ve used this twice, and already my hair is stronger and easy to work with. I’m relieved that I don’t have to spend $100 for a good hair mask, either.”

Active ingredientsProteins, glycerin, sunflower oil, lactic acid
Hair typeDamaged, dry, colored
Size6.7 fl. oz.
Best Hair Mask for Shine

R+Co Television Perfect Hair Masque

Amazon’s Choice
Television Perfect Hair Masque
Best Hair Mask for Shine

R+Co Television Perfect Hair Masque

Pros
  • Adds gloss
Cons
  • May not be suited for very oily hair

Feeling a little dull? This hair mask uses shine-boosting ingredients like murumuru butter and coconut oil to hydrate and de-frizz damaged hair.

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I bought this because I hadn’t been to the hair dresser in nine months because of Covid. After using it once, I felt like I had a fresh cut; it felt so healthy.”

Active ingredientsMurumuru butter, coconut oil, mushroom extract
Hair typeDry
Size0.5-5 fl. oz.
Best Hair Mask for Glossy Hair

Amika Soulfood Nourishing Hair Mask

Soulfood Nourishing Hair Mask
Best Hair Mask for Glossy Hair

Amika Soulfood Nourishing Hair Mask

Credit: Courtesy
Pros
  • Adds shine
Cons
  • May not be suited for fine hair

Whatever your hair is craving—hydration, repaired ends, bounce—Amika packaged it right inside this jar. Its key ingredients are nourishing jojoba seed oil and sea buckthorn, which is high in omega fatty acids that have been linked to boosting hair growth and shine.

Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “My fine hair is oily on one end and dry on the other. Amika manages the frizziness, makes my hair soft, and does not add a lot of weight. And, it leaves an attractive shine.”

Active ingredientsJojoba seed oil, sea buckthorn
Hair TypeDry
Size16 fl. oz.
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Best Hair Mask for Breakage

Thank God It’s Natural Repairx Curl Protein Reconstructor

Amazon’s Choice
Repairx Curl Protein Reconstructor
Best Hair Mask for Breakage

Thank God It’s Natural Repairx Curl Protein Reconstructor

Credit: Courtesy
Pros
  • Strengthens hair
Cons
  • Requires a lot of product

Tgin’s hair mask is pretty much CPR for your hair. With black castor oil and biotin, its main goal is to restore and strengthen weak strands. What’s more, the inclusion of honey not only adds extra moisture but also offers antibacterial benefits to help improve the overall health of your scalp.

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I had some heat damage after a silk press, and I was devastated. This works! It keeps my hair moisturized, prevents breakage, and assists my hair in regaining some of the curl pattern back.”

Active ingredientsBlack castor oil, biotin, honey
Hair typeCurly
Size12 fl. oz.
Best Hair Mask for Weak Hair

Living Proof Restore Repair Mask

Amazon’s Choice
Restore Repair Mask
Best Hair Mask for Weak Hair

Living Proof Restore Repair Mask

Credit: Courtesy
Pros
  • Effective
Cons
  • Pricey

This mask will cost you a pretty penny, but the payoff is worth it. Featuring the brand’s patented Healthy Hair Molecule and an emollient blend to fortify the hair’s natural barrier, it’s a miracle worker for those suffering from breakage and dryness caused by excessive coloring.

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “First time I’ve purchased a product this expensive. It is worth it! Only have to use a dab, and it goes a long way. Results are soft, smooth, and easy to untangle hair.”

Active ingredientsHealthy Hair Molecule, emollient blend, tucuma butter
Hair typeAll
Size6.7 fl. oz.

Who is a good candidate for a hydrating or repairing hair mask?

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“Damage to the hair can come from many sources, including color or chemical treatments, mechanical damage from hot tools, and the environment and climate you live in,” says McLaren. “In addition, just like skin texture can vary from person to person, hair can as well, and some people have a naturally drier hair texture. If you feel like your hair is frizz-prone or dry, or if you feel like your hair isn’t as soft, shiny, or healthy-looking as you would like it to be, you could probably benefit from incorporating a hair mask into your regimen.”

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Who is a good candidate for a toning or color-depositing hair mask?

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“Color-depositing masks are the perfect way to keep your color fresh in between salon visits while also deeply moisturizing for softer, shinier hair,” says Grenia. “They work even better on highlighted hair: the lighter the hair, the more vibrant the shade will present.” For blondes, using a purple-toning shampoo can reduce brassy tones for a brighter color. “Toning masks that have purple tones are usually good for blondes or anyone that wants to prevent brassiness to maintain a cool-toned hue and keep the warm tones from creeping in,” adds McLaren.

Do you have any tips or tricks for applying hair masks?

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“Typically, you can use a mask in place of conditioner once a week,” says McLaren. “After shampooing, it is good to try to gently remove excess water from the hair so it doesn’t dilute the masque and apply it throughout the hair—especially focusing on the mid-shafts to ends—leave it on for the recommended amount of time, and then rinse thoroughly. To get the most out of the mask, it is good to make sure it is evenly distributed through the hair. Combing through your hair gently with a wide-tooth comb or shower comb can help make sure the mask thoroughly coats the hair.”

Meet the Experts

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Aaron Grenia is the co-founder of IGK Hair Care.

Howard McLaren is the co-founder and creative director of vegan haircare brand R+Co.

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Why Trust ELLE Beauty?

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As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com editors and contributors spoke with haircare professionals about the benefits of hair masks and how to use them. The authors personally tested a number of these products and poured over reviews for dozens of top-rated hair masks, evaluating each on their ingredients, results offered, and customer feedback.

Headshot of Nerisha Penrose
Nerisha Penrose
Beauty Commerce Editor

Nerisha is the beauty commerce editor at ELLE.com, covering all things beauty (and fashion and music). She has a penchant for sneakers and nude lip glosses, and spends way too much time re-watching 90s sitcoms.

Headshot of Tatjana Freund
Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor

Tatjana Freund is Hearst's Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor, covering beauty, fashion and more across multiple brands. Previously, she worked at ELLE.com and Marie Claire. She's a fan of whiskey neat, podcasts that give her nightmares, and one time Zoë Kravitz laughed at a joke she made. 

Headshot of Sam Peters
Senior Commerce Editor

Sam Peters is a Senior Commerce Editor at Hearst covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Her writing has appeared in WWD, Footwear News, Real Simple, PopSugar and Bridal Guide, among others. She enjoys unpacking the latest trends and testing and reviewing some of the most innovative, emerging products on the market. 

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