If you’re looking to get the best hair of your life, there’s one product you should be sure to include in your routine: a hair mask. Anyone can use a hair mask—it doesn’t matter what texture your hair is or how much damage it has. In fact, hair masks are essential for getting healthy, bouncy, and soft hair. Think of a hair mask as a DIY spa treatment for your hair.
Hair masks get a bad rap for being super thick. “When people hear ‘hair mask,’ the general conception is of a heavy and deep conditioning product,” says Fekkai SoHo colorist Lorik Rockefeller. “[Because of] that, a lot of people, especially the ones with finer hair, tend to avoid them.” But hair masks come in all different consistencies for all different hair textures and densities.
Using a hair mask helps you maintain your haircut a bit longer, ward off split ends, and repair and prevent damage. Whether you want to improve the health of your hair or give your strands some major TLC, there’s a hair mask out there for every hair type, texture, concern, and price point.
How to Choose a Hair Mask
Once you’ve decided to add a hair mask into your routine, the tough part is choosing which one to add. Look for hydrating ingredients like jojoba oil, marula oil, and shea butter. Keep an eye out for phrases like bond-building and repairing, as these masks target split ends and damaged hair. If your scalp is more sensitive, you may want to avoid fragrances whenever possible.
I spoke with hair stylists and Who What Wear editors to find the best hair masks. Keep reading to find the hair mask that’s right for you.
The Best Hair Masks, Listed
“My hair has been feeling quite damaged as of late, but this hair mask has helped bring it back to life, says junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay. “The deep conditioning treatment doesn’t add shine, but what it does do is restore keratin bonds in the hair follicle for stronger hair that is optimised for growth.”
Pros: Leaves hair stronger, helps with hair growth
Cons: None
Customer Review: “I am always sceptical of hair masks, they usually weigh my fine, limp hair down and do nothing. This one has been a pleasant surprise and I absolutely love it. My hair feels so soft and a lot more manageable after using it twice a week. And it smells gorgeous!”
Aussie
Aussie Save My Lengths! 3 Minute Miracle Deep Hair Conditioner
“My biggest gripe with hair masks is that I’m just too impatient to leave them on for longer than 10 minutes, which is why I love Aussie’s 3 Minute Miracle deep conditioning masks—and they’re really affordable,” says beauty editor Eleanor Vousden. “You only need to leave it on for three minutes for it to get to work, making it great if you need a more intensive treatment but are in a rush. This always leaves hair feeling nourished, smooth and shiney.”
Pros: Gets to work in three minutes, affordable, leaves hair smooth and shiney
Cons: None
Customer review: “This is an incredible treatment for damaged hair. My hair felt hydrated and conditioned for many days after the each use. I have damaged dyed long hair, and I never experienced anything like this with any other product. I have tried many other products including very expensive ones to try to fix my hair, but nothing yet compares to this. My ends kept breaking due to dryness, and after a few uses of this product, my hair feels smooth. Overall, my hair now finally looks and feels healthy. It does not even look like I dye my hair. This is a miracle! The product also smells gorgeous and it is easy to apply.”
Beauty Pie
Super Healthy Hair™ Luscious Moisture Hair Mask
Price shown is member price.
“This is another hair mask that you don’t have to leave on for hours on end to reap the benefits. In just 5-10 minutes, this mask nourishes parched lengths with argan oil, hyaluronic acid and vegan keratin to ensure hair has bounce and lustre from root to tips,” says Vousden. “I’m due a haircut and this mask has help tide me over to my next appointment by helping my ends look less dry.”
Pros: Gets to work in 5-10 minutes, leaves hair bouncy and hydrated
Cons: None
Customer Review: “I have naturally curly hair & struggle with trying to maintain the curls. After a few weeks of using this product my hair has transformed! I don’t have any more split ends like I used to & it defines the curls.”
Sisley
Hair Rituel by Sisley Treatment Regenerating Hair Care Mask
“This hair mask is expensive, but I’d go as far as to say that it’s one of the best ones I have ever used,” says Lindsay. “My hair never looks shiny, but this adds salon-worthy radiance that I’m yet to achieve on my own. It features four botanical oils to strengthen hair from root to tip.”
Pros: Adds shine, shea, macadamia, camellia and hazelnut oils nourish lengths
Cons: Expensive
Customer Review: “I have fine, 2C-3A hair that is mega prone to breakage and dryness as many curly haired people are. This mask is simply beautiful, the smell is incredible and exudes luxury not only that but my hair has genuinely never been softer, more manageable and is even noticeably shiny (something I struggle to attain). It’s pricey but you don’t need a lot so it will last a long time. I can’t recommend it enough. Have been using in conjunction with the Sisley shampoo (also a treat).”
K18 Biomimetic Hairscience
Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
“This leave-in mask works like a miracle for repairing hair damage,” says Vousden. “I have balayage through my lengths which has left some damage, but this is like a magic wand for repairing. It’s clinically proven to reverse damage in four minutes thanks to bond-building peptide technology that deeply penetrates the hair shaft. Plus, you’re encouraged to use it in place of conditioner and you don’t need to rinse it out, which is a big time saver.”
Pros: Moisturises, repairs
Cons: Expensive
Customer review: “This product works. I use this on my baby-fine, dry, curly hair. I do not wear my hair curly. I blow-dry and style after every wash. I have noticed a big difference after using this treatment.”
Hair by Sam Mcknight
Deeper Love 5-Minute Intense Treatment Mask
“This is, hands down, the best smelling hair mask I have ever used,” says Lindsay. “Like all Hair by Sam McKnight products, the scent lingers for days, and it leaves my hair feeling silky soft. Packed with shea butter, I only have to leave it on for five minutes for nourished, hydrated ends.”
Pros: Smells amazing, leaves hair nourished
Cons: More expensive than most
Customer Review: “This is my second tub of this mask. It felt nourishing but not too heavy and left my hair feeling great after. This mask is strong perfumed but it doesn’t bother me you get used to it and it associates with this particular product which is nice for a routine. Already recommending to everyone I know and will definitely be purchasing more.”
Color Wow
and Chris Appleton Money Masque
“I’m a big fan of Color Wow products, and this hair mask is no exception,” says Lindsay. “Leave it on for five minutes and you are left with shiny, strong ends that feel silky soft. The packaging is a little bulky, but I’ll let it slide seeing as the results are so good.”
Pros: Leaves hair ultra-soft and glossy
Cons: Packaging is bulky, more expensive than most
Customer Review: “I’ve been using this Hair Mask for about a month now, and I’m so impressed with the results! My hair has always been on the dry side, especially at the ends, but after just a few treatments, I’ve noticed a big improvement. The mask is thick and creamy, easy to apply, and has a nice, subtle fragrance.”
Davines
Minu Illuminating Hair Mask
“From a lifetime of bleaching, my hair is often quite damaged and dry. I don’t know what magic is in this Davines mask, but whenever I use it it feels hydrated, glossy and healthy, so I rely on it on those weeks leading up my next hair cut,” says senior fashion and beauty editor for branded content, Rebecca Rhys-Evans. “What’s more is that I really try to only use cruelty-free beauty products, and Davines are leaders in vegan haircare. Also, it smells sensational!”
Pros: Nourishes coloured hair, chic packaging
Cons: None
Customer Review: “So I’m a big Davines fan. I’ve been using this brand for about 2 years now – recommend by my hairdresser. Minu is my favourite range when I colour my hair with full head tints. The colour lasts longer and my hair is sooo shiny. I use this mask instead of a conditioner when I feel my hair need some extra care. I highly recommend this for fine, coloured hair.”
Briogeo
Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask
Who What Wear US associate editor Shawna Hudson swears by this mask to keep her hair healthy. “This mask is so great for thick, curly hair,” she says. “It’s hard to find a deep-conditioning mask that actually keeps my hair hydrated, but this one really does, and it makes my hair look so healthy.”
Pros: Hydrating, sulfate-free, good for all hair types
Cons: Scent may irritate sensitive scalps
Customer review: “My hair was on the verge of falling out from bleach, but this mask helped me grow out my hair and rehydrate all of my fried-off hair.”
Olaplex
No.3 Hair Perfector
WWW US beauty director Erin Jahns regularly uses Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector (which is technically a treatment, not a mask) to keep her strands healthy. “It’s been my saving grace ever since I started bleaching my hair, and I swear it’s the reason I only lose about three strands when I carefully comb through my fragile blonde strands,” she says. “That said, it’s great for every hair texture and every level of damage. It’s one of those products anyone with hair on their head needs in their arsenal.”
Pros: Hydrating, repairing, good for all hair types
Cons: Can only use on damp hair
Customer review: “No. 3 is number one in my heart. I use it once a week (or twice after a recent hair dye), and my hair is so happy with the results. I’ve had stronger strands and thicker roots since the first month of use. Worth every penny.”
Fekkai
Super Strength+ Mask
“The Fekkai Super Strength+ Repair Mask is one of the most amazing hair masks out there for everyone,” says Rockefeller. “It has three functions in one: bonding, repairing, and protecting the hair while leaving it feeling and looking healthy.” According to Rockefeller, vitamin-rich jojoba and coconut oil help prevent hair breakage and strengthen the hair shaft. “The consistency of the product is incredibly smooth and is easily distributed,” Rockefeller says. “I recommend this mask to all my clients, as it works for all hair types. It is extremely effective for chemically treated hair, in particular, including bleached and coloured hair and hair that’s been damaged from too much sun exposure or hard water. Many clients have told me they believe it’s helping combat frizz as well!”
Pros: Hydrating, bond-building, good for all hair types
Cons: Scent may irritate sensitive scalps
Customer review: “I applied to damp hair, placed my hair in a low bun, and left it on for several hours before showering and washing my hair out. This mask left my hair feeling so silky, thick, and strong after just one treatment.”
Originals by Africa’s Best
Olive Oil Deep Conditioner
“Two of the most common hair problems are dryness and breakage,” says trichologist and hairstylist Shaniqua Garcia. “The combination of increased sun exposure, heat, and humidity can wreak havoc on our hair, leading to these frustrating conditions. To combat these woes, incorporating a hair mask like Originals by Africa’s Best Olive and Shea Deep Conditioner Masque into your routine can provide extra nourishment and protection against dryness.”
Pros: Budget-friendly, hydrating
Cons: Scent may irritate sensitive scalps
Customer review: “I have a head full of very tight curls. When I deep condition with this product, it makes my hair soft and manageable.”
JVN
Nurture Intense Hydration Hair Mask
This is one of my favorite hair masks of all time. I have super-thick hair and love using masks that help nourish it without weighing it down. This mask helps keep my hair super healthy thanks to ingredients like squalane and hemi-squalane, and amino acids moisturize hair without weighing it down.
Pros: Moisturizes, strengthens, smooths
Cons: Scent may irritate sensitive scalps
Customer review: “I’m sad I didn’t find this product sooner. On the first wash after using it, my long hair had a beautiful shine and felt so moisturised. My new favourite. It smells very, very luxurious—like a very expensive perfume but not too overwhelming.”
Amika
Soulfood Nourishing Hair Mask
If you want a serious boost of moisture, you can sub this mask in for your usual conditioner whenever you want. It works well on every hair type and has jojoba seed oil and sea buckthorn oil to nourish and strengthen hair.
Pros: Moisturises, strengthens
Cons: Scent may irritate sensitive scalps
Customer review: “A staple in my hair care routine, by far the best hair mask I’ve ever used. Leaves my hair so soft and shiny.”
Christophe Robin
Shade Variation Mask
If you colour your hair, chances are this product will be your new best friend. Having a mask that can overcorrect any unwanted tones in your hair that pop up is key to extending the life of your colour. This one comes in five different shades that work across most hair colours.
Pros: Moisturises, evens, and tones hair colour
Cons: Best for colour-treated hair
Customer review: “I’m very pleased with the results. I have hair that is fine and on the thinner side. This masque has made my hair thicker, has helped the colour last longer, and my hair is more manageable, too.”
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.