The 15 Best Hair Masks for Speedy Damage Recovery
Reverse damage
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After all the straightening, curling, dyeing, and manipulation we put our hair through, we often find ourselves looking for something to restore it to its former glory. Though everyday conditioners are helpful for replenishing limp, dry strands, treating and preventing hair damage might require something a bit stronger. That’s where hair masks come in.
Like the face masks that we use to soothe stressed-out skin, hair masks are used to combat damage from excessive styling and external stressors while also nourishing and rehydrating dry hair. Formulated with moisturizing ingredients like oils and butters, masks are intense conditioners that help to treat frizz and breakage. Treatment masks, though, are not a one-size-fits-all. There are a variety of ingredients and masks that you can try to tailor your hair care routine to suit your specific hair needs. “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.
With so many masks out there, it can be hard to find one that is perfect for your hair. Luckily, we’ve called upon hair care professionals, spent countless hours raiding our personal stashes, and perused customer reviews to bring you the 15 best hair treatments to reverse damage and nourish your stands. See our list below.
Mizani Moisture Fusion Deep Conditioning Hair Mask
Mizani Moisture Fusion Deep Conditioning Hair Mask
Pros
- Rich, creamy formula for softening
Cons
- Can get messy
With excessive heat styling and manipulation comes, well, excessive breakage and dryness. Mizani’s Moisture Fusion does the hard work to restore moisture and softness to prevent any further damage. Plus, a little goes a long way with this huge jar.
Key ingredients: Cupuaçu butter, argan oil, honey
Hair type: Dry, curly
Size: 16.9 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE Editor says: “Growing up in a hair salon, Mizani was one of the first haircare brands I was introduced to. While, at the time, the brand was popular for its relaxers, my knowledge of the brand expanded to its more moisturizing counterparts. This hair mask is the reprieve my hair yearns for in between protective styles. The buttery mixture softens tangled, dry hair post-shampoo (we've all been there) and leaves it softer post-wash.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
bread beauty supply Hair-Mask Deep Conditioner
bread beauty supply Hair-Mask Deep Conditioner
Pros
- Seamless application
Cons
- Will need to re-up often
A blend of fruits and emollients in this mask helps to nourish damaged strands and strengthen the hair. What’s great about this conditioner is that it’s mess-free, thanks to its squeezable pouch that pushes the product through a small spout for easy application.
Key ingredients: Australian Kakadu plum seed oil, starflower oil
Hair type: Curly
Size: 12 fl oz
Ulta rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer said: “This product literally smells like buttercream frosting! It makes my hair feel so silky and my curls shine.”
OUAI Fine to Medium Hair Treatment Masque
OUAI Fine to Medium Hair Treatment Masque
Pros
- Adds body to limp hair
Cons
- Pricey for the size
Fine, thin hair shows damage and dullness easily. Luckily, Ouai’s Treatment Masque creates a shield to gradually stop breakage and dryness in its tracks. The formula features shea butter for moisture and hydrolyzed keratin for repair.
Key ingredients: Shea butter, panthenol, hydrolyzed keratin
Hair type: Fine
Size: 8 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “This product does what it says. It makes hair soft and healthy looking. I highly recommend it for color treated, dry, frizzy hair.”
Saphira Mineral Mud Hair Mask
Saphira Mineral Mud Hair Mask
Pros
- Nurtures flaky scalps
- Fortifying formula
Cons
- Requires a lot of product
Volcanic ash isn’t the first thing that immediately comes to mind for hair care, but Saphira’s mask is here to educate you on the benefits of the natural ingredient. Blended with over 26 minerals, oils, and volcanic ash, this mask works wonders for parched strands and restores balance. Even better, the mask is use-as-you-go, so you only use what you need.
Key ingredients: Minerals, volcanic ash
Hair type: Damaged, color-treated
Size: 8.5 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.8/5 stars
An ELLE Editor says: “The Dead Sea is known for its healing elements and this mineral mud mask puts 26 of them into its formula. I have low porosity hair; however, it sucks up this is product, leaving my hair healthy and hydrated. And while it does not say overnight mask, I find that’s given me the best results. With consistent use, I’ve noticed less breakage. I highly recommend! This mud mask is like a multivitamin for your hair.” — Danielle James, ELLE.com beauty director
Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask
Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask
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.
Key ingredients: Argan oil, glycerin, linseed extract
Hair type: Dry
Size: 2.53-16.9 fl. oz
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 ingredients | Argan oil, glycerin, linseed extract |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | Dry |
| Size | 8.5 fl oz |
Pattern Treatment Mask
Pattern Treatment Mask
Pros
- Softens hair
Cons
- Some people don't like the smell
Curly hair queen Tracee Ellis Ross surely knows a thing or two about maintaining healthy, voluminous hair. This treatment mask is a must-have for those prone to shrinkage. With rice water and a blend of oils and seed extracts, this jelly-like mask helps deliver a lustrous shine, curl definition, and hydration to help elongate curls and coils.
Key Ingredients: Moringa Seed Extract, Hibiscus, Rice Protein
Hair Type: Curly and Coily
Size: 15 fl oz
Sephora Rating: 4.4/5 stars
An ELLE Editor says: “I always like to use a mask on wash day, especially when I'm prepping my hair for protective styles. I really like that this mask has proteins that help to strengthen my hair. It makes my hair feel so soft and easy to detangle.”—Tasha Nicole Smith
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask
Pros
- Lightweight yet nourishing formula
Cons
- Pricey for the size
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.
Key ingredients: Rosehip, sweet almond, argan oil, biotin
Hair type: All
Size: 8 fl. oz
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An ELLE Editor says: “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
Mielle Babassu Oil Mint Deep Conditioner
Mielle Babassu Oil Mint Deep Conditioner
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.
Key ingredients: Babassu seed oil, palm extract, glycerin, peppermint oil
Hair type: Dry, natural
Size: 8 fl. oz
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE Editor says: “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.” —Nerisha Penrose
Carol’s Daughter Coco Crème Curl Quenching Deep Moisture Mask
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.
Key ingredients: Coconut oil, coconut milk, mango butter, mirumiru butter
Hair type: Dull, dry, curly
Size: 12 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE Editor says: “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 mask or curl cream that makes it softer than before. This mask is as thick as a smoothie and just as nourishing, thanks to ingredients.” —Nerisha Penrose
K18 Leave-in Molecular Repair Mask
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.
Key ingredients: K18Peptide, hydrolyzed wheat protein
Hair type: Damaged
Size: 0.17-1.7 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
Our expert says: “When I was bleach blonde, this product 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, Hearst fashion & luxury commerce editor
Matrix Total Results So Silver Triple Power Hair Mask
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.
Key ingredients: Emollients
Hair type: Blonde, silver, gray
Size: 6.8 fl. oz
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
Our expert says: “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.” —Tatjana Freund
Bleach London Reincarnation Mask
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.
Key ingredients: Proteins, glycerin, sunflower oil, lactic acid
Hair type: Damaged, dry, colored
Size: 6.7 fl. oz.
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.”
R+Co Television Perfect Hair Masque
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.
Key ingredients: Murumuru butter, coconut oil, mushroom extract
Hair type: Dry
Size: 0.5-5 fl. oz.
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.”
Amika Soulfood Nourishing Hair Mask
Amika Soulfood Nourishing Hair Mask
Pros
- Adds shine
Cons
- May not be suited for fine hair
Whatever your hair is craving, whether hydration, repaired ends, or bounce, Amika packaged it right inside this jar. Its key ingredients are nourishing jojoba seed oil and sea buckthorn, which are high in omega fatty acids that have been linked to boosting hair growth and shine.
Key ingredients: Jojoba seed oil, sea buckthorn
Hair type: Dry
Size: 16 fl. oz
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.”
tgin Miracle RepaiRx Curl Protein Reconstructor
tgin Miracle RepaiRx Curl Protein Reconstructor
Pros
- Restores protein
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.
Key ingredients: Black castor oil, biotin, honey
Hair type: Curly
Size: 12 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE Editor says: “Silk press season is every curly girl’s break from twist-outs and wash-and-gos. I love a crisp, silk press until wash day rolls around and it’s time to see how easily your curls revert. Now, I’ve definitely held my breath while trying several concoctions to force my curls to pop after excessive heat—this TGIN mask is my sigh of relief. My curls feel softer and appear more defined. It doesn’t exactly reverse heat damage but has worked wonders for preventing shedding.”—Nerisha Penrose
Who is a good candidate for a hydrating or repairing hair mask?
“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.”
Who is a good candidate for a toning or color-depositing hair mask?
“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?
“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
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.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
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.
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