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The 15 Best Hair Masks for Speedy Damage Recovery
It’s like hitting the refresh button, but for your hair.
Whether you’re a spokesperson for damaged hair (it’s bleached, it’s curly, it spends too much time around flat irons) or you do everything right, somehow, frizz, flyaways, limp curls, and breakage seem to come out of nowhere. You can wash your hair with hydrating shampoos, smooth on hair oils, and use heat protectant sprays religiously, and yet, a split end will still appear. Damage of some kind is inevitable, but luckily, hair masks are here to save the day.
“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.
The hunt to find the perfect formula can feel overwhelming at times, but these hair masks come pretty damn close. We tested a range of popular options on the market and consulted customer reviews to bring you the 15 best intensive, hydrating, and transformative hair masks money can buy.
Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector
Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector
Pros
- Repairs damage
Cons
- Pricey
A holy grail staple for hairstylists everywhere, Olaplex’s hair treatment is truly hair sorcery. Backed by over 100,000 reviews, this magic in a bottle helps to strengthen, protect, and restore life to fragile hair via the brand’s patented ingredient (bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate) that works to repair broken bonds along the hair shaft.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I get full balayage at the salon every six weeks, and I had really brittle blonde hair that my hairdresser had no hope for. After using this, my hair was so slick and actually laid flat against my head when I rinsed it. I have not felt that since I had virgin hair! I washed and conditioned with my regular shampoo and conditioner, towel dried, then brushed it. I only had maybe 10 hairs total in my brush. I am shockingly impressed. I can’t wait until my hairdresser sees me next!”
| Active ingredients | Jojoba seed oil, bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | All |
| Size | 3.3 fl. oz. |
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.
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 | 2.53-16.9 fl. oz. |
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask
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.”—NP
| Active ingredients | Rosehip, sweet almond, argan oil, biotin |
|---|---|
| Hair type | All |
| Size | 8 fl. oz. |
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.
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.”—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor
| Active ingredients | Babassu seed oil, palm extract, glycerin, peppermint oil |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | Dry, natural |
| Size | 8 fl. oz |
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.
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 ingredients | Coconut oil, coconut milk, mango butter, mirumiru butter |
|---|---|
| Hair type | Dull, dry, curly |
| Size | 12 fl. oz. |
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.
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.” —TF
| Active ingredients | K18Peptide, hydrolyzed wheat protein |
|---|---|
| Hair type | Damaged |
| Size | 0.17-1.7 fl. oz. |
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.
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 ingredients | Hc Blue No. 2, ci 60730/acid violet 43 |
|---|---|
| Hair type | Blonde, silver, gray |
| Size | 6.8 fl. oz |
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 ingredients | Proteins, glycerin, sunflower oil, lactic acid |
|---|---|
| Hair type | Damaged, dry, colored |
| Size | 6.7 fl. oz. |
IGK Color-Depositing Mask
IGK Color-Depositing Mask
Pros
- Effective
Cons
- Can be messy
If your new dye job has started fading, top off the color with these masks. With 12 options to choose from, you can delay heading into the salon by using this product for 15 minutes whenever your color is looking a little dull. It also boasts hydrating squalene and quinoa extract (yes, the popular grain is good for hair, too) to revive and strengthen strands.
Amazon rating: 3.9/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I use this to keep my purple color fresh, and when I do, people ask me if I got my hair done again! This is an excellent option for those who don’t want to commit to something more permanent. And, bonus! It leaves my hair soft and manageable.”
| Active ingredients | Squalene, quinoa extract |
|---|---|
| Hair type | All |
| Size | 6 fl. oz. |
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.
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 ingredients | Murumuru butter, coconut oil, mushroom extract |
|---|---|
| Hair type | Dry |
| Size | 0.5-5 fl. oz. |
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—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 ingredients | Jojoba seed oil, sea buckthorn |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | Dry |
| Size | 16 fl. oz. |
Thank God It’s Natural Repairx Curl Protein Reconstructor
Thank God It’s Natural Repairx Curl Protein Reconstructor
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 ingredients | Black castor oil, biotin, honey |
|---|---|
| Hair type | Curly |
| Size | 12 fl. oz. |
Living Proof Restore Repair Mask
Living Proof Restore Repair Mask
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 ingredients | Healthy Hair Molecule, emollient blend, tucuma butter |
|---|---|
| Hair type | All |
| Size | 6.7 fl. oz. |
Coco & Eve Super Nourishing Coconut & Fig Hair Masque
Coco & Eve Super Nourishing Coconut & Fig Hair Masque
Pros
- Smells great
Cons
- Pricey
Make your hair smell like a sweet tropical holiday courtesy of Coco & Eve’s deeply nourishing formula, complete with raw virgin coconuts from Bali for strength, shea butter for moisture, and argan oil for shine and manageability.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
Our testers say: “I have long, thick hair that easily tangles, and despite the fact that I rarely use hot tools or get highlights, my mane is often quite dry. Treating myself to this mask is one of my favorite parts of the week. The ultra-nourishing formula leaves my hair feeling impossibly silky, as it helps soften stubborn knots and minimize frizz in the process. Now, I no longer dread brushing my hair post-shower; after I use this mask, it only requires a few passes!”—Sam Peters, ELLE.com contributor
| Active ingredients | Raw virgin coconuts, shea butter, argan oil, linseed |
|---|---|
| Hair type | All |
| Size | 7.1 fl. oz. |
Ouai Treatment Mask for Fine and Medium Hair
Ouai Treatment Mask for Fine and Medium Hair
Pros
- Doesn’t weigh hair down
Cons
- May not be suited for very damaged hair
I mean, what’s not to love about Ouai’s treatment mask? The silky finish? The addicting smell? The compliments you’ll receive from strangers? This shea butter, panthenol, and keratin-infused magic potion from celebrity stylist Jen Atkin comes in options for fine to thick hair, so you can always get targeted results.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
Our testers say: “After a scorching hot styling session, I know that this Ouai hair mask will instantly make my hair look and feel softer than it ever has. It makes frizz a thing of the past.” —Tatjana Freund, beauty commerce writer
| Active ingredients | Shea butter, keratin, panthenol |
|---|---|
| Hair type | All |
| Size | 8 fl. oz. |
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.
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.
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.
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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