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Let’s be real: We put our hair through a lot. From heat styling to coloring, odds are you’ve caused at least a little bit of damage over the years. Good news: Hair masks exist and make a major difference once added into your haircare routine. Think of hair masks as conditioner’s older and wiser sister. "A hair mask will be heavier and more potent than your normal everyday conditioner," says celebrity hairstylist Graham Nation. Typically, they are used to repair hair damage, whereas many conditioners are used mainly to add back moisture, adds celebrity hairstylist Sophia Gutterman.
Our Top Picks
- 1
Best Glossy Finish
Color Wow Money Masque
$45 at Amazon$45 at AmazonRead more
- 2
Best for Overly Processed Hair
NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Repair Treatment Masque
$19 at Amazon$19 at AmazonRead more
- 3
Best for Fine Hair
Moroccanoil Weightless Hydrating Mask
$42 at Sephora$42 at SephoraRead more
- 4
Best for Breakage
Amika The Kure Intense Repair Mask
$42 at Sephora$42 at SephoraRead more
- 5
Best for Mechanical Damage
Wella Professionals Fusion Intense Repair Mask
$25 at Amazon$25 at AmazonRead more
Show more
Everyone can benefit from using a hair mask because there’s a formula for every hair concern, whether it’s excess dryness, frizz, thinning, or dullness. Ingredients will differ depending on what you’re looking to fix, but generally they’ll have a reparative protein or healing oils, like avocado, argan, or olive, says Gutterman. Hair masks are meant to replace your conditioner once or twice a week, says celebrity stylist Adam Maclay. You’ll use it the same way as a conditioner. Apply it throughout the mid-lengths to the ends of the hair and leave it in for the allotted time before rinsing. Many hair masks get the job done in 10 minutes or less. If you don’t yet have a hair mask in your routine, keep scrolling for expert-approved options for all hair types.
1Best Glossy Finish
Color Wow Money Masque
1Best Glossy Finish
Color Wow Money Masque
$45 at AmazonCredit: ColorwowPros
Adds a glossy finish 
Strengthens and repairs hair 
Protects against heat damage
Cons
It’s more expensive than other options on this list
Hairstylist Michelle Cleveland says this option will give you the glossy hair of your dreams. "It penetrates deep into the hair cortex to help strengthen, repair, and hydrate," she says. Blue sea kale binds to damaged keratin to restore strength and elasticity, sea kelp and algae retain moisture, and a hydrolyzed protein complex gives strands that glassy shine. It also prevents heat damage.
2Best for Overly Processed Hair
NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Repair Treatment Masque
2Best for Overly Processed Hair
NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Repair Treatment Masque
$19 at Amazon$32 at Walmart$19 at Ulta BeautyCredit: Nature LabPros
Repairs damaged hair
Cons
Nothing
"This cruelty-free treatment is loaded with antioxidant-rich oils, smart keratin, and bamboo stem cells to restore and nourish severely damaged, over-processed hair," says Fitzsimons. "Since bleaching my hair about a year ago, this has been my personal choice."
3Best for Fine Hair
Moroccanoil Weightless Hydrating Mask
3Best for Fine Hair
Moroccanoil Weightless Hydrating Mask
$42 at Sephora$42 at Walmart$42 at Saks Fifth AvenueCredit: MoraccanoilPros
Lightweight hydration
Cons
It’s more expensive than other options on this list
"For thin hair, you must find a mask that provides great moisturizing benefits without weighing the hair down," says celebrity stylist Andrew Fitzsimons. Enter this lightweight formula infused with moisturizing argan oil to hydrate and boost shine.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below4Best for Breakage
Amika The Kure Intense Repair Mask
4Best for Breakage
Amika The Kure Intense Repair Mask
$42 at SephoraCredit: AmikaPros
Strengthening and repairing
Cons
Some reviewers wish it had more conditioning benefits
This wonder uses special technology to repair hair’s bonds, reducing breakage and split ends. It’s also enriched with nourishing plant butters and sea buckthorn extract. Celebrity hairstylist Mia Santiago reaches for this one every time she witnesses weak hair in her chair.
5Best for Mechanical Damage
Wella Professionals Fusion Intense Repair Mask
5Best for Mechanical Damage
Wella Professionals Fusion Intense Repair Mask
$25 at Amazon$25 at Ulta BeautyCredit: Wella ProfessionalsPros
Protects against breakage
Cons
Reviewers say it’s a small jar
Believe it or not, combing your hair can cause mechanical damage that can weaken strands over time, especially when done incorrectly, says Cleveland. She loves this reparative mask made with silk amino acids to boost hair’s resiliency against breakage.
6Best for Curls
All About Curls Divine Treatment Mask
6Best for Curls
All About Curls Divine Treatment Mask
$16 at Amazon$12 at WalmartCredit: All About Curls Pros
Hydrating 
Boosts softness
Cons
Nothing
"My hair is curly and dry," says Gutterman. "I like to put this mask in at night and rinse it out in the morning." Whether you have thick curls or fine strands, this mask is perfect for all hair types because it’s lightweight but powerful.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Best for Softness
Maria Nila True Soft, Hair Mask
7Best for Softness
Maria Nila True Soft, Hair Mask
$35 at Amazon$14 at WalmartCredit: Maria NilaPros
Boosts softness
Hydrating 
Increases smoothness
Cons
Might be a bit thick for fine or thin hair
If you want your hair to feel smooth, you can’t go wrong with this formula. "Winter has my hair looking and feeling dry, but luckily, five minutes with this mask saturated on my hair is all I need to restore its soft look and feel," says Oprah Daily beauty editor Genesis Rivas.
8Best for Dullness
Sexyhair Healthy Imperfect Fruit Moisturizing Mask
8Best for Dullness
Sexyhair Healthy Imperfect Fruit Moisturizing Mask
$23 at AmazonCredit: SexyHairPros
Boosts shine 
Hydrating
Cons
May be too thick for fine or thin hair
Bring dry, dull hair back to life with this moisturizing mask. Nation loves it because of the vitamin C-rich formula, which helps strengthen, hydrate, and add a healthy shine. Because of its deeply moisturizing effects, it may be a little heavy for fine or thin hair, making it an ideal choice for those with medium to coarse hair types.
9Best for Waves
Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Bond Building Mask
9Best for Waves
Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Bond Building Mask
$9 at Ulta Beauty$11 at WalmartCredit: Not Your Mother’s Pros
Defines curls and waves
Boosts softness
Cons
Nothing
This is another of Rivas’s favorites because it helps define waves and reduce frizz. It’s formulated with amino acids and proteins to repair damaged hair and prevent future breakage. "After using this mask, I immediately notice a difference in the look and feel of my hair. It’s more hydrated, shiny, smooth, and defined," says Rivas. It’s safe for all curly hair types and color-treated hair.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below10Best Scent
Gisou Honey Infused Hair Mask
10Best Scent
Gisou Honey Infused Hair Mask
$57 at SephoraCredit: GisouPros
Sweet scent 
Attracts and retains moisture
Cons
It’s more expensive than other options on this list
Honey, a humectant, is infused in this mask because it attracts and retains moisture for healthy, hydrated hair. It also contains hydrolyzed wheat protein to smooth, soften, and condition strands. Provitamin B helps strengthen and repair damage. And, like all Gisou haircare, it offers a deliciously sweet scent that doubles as a fragrance.
11Best for Flat Hair
Eva Nyc Lift Off Volumizing Hair Mask
11Best for Flat Hair
Eva Nyc Lift Off Volumizing Hair Mask
$16 at Ulta Beauty$20 at WalmartCredit: Eva NYCPros
Volumizing 
Moisturizing
Budget-friendly
Cons
Nothing
Take your hair to new heights with this volumizing mask. It contains linden bud, a plant grown in Turkey rich in flavonoids and amino acids. It forms a protective layer on the hair to give a more voluminous appearance. This mask also offers lightweight hydration.
12Best Multitasker
Klorane Repairing 3-in-1 Mask
12Best Multitasker
Klorane Repairing 3-in-1 Mask
$28 at Ulta BeautyCredit: KloranePros
Can use it as a leave-in or rinse-off mask
Cons
Might be too thick for fine or thin hair
This multitasking wonder is one that Maclay reaches for again and again. You can use it in three different ways. Slather it on as you would any traditional rinse-away hair mask, saturate super-dry strands and keep it on overnight, or rake it onto damp hair as a leave-in conditioner.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below13Best for All Hair Types
Kerastase Elixir Ultime Mask
13Best for All Hair Types
Kerastase Elixir Ultime Mask
$68 at Sephora$42 at WalmartCredit: KérastasePros
Moisturizing
Cons
It’s a splurge
This classic formula is a mix of organic camellia and argan oil that gives hair a health and shine boost. "It’s one of my all-time favorites," says Maclay. "This is going to give you all the moisture you need without weighing hair down."
14Best Detoxifying
L’Oréal Professionel Metal Detox
14Best Detoxifying
L’Oréal Professionel Metal Detox
$50 at SephoraCredit: L’Oréal Professionel Pros
Cleans the hair of potentially damaging metals 
Lightweight
Cons
It’s more expensive than other options on this list
As water in our shower flows through eroded pipes, harsh metals can accumulate in the hair, causing breakage and color fading. This mask prevents damage from metal particles while hydrating, softening, and protecting color vibrancy. It’s lightweight enough that you can use it daily or as needed.
15Best Sustainable
Joico InnerJoi Strengthen Oil Cream Masque
15Best Sustainable
Joico InnerJoi Strengthen Oil Cream Masque
$33 at AmazonCredit: Joico Pros
Vegan and PETA approved 
Made with 95 percent recycled plastic 
Promotes healthy silky hair
Cons
Some reviewers say the bottle is small
Do good for your hair and the environment with this sustainable vegan option. It’s made with naturally derived ingredients— meaning it has undergone limited processing for use—and 95 percent recyclable plastic, and is vegan and gluten-free. The formula helps strengthen hair and reduce breakage.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below16Best Luxury
Dr. Barbara Sturm Repair Hair Mask
16Best Luxury
Dr. Barbara Sturm Repair Hair Mask
Shop NowCredit: Dr. Barbara SturmPros
Doesn’t weigh down hair
Cons
It’s a splurge
"Healthy hair starts at the scalp," Maclay explains. "This hair mask helps balance out the scalp health by hydrating your strands." What’s behind its transformative powers? A blend of organic shea butter (to deeply moisturize), laminaria digitata and chlorella vulgaris (to rebalance the skin on the scalp), and hemi-squalane to reduce frizz and protect strands from styling damage.
17Best for Color-Treated Hair
Alterna Haircare Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Masque
17Best for Color-Treated Hair
Alterna Haircare Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Masque
Now 30% Off$31 at Sephora$20 at Walmart$40 at JCPenneyCredit: Alterna HaircarePros
Protects against hair color
Great for thick hair
Cons
It’s more expensive than other options on this list
"It’s important to get a rich hair mask if your locks are thick. I’m obsessed with this Alterna hair mask for its healing and deep penetrating qualities," says Olivia Rodrigo’s mane man, Clayton Hawkins. It’s also a great pick for color-treated hair, since it contains a plant-derived melanin ingredient that protects your color.
