The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (2024)

The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (1)

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Ever make a DIY hair mask out of avocado, honey and oil? Whether it went south or took too long, consider purchasing a hair mask, a.k.a. a deep conditioner, to hydrate your hair and leave it feeling softer and more manageable than before — without taking up too much of your time either.

Our experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab evaluate the best beauty products, including hair care products. To find the best hair masks, we researched top-performing brands and consulted with professional hairstylists.

Our top picks:

"Integrating a hair mask into your haircare routine can be a transformative experience, leading to healthier, more vibrant locks," says Master Stylist and Colorist Artem Soshyn at Warren Tricomi NYC. You can find a hair mask for every hair type and texture, from intensive masks for thick or curly hair to lightweight options best for oily or thin hair. We also include picks for damaged or treated hair so you can help restore your locks to their healthy shine.

Continue reading to score the right hair mask for your needs, and learn helpful advice for applying a hair mask. "So go ahead, pamper yourself and enjoy the benefits of a rejuvenating hair mask for gorgeous, salon-worthy hair," Soshyn says.

1

Best Overall Hair Mask

Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair!

The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (8)

Pros
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (9)Helps with frizz
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (10)Can be used on all hair types
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (11)Formulated to not leave hair feeling heavy
Cons
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (12)May be drying

While we haven't tested this Amazon's Choice hair mask, almost 3,000 five-star customer reviews made it stand out during our research. The protein-rich formula has algae extract and vitamin B to help decrease hair breakage and contains rosehip oil to target frizz. Briogeo says the mask can be used on all hair types.

The product's ingredients help address a variety of hair concerns and work to leave your hair feeling soft but not heavy. One satisfied customer writes, "This product is literally the single most amazing thing I have ever used for my hair. I kid you not, I noticed a difference in softness and moisture the first time I ever used it." However, some online shoppers found that the mask dried out their hair.

2

Best Value Hair Mask

it's a 10 Miracle Deep Conditioner

The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (13)

The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (14)

Pros
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (15)Affordable
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (16)Prevents further damage
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (17)Doesn't leave hair greasy
Cons
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (18)Can be hard to rinse

We named it's a 10 best overall in our last deep conditioner test thanks to its top scores for conditioning locks and preventing further damage without leaving hair feeling greasy. Consumer testers rated the Miracle Deep Conditioner highest overall for satisfaction, with many commenting on the pleasant smell which our Lab experts found to be one of the lightest scents.

The hair mask makes your hair feel smoother after application, with one tester saying, "It definitely made my color-treated and damaged blonde hair softer and more manageable." What's more? Our top-performer is now under $20 and available on Walmart. However, some testers said the product was hard to rinse out.

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3

Best Hair Mask for Damaged Hair

Kérastase Resistance Strengthening Hair Mask

The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (19)

Pros
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (20)Repairs and strengthens hair
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (21)Works for various hair types and textures
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (22)Can use as a 5-minute or 30-35-minute mask
Cons
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (23)Pricey

Soshyn recommends this hair mask by Kérastase for damaged or over-processed hair. "Its innovative formulation repairs and strengthens hair fibers, leaving them softer, smoother and more resilient than ever," explains Soshyn.

Designed for medium or thick hair, the mask also works on straight, wavy, curly or coily hair. The brand recommends that consumers use the mask weekly and leave on for at least five minutes or up to 35 minutes for a more intensive treatment. Although the hair mask is on the pricier end, one pot contains a fair amount of product and one five-star review says it's "worth the money."

RELATED: How to Actually Fix Damaged Hair

Pros
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (25)Sizable container and affordable price
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (26)Neem oil helps with dryness
Cons
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (27)Thick consistency

Eva Nyc, a previous Good Housekeeping Sustainable Innovation Award winner, sells a unique hair mask designed to moisturize, decrease breakage and frizz, nourish your hair and more (until you reach 10 benefits!). We appreciate that it contains neem oil, which specifically targets dryness.

"My hair was much more supple and velvety after using this," says GH Beauty Director April Franzino, who adds that the scent is amazing. All of this for an affordable price and a sizable container makes this mask a shoe-in for dry hair that needs some nourishment to reach its healthiest state.

The product also has a 4.7-star rating on Ulta with one five-star review saying, "This mask took my hair from dry and frizzy to calmed and moisturized. I love it and will keep buying it!" One shopper does note that the mask is rather thick.

RELATED: The Best Conditioners to Hydrate Dry, Coarse Hair

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5

Best Hair Mask for Curly Hair

Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask

The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (28)

Pros
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (29)Comes with a brush
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (30)Pleasant scent
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (31)Contains argan oil
Cons
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (32)May be too rich for thin or oily hair

GH Institute Deputy Editor Jessica Teich won't travel without packing this hair mask, saying it "turns dry, thirsty, crispy curls plump and juicy with every use." It smells lovely and thanks to argan oil, it's super hydrating — hence the name.

The brand recommends applying the product to towel-dried hair and combing it through. Leave on for five to seven minutes and then rinse. Easy-peasy and perfect for when you're traveling! One thing to note: The richer formula may not be the best fit for thinner or oilier hair. But for thick, curly hair, a 4.6-star rating on Sephora with one five-star review saying they "will buy it forever," it fits the bill.

RELATED: The Best Leave-In Conditioners for Curly Hair

6

Best Luxury Hair Mask

Oribe Signature Moisture Masque

The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (33)

Pros
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (34)Popular among online consumers
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (35)Formulated with a blend of botanical extracts
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (36)Repairs dry and damaged hair
Cons
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (37)Scent may not be for everyone

Oribe haircare has become a popular choice for the beauty-obsessed which is why we have included the brand's products in various shopping guides, from the best hair glazes to the best shampoo for dry hair. Its Signature Moisture Masque is another top-performer that has close to a perfect five-star rating on Dermstore.

"With its luxurious formula and blend of botanical extracts, it deeply conditions and repairs dry, damaged hair, leaving it incredibly soft, silky and manageable," says Soshyn. At a little over $60, multiple online shoppers wish the product was less expensive but add that "a little goes a long way." Many comment on its pleasant smell but if you are sensitive to fragrance, note that the mask isn't scent-free.

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7

Best Hair Mask for Fine Hair

OUAI Treatment Mask for Fine to Medium Hair

The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (38)

Pros
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (39)Improves hair's shine and strength
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (40)Formulated without sulfates
Cons
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (41)Floral scent may be too strong for some

This hair mask is formulated without sulfates and is meant for fine to medium hair types and coily, curly, straight and wavy hair textures. Shea butter hydrates hair while keratin helps reduce breakage and frizz.

It also contains panthenol to improve overall shine and strength of hair. The mask has a floral scent and a 4.5-star rating on Sephora across close to 800 reviews. One five-star review says, "Before I started using this product my hair was dry, brittle and kept breaking up the middle. After six months of use I have none of these issues." Some did find that the scent was too strong.

RELATED: The Best Hair Thickening Products for Fine, Thinning Strands

8

Most Popular Hair Mask

Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Hair Mask

The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (42)

Pros
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (43)Good for all hair types
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (44)Formulated to repair broken bonds
Cons
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (45)Some shoppers did not see results

Olaplex is another popular hair brand that shoppers can't get enough of — just look at the more than 1,200 online reviews for the No. 8 hair mask! It's formulated with specific ingredients to help repair broken hair bonds. One five-star review calls it a "must-have in weekly routine," adding that it helped smooth and manage their dry, curly hair.

The brand says the product is also good for helping with frizz and increasing shine. It can be used on fine, medium and thick hair types, making it a versatile pick. However, some shoppers did not see much results when using the mask.

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9

Best Hydrating Hair Mask

Bondbar Bonding Hydration Mask

The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (46)

Pros
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (47)Restores treated hair
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (48)Phthalate-free
Cons
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (49)Small bottle

"This hair mask made my color-treated, heat-styled hair feel silky, healthy and less like straw-like in one use," says Franzino. And the price is right, plus it has an almost perfect five-star rating on Sally Beauty across close to 100 reviews. We appreciate that the mask is phthalate-free, according to the brand, and is designed to improve wet detangling so you can brush or comb through your hair easily. Franzino does point out that the bottle is rather small at four ounces, so it may not be the best hair mask for someone with medium to long hair who will use more product per use.

10

Best Splurge-Worthy Hair Mask

K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask

The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (50)

Pros
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (51)Easy to use
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (52)Formulated for all hair types and textures
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (53)Repairs damage
Cons
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (54)Expensive

If using a hair mask is a new part of your weekly routine, this leave-in mask is easy to apply and saves time while still working to repair damage and restore your hair to its smoothest, softest and bounciest state. It's won a GH Beauty Award and has a patented peptide formula to specifically address damaged hair.

In fact, Lab data analysis showed that it restored overbleached hair samples with just two uses. Designed for all hair types and textures, simply shampoo (but don't condition!), towel dry, apply one to two dime-sized pumps working from ends to roots, let sit for four minutes and then style. That all said, it is the most expensive mask on this list and one GH Editor found it left her hair a little matted after use.

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11

Best Hair Mask for Frizzy Hair

Coco & Eve Like A Virgin Super Nourishing Coconut & Fig Hair Masque

The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (55)

Pros
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (56)Includes brush
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (57)Helps prevent further damage
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (58)Contains argan oil
Cons
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (59)Scent may not be for everyone

With a 4.7-star rating on Ulta across more than 4k online reviews, this nourishing hair mask comes with a "game-changing brush," according to Teich. It "gently detangles knots while working the mask thoroughly through even dense strands," she says. The 5-in-1 treatment helps strengthen hair, per the brand's claim, and lubricates hair to prevent further damage. Argan oil helps tame frizzy hair, restoring your locks to optimal health. However, the signature coconut and fig scent may not to be to everyone's liking.

12

Best Hair Mask for Colored, Curly Hair

Maria Nila Coils & Curls Finishing Hair Mask

The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (60)

Pros
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (61)Sulfate-free
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (62)Designed for all curly hair types
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (63)Easy to apply
Cons
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (64)Scented

At a competitive price point compared to other masks on our list, this Maria Nila option is packed with nourishing ingredients including jojoba oil, rosehip oil, shea butter, aloe vera and vitamin E. Designed for all curl types, the hydrating mask is also easy to use: Simply apply to wet hair and let sit for three to 15 minutes, per the brand's instructions, and rinse to finish. One consumer found that after using the product, his curls were more defined and his hair was shinier. We appreciate that it's sulfate-free — making it a great choice for colored and curly hair types. Note that the mask has an apricot scent that can linger, but some report it isn't overwhelming.

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13

Best Drugstore Hair Mask

SheaMoisture Strengthen & Restore Treatment Masque

The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (65)

Pros
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (66)Hydrates and smooths hair
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (67)Good amount of product per container
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (68)Affordable
Cons
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (69)Requires daily application

Over 800 Target online customers praise this budget-friendly hair mask that is phthalate- and sulfate-free. We also appreciate that not only is it just under $12, but it's also housed in a 12-ounce container that really maximizes your spending for the amount of product you get. Jamaican black castor oil and shea butter work to strengthen and restore damaged or treated hair. It's also designed to help increase shine, smoothness and hydration. Unlike other masks on this list, the brand recommends that consumers apply it daily.

14

Best Hair Mask for Thick Hair

Fable & Mane HoliRoots Repairing Hair Mask

The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (70)

Pros
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (71)Rich and creamy formula with creams and butters
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (72)Helps decrease frizz
Cons
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (73)Scent may not be for everyone

If you have thicker hair, then you'll want to add this rich and creamy hair mask to your Sephora shopping cart ASAP. Ingredients include coconut cream, mango butter and banana to help hydrate, improve strength and moisturize, respectively. One five-star review says, "My hair feels softer, hydrated and less frizzy afterwards, and the smell is great," while another adds that they "only needed [a] dime-size amount to make my hair feel amazingly soft and healthy." Some online shoppers didn't love the fruity, tropical smell though, so if you're sensitive to fragrance note that this mask may not be the best one for your preferences.

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15

Best Hair Mask for Wavy Hair

Function of Beauty Wavy Hair Mask Base with Vegan Squalane

The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (74)

Pros
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (75)Affordable
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (76)Enhances shape of waves
Cons
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (77)May dry hair

At under $10, this affordable pick performs at the price of more expensive masks. Franzino says this hair mask specifically designed for wavy hair "works wonders on my natural type 2C deep waves." The product works to enhance the shape of your waves. "Once my hair air-dries, my waves look more defined and bouncy than they normally do," explains Franzino. She also found her hair to feel soft post-use without feeling weighed down by product. A 4.5-star review on Target across hundreds of online reviews makes this a popular drugstore pick you'll want to add to your hair routine. Some shoppers found their hair felt dry after using, though.

RELATED: How to Figure Out Your Curly Hair Type

16

Salon Owner-Recommended Hair Mask

amika Soulfood Nourishing Mask

The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (78)

Pros
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (79)Antioxidant-rich formula
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (80)Extensive line of hair masks
Cons
  • The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (81)Some shoppers found it drying

Mahogany Grace, Hairstylist and Salon Owner of Mahogany Grace Salon, recommends Amika's Soulfood hair mask — and we, along with over 4,600 Amazon online shoppers, can understand why. The mask contains jojoba seed oil to moisturize and soften hair, as well as antioxidant sea buckthorn to help maintain your hair's health. You can also shop the line to find hair masks formulated for specific hair types. One five-star review writes, "Almost immediately after rinsing it out I could feel a difference in my hair, even while wet. It felt softer and so hydrated." Some Amazon reviews note that the mask dried out their hair.

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How we chose the best hair masks

The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (82)

To find the best hair masks available on the market today, our experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute referenced a previous test of the best deep conditioners and drew from decades of experience testing haircare products, including the best conditioners, hair oils, bond repair treatments and more. We spoke with professional hairstylists and colorists to gain industry insight into the category, and spent hours combing through online reviews to discern which products performed well in real consumers' homes.

What to look for when shopping for a hair mask

The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (83)

✔️ Hair type: Just like with your shampoo and conditioner, you want to make sure that the hair mask you choose is meant for your hair type and texture, whether that be oily, dry, thin, frizzy, curly, wavy or coily. Soshyn recommends a lightweight, volumizing hair mask for oily or thin hair while a richer, more moisturizing mask is ideal for dry, damaged or treated hair.

✔️ Ingredients: Aim for a product that includes argan oil, shea butter, coconut oil, keratin and other nourishing ingredients, says Soshyn. Grace adds that butters, oils, aloe vera and honey are especially ideal for textured, colored and treated hair. Meanwhile, Grace recommends amino acids, keratins and hydrolyzed proteins if you're seeking a strengthening hair mask. Look out for hair masks include harsh sulfates as they can strip and damage hair, explains Soshyn.

✔️ Concerns: Soshyn also notes that it's important to consider a mask formulated for specific hair certain concerns if you have color-treated or heat-damaged hair or scalp issues.

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What is the difference between a hair mask and a hair conditioner?

The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (84)

While hair masks and deep conditioners are the same thing, they differ from a regular conditioner. "Deep conditioners/hair masks are usually thicker and contain more hair conditioning/lubricating agents than your traditional hair conditioner," explains Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek. Hair masks are typically used multiple times a week or weekly and are particularly beneficial for those with thick, dry or damaged hair, while a conditioner is used with every wash and is great for every hair type.

How to use a hair mask

The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (85)

If you are new to using hair masks or need a quick refresher on the best way to apply, experts list the following steps:

  1. Shampoo: Wash your hair with your shampoo and gently towel dry until your hair is damp, says Soshyn.
  2. Apply mask: Evenly distribute the hair mask, focusing on the mid-length and end areas, recommends Soshyn, adding that you'll want to avoid applying the mask directly to your scalp if you have oily hair.
  3. Let sit: Check the brand's instructions for how long to keep the mask on, but "a good rule of thumb is to leave your mask in for a good 10 to 15 minutes," says Hair Artist Laurabeth Cabott. Some masks may recommend you leave it on for 5 minutes while others may say 30 minutes or more. "For a more intensive treatment, you can cover your hair with a shower cap or warm towel to create heat and enhance absorption," adds Soshyn.
  4. Rinse: When the timer sounds, rinse with lukewarm water and finish with a cool rinse to seal the hair cuticles and increase shine, says Soshyn.
  5. Repeat: Again, you'll want to check the product's label to confirm how often to use the product, but generally hair masks can be used on a weekly basis. "For chemically treated, textured and damaged hair, doing treatments at least two to three times a month is highly recommended," says Grace.

The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (86)

Elizabeth Berry

Updates Editor

Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.

The Best Hair Masks, According to Beauty Experts (2024)
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