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29 Best Hair Masks to Repair Dry and Frizzy Hair, According to Experts

 

The benefits are undeniable..

Whether your curls are limp, your ends are fried, or you want to grow your hair faster, the best hair masks can come to the rescue. Essentially conditioners on steroids, hair masks are fortified with nourishing oils and deeply hydrating ingredients, which work to quickly repair split ends, revive color, and restore softness—no matter your hair type, length, or texture.

“Hair masks are deep-conditioning treatments, packed with nutrients, that completely saturate your hair and produce noticeable long-lasting results,” says Devin Toth, a stylist at Salon SCK in New York City. “Their incredible benefits are undeniable.”

How to find the right hair mask

Of course, certain formulas work better than others, depending on your specific concerns. “Look for a mask that targets what your hair is in need of most,” says Raven Hurtado, hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. “For instance, if your hair feels damaged or has split ends, opt for a mask with bond rebuilders. A mask that has conditioning oils would also help dry or frizzy hair.”

Similarly, a bond repair mask like Olaplex’s does wonders to bring heat- or color-damaged hair back to life, while a deep-conditioning treatment is key if it’s strong, bouncy curls you’re after. And if your color is looking dull? Consider a toning mask your new best friend.

As far as ingredients are concerned, “look for oils, butters, and other emollients that add moisture to the hair,” says Bumble and Bumble hairstylist and educator Joey Gallagher. For those with fine, straight hair, go for a lightweight mask that delivers the nutrients your hair needs without weighing it down. Those with thick hair types, like curly, coily, or natural hair, can opt for more nourishing masks—and can even rinse them only partially out so they work like a leave-in conditioner.

How to apply hair masks

As a general rule of thumb, use a hair mask once or twice a week to avoid drying out hair. New York City hairstylist Mikel Slate also recommends applying after you’ve rinsed out your shampoo: Lightly towel-drying hair, then comb the mask through the ends to ensure an even application. Leave it on for at least 10 to 15 minutes (keeping a claw clip and a comb stashed in your shower will help if you have long or natural hair), and rinse with cold water, which will help boost shine. “Rinse your hair two times if you need to,” says Slate.

Now that you’ve got that down, keep scrolling for the best hair masks that experts say actually help (and have also achieved rave reviews…and Glamour Beauty Awards).

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Best Hair Mask Overall: Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3

 

For anyone with color-treated or bleached hair, this best-selling at-home treatment strengthens the bonds in the hair to keep it from looking like a sad pile of overgrown straw. Glamour contributor Jenny Singer told Glamour she likes to use it twice a week: “I have fine curly hair that’s been bleached and is regularly exposed to heat, so anything I can get that protects and sustains it is really valuable to me!” But the patented bond-building technology the brand relies on isn’t only for color-treated hair. No matter your texture, if your hair is compromised in any way—think damaged, dry, or frizzy—you’ll see a marked improvement in its look and feel. It’s not cheap, but if you’re regularly shelling the cash to dye your hair or haven’t been into the salon in a while, it’s worth it.

Best Affordable Hair Mask: TXTUR Overnight Bond Building Mask

Special projects editor Ruhama Wolle is a huge fan of TXTUR’s Glamour Beauty Award–winning Overnight Bond Building Mask. “This mask works wonders, leaving my hair noticeably healthier, frizz-free, and manageable,” she says in her review. “I was initially worried about greasiness, as I prefer masks that add moisture without the unwanted oily residue. However, this product pleasantly surprised me by leaving my hair soft and smooth. To prevent any mess, I wrap my hair in a T-shirt while using it. I don’t usually apply product overnight, but this has become a mainstay in my routine.”

Best Luxury Hair Mask: Guerlain Abeille Royale Scalp & Hair Double R Radiance & Repair Mask

Guerlain’s Abeille Royale Scalp & Hair Double R Radiance & Repair Mask might be a splurge, but it’s a Glamour Beauty Award winner for a reason.

“A hair mask has to be stellar for me to use it, because frankly, I don’t have the patience for them. But Guerlain’s Abeille Royale is truly in a league of its own, and one that I will gladly take the time for,” senior West Coast editor Jessica Radloff says in her review. “It includes a double formulation (which, to be honest, is really fun to use when you squeeze the bottle) to replenish the fiber structure from the root while also reviving my color—and adding shine—thanks to a floral oleo-extrait. I leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing out (just make sure to also massage it into your scalp and all over your strands) and my hair is softer, shinier, stronger, and way more manageable.”

Best Hair Mask for Blonde Hair: Shu Uemura YÅ«bi Blonde Anti-Brass Purple Mask for Blonde Hair

Is your blonde starting to fade or turn brassy? Toth suggests YÅ«bi’s Blonde Anti-Brass Purple Hair Mask to bring the color back to life. “This mask is excellent for blondes who are trying to prevent and rebalance brassy yellow and orange tones,” he says. (The brand’s purple shampoo also comes highly recommended by editor Adrienne Faurote, who told Glamour previously that she uses it when she needs “instant results” or if she wants to lighten her hair again in between salon visits.)

Best Bond Repair Treatment: K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask

This easy-to-use leave-in treatment—which launched in 2020 but gained popularity on TikTok in 2022 after landing at Sephora—is a client favorite for those dealing with dryness, dullness, and damage, says Slate. Not only does it deliver serious results, but it’s also not a huge time commitment. “It’s a mask that gives immediate results, and the application time calls for 4 minutes, so you’re not spending 10 minutes in the shower patiently waiting,” he says. (The way it works is that you have to apply it to towel-dry hair and let it activate for 4 minutes before continuing with the rest of your styling.) Yusef, celebrity hairstylist and K18 partner, told Glamour previously that “K18 does everything bond builders do, and goes a step further by also repairing polypeptide chain breaks on the y-axis. Hair both looks and feels like new.” Our former beauty associate, Bella Cacciatore, tested it out for a few weeks hoping to reverse “years of bleach damage” that left her hair looking “scraggly and frail.” Her take? “Though it feels somewhat unnatural to skip conditioner and apply a mask fresh out of the shower, after doing it a few times I can’t really imagine going back to traditional masks. There’s no killing time in the shower while it does its thing or getting out to let the mask sit and then back in to rinse. The mask quickly absorbs into your hair with minimal residue and is very lightweight—moreso than a traditional conditioner or leave-in—making it a great option for finer hair like mine.” She added, “It’s shampoo-commercial hair in a bottle.”

Best Hair Mask for Chemically Treated Hair: Oribe Gold Lust Transformative Hair Mask

Dan Williams, stylist and salon owner at Studio Dan Williams, suggests Oribe’s Gold Lust Transformative Hair Mask for anyone with chemically treated, hair; the formula features a mix of baobab tree oil for antioxidant protection, plus a restorative complex of biotin, plant collagen, caffeine, and niacinamide that go into the hair cuticle to repair and nourish. “I love this for its transformative moisture and strengthening properties,” Williams says. “It leaves the hair incredibly conditioned, soft, and noticeably stronger with each use. It’s great for chemically treated hair or hair that needs some strengthening with a moisture punch, like kinky or curly hair.” One Sephora shopper left this glowing review: “It’s not heavy, super nourishing, brings out my highlights, makes hair shiny, small amount is enough for my super thick hair, detangles, smells great, and the scent last!” Sold.

Best Drugstore Hair Mask: Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Waves Deep Conditioner

Few things are more satisfying than an effective drugstore find. This affordable must-have is packed with avocado and jojoba oil to smooth and soften frizzy hair—it’s no surprise this took home a Glamour Beauty Award. Glamour creative director Allie Folino says the musky, citrus scent “smells absolutely delicious and leaves my hair feeling moisturized and refreshed in no time.” (If the name wasn’t already an indication, all you have to do is let it sit for 3 minutes before rinsing it out.)

Best Hair Mask for Wavy Hair: Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Mega Moisture Superfood Mask

Hello, hydration! The ingredients list for this hair mask reads like a Pinterest recipe, with avocado oil to nourish and condition, kiwi fruit and spinach extracts rich in protective antioxidants, plus chia seeds and cocoa seed butter to help lock in and retain moisture. Glamour's commerce writer Andrea Navarro uses it routinely to soothe dryness on her scalp and curls; “it smells phenomenal,” she says, adding, “But mostly it really quenches my dry hair and makes it easy to detangle and style for days to come.” After just 10 minutes, hair is noticeably softer and shinier—like magic but not.

Best for Knots: Arvazallia Hydrating Argan Oil Hair Mask

Hurtado loves Arvazallia’s Hydrating Argan Oil Hair Mask, which has more than 35,000 five-star reviews on Amazon and is one of the site’s top picks. “Not only is it good for dry hair, but also damaged hair,” she says of the argan-oil-infused formula. “It restores and repairs hair while leaving it soft, silky, and manageable.” It’s particularly great for unraveling thick, painful knots—one reviewer said it’s the only product that let her finally comb her hair after two months.

Best Hair Mask for Brassy Hair: Amika Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Purple Intense Repair Hair Mask

“Amika’s Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Purple Intense Repair Hair Mask is such a rich and luxurious mask packed with vegan proteins and plant-based butters,” says Williams. “It helps strengthen while providing rich moisture and the purple pigment is amazing for blonde refinement and even on natural gray hair.” Faurote also loves the brand’s restorative purple shampoo, which she recommends only using twice a week “to avoid going too cool.”

Best Hair Mask for Thin Hair: Sisley-Paris Regenerating Hair Care Mask With Four Botanical Oils

Celebrity hairstylist Marc Mena recommends the lightweight Sisley-Paris Regenerating Hair Care Mask with Four Botanical Oils, as it nourishes both the scalp and hair. Formulated with plant-based extracts, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, as well as shea, macadamia, camellia, and hazelnut oils, this multitasking product invigorates the scalp and supports hair strength. “My fine, thin hair (color-treated, heat-styled) becomes shiny and has body,” says one reviewer who uses it once a month and is able to keep the bottle for an entire year.

Best Hair Mask for Thick Hair: Leonor Greyl Masque à l'Orchidée

Both Toth and Mena use and recommend the cult-favorite Leonor Greyl Masque à l'Orchidée, which is loaded with a hydrating cocktail of ingredients that’s perfect for making thick, curly, and frizzy hair more manageable. “It’s incredibly moisturizing, vitamin-rich, and contains organic shea butter and organic jojoba oil,” says Toth. And unlike most masks, which can only be used once or twice a week, this one is gentle enough to be used as a daily conditioner for those who need serious hydration. One reviewer confirmed it: “I use this as a conditioner (not a mask), keeping it in my hair for about 2 or 3 minutes in the shower, and it does a good job of softening my long, coarse hair. The scent is not overwhelming. I like it!”

Best Hair Mask for Curly Hair: TGIN Honey Miracle Hair Mask

Thanks to superstar hydrators like raw honey, olive oil, and jojoba oil, this lightweight hydrating mask is excellent for type 3 and type 4 curls; heavier masks can weigh down hair and lead to more breakage, which is the exact opposite of what you want. The sweet honey scent is mild enough that it’ll turn your routine shower into a luscious, tropical getaway, but it doesn’t linger for hours, which makes it great if you’re sensitive to strong fragrances. Several reviewers with low-porosity hair types raved about the formula, but it’s this comment that truly did it for us: “Low-porosity people, look no further! This is it! Usually I have to use a lot of conditioner or hair mask on my hair and leave it on for an hour. A little went a long way with this product; it worked on my thick low-porosity 4b hair instantly. I barely needed the comb because the slip is bomb—the product did all of the work.”

Best Hair Mask for Breakage: Oribe Hair Care Hair Alchemy Strengthening Masque

Mena also points to Oribe’s Glamour Beauty Award-winning Hair Care Hair Alchemy Strengthening Masque as a great mask for addressing breakage, due to its robust blend of chia seed, bio-fermented bamboo leaf, plant-based protein, shea butter, and castor seed oil. This powerful treatment prevents breakage while deeply conditioning, detangling, and softening brittle hair; castor seed oil protects and seals the cuticle.

Best Bond Repair Hair Mask: Verb Bonding Mask

Associate beauty editor Danielle Sinay is a big fan of Verb’s Bonding Mask. Formulated with amino-bond complex, matura butter, and manketti seed oil, it moisturizes and protects the hair while relinking broken protein bonds. “Having dyed and heat-styled my hair for most of my adult life, I’m no stranger to hair damage, split ends, or breakage. Fortunately, they have nothing on Verb’s Bonding Mask,” says Sinay. “Now that I’ve been using it weekly, my hair is soft, silky, and smooth, and shedding significantly less every time I brush it. Plus, it smells amazing!”

Best Overnight Hair Mask: R+Co Bleu Sleep Masque Night Repair Serum

Don’t want to stand around waiting for your mask to activate? You might want to invest in R+Co’s overnight leave-in option. “The Sleep Masque Night Repair Serum repairs parched, damaged hair while you sleep with its green caviar algae that’s rich in oligoelements, vitamins, and minerals,” says Toth. It nourishes, rebuilds, and revitalizes throughout the night, Toth says, so that in the morning you can style your hair as usual.

Best Hair Mask for Fine Hair: Ouai Treatment Masque

Fine strands can fall flat under the weight of heavy hair masks, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need the extra hydration hair masks can provide. Enter the Ouai Treatment Mask. Specifically formulated for medium-to-fine hair types, this lightweight formula repairs damage (owing to shea butter and hydrolyzed keratin) and maximizes shine without leaving hair greasy or stringy (thanks to panthenol). “I have very fine, curly-ish hair, and lots of it, so I’m always looking for something to hydrate it but not weigh it down,” one Sephora reviewer explained. “This mask does just that. I love the way it makes my hair feel soft and bouncy. I use it after shampoo and before conditioner and it's perfect,” they added.

Best Hair Mask for Damaged Hair: Shu Uemura Ultimate Reset Hair Mask for Very Damaged Hair

The star ingredient in this nourishing treatment is a Japanese-sourced rice extract, which is rich in minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins B and E that protect, hydrate, and improve hair’s elasticity. With twice-a-week use, “this is an amazing mask that revitalizes hair,” Toth says. “It doubles the shine and prevents breakage.” Not to mention it imparts a gorgeous earthy scent that will turn your shower into a spa-like experience. “Since I started using this mask my hair has been soft, manageable, and shiny,” one reviewer said. “It rinses easily, and though I use it from root to tip (to ensure my wiry grays benefit), I have noticed no build-up or greasiness (Shu Uemura recommends mid-length to ends only). My medium-length hair requires about two quarter-size dollops.”

Best Hair Mask for Straight Hair: R+Co Television Hair Masque

The shine, softness, and overall way this mask makes your hair look is chef’s kiss. Even in low light, it makes your hair look glossy, all thanks to the coconut oil and murumuru butter in the formula that intensely hydrate and strengthen your hair—without making it feel sticky or heavy. Apply it after shampooing to the ends of wet hair (skip the conditioner) and let it work in for two to five minutes. “It leaves my hair feeling so moisturized without weighing it down,” said one reviewer, who sees the best results after blow-drying and styling. “It keeps hair looking fresh for a few days, as well.”

Best Hair Mask for Coily or Kinky Hair: SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Hair Masque

Type 4 curls dry out quickly, which is why oils like jojoba and castor are a must-have in masks for this hair texture. This moisture mask does the trick with a combination of nourishing oils (like mafura and baobab) as well as honey and shea butter to deliver soft, shiny curls in a matter of minutes. All you have to do is apply the product, distribute it evenly from root to ends with a wide-tooth comb, and then rinse it out after five minutes. (Some customers have also mentioned leaving it in for 30 minutes once a week for a more intensive treatment.) “I didn’t expect my hair to feel so soft after just one use but it did,” one reviewer said. “I love the smell of this mask and it’s so easy to wash out in the shower. I have nothing but amazing things to say about this product!”

Best-Smelling Hair Mask: Fable & Mane HoliRoots Repairing Hair Mask

The scent of this hair mask is simply heavenly, but that’s not the only reason Mena recommends it. Formulated with coconut cream, banana, and mango butter, it’s all-natural, vegan, and cruelty-free.

Best Hair Mask for Strengthening: Kérastase Genesis Strengthening Hair Mask

Toth and Hurtado both recommend this five-minute treatment, which uses edelweiss native cells and ginger root for detangling and strengthening. “This mask will help nourish any breakage and split ends that also conditions to provide smooth hair,” says Hurtado. Apply a quarter-size amount from ends to mid-lengths and let it do its thing; one reviewer not only noticed that their hair was shinier, but that they also stopped shedding as much. Incredible.

Best Volumizing Hair Mask: NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Volume Thickening & Conditioning Hair Masque

Say goodbye to limp hair with NatureLab’s Tokyo Perfect Volume Thickening & Conditioning Hair Masque. Formulated with thickening rice starch and polymers, it instantly adds lift, volume, and body.

Best Pro Hair Mask for Curly or Coily Hair: Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Mega Strength + Rice Water Protein + Moisture Strengthening Treatment

Another Glamour Beauty Award winner, this product is a must-have for curls, according to our panel of judges. Packed with rice water, which for centuries has been used to revive dry or brittle hair, it’s great if you’re after thicker, shinier hair. (Rice water contains many nutrients, including inositol, which is meant to improve strength and shine.) “My hair wasn’t as frizzy after just one use, and with continued use I will definitely see even more of an improvement,” one tester said.

Best Deep-Conditioning Hair Mask: Bread Beauty Supply Hair Mask Creamy Deep Conditioner

This mask is the perfect moisture mask for braid-outs, twist-outs, and other protective styles, and ups the luxury factor with a subtle scent and velvety texture. It boosts elasticity while softening and hydrating hair, making detangling a cinch. Plus, the packaging looks incredible—no wonder it’s been flying off the shelves ever since it launched at Sephora. Some reviewers use it once a week, others up to three times; however often you decide you need it, apply it in sections from roots to ends and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing out most (not all!) of the product.

Best Hair Mask for Split Ends: Authentic Beauty Concept Hydrate Mask

If you’re one of those people who put off a hair appointment even if their ends are screaming for a trim, then this mask is the TLC they deserve. ABC makes great vegan products in general, but this mango and basil mask’s moisturizing ability is nothing short of impressive. Applying it to damp hair—even just five minutes will do—will deliver noticeably bouncier strands and smoother ends. One reviewer with fine, highlighted, 3a/b curly hair said they have a hard time finding a good mask because most have protein in it, which their hair is sensitive to, but says, “This mask is very hydrating and makes my very hair soft and shiny.”

Best Hair Mask for Frizzy Hair: Crown Affair The Renewal Mask

After just one use, this hair mask instantly smooths and nourishes worn-out hair. It eases hair’s natural frizz to deliver more gentle, relaxed curls. Topping it off is the soothing scent and all-natural ingredients such as tsubaki seed oil, which nourishes and strengthens without adding weight, plus yuzu extract to promote fullness and elasticity. Apply it evenly across roots and mid-lengths, leave it on for up to 10 minutes, then rinse hair with cold water to seal the cuticle. “There has to be silk in this stuff!” one reviewer wrote. “For someone with curly hair who fills her hair with different products daily, this stuff conditions my hair from knotted dry rough hair to smooth silky soft hair.” If that doesn’t convince you to give this a go….

Best Lightweight Hair Mask: Bumble and Bumble Thickening Plumping Mask

Straight, superfine hair is prone to heat damage and easily weighed down by anything too deep-conditioning, which is not an ideal situation when you need to repair it; most masks are simply too heavy to handle. However, this plumping mask is one of those rare finds that strike the perfect balance of nourishing and reparative. “The mask contains kukui seed and coconut oils, which are also great for conditioning, but the mask texture is on the lighter side, allowing for a more lightweight, voluminous finish when rinsed,” says Gallagher. In addition to kukui seed and coconut oil that help condition and smooth, the formula also contains hydrolyzed rice protein (to add volume and bounce) and emblica technology (to thicken hair). “This mask has quickly become my holy grail, it’s amazing! So many benefits wrapped into one simple yet sophisticated product,” one reviewer said. “Results are delivered immediately after the first use, my favorite has to be the effortless all-day volume. Even without proper styling, my hair has body all day!”

Best Hair Mask for Brittle Hair: Carol’s Daughter Monoi Intense Repair Inner Strength System

Since this mask only needs to be left on for a minute, it’s ideal for days when you don’t have time for a whole self-care ritual in the shower (i.e., most days?). And after regular use, you’ll notice curls feeling healthier, less prone to breakage, and generally more resilient. You can thank monoi oil—a blend of coconut and gardenia flowers known to revitalize hair—for that. “This item is essential for Natural 4C Hair Type Care Routine,” says one reviewer. “[It] mixes well with other raw, unrefined butters, carrier oils, and essential oils…to nourish, moisturize and grow natural hair.”