14 Best Hair Masks for Your Softest Strands Ever

Key ingredients: bio-restorative complex (collagen, caffeine, biotin, niacinamide), Oribe signature complex (watermelon extract, lychee extract, edelweiss flower extract) | Hair this works best for: all hair types | How often to use: at least once per week | Fragrance-free: no | How long to leave in: 5 to 10 minutes

Best Hair Mask for Shine: Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Deep-Conditioning Treatment

Why it's worth it: Want glassy, reflective hair? Slather on Philip Kingsley's Elasticizer Deep-Conditioning Treatment, stat. This pre-shampoo treatment transforms straw-like strands with the intense hydrating properties of glycerin. As glycerin attracts moisture, hydrolyzed elastin, a strength-supporting protein, protects delicate strands against daily wear and tear while castor and olive oils provide deep-conditioning benefits.

Tester feedback: "The Philip Kingsley Elasticizer has been in my hair-care routine for years because of how resilient and soft it leaves my waves," says Allure senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor. "I put my hair through hell throughout the week—heat-styling and/or gathering it into tight hairstyles. Saturating every inch of my strands with this emollient formula and leaving it in for 20 minutes makes them feel strong and look extra-shiny."

Key ingredients: glycerin, hydrolyzed elastin, castor oil, olive oil | Hair this works best for: all hair types | How often to use: once to twice per week | Fragrance-free: yes | How long to leave in: at least 20 minutes (can be used overnight)

Best Hair Mask for Dry Hair: Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Mask

Why it's worth it: Thanks to the inclusion of skin-care ingredients you'd just as well find in your favorite facial moisturizer, Amika's Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Mask is made to revive extra-parched hair. Squalane and hyaluronic acid help deliver an intense shot of hydration while keeping the formula light and easy enough to work through the thickest of manes, while polyglutamic acid helps each lock retain moisture long after the cream is washed out. The mask has been a go-to for Ohio- and New York City-based hairstylist Mia Santiago for years. "This one is great for heat-damaged or overly processed hair," she says, but we believe it works well on any hair type in need of a hydrating boost.

Tester feedback: "The name says it all. This mask is so intensely hydrating I would've also taken Hydro Tidal Wave, Hydro Blast, Hydro Tsunami—you get the point," says Allure shopping director Shanna Shipin. “I've yet to try a hair product that's given me quite as juicy, bouncy, and hydrated hair as this, with a lasting effect that really keeps your hair happy for days. (I have extra dry curls with heat damage, so that's saying something!) It's a beautiful light blue color and a whipped custard that goes a long way.” She notes that if you have thinner hair, the formula may be a little too heavy, but if you have dry hair on the thick, curly, or long side, she attests you'll fall in love.

Key ingredients: squalane, hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, sea buckthorn extract | Hair this works best for: dry hair | How often to use: once per week | Fragrance-free: no | How long to leave in: 5 to 10 minutes

More hair masks we love:

Best Hair Mask for Thinning Hair: Virtue Flourish Thickening + Hydrating Mask

Why it's worth it: When it comes to thinning and hair loss, New York City-based hairstylist Jerome Lordet says no hair product can counteract or prevent these concerns. However, those experiencing thinning hair will love the gentle, lightweight approach of Virtue's Flourish Thickening + Hydrating Mask, which contains the brand's signature alpha keratin protein to promote hair strength. "In general, masks can't treat or prevent hair loss, but this one is great to address thinning hair by reducing breaking and moisturizing without weighing hair down," Lordet explains.

Editor's tip: To prevent further breakage, comb through your hair with a brush with gentle, flexible bristles like the Best of Beauty Award-winning Virtue Flourish X Manta Healthy Hair Brush.

Key ingredients: alpha keratin protein, fructooligosaccharides, peptides, beetroot extract, red clover flower extract | Hair this works best for: thinning hair | How often to use: one to two times per week | Fragrance-free: no | How long to leave in: 2 to 3 minutes

Best Hair Mask for Damaged Hair: Olaplex No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask

Why it's worth it: The Olaplex No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask features the same strengthening bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate that is in all of the brand's products, but this mask features two secret weapons known for their moisture-replenishing properties, emollient ceramides and humectant hyaluronic acid. The latter hydrates your hair by holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water, leaving you with glossy, softer hair. This mask's hair-enhancing abilities are so impressive that it won a 2023 Readers' Choice Award for Best Hair Treatment.

Editor's tip: A little goes a long way with this concentrated mask, so start with two pumps (or one for fine hair, according to the brand) and use just enough to coat your mid-length and ends.

Key ingredients: bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate, hyaluronic acid, ceramides | Hair this works best. for: dry and damaged hair | How often to use: once per week | Fragrance-free: yes | How long to leave in: 10 minutes

Best Hair Mask for Dull Hair: Kérastase Nutritive Masquintense

Why it's worth it: Niacinamide is usually an ingredient found in skin-care products, but you'll also spot the star antioxidant in the Kérastase Nutritive Masquintense. Like most molecules that fall under the antioxidant umbrella, niacinamide (also known as vitamin B3) neutralizes the effect of environmental aggressors that can damage the hair cuticle and lead to dryness and breakage, boosting shine and luster in the process. Hello, dimension! This antioxidant also replenishes moisture without weighing hair down or making it look greasy, so we recommend it for all dry hair types, no matter how thick or thin your hair may be.

Editor's tip: If your hair is extremely dry, consider springing for the Riche version of this mask instead, since it's infused with moisturizing oils.

Key Ingredients: wheat protein, soy protein, niacinamide | Hair this works best for: dry and dull hair | How often to use: once per week | Fragrance-free: no | How long to leave in: 30 minutes

Best Hair Mask for Breakage: Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair Deep Conditioning Mask

Why it's worth it: Allure readers have declared Briogeo's damage-repairing mask a six-time Readers' Choice Award winner, which isn't all that surprising when you take its nourishing B vitamins, rosehip oil, and almond oil into account. Include Don't Despair, Repair in your regimen if your hair needs an intense boost of moisture—whether you have straight, curly, or coiled hair. Korab notes that this is her favorite hair mask for improving hair elasticity, which makes strands less prone to breakage.

Allure contributor and tester Elizabeth Denton reports that this intensive conditioning mask revives the texture of her naturally drier hair. "After just five minutes, I could feel how much smoother my hair was," she said.

Key ingredients: vitamin B, rosehip seed oil, almond oil | Hair this works for: all hair types | How often to use: once per week | Fragrance-free: no | How long to leave in: 10 minutes

Best Hair Mask for Bleached Hair: K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask

Why it's worth it: There's a reason K18 is so popular (and just won an Allure Readers' Choice Award). According to shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask can repair any damage and leave it looking like you just walked out of a salon, no matter how brittle it originally was. The brand's patented peptide formula helps fortify broken polypeptide chains securing the hair shaft, leaving it feeling smoother and softer to the touch.

Editor's tip: Unlike most hair masks on this list, this is a leave-in product that shouldn't be rinsed out. Let the mask activate for four minutes before styling.

Key ingredients: peptides, wheat protein | Hair this works best for: color-treated, damaged, or over-processed hair | How often to use: four to six consecutive washes | Fragrance-free: no | How long to leave in: leave-in formula, do not rinse

Best Hair Mask for Natural Hair: SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Masque

Why it's worth it: SheaMoisture's Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Hair Masque is a great drugstore option for natural hair (or chemically-treated hair) in need of some deep moisture. Just apply the thick castor oil-based formula to the ends of your hair and let it sit for at least 10 minutes (or up to an hour, depending on how dry your hair is), rinse it out, and your hair will feel silky-soft. A quick scan of its ingredient list reveals other hair saviors like moisturizing shea butter and shine-boosting apple cider vinegar.

Editor's tip: Cover your hair with a shower cap and blow-dry on low heat to help the ingredients more deeply penetrate.

Key ingredients: coconut oil, shea butter, avocado oil | Hair this works best for: natural or textured hair | How often to use: once per week | Fragrance-free: no | How long to leave in: 10 to 15 minutes (with heat), 30 minutes (without heat)

Best Hair Mask for Fine Hair: Dae Monsoon Moisture Mask

Why it's worth it: Moisturizing masks can sometimes weigh down fine hair or make it look greasy, but associate features director Dianna Mazzone says the Dae Monsoon Moisture Mask provides all the elasticity-boosting and softening powers she desires in her hair products without feeling too rich on her thinner strands. "One too many hydrating masks have left my ultra-fine hair totally limp and deflated, but this nourishing mask is in a league of its own," Mazzone says. "With prickly pear seed oil and cactus flower extract, it revives my parched ends without weighing them down."

Editor's tip: To lock in shine, rinse this deep-conditioning hair mask out with cool water.

Key ingredients: prickly pear seed oil, cactus flower extract, cocoa butter | Hair this works best for: fine, thinning, or flat hair | How often to use: once per week | Fragrance-free: no | How long to leave in: 5 to 10 minutes

Best Hair Mask for Coarse Hair: Gisou Honey-Infused Hair Mask

Why it's worth it: For very dry hair, bicoastal hair colorist Tylor Johnson recommends the Gisou Honey-Infused Hair Mask. "I love that it leaves hair feeling soft, hydrated, and fluffy without heaviness," she says. "It's a great addition to your routine if you have hair that has been colored and feels dry or brittle." As its name suggests, this mask's star ingredient is hydrating honey, which smooths and softens hair texture to minimize frizz, flyaways, and breakage.

Editor's tip: For more intense moisture, wear it overnight beneath a bonnet before washing it out in the morning.

Key ingredients: honey, coconut oil, baobab extract | Hair this works best for: dry, frizzy, or damaged hair | How often to use: one to two times per week | Fragrance-free: no | How long to leave in: 5 to 7 minutes

Best Hair Mask for Build-up: L'Oréal Professionel Metal Detox Mask

Why it's worth it When Talia Gutierrez, associate manager of special projects, wants a build-up-removing cleanse for her thick hair that won't compromise its softness and shine, she slathers on L'Oréal Professionel's Metal Detox Mask. "After a quick wash and rinse with the shampoo and conditioner, I'll rake this rich and creamy mask throughout my wet strands of hair, which boosts hydration for revitalized, soft-to-the-touch hair," she says. By protecting hair against metals naturally found in water, this fast-acting treatment minimizes the color fading they can cause.

Editor's tip: What is a metal cleanse, anyway? The hard water in your showerhead contains minerals and metals like nickel and zinc, which can build up in the hair fiber over time, causing dryness. "The rough texture caused by hard water can make hair more susceptible to breakage, as it becomes less flexible and resilient," Hope Mitchell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Perrysburg, Ohio, previously told Allure.

Key ingredients: glicoamine, glycerin, salicylic acid | Hair this works best for: color-treated or bleached hair | How often to use: weekly or daily, depending on hair needs | Fragrance-free: no | How long to leave in: 1 minute

Best Hair Mask for Flaky Scalps: Guerlain Abeille Royale Double R Radiance & Repair Mask

Why it's worth it: If you've been dealing with dry hair and a flaky scalp, commerce writer Jennifer Hussein says the Guerlain Abeille Royale Double R Radiance & Repair Mask is perfect for addressing all-around dryness. "Every time I use this lightweight mask my usually frizzy hair feels smoother and my scalp is way less irritated," she says. It features two honey-based formulas (a lightweight gel and a custardy cream) in one tube. The combination of two hydrating hair masks provides a surge of moisture to the hair shaft and scalp while soothing irritation. The results: smooth hair and a flake-free scalp.

Editor's tip: Since it's designed for both the hair and scalp, use your fingers—or a scalp massager—to work it into the scalp before working it through the lengths of your hair.

Key ingredients: honey, arginine, panthenol | Hair this works best for: dry hair and scalp | How often to use: as needed | Fragrance-free: no | How long to leave in: 10 minutes

Best Hair Mask for Frizzy Hair: Naturelab. Tokyo Repair Treatment Masque

Why it's worth it: Naturelab. Tokyo's Repair Treatment Mask is a lightweight cream that tames frizz and flyaways while you shower. Made for straight, wavy, and curly hair, this multitasking formula instantly makes strands feel softer and preps them for breakage-free detangling. It treats hair from scalp to ends, without weighing down fine roots, with a mix of hair-strengthening synthetic keratin (a vegan alternative to the real protein) and bamboo extract, antioxidant prickly pear oil, and moisturizing argan oil. Bonus: This mask also features a calming green tea and cypress scent.

Key ingredients: synthetic keratin, bamboo extract, argan oil, prickly pear oil, mango seed oil | Hair this works best for: wavy and curly hair | How often to use: up to three times per week | Fragrance-free: no | How long to leave in: 3 to 5 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a hair mask different from, say, your conditioner, are higher doses of ingredients to supercharge your strands, according to New Jersey-based hairstylist Michelle Cleveland. "A hair mask is very similar to a daily conditioner in that it restores the hydration of the hair after shampooing. However, a mask contains higher concentrations of vitamins, oils, and butters that will penetrate deeper into the hair when left on for longer periods of time than a traditional conditioner," she explains. "The result is a higher level of hydration to the hair which ultimately leads to repairing dry, damaged, and/or dehydrated hair."

Los Angeles-based hairstylist Mark Townsend adds that hair masks are more tailored to address specific needs and concerns. "Hair masks are deep conditioners that are aimed at specific needs like repairing damage from heat and chemical treatments, improving circulation at the scalp, strengthening the hair follicle, and adding and retaining moisture," he says.

Most hair masks come with their own specific instructions to follow, but as a rule of thumb, Townsend says to always shampoo your hair before using one to wash away buildup that can mess with your formula's efficacy. "Masks usually work best on damp hair, not soaking wet, so remove as much water from the hair as possible," he adds. To ensure you remove as much water as possible, Brooklyn-based hairstylist Latoya Moore suggests wrapping your hair in a microfiber towel to soak excess water before applying your mask. "Apply a generous amount from mid-shaft to ends, try to avoid directly on the roots," she suggests.

To ensure every strand is coated, both Townsend and Moore recommend combing your hair immediately after applying. "Use a wide-tooth comb or fingers to evenly distribute the mask to ensure every strand is coated," says Moore. Both hairstylists also suggest covering your hair with a shower cap or warm towel as you treat your strands to help the mask penetrate more.

Usually, you won't have to follow up a hair mask with your usual conditioner since the former is, essentially, a more concentrated version of the latter. With that being said, always read the product's instructions, regardless if it's a leave-in or rinse-out treatment, to ensure proper use for the best results.

Multiple hairstylists we chatted with agree that each hair mask's formulation is totally unique, so follow the instructions. Some hair masks can be used once per week, while others can be used as a daily treatment—it all depends on what the brand directs you to do. Going on your own course of action won't necessarily ruin your hair, but rinsing out a hair mask too quickly or not using it often enough will lead to less significant results, and leaving one in for too long can leave a greasy residue behind.

• Mia Santiago, an Ohio- and New York City-based hairstylist
• Jen Korab, a New Jersey-based hairstylist
• Jerome Lordet, a New York City-based hairstylist
• Tylor Johnson, a bicoastal hair colorist
• Michelle Cleveland, a New Jersey-based hairstylist
• Mark Townsend, a Los Angeles-based hairstylist
• Latoya Moore, a Brooklyn-based hairstylist

We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are created in order to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn’t want to pick up a purple shampoo that’s only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that’s never been tested by anyone with curls—right?

For our review of the best hair masks, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and hairstylists. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture and experience, fragrance, and packaging. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Check out more Allure editor-approved hair products:

• We Tried Fenty Hair on 3 Different Hair Types
• We Tested So Many Hair Dryers—These Are the Best for Every Hair Type
• The Best Claw Clips for Split-Second Styling
• 15 Best At-Home Hair Color Kits for Vibrant Results

Now, watch Lori Harvey recreate her signature soft glam makeup look:

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