Like a face mask for your skin, a hair mask is a powerful treatment that can help tackle a laundry list of hair concerns. Ideal for those looking to restore moisture, repair damage and add shine, hair masks tend to have a thicker consistency than traditional conditioners and are a great option for those looking to deeply nourish their hair.
“Masks are known for reducing frizz because of their oil properties that seal the hair cuticle, which causes it to repel outside moisture that could compromise definition and create puffiness,” says Darrius Peace, a natural hair expert, beauty instructor, author and international speaker based in Birmingham, Alabama.
To help you choose the right one, we spoke to experts about what to look for when shopping for masks and put together a list of what to shop based on their recommendations and guidance.
SKIP AHEAD How we picked the best hair masks | The best hair masks | How to shop for hair masks | The different kinds of hair masks | Why trust NBC Select?
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Best for fine to medium hair$undefined$38.00
Best for medium to thick hair$undefined$66.00
How we picked the best hair masks
Incorporating a hair mask into your routine can help improve your hair’s overall manageability and health, according to our experts. When shopping they recommend keeping the following factors in mind:
- Function: Different formulas suit different hair needs. While some are better for restoring the scalp, others address issues like dryness, damage and dullness. Whether you’re looking to add moisture to your hair, improve shine or get rid of frizz, consider what your areas of concern are and choose a hair mask accordingly.
- Ingredients: Look for hair care ingredients that will target your specific concerns. Common ones you’ll see include jojoba oil to condition, argan oil to soften and honey to improve shine. Consider avoiding masks with ingredients like synthetic fragrances (which can cause irritation) and heavy oils (which can weigh your hair down).
- Consistency: The consistency of the hair mask you choose will depend on your hair type. If your hair is thick or textured, our experts recommend a thicker hair mask to ensure all strands are coated. If your hair is fine, a lightweight hair mask without heavy oils and butters may be best. In any case, our experts recommend thoroughly rinsing out the hair mask to avoid buildup. (We break down some tips on how to tell if your mask is thick or not, below.)
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The best hair masks
We spoke to hair stylists and a dermatologist about their favorite hair masks and compiled their recommendations below. We also included a few products we love based on their guidance.
Best overall:Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair Deep Conditioning Hair Mask
- Prevents breakage
- Nourishing
- Repairs hair
- Nothing to note at this time
This deep conditioning mask comes recommended by New York-based hairstylist Tomy Biton. It’s especially ideal for fine hair types, thanks to the aloe barbadensis leaf juice in it, which hydrates the hair without weighing it down or causing it to feel greasy, according to Biton. The rosehip oil in it also works to control frizz, while its algae extract protects against free radicals, according to the brand. (Free radicals are toxins found in the environment that can damage our cells and speed up the hair’s aging process, says Biton).
Hair texture: all hair textures | Hair type: all hair types | Scent: clean — notes of white musk and floral woods
Best leave-in mask:K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
- Repairs hair
- Improves strength & elasticity
- Fast acting results
- Higher price point
This hair mask uses biomimetic technology (the process of mimicking your hair’s natural structure and connecting broken bonds) to repair damage from chemical processing and heat. Unlike other masks, which are traditionally rinse-out, this is a leave-in mask that you should apply on wet, shampooed hair (without conditioner).
“I tried the K18 mask over the course of one month — I would use it every time I washed my hair (about five times in one month) after a clarifying shampoo,” says NBC Select contributor Michelle Rostamian. “I used three pumps on towel-dried hair and let it sit for four minutes. Then, I styled as usual with my flat iron. Because the brand recommends using this on unconditioned hair, my hair was frizzy the first few times I used it. But, after using the mask for five consecutive weeks, my hair looked and felt shiny, smooth and healthy-looking.”
Hair texture: all hair types | Hair type: all hair textures | Scent: floral — notes of jasmine and peony
Best for dry, curly hair: Pattern Treatment Hair Mask
- Defines patterns
- Elongates curls and coils
- Decreases breakage
- Can be messy when scooping
- You need a lot of product
NBC Select associate SEO reporter Ashley Morris purchased this mask after hearing about it on TikTok, and has been using it for the past year. “I was looking for a mask that could help with dryness and overall hair health, and this one fits the bill perfectly,” she says. “It has a creamy but light texture that moisturizes my hair without weighing it down, and also has enough slip that I can detangle my hair while wearing it.”
Hair texture: all hair textures | Hair type: curly, coily | Scent: n/a
Most versatile:SheaMoisture 100% Raw Shea Butter
- Can treat skin and lips
- Protects hair from heat
- Little goes a long way
- Strong odor
This certified organic shea butter works for dry, coarse or curly hair, says Biton. “Many hair masks on the market with much higher price tags use mainly shea butter (typically listed as the first ingredient) with some added fragrance and charge double or triple the price.” This one contains only raw shea butter, and you can use it on both your skin and hair to moisturize and soften them, according to the brand. Since shea butter can be thick, Biton recommends breaking it down in your hands by rubbing it together, applying it evenly onto your hair, letting it sit for a few minutes and then rinsing it out thoroughly.
Best for brittle hair: Act + Acre Conditioning Hair Mask
- Locks in moisture
- Doesn’t weigh down hair
- Prevents breakage
- Small size
- Can be hard to dispense
NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin prefers using this mask over a standard conditioner because it leaves her hair more hydrated, shinier and less frizzy afterward. “Instead of reaching for my daily co-wash, I opt for this conditioning mask when my hair looks dull or dry, and I need a quick zap of moisture,” says Malin. “It’s very thick, so it can be challenging to squeeze out of the tube, but it comes with a metal tool to help with this problem, which is a lifesaver.”
Hair texture: all hair textures | Hair type: all hair types | Scent: floral, musky — notes of cardamom, iris and sandalwood
Best for dull hair: Ranavat Glossing Hair Masque
- Improves manageability
- Free of common irritants
- Adds shine to hair
- Can be hard to squeeze out
- Higher price point
This in-shower treatment for all hair types uses a plant-based complex to strengthen bonds, revive damaged hair and maintain scalp health, according to the brand. On top of that, it also has ingredients to improve your hair’s softness, and hyaluronic acid to strengthen and moisturize your hair, according to Dr. Leah Ansell, a board-certified dermatologist at Treiber Dermatology Associates in New York.
“I tried this mask out for two weeks on chlorine- and heat- (both UV and hot tools) exposed hair and was impressed with how well it managed my frizz and how silky my hair felt afterward,” says Rostamian. Unlike other hair masks, you use this after shampoo and conditioner as the last step of your in-shower routine. “I apply it from scalp to ends and let it sit for up to five minutes before rinsing out with cold water, as the brand recommends,” she says.
Hair texture: all hair types | Hair type: all hair textures | Scent: n/a
Best for split ends: Davines Naturaltech Nourishing Hair Building Pack
- Improves manageability
- Adds shine
- Improves softness
- Very thick consistency
“Whenever I take out my box braids, this is the first thing I put in my hair after cleansing it,” says NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown, who tends to have tangled, brittle hair after removing them. “This mask basically drowns my hair in moisture, making it feel stronger and easier to detangle after about 10 minutes.”
Hair texture: all hair types | Hair type: all hair textures | Scent: n/a
Tgin Honey Miracle Hair Mask
- Reduces breakage/shedding
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Repairs damage
- Most time consuming
This moisturizing hair mask comes recommended by Peace, who says it’s great for 3a to 4c hair types since it contains botanicals and proteins to fortify curls. You’ll find raw honey and olive oil in the formula, which help with moisture retention and breakage reduction, according to the brand. “The mask also coats the strands, leaving them pliable and springy for easier style manipulation,” says Peace.
He recommends saturating the hair with the mask and then brushing it through so you can evenly distribute the product. “Allow the mask to sit for at least 15 minutes under a processing cap, rinse with tepid water and style as usual,” he says. “The mask should leave the hair feeling super soft and manageable for combing and brushing.”
Hair type: Curly, dry, damaged hair | Scent: Sweet
Best for dry hair: Kérastase Nutritive Masquintence Hair Mask
- Improves manageability
- Very rich consistency
- Strengthens hair
- Doesn’t add too much shine
- Higher price point
This hair mask is a favorite of NBC Select commerce editor Lindsay Schneider, who received it as a courtesy from the brand. She uses the mask in place of conditioner when her severely dry, frizzy hair needs extra hydration. “It’s really easy to work through my hair because it’s not clumpy or too thick,” says Schneider. “I definitely notice a difference in how much calmer and softer my hair is when using this compared to regular conditioner.” For those who have thicker hair, consider Kérastase’s Nutritive Masquintence Riche Hair Mask, which is made to condition very dry, medium to thick hair.
Hair texture: fine, medium | Hair type: all hair types | Scent: fresh, floral — notes of bergamot, peony and amber
Best for natural hair: Tgin Honey Miracle Hair Mask
- Reduces breakage/shedding
- Repairs damage
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Most time consuming
This moisturizing hair mask comes recommended by Peace, who says it’s great for 3a to 4c hair types since it contains botanicals and proteins to fortify curls. You’ll find raw honey and olive oil in the formula, which help with moisture retention and breakage reduction, according to the brand. “The mask also coats the strands, leaving them pliable and springy for easier style manipulation,” says Peace.
He recommends saturating the hair with the mask and then brushing it through so you can evenly distribute the product. “Allow the mask to sit for at least 15 minutes under a processing cap, rinse with tepid water and style as usual,” he says. “The mask should leave the hair feeling super soft and manageable for combing and brushing.”
Hair texture: thick, coarse | Hair type: curly, coily | Scent: n/a
Best for breakage: Living Proof Restore Repair Hair Mask
- Prevents future damage
- Medium conditioning
- Improves dull hair
- Needs to be really worked in
The Restore Repair Hair Mask is made with a blend of emollients, which helps lock in hydration on all hair types, including those with color-treated hair, according to Biton.
“I’ve used this mask several times on my 2b hair that is constantly exposed to heat, and found that it hydrates my ends and reduces breakage,” says Rostamian. “It has a thick, high viscosity consistency that makes it easy to control how much comes out of the tube. I like to rub the formula in between my hands to break it up before applying it to my hair — doing this ensures that the mask evenly coats each strand. In my experience, it has a slightly spicy, slightly acidic scent that ends up smelling very refreshing once it hits my hair.”
Hair texture: all hair textures | Hair type: all hair types | Scent: citrus
Best for fighting humidity: Aveda Be Curly Advanced Intensive Curl Perfecting Masque
- Strengthens hair
- Provides slip
- Has a smoothing effect
- Not for straight hair
- High price point
After using her clarifying shampoo once a week, Malin follows it up with this rich and creamy hair mask. “I can practically feel my hair drinking in the moisture as I apply it, and after I use it, my curls look more shiny, hydrated and defined once they’re dry,” she says. “I also notice less frizz and an overall smoother feel.”
Hair texture: all hair textures | Hair type: wavy, curly, coily | Scent: citrus — notes of lemon, bergamot and orange
Editor’s pick: Crown Affair The Renewal Hair Mask
- Can wear overnight
- Strengthens hair
- Improves hair health
- Can be messy when scooping
This NBC Select staff-favorite hair mask, which works for all hair types and texture, combats multiple hair care concerns, including damage, dryness and frizz, according to the brand. “The Crown Affair hair mask adds moisture without making my hair look like it’s a greasy mess,” says NBC Select editorial director Lauren Swanson, who has fine, straight hair.
It’s also a favorite of NBC Select associate reporter Bianca Alvarez. “I’ve been on a hair-repairing journey, and one of the products that has transformed my thick dull, rough and brittle hair is this mask,” she says. “I use it once a week and have been able to see and feel a noticeable difference. I can’t stop running my fingers through my hair since it’s so soft and silky.”
Hair texture: all hair textures | Hair type: all hair types | Scent: citrus — notes of bergamot, yuzu and lemongrass
Best for medium to thick hair: Oribe Moisture & Control Deep Treatment Hair Mask
- Has a smoothing effect
- Leaves hair silky
- Combats brittle hair
- Not for fine hair
- Higher price point
For curly hair types in need of moisture, Peace recommends the Oribe Moisture & Control Deep Treatment Hair Mask, which he says leaves curly hair shiny and soft. Ideal for medium to thick curly hair types that are 2b to 4c, the hair mask helps detangle, reduce frizz, prevent breakage and enhance curls, according to the brand.
Rostamian likes to use this mask once a week when her hair has been heavily styled and is in need of moisture. “A little goes a long way with this mask — it has a thick, buttery texture that melts into my hair nicely without much effort,” she says. “I also find it works as an excellent detangler, and despite it being so thick, it doesn’t leave behind a greasy film once I rinse it out and style it.”
Hair texture: medium, thick | Hair type: wavy, curly and coily | Scent: citrus, bright — notes of bergamot, jasmine and sandalwood
Best for damaged hair: Virtue Restorative, Hydrating Treatment Hair Mask with Keratin
- Has a smoothing effect
- Heat protectant ingredients
- Available in larger size
- Needs to be really worked in
“This smells divine (it has a strong vanilla flavor) and was one of the first hair masks I used that I actually noticed a difference on my hair with,” says Schneider. “My hair gets insanely soft and shiny when I use it. At first, I truly couldn’t believe how much of an impact it had. I try to use it once a week and make sure to rake it through my long hair with a comb so it coats every strand.”
Hair texture: medium, thick | Hair type: all hair types | Scent: warm, earthy — notes of coconut and yuzu
Best for defining curls: R+Co Cassette Curl Defining Masque
- Adds bounce to patterns
- Prevents split ends
- Smells great
- Can be hard to squeeze
This is a rich mask made with several kinds of butters, including mango, avocado and shea butter, to hydrate curly, coarse and dry hair types, says Biton. Ideal for 2b to 4c hair types, the cream-to-butter formula works to protect hair from split ends while also adding hydration and bounce to curls, according to the brand. To use, R+Co recommends applying it once a week in place of conditioner. You can use the mask from root to tip, though the brand recommends focusing on the ends. After applying all over, run a comb through your hair to detangle and evenly distribute the product. Then, rinse out after letting it sit for five minutes.
Hair texture: all hair textures | Hair type: wavy, curly, coily | Scent: earthy — notes of lemon, eucalyptus and amber
Best bar:Superzero Instant Shine + Anti Frizz Hair Serum Treatment Bar
- Strengthens hair
- Reduces breakage
- Is a multitasking product
- Not traditional consistency
You can use this fragrance-free hair treatment as a serum (which typically has a more liquidy texture and forms a protective layer on the hair) or a mask (which typically has a thicker consistency and heals the hair). Several of its ingredients help revive damaged hair, including vegan keratin to get rid of frizz and flyaways, and hemisqualane to protect hair from heat, according to Superzero. Unlike other hair masks that may come in a liquid or cream form, this comes in a bar form, which makes it easier and mess-free to transport.
There are several ways to use this treatment. To use as a leave-in serum, work the bar in between dry hands before spreading onto damp, towel-dried hair. You can also use this to tame flyaways — just follow the previous steps, but apply it sparingly when your hair is completely dry. As a hair mask, use it before shampoo on dry hair — massage the bar generously in between dry hands and work into the hair, beginning at the mid shaft and moving toward the ends. Comb the treatment through the hair, let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes (or overnight for a more intense treatment), then shampoo it out.
Hair texture: all hair textures | Hair type: all hair types | Scent: no synthetic fragrances — a hint of lavender and chamomile
Best for fine hair: Ouai Fine To Medium Hair Treatment Masque
- Lightweight formula
- Strengthens hair
- Adds shine
- Not for thick/coarse hair
If you’re looking for a deep conditioning treatment that will soften your fine hair without weighing it down, consider this option from Ouai. The mask, which has a 4.5-star average rating from over 1,900 reviews on Amazon, has shea butter, panthenol and keratin to repair hair, fight frizz and improve hair health, according to the brand. Reviewers say a little goes a long way, and it leaves their hair feeling soft, looking shiny and smelling great.
Hair texture: fine to medium | Hair type: all hair types | Scent: floral — notes of rose, lychee and cedarwood
Best for wavy and curly hair: Davines Love Curl Mask
- Softens hair
- A little goes a long way
- Makes detangling easier
- Very thick
This hair mask uses almond extract, an ingredient rich in proteins and vitamins E and B, to help nourish, soften and control curls, according to the brand. Brown loves this option because it helps detangle her hair. After applying it to her hair and letting it stay on for roughly five minutes, she can easily use her fingers to comb through and detangle her hair, which helps reduce breakage.
Hair texture: all hair textures | Hair type: wavy, curly and coily | Scent: n/a
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How to shop for hair masks
When shopping, our experts recommend looking at several factors, including your specific hair type and the consistency of the formula. Below, we highlight their suggestions of things to consider.
- Look for a hair mask that fits your specific hair type, whether it’s damaged, fine, coarse or dry. “If your mask is too heavy or greasy it can clog pores, weigh down your hair and potentially cause damage if you use hot tools,” says Biton. For hair that’s curly or textured, Peace says to look for thick masks that have a creamy consistency. “A thicker consistency will guarantee the coating of every strand to help lock in moisture as well as repair damaged areas,” he says. In the end, a hair mask should never leave behind a residue or make your hair feel oily after rinsing — if this is the case, you’re using the wrong formula for your hair type, according to Biton.
Consider the ingredients. Ansell says that hair masks commonly use oils (such as coconut, argan and avocado) as well as butters (like shea and mango). Other ingredients like honey, aloe vera or avocado derivatives are also often used for their hydrating, softening qualities. If you have coarse or curly hair, Biton recommends shea butter to nourish and deeply condition. Those with damaged hair will benefit from ingredients that replenish moisture, such as hydrolyzed proteins and oils rich in fatty acids, such as almond oil or macadamia oil, says Biton. Finally, a lightweight mask with ingredients like aloe vera or egg derivatives can help build up the hair shaft (the visible part of hair on the scalp) in those with fine hair, says Ansell. Additionally, if you have sensitive skin, hair masks with artificial fragrances can irritate your scalp or cause an allergic reaction so you may want to avoid them, according to Ansell.
In the end, a hair mask should never leave behind a residue or make your hair feel oily after rinsing — if this is the case, you’re using the wrong formula for your hair type, according to Biton.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Tomy Biton is a hairstylist and owner of Tomy B Salon in Long Island, New York.
- Dr. Leah Ansell is a board-certified dermatologist at Treiber Dermatology Associates in New York who specializes in cosmetic, medical and surgical dermatology.
- Darrius Peace is a natural hair expert, beauty instructor, author and international speaker based in Birmingham, Alabama
Why trust NBC Select?
Michelle Rostamian has more than 10 years of experience covering beauty and hair care topics. Rostamian has tried dozens of hair products over the years, including masks. For this story, Rostamian spoke with two hairstylists as well as a board-certified dermatologist about how to shop for hair masks, what to look for and which products were the best.
Bianca Alvarez is an associate reporter at NBC Select, covering beauty and wellness, including recent articles on the best curling irons and shampoo bars. For this article, she researched highly rated options available on the market and gathered NBC Select staff favorites that meet the guidance of our experts.
Catch up on Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
