17 Best Hair Masks for Damaged Hair
If you’ve over-styled, treated, colored, or otherwise processed your mane, you need this list of the masks that will undo all that damage.
Best mask for overprocessed hair
When hair is frizzy or as dry and brittle as hay, it’s hair mask to the rescue. “Hair masks are an essential treatment for promoting ongoing hair health and for reducing the side effects of damage from heat tools, styling, and chemical treatments,” explains New York salon owner and stylist, Nunzio Saviano. Try a dose of healthy argan oil with this RICH Pure Luxury Argan Color Protect Mask. It’s one of our favorite hair masks for damaged hair that has been chemically treated.
Best mask for dull hair
Try heaping on Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Pre Shampoo Treatment, one of the most convenient hair masks for damaged hair, before you shampoo. Consider it your weekly pre-shower routine for intensive hair rehab. “Like skin care, you want to amplify your results by going above and beyond with weekly treatments that use ingredients to promote healthy-looking results,” says Saviano. “In the case of hair, it becomes shinier, more hydrated, smooth and manageable.”
Best mask for fine hair
Moringa and red algae extracts are the hydrating secrets in one of Saviano’s favorite powerhouse hair masks. “I really like the Shu Uemura Urban Moisture Hair Mask because it’s lightweight, which won’t weigh hair down, but is extremely moisturizing,” shares Saviano. That means it’s an ideal choice for those with fine or thin hair too. (Bonus: It smells incredible.)
Best mask for treating breakage
Award-winning hair colorist Sherry Ratay says the best way to make the most of your mask is by adding some heat. “After you shampoo the hair, towel dry, and then apply enough of your favorite hair mask for damaged hair to saturate the mid-lengths and ends. Take a heated towel and wrap the hair for ten minutes. Your hair will thank you!” Try Living Proof Restore Mask Treatment, a breakage-busting treatment that’s a cinch to use for even hair novices. Avoid these worst things you can do for your hair.
Best mask for color-treated hair
The one ingredient you need to steer clear of if you have color-treated hair is silicone, according to Ratay. “This ingredient expels hair color right off the cuticle layer, which results in diminished color vibrancy and poor longevity,” she says. Silicones are commonly found in hair care products of all types, so be sure to read the ingredients label. One that is proudly silicone free: Shea Moisture Sugarcane Extract and Meadowfoam Seed Silicone Free Miracle Styler, a leave-in conditioner that acts as a lightweight and deeply nourishing mask for even the finest color-treated hair.
Best mask for thinning hair
If your hair is fine, heavy oils in some hair masks can really weigh it down. Pai-Shau Biphasic Infusion and Supreme Revitalizing Mask is a stylist favorite for nourishment without the heavy weight of oils. Even if your hair is relatively healthy, you’ll want to grab a bottle or two to keep it that way. You’ll need these other hair stylist tips to keep your tresses soft, smooth, and healthy-looking from root to tip.
Best mask for sensitive scalps
This allergen-free conditioning formula is loaded with hydrating goodness and can be used as a regular conditioner or as one of your favorite hair masks for damaged hair—just leave it on for 20 minutes or more and wrap it in a warm towel. No nothing Vegan Repair Conditioner will become your go-to shower favorite for hair hydration that’s paraben-free, gluten-free, and even fragrance-free.
Best mask for thick, curly, and wavy hair
There’s a good reason Fave4 Take Me to Tahiti One-Minute Moisture Mask is so named—it’s formulated with moisture-sealing coconut and monoi oils. Every bottle also boasts organic shea butter for targeted moisture absorption, making it one of the richest hair masks for damaged hair. We think it’s ideal for thick, curly, and wavy hair types. You may also want to try some of these hair and skin-helping health supplements to keep your locks gloriously healthy.
Best mask for frizzy hair
Mayo is a major hair helper. Try TONYMOLY Haeyo Mayo Hair Nutrition Pack for thick, damaged hair that needs a major drink of moisture. This creamy hair mask supplies nutrition and hydration to dry hair defeating stubborn frizz and smoothing split ends. Make sure you’re not making any of these hair washing mistakes, either.
Best mask for on-the-go
It’s hard to find great hair masks for damaged hair in travel-friendly sizes, which is one of the reasons Davines The Renaissance Circle, a single-portion mask for brittle and over-worked hair, made our list. It leaves hair silky smooth, shiny, and smelling the way you’d expect the air in a fantasy novel to be scented.