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HealthDietary Supplements

Best Hair Masks (2026): Tested for Healthier, Stronger Strands

Christina Snyder
By
Christina Snyder
Christina Snyder
Health Commerce Staff Writer
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Christina Snyder
By
Christina Snyder
Christina Snyder
Health Commerce Staff Writer
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September 4, 2026, 12:22 PM ET
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A good hair mask can be an easy way to upgrade your hair in just a few minutes, especially if you have dry or color-treated hair. For busy professionals, this could mean a five-minute rinse-out hair mask before your workday, saving a more intensive hair treatment for the weekend.

To find the best hair masks of the year, Fortune evaluated application, texture and feel, effectiveness, and comfort. Read on for our testers’ full reviews.

Why Trust Fortune

Our team of experts has tested an array of hair growth treatments, hair care products, shampoos, serums, supplements, and more using our comprehensive hair loss treatment methodology to find the best-performing products.

Our Top Pick

After testing multiple hair masks, our team agreed that the best is Gisou Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hair Mask.

Best Hair Masks of 2026

  • Best Hair Mask Overall: Gisou Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hair Mask
  • Best Hair Mask for Damaged Hair: K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
  • Best Hydrating Hair Mask: Shu Uemura Ultimate Reset Extreme Repair Hair Mask
  • Best Hair Mask for Bleached Hair: CLM Supreme Repair Hair Mask
  • Best Hair Mask for Dry Hair: Amika Midnight Mender
  • Best Drugstore Hair Mask: Elizavecca CER-100 Collagen Coating Protein Ion Injection Hair Essence Cream

Best Hair Mask Comparison Table

Hair MaskKey IngredientsFormulated toFormula TypeSize
Gisou Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hair MaskMirsalehi honey, ceramides, hyaluronic acidReduce frizzWash out after 5-7 minutes230 mL (nearly 8 oz)
K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair MaskK18PEPTIDE™Improve damageLeave in15 mL, 50 mL, 100 mL
Shu Uemura Ultimate Reset Extreme Repair Hair MaskJapanese-sourced rice extractStrengthen hairWash out after 3-5 minutes75 mL, 200 mL
CLM Supreme Repair Hair MaskHydrolyzed keratin, avocado oil, glycerinSoften and nourish dry hairWash out after 15-20 minutes200 mL
Amika Midnight MenderCarob-derived peptides, amino acids, sea buckthorn, vegan quinoa proteinStrengthen hairLeave in overnight, no rinse100 mL
Elizavecca CER-100 Collagen Coating Protein Ion Injection Hair Essence CreamHydrolyzed collagen, hydrolyzed keratin, silk amino acids, glycerinSmooth frizzWash out after 5-20 minutes50 mL
Gisou Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hair Mask
Key IngredientsMirsalehi honey, ceramides, hyaluronic acid
Formulated toReduce frizz
Formula TypeWash out after 5-7 minutes
Size230 mL (nearly 8 oz)
K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
Key IngredientsK18PEPTIDE™
Formulated toImprove damage
Formula TypeLeave in
Size15 mL, 50 mL, 100 mL
Shu Uemura Ultimate Reset Extreme Repair Hair Mask
Key IngredientsJapanese-sourced rice extract
Formulated toStrengthen hair
Formula TypeWash out after 3-5 minutes
Size75 mL, 200 mL
CLM Supreme Repair Hair Mask
Key IngredientsHydrolyzed keratin, avocado oil, glycerin
Formulated toSoften and nourish dry hair
Formula TypeWash out after 15-20 minutes
Size200 mL
Amika Midnight Mender
Key IngredientsCarob-derived peptides, amino acids, sea buckthorn, vegan quinoa protein
Formulated toStrengthen hair
Formula TypeLeave in overnight, no rinse
Size100 mL
Elizavecca CER-100 Collagen Coating Protein Ion Injection Hair Essence Cream
Key IngredientsHydrolyzed collagen, hydrolyzed keratin, silk amino acids, glycerin
Formulated toSmooth frizz
Formula TypeWash out after 5-20 minutes
Size50 mL

Best Hair Mask Overall: Gisou Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hair Mask

Gisou Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hair Mask

A lightweight mask with honey
Fortune score5/5
Gisou Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hair Mask
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at Gisou

  • Our thoughts: Our tester noticed reduced frizz
  • Who it’s for: People with fine or wavy hair who want a quick rinse-out treatment for dry ends and frizz
  • What makes it different: Includes Mirsalehi honey

Pros

  • Available in two sizes
  • Subscribe and save discount is 20% off
  • Reduces frizz without leaving residue

Cons

  • Includes a proprietary blend
  • Not vegan
  • Requires consistent use

Our Thoughts on Gisou Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hair Mask

Gisou Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hair Mask is our pick for the best hair mask overall because you only need to leave it in for five to seven minutes, followed by a quick rinse. Most other hair masks our team tried entail at least a 10-minute leave-in time. 

Given the low time commitment, we especially think this is a great time-saving option for busy professionals who need a quick treatment option. Our tester also loved the honey scent, saying that it’s subtle and makes her hair smell great throughout the day.

Emily (on our testing team, distinct from our staff writer of the same name) tested Gisou Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hair Mask for several washes. For reference, she has long, fine, wavy/curly hair that is prone to frizz. “The ends of my hair are on the dry side, but my scalp gets oily quickly, and I wash my hair every other day. My hair isn’t color-treated,” she said. 

Gisou as best hair mask

Our tester rated application a 4.5 out of 5. “This product distributes very well throughout my hair, and you only need to use a little amount to do so. I’ve been using about half a tablespoon, and it has been plenty to cover my long hair,” Emily said.

She rated the texture and feel of the hair mask a 5 out of 5. “The texture is thick, but not heavy. It reminds me of half-melted butter,” Emily said. This mask coated her hair “perfectly” and made it softer almost immediately.

When it comes to comfort and effectiveness, Emily rated both categories a 4 out of 5. “My hair hasn’t felt smoother or shinier after using the product, but I do think it’s helped reduce frizz on the ends of my hair,” she said. “I have only used the mask a couple of times though and have not left it on for the full 5-7 minutes that is recommended. I think that with more consistent use, I will see the softness they advertise. I really like that it hasn’t made my hair feel weighed down or greasy, and it hasn’t left behind any residue.”

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

K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask

A leave-in hair mask
Fortune score5/5
K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
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at K18

  • Our thoughts: Helped to detangle our tester’s hair
  • Who it’s for: People with color-treated or heat-damaged hair who want a leave-in repair step and are comfortable paying more for convenience
  • What makes it different: It’s a pH-balanced peptide

Pros

  • Available in three sizes
  • Vegan
  • Color-safe

Cons

  • Small bottle may run out quickly
  • Includes alcohol denat and fragrance, not ideal for everyone
  • Pricey

Our Thoughts on K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask

K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask is our pick for the best hair mask for damaged hair because it showed noticeable improvements in our tester’s hair softness, detangling, and shine. We think this mask fits easily into a busy routine because it’s a fast and effective leave-in product; no rinsing involved. 

Sarah tested K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask. “My hair is blonde and has a medium thickness with a lot of volume, along with a wavy-to-curly texture. It’s prone to frizz, especially in humidity, and has some color-treated highlights. It leans on the drier side, particularly at the ends,” she said. 

K18 as best hair mask

After trying the K18 mask, our tester rated the application of this hair mask a 4 out of 5. “It dispenses without any mess or hassle. The product distributes evenly through the hair once worked through, but because my hair is thick, I had to spend a bit more time and product to make sure it was fully covered from roots to ends. I did need to use a fair amount for full coverage. The package feels on the smaller side, so I’m not sure how many full applications I’ll get out of it before running out,” Sarah said. 

However, after use, Sarah rated the texture and feel a 5 out of 5. “The texture is a great balance. It’s not too thick, not too thin, and is lightweight and creamy. It coated my hair evenly without feeling heavy or greasy,” she said. Since this is a product that you leave in, Sarah was a little skeptical. “I used this after shampooing only, and my hair tangles easily without conditioner, so I was worried it wouldn’t be enough. But this product held up well and left my hair feeling great!”

When it comes to effectiveness, Sarah rated this hair mask a 4.5 out of 5. She found that her hair was easier to detangle after using the mask and noticed an improvement in her dryness, softness, and manageability overall. “My hair also looked healthier and shinier afterward. I didn’t notice a significant difference in frizz reduction, but the improvements in softness, detangling, and shine made it a worthwhile treatment overall.”

Best Hydrating Hair Mask: Shu Uemura Ultimate Reset Extreme Repair Hair Mask

Shu Uemura Ultimate Reset Extreme Repair Hair Mask

A rinse-out hair mask
Fortune score5/5
Shu Uemura Ultimate Reset Extreme Repair Hair Mask
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at Shu Uemura

  • Our thoughts: Our tester noticed softer hair after one use
  • Who it’s for: People with dry, color-treated, or breakage-prone hair who want a richer treatment that fits into a three-to-five-minute wash routine
  • What makes it different: Uses Japanese-sourced rice to strengthen hair

Pros

  • Formula is safe for color-treated hair
  • Free ground shipping with no minimum spend
  • A little goes a long way

Cons

  • Includes fragrance, which isn’t ideal for everyone
  • Subscribe and save discount is only 10% off

Our Thoughts on Shu Uemura Ultimate Reset Extreme Repair Hair Mask

Shu Uemura Ultimate Reset Extreme Repair Hair Mask is our pick for the best hydrating hair mask. It can be used to replace your conditioner; you can leave it in for three to five minutes and then rinse it out. We think it can be easily incorporated into your usual hair washing routine. Our tester was very pleased with her results. 

Liya tested Shu Uemura Ultimate Reset Extreme Repair Hair Mask. She has mid-length hair that is dry, frizzy, and color-treated. Liya rated the application of this hair mask a 4.5 out of 5. “The product was thick and creamy and distributed evenly through my hair. I used a tablespoon of the product,” she said. 

Shu Uemura as best hair mask

Our tester rated the texture and feel a 4 out of 5. “The mask was thick and creamy; it coated my hair well. I needed to rinse well to make sure to get it all out,” Liya said. After applying and rinsing, she rated the comfort a 4 out of 5 as well. “My hair felt very soft, light, and a lot more hydrated after use. It didn’t leave behind any residue,” she said. 

For professionals seeking to nurture breakage-prone hair and put their best image forward in the office and at client-facing meetings, we think the Shu Uemura Ultimate Reset Extreme Repair Hair Mask will be a good fit.

When it comes to effectiveness, Liya rated this hair mask a 4 out of 5. “My hair combed through easily with no knots. It felt healthier, smooth, soft, and less damaged after use. It helped reduce frizz; however, it didn’t completely remove it. I didn’t notice any shine,” she said. 

Best Hair Mask for Bleached Hair: CLM Supreme Repair Hair Mask

CLM Supreme Repair Hair Mask

A spa-like, 15 to 20-minute hair mask experience
Fortune score5/5
CLM Supreme Repair Hair Mask
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at CLM

  • Our thoughts: Delivers a plush, conditioned feel to damaged hair
  • Who it’s for: People with bleached or chemically treated hair who can set aside 15–20 minutes for an intensive rinse-out treatment
  • What makes it different: It pairs hydrolyzed keratin with avocado oil

Pros

  • Thick, creamy texture
  • Formulated for chemically-treated hair
  • Can be used 2-3 times a week

Cons

  • Processing time is longer than other hair masks on our list
  • Not fragrance-free
  • Not silicone-free

Our Thoughts on CLM Supreme Repair Hair Mask

CLM Supreme Repair Hair Mask is our pick for the best hair mask for bleached hair because it includes hydrolyzed keratin along with avocado oil. Both ingredients may help dry or overprocessed tresses feel softer and smoother. It does need to be left on your hair for 15 to 20 minutes, so perhaps this is a hair mask best saved for a weekend, when you can make more time for self-care. If you’re looking for a hair mask that requires less time, we recommend the Shu Uemura Ultimate Reset Extreme Repair Hair Mask, which only needs three to five minutes to do its thing.

Charlotte tested the CLM Supreme Repair Hair Mask. “I have heavily bleached hair with highlights and balayage, so it’s pretty dry. It gets oily fast due to how thin it is, but it doesn’t usually get frizzy easily,” she said. She rated the application of this hair mask a 4.5 out of 5. “The directions say to apply the mask to towel-dried hair, leave on for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse. I will ding it a half point since it doesn’t specify if you only put it on your ends, or your entire head.”

CLM as best hair mask

She rated the texture and feel a 4.5 out of 5 as well. “This hair mask is smooth, thick, and creamy, but not in a bad way. It made my hair feel silky while it was in my hair, and even when I was rinsing it out. Sometimes I feel like once I rinse something like a hair mask or conditioner out of my hair, it immediately starts to feel dry and brittle, but this does the opposite. It’s super easy to rinse out and makes my hair feel great after,” Charlotte said.

Whether you’re looking to rejuvenate your hair after a past chemical treatment or bleaching, or you’re looking to wind down after a busy work week of high-pressure responsibilities, we think the CLM Supreme Repair Hair Mask is worth considering for its efficacy and its spa-like application.

Best Hair Mask for Dry Hair: Amika Midnight Mender

Amika Midnight Mender

A leave-in, overnight treatment
Fortune score5/5
Amika Midnight Mender
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at Amika

  • Our thoughts: The pump applicator makes for mess-free use
  • Who it’s for: People with dry, fine, or heat-styled hair who want an overnight leave-in treatment
  • What makes it different: You apply it to damp hair at bedtime

Pros

  • Vegan
  • Color safe
  • The Climate Label certified

Cons

  • Subscribe and save discount is only 10% off
  • Not silicone-free
  • Bottle is only 3.3 oz

Our Thoughts on Amika Midnight Mender

Amika Midnight Mender is our pick for the Best Hair Mask for Dry Hair because it’s low effort and doesn’t need to be rinsed out. While some hair masks need to sit in your hair for a long time, followed by a rinse, this mask worked well for our nine-to-five tester. Putting the hair mask into her dry hair took just 30 seconds before bedtime. This allowed her to save her more intensive hair masks for the weekend.

Gwen tested the Amika Midnight Mender hair mask. She has long, fine, and straight hair that’s usually dry and a little prone to frizz. She rated the application of this hair mask a 5 out of 5. “This product comes with a pump top that’s incredibly easy to use and doesn’t spit out too much product—about a pea size, which is plenty to distribute evenly through your hair. This product doesn’t require much. My hair goes down to my middle back, and I only need one pump to get enough to distribute throughout all my hair,” she said. 

Amika as best hair mask

We think the ease of application and small amount needed for each use make this product a great value for folks who like to build their routines strategically and use the evening to get ready to tackle the workday ahead. 

Our tester rated the texture and feel of this hair mask a 5 out of 5. “I’ve been using this hair mask for around five months consistently (about two times a week). The texture of it is a little thicker and creamier than I usually like for a leave-in product,” Gwen said. “It was hard to imagine this wouldn’t require a rinse. But I put it on before bed, as instructed, and it all absorbed beautifully by morning. This mask is unique in that it doesn’t need to rinse out; instead it sits in your hair overnight and absorbs without leaving any residue,” she said.

When it comes to long-term results, Gwen rated the Amika Midnight Mender hair mask a 4.5 out of 5. She still has some split ends, even with consistent use of the product. “That’s likely the result of tight hairstyles and heat damage,” she said. “In general, my hair has never been healthier. My hair is not brittle at all and even my partner has mentioned that it’s softer and shinier than in the past.”

Best Drugstore Hair Mask: Elizavecca CER-100 Collagen Coating Protein Ion Injection Hair Essence Cream

Elizavecca CER-100 Collagen Coating Protein Ion Injection Hair Essence Cream

An affordable, easy-to-find hair mask
Fortune score5/5
Elizavecca CER-100 Collagen Coating Protein Ion Injection Hair Essence Cream
Check Price

at Elizavecca

  • Our thoughts: We think this hair mask is a great way to work smarter, not harder
  • Who it’s for: Budget-conscious shoppers with dry or frizz-prone hair who want an inexpensive, travel-friendly treatment
  • What makes it different: A Korean beauty hair mask that includes hydrolyzed silk, collagen, keratin, and plant-derived protein

Pros

  • Affordable, costs under $10 at some retailers
  • Rinses out easily
  • Small tube is convenient for travel

Cons

  • Not fragrance-free
  • Not silicone-free
  • Results may be subtle

Our Thoughts on Elizavecca CER-100 Collagen Coating Protein Ion Injection Hair Essence Cream

Elizavecca CER-100 Collagen Coating Protein Ion Injection Hair Essence Cream is our pick for the best drugstore hair mask because it’s easily found at your local drugstore. It’s available at both Target and CVS, so it’s easy to grab on the way home from the office—no delivery waiting required.

Gwen also tested Elizavecca CER-100 Collagen Coating Protein Ion Injection Hair Essence Cream, rating the application a 4 out of 5. “This mask comes in a standard squeeze bottle and is easy to distribute evenly throughout your hair with your hands. The amount of product needed depends on whether you’re using it on damp or dry hair. On damp hair I needed about a quarter-size amount to distribute throughout my whole head of hair. On dry hair, I really only needed a pea-sized amount,” she said.

Elizavecca as best hair mask

Our tester rated the texture and feel of this hair mask a 4.5 out of 5. “This lightweight, creamy mask coats the hair nicely,” she said. “It works well, whether I’m using it on dry or damp hair, and it’s very easy to rinse out in the shower.”

When it comes to long-term results, Gwen rated this hair mask a 4 out of 5. “I’ve used this product about five times now and haven’t noticed a big difference in my hair. I do think that, when used properly, it helps tame unwanted frizz and gives my hair some extra softness. It performs well for the value-friendly price point,” she said. 

Why Haircare Matters to Professionals

A reliable haircare routine can make everyday maintenance easier, especially if you have split ends, breakage, or frizz. For professionals with full schedules, the best hair mask isn’t necessarily the most intense; it’s more likely one that gives a noticeable benefit within a time commitment that you can stick with. 

A five-minute hair mask that you rinse out may be better for someone who washes their hair between meetings or before traveling. A leave-in hair mask may be better if you’re trying to keep your workday routine simple. And a 20-minute mask may be great self-care during your weekend reset.

How We Tested and Selected the Best Hair Masks

Here’s how our team tested and selected our choices for the best hair masks of the year.

Shu Uemura as best hair mask

Application Process

Our testers tried each hair mask by incorporating it into their haircare routine. They considered the packaging of the hair mask and how easy (or difficult) it was to dispense. Testers also made note of how much product was needed to cover all of their hair. Ease of application was scored on a scale of 1 to 5.

  • 1: The packaging is difficult to use, the product is hard to distribute evenly, and a large amount is needed to coat the hair.
  • 2: Application is somewhat inconvenient due to the packaging, texture, or amount of product required.
  • 3: Application is acceptable but requires some extra effort to distribute evenly.
  • 4: The product is easy to apply with only minor inconveniences and requires a reasonable amount of product.
  • 5: The packaging is easy to use, the product distributes evenly from roots to ends (or through the intended areas), and only a small amount is needed for thorough coverage.

Texture and Feel

Testers evaluated how the hair mask felt on their hands. They paid close attention to the consistency and how well the hair mask coated their hair. Testers also made note if the mask felt greasy, watery, sticky, or was difficult to rinse out. Texture and feel was scored on a scale of 1 to 5.

  • 1: The texture is unpleasant, difficult to work with, or difficult to rinse out, leaving the hair feeling coated or heavy.
  • 2: The product is somewhat difficult to spread or rinse away and leaves the hair feeling less than clean.
  • 3: The texture is average and performs adequately but isn’t especially enjoyable to use.
  • 4: The texture is pleasant, coats the hair evenly, and rinses out easily with only minor drawbacks.
  • 5: The product has a rich, pleasant texture that glides through the hair, coats strands evenly, and rinses out cleanly without leaving residue.

Hair Comfort

After applying the hair mask, testers assessed how their scalp and hair felt. They made note of any new softness, less frizz, shine, and smoothness. Testers also considered if their hair felt greasy or heavy after use. Hair comfort was scored on a scale of 1 to 5.

  • 1: Hair feels greasy, heavy, sticky, or coated after use. The product leaves noticeable residue.
  • 2: Hair feels somewhat weighed down or less comfortable than expected.
  • 3: Hair feels reasonably comfortable after use but doesn’t feel noticeably softer or healthier.
  • 4: Hair feels soft, smooth, and hydrated with only minor heaviness or residue.
  • 5: Hair feels exceptionally soft, smooth, lightweight, and hydrated without feeling greasy, weighed down, or coated.

Effectiveness 

Testers made note of how effective the hair mask was. They considered any immediate effects, as well as visible changes. Effectiveness of the hair mask was scored on a scale of 1 to 5.

  • 1: The mask provides little to no noticeable improvement in the condition or appearance of the hair.
  • 2: Only minor improvements are noticeable, and the product falls short of expectations.
  • 3: The mask provides moderate improvements in softness, manageability, or hydration.
  • 4: Hair is noticeably softer, easier to detangle, less frizzy, and healthier-looking after use.
  • 5: The mask delivers excellent results. Hair feels deeply nourished, significantly softer, shinier, easier to manage, less frizzy, and noticeably healthier after treatment.

Long-Term Results

Testers made note of any results they noticed after using the hair mask multiple times on a consistent basis. We also considered that while hair masks may help improve your hair’s condition, getting a haircut is sometimes the best way to improve the condition of your hair. Long-term results were scored on a scale of 1 to 5.

1: After multiple uses, there is little to no noticeable improvement in the hair’s overall condition.

2: Long-term improvements are minimal and inconsistent.

3: Some gradual improvement is noticeable with continued use.

4: Hair appears healthier over time, with noticeable improvements in hydration, softness, and manageability.

5: Continued use leads to significant, lasting improvements. Hair consistently feels healthier, stronger, smoother, and more resilient, with dryness, brittleness, frizz, and the appearance of split ends noticeably reduced.

Value

Hair maskKey IngredientsPrice
Gisou Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hair MaskMirsalehi honey, ceramides, hyaluronic acid$44
K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair MaskK18PEPTIDE™$75
Shu Uemura Ultimate Reset Extreme Repair Hair MaskJapanese-sourced rice extract$73
CLM Supreme Repair Hair MaskHydrolyzed keratin, avocado oil, glycerin$48
Amika Midnight MenderCarob-derived peptides, amino acids, sea buckthorn, vegan quinoa protein$44
Elizavecca CER-100 Collagen Coating Protein Ion Injection Hair Essence CreamHydrolyzed collagen, hydrolyzed keratin, silk amino acids, glycerin$14
Gisou Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hair Mask
Key IngredientsMirsalehi honey, ceramides, hyaluronic acid
Price$44
K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
Key IngredientsK18PEPTIDE™
Price$75
Shu Uemura Ultimate Reset Extreme Repair Hair Mask
Key IngredientsJapanese-sourced rice extract
Price$73
CLM Supreme Repair Hair Mask
Key IngredientsHydrolyzed keratin, avocado oil, glycerin
Price$48
Amika Midnight Mender
Key IngredientsCarob-derived peptides, amino acids, sea buckthorn, vegan quinoa protein
Price$44
Elizavecca CER-100 Collagen Coating Protein Ion Injection Hair Essence Cream
Key IngredientsHydrolyzed collagen, hydrolyzed keratin, silk amino acids, glycerin
Price$14

Pro Tip

When applying a hair mask, focus mainly on the mid-length and ends of your hair, especially if your roots become oily easily. If you want to turn wash day into a more relaxing scalp-care routine, use a scalp massager while shampooing, then apply your hair mask.

How to Find the Best Hair Mask for You

Here’s what to consider when shopping for the best hair mask for you.

Shu Uemura as best hair mask

Your Hair Type and Texture

Consider your hair type and texture when shopping for a hair mask. If your hair is dry, color-treated, or damaged, you may want a creamier hair mask with ingredients that will help repair your hair.

If you’re noticing increased shedding or visible thinning in addition to dryness or breakage, check out the best hair loss treatments.

Your Application Preferences

Application is a personal preference. Some hair masks are washed out, and some are leave-in. Some take just five minutes, and others require an hour. Depending on your work schedule, you may want something quick or leave-in, especially during the work week. A hair mask that needs to be left in for longer could be better for some weekend self-care. 

“For long leave-in masks, I love to habit stack, especially if I’m catching up on some e-mails or cleaning around the house on the weekend,” Gwen said. “My work week is pretty hectic with meetings and assignments, so I put in my hair mask (sometimes even a teeth whitening strip) while I accomplish other tasks. I’ve heard it called habit stacking and it’s a great way to accomplish multiple things at once!”

Product Texture Preference 

While some hair masks are thicker and can leave behind residue, others are totally weightless. Hair masks that are creamier or thicker are generally more nourishing. 

Cost

The cost of hair masks can vary wildly. Some are $10, some can cost up to $100. Consider your overall hair product budget and how frequently you might use the hair mask.

If you’re also considering a supplement as part of your routine, our roundup of the best vitamins for hair growth can help you compare options.

Benefits of Hair Masks

“I frequently recommend hair masks to my patients, but how to use them depends on what the hair complaints are and what type of hair mask is being used,” says Dr. Alessandra Haskin, MD, FAAD, of Weiser Skin MD. “Some of the benefits of hair masks can include improved hydration, reduced breakage, strengthened hair shafts, and a smoother hair cuticle to reduce frizz. I believe hair masks are extremely important for anyone with processed hair. This can include heat straightening, chemical relaxer/straightening, and dyed/bleached hair.”

For a routine specifically focused on supporting fuller-looking hair and addressing growth concerns, check out the best hair growth products.

Elizavecca as best hair mask

How to Use a Hair Mask

“Generally, hair masks are applied to clean, damp hair after shampooing. They can be left on the hair for 10 to 20 minutes, with or without heat from a hooded dryer or warm towel,” Dr. Haskin said. “There is some scientific evidence to suggest that longer application is not necessary because peak ingredient absorption may be reached after 15 to 20 minutes.”

“I recommend moisturizing masks be used weekly for dry, brittle, damaged hair and possibly less frequently for those with very fine or oily hair. Protein masks are a great adjunct hair treatment, especially for breakage. However, use of protein masks should be limited to once every 3-4 weeks to avoid excess buildup on the hair,” she said.

Because hair masks are typically used after washing your hair, people with fine or sparse hair may also want to consider the best shampoos for thinning hair.

Wash-out hair masks

A hair mask that you wash out is generally used after shampooing and finishing up your shower. It’s best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for each individual hair mask. You’ll apply it using the amount appropriate for the hair that you have, and then leave it on for the directed time. Then, you can rinse the hair mask out when you’re done.

You can also wash your hair and then apply the hair mask immediately to your wet hair while still in the shower, if it’s a quick three-to-five-minute hair mask. “If I’m using a mask in the shower, I’ll do it first thing post-shampoo or whatever the instructions recommend,” Gwen explained. “I keep a claw clip handy, so I can put it up and keep my hair out of the water while it sets and I do other shower care things before rinsing.” A hair mask that needs to sit in your hair for 20 minutes or longer is best done after showering when you have plenty of time.

Leave-in hair masks

A leave-in hair mask should be used by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Some require that you wet your hair before application, and some allow for use on dry hair. 

What to Avoid in Hair Masks

Here are some things to avoid when shopping for a hair mask:

  • Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing ingredients
  • Fragrance or essential oils, if you are sensitive or have allergies 
  • Methylisothiazolinone (MI) and methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)

Fortune’s Final Thoughts

Gisou Honey Gloss as best hair mask

The right hair mask for you will depend on your hair type, what you’re managing, and how much time you have. Gisou Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hair Mask is our overall top pick for folks who want a quick rinse-out option that doesn’t make your hair feel too heavy.

If you’re managing color-treated or hair that needs repaired, we like K18 for the most convenient leave-in option. It does have a premium price and a small bottle, though. Shu Uemura has a shorter five-minute in-shower treatment, while CLM is better for folks who want to do a 15-20 minute treatment for bleached or overprocessed hair. And, for low-maintenance overnight use, we like Amika Midnight Mender. Finally, Elizavecca CER-100 is our budget pick: it’s affordable and easily found in drugstores like CVS.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you use a hair mask?

“Generally, hair masks are applied to clean, damp hair after shampooing. They can be left on the hair for 10 to 20 minutes, with or without heat from a hooded dryer or warm towel,” Dr. Haskin said. “There is some scientific evidence to suggest that longer application is not necessary because peak ingredient absorption may be reached after 15 to 20 minutes.”

What does a hair mask do?

This depends on the purpose of the mask, though they have plenty of benefits. Some are focused on repairing damaged or broken hair while others focus on shine and frizz control.

How often should you use a hair mask?

For most people, using a hair mask once a week is a good place to start.

What is the difference between a hair mask and conditioner?

“The main distinction between hair masks and conditioners is that hair masks are typically more intensive, targeted hair treatments that are often designed to be applied to hair for longer contact duration,” says Dr. Haskin. “Conditioners should be used regularly for maintenance, and hair masks should be used less frequently or when there are specific hair quality concerns to be addressed.”

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About the Author
Christina Snyder
By Christina SnyderHealth Commerce Staff Writer

Christina is a health commerce staff writer at Fortune with more than a decade of experience crafting engaging content for digital platforms.

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