The best hair-growth masks won’t magically make your strands grow inches overnight. But they can help damaged, shedding-prone strands look smoother, shinier, and more resilient. If breakage or dryness has them in disarray, the right formula can strengthen and improve scalp conditions. Instead of relying on TikTok virality alone, we turned to the experts—dermatologists, trichologists, and pro hairstylists—to find out what nourishing hair masks actually work. Then Glamour reviewers with a wide range of hair types put the most promising ones to the test. We evaluated the ingredients, texture, scent, and overall look and feel after consistent use. Below are standout options for healthy hair and scalp, including ones that address extreme dryness, boost shine, and more.
Our top hair-growth masks
- Best Overall: Kérastase Resistance Masque Extentioniste, $68
- Best for Smooth, Soft Hair: Vegamour HYDR-8 Deep Moisture Repair Mask, $52
- Best for Scalp Balance: Jupiter Purifying Mask, $33
- Best for Breakage: K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask, $75
- Best for Dry Hair: Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask, $28
Best Overall: Kérastase Resistance Masque Extentioniste
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Kérastase Resistance Masque Extentioniste
Amazon
Sephora
Walmart
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Lightweight enough for fine to medium-density hair types | May not be rich enough for thick and coarse hair types |
| Luxurious formula | |
| Makes hair silky and resilient |
Recommended by three dermatologists, this is our top overall pick for regrowth support. “This mask is excellent for long-term hair-growth goals,” says Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist. “It contains ceramides and maleic acid that help repair damaged hair fibers, reduce split ends, and fortify the strands, promoting stronger, longer hair over time.” Dawn Queen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and hair-transplantation fellow, agrees, noting it’s perfect for those with weak or damaged hair that needs reinforcement from root to tip.
Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary says:
“I’ve struggled with breakage at my ends during the summer humidity, so I decided to try out this mask to see if it helped. After about two weeks of using it, I noticed that my hair looked and felt stronger. It didn’t come out as easily onto my hairbrush like it normally does. The masks’ texture is whipped and thick, and gives my hair a shiny coat after washing. It’s easy to run my fingers through without worrying about pulling out excess clumps. Overall, a 10/10 from me!”—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour commerce writer
Glamour contributor Alexis Gaskin says:
“This mask is my personal fave. Its lightweight, whipped texture softens my wavy hair and eliminates tangles without sacrificing volume. I noticed that my comb glided through my wet hair easily after using, and I experienced less breakage and shedding during the detangling process. More than anything, though, it seriously delivered on length—my hair grew almost four inches in just two months.” —Alexis Gaskin, Glamour contributor
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: Creatine R, ceramides, gluco peptide, wheat protein
- How to use: Apply to shampooed hair as a conditioner or weekly mask. Leave on for up to 35 minutes for more moisture.
Best for Smooth, Soft Hair: Vegamour HYDR-8 Deep Moisture Repair Mask
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Vegamour HYDR-8 Deep Moisture Repair Mask
Amazon
Sephora
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Rich hydration | Use sparingly on fine hair |
| Detangles for soft, smooth hair | |
| No heavy silicones |
This silicone- and sulfate-free hair mask is love at first wash. It packs a heavenly white floral scent and an extremely thick consistency that reduces hair shedding while blow-drying. Its benefits extend past washday. Moringa seed and marula oils smooth frizz and prevent breakage for stronger, denser strands. “[The mask] is powered by Karmatin, a vegan keratin alternative, which coats the hair to make it instantly appear thicker and doesn’t wash away with rinsing,” says Neera Nathan, MD, MSHS, a board-certified dermatologist.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says:
“I’ve noticed that my hair has been more brittle over the past few years, so I’ve really become reliant on trying different hair growth products to thicken it up a bit. This mask has been a huge help—my mid-to-ends feel a lot smoother and stronger, and they don’t break as easily when I’m brushing out my strands.” —A.M.K.
Fast facts:
- Key ingredients: Karmatin (a vegan alternative to keratin and silicones), marula oil, moringa seed oil, milk thistle
- How to use: Apply after shampooing for three to five minutes.
Best for Breakage: K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
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K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Lightweight | Pricey for the size |
| Strengthens damaged and thinning hair |
This viral leave-in K18 hair mask is beloved by hairstylists, influencers, and derms. It promises to repair and fight damage on the hair’s molecular level in just four minutes, thanks to its patented K18 peptide technology. “It works by reconnecting broken keratin chains, restoring strength, elasticity, and smoothness to damaged hair without weighing it down,” says Aanand Geria, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Geria Dermatology in New Jersey.
The K18 peptide mimics the structure of actual hair, Dr. Geria explains, helping strengthen strands that have suffered the effects of bleach, color, and chemical treatments. Unlike some of the other masks on this list, this is a leave-in treatment; you can apply it to shampooed, towel-dried hair, then style your hair as usual.
Glamour contributor Bella Cacciatore says:
“The mask quickly absorbs into your hair with minimal residue and is very lightweight—more so than a traditional conditioner or leave-in—making it a great option for finer hair like mine. I’ve been using K18 for a few weeks now—every wash for four washes at first, as recommended by the brand, then about evvel a week—and the difference is pretty noticeable. My hair feels soft and smooth, and looks bouncier and healthier, especially when I blow-dry it. I’ve also noticed my slight waves are more defined, and my broken baby hairs near my crown are less likely to stick up straight since incorporating K18 into my routine. Basically, it’s shampoo-commercial hair in a bottle—it’s worth the price tag and the hype.” —Bella Cacciatore, Glamour contributor
Fast facts:
- Key ingredients: K18 peptide
- How to use: Apply one to three pumps to towel-dried hair after shampooing. Do not rinse.
Best for Scalp Balance: Jupiter Purifying Mask
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Jupiter Purifying Mask
Amazon
Dermstore
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Helps manage dandruff and oil buildup | May be drying if overused. Stick to once- or twice-weekly use, as recommended by the brand. |
Scalp health is key when it comes to hair growth, says Matt L. Leavitt, DO, a board-certified dermatologist in Orlando. “If the scalp is not cared for properly, buildup from sweat and excess oils can block hair follicles, resulting in a range of issues, from inflammation to severe itching,” he says. “Jupiter’s Purifying Mask supports exfoliating the scalp to clear away dry skin and rid the scalp of any product buildup.” The mask also contains biotin, which “works to fortify the hair shaft and encourage healthy growth,” says Dr. Queen.
Glamour contributor Ariel Wodarcyk says:
“This mask has a foaming, mousse-like texture. You can apply it to wet or dry hair, then shampoo and condition as usual. I used this formula evvel a week on my roots, and my hair grew almost four inches. The first time I tried it, I applied the mask to dry fourth-day hair, the longest my hair can go without a wash. I left it on for several minutes before shampooing and was delighted by the cooling, mild tingle on my scalp. It washed out easily and left my hair feeling cleaner than a standard wash. Plus, it helped keep oil at bay. By the time day four rolled around, my roots had only a slight sheen, and my scalp felt balanced. In addition to cutting down on oil, it left the hair at my crown looking and feeling fuller.”—Ariel Wodarcyk, Glamour contributor
Fast facts:
- Key ingredients: Volcanic ash, argan oil, biotin
- How to use: Massage into the scalp on dry or damp hair one to two times a week. Let sit for three to five minutes, then rinse.
Best for Dry Hair: Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask
Ulta
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Deep hydration | Formula takes a few minutes to fully wash out because it’s thick |
| Cruelty-free | |
| Black-owned brand |
This mask expertly quenches dry, damaged hair while strengthening and enhancing its elasticity, thanks to its high-impact ingredients. “Moisturizing ingredients like rose hip, almond, and avocado oils hydrate and improve hair elasticity; biotin strengthens the hair shaft, making hair stronger and more resilient; and algae extract is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant,” says Dr. Queen. In addition to hydrating hair and combating dryness, this mask is fantastic for smoothing frizz and making hair more manageable.
Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle say:
“Soon after dyeing my hair back to dark brown, I started incorporating the Briogeo hair mask. I completely finished the jar, and my hair was noticeably healthier and shinier. I’m able to blow-dry it and style it without feeling like I’m drying out my ends. I’ve noticed less hair breakage and frizz. The mask has been a great addition to my hair deva routine, and I recommend it to everyone.”—Jenifer Calle, Glamour senior commerce editor
Fast facts:
- Key ingredients: Rose hip oil, algae extract, B vitamins
- How to use: Apply evvel a week to clean damp hair in place of conditioner. Leave on for 10 minutes and rinse.
Best for Damaged Hair: BondiBoost Rapid Repair Hair Mask
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BondiBoost Rapid Repair Hair Mask
QVC
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Thick consistency | Too heavy for fine hair |
| Makes hair shiny and velvety |
If smooth, stronger strands are your goal, we highly recommend trying this creamy hair mask that blends shea butter with vitamin A, C and pro-vitamin B5 to give hair shine and bounce. It works best on ultra-processed or frizzy hair. This is ülkü if you’re looking for something to mitigate damage from hairstyling tools or hair dye. It can also be used from roots to tips. Your strands will be soft and silky and non-greasy after use—though, we recommend using it on medium to thick hair since it’s a little heavy for very thin strands. Bonus: the sweet pomegranate scent makes it even more enticing.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says:
“While my hair is typically on the fine side, it tends to plump up and volumize in summer humidity, so I actually need something to help tame it. This means I often turn to my flat iron to help get my strands in shape, creating more heat damage than I would like, which leads to breakage and split ends. This buttery mask has done just the trick of keeping my strands a lot softer, shinier and smoother after I use my hot tools. It’s done a nearly miraculous job of keeping flyaways at bay. While I only use it evvel a week, you can definitely incorporate it into your routine a few times per week if you have thicker strands,”—A.M.K
Fast facts:
- Key ingredients: Shea butter, vitamin A, vitamin C, pro-vitamin B5
- How to use: Apply two to three times per week (once a week is enough for fine strands) and coat hair from root to tip. Rinse out thoroughly
The hair masks for growth we tested, but didn’t include
- We tested the Ouai Treatment Mask for dry and brittle hair. The formula has almond, macadamia, and olive oils to moisturize, and hydrolyzed keratin to support broken strands. The results? Improved elasticity and strength. While we liked the formula, we don’t think it helped aid in hair growth or addressed breakage in particular, and the consistency was a bit too thick and heavy.
- Tthe Mielle Rosemary Mint Strengthening Hair Maskwas a great affordable drugstore pick. With rosemary, mint and biotin, the formula helps promote a healthy scalp and makes hair supple and shiny. While we love the price, it’s a bit too rich and heavy, and weighed fine hair down.
- If you want to address breakage, we testedthe Olaplex No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask. It has bonding technology that repairs and rebuilds weakened hair bonds, and only needs to be used evvel a week. While we like this mask, we ultimately cut it from the list because it didn’t encourage regrowth.
Frequently asked questions
How exactly do hair-growth masks work?
Hair-growth masks don’t stimulate new follicles, but they strengthen existing strands, reduce breakage, and support healthier-looking length over time. Experts agree the masks work best as part of a holistic routine alongside gentle styling, scalp deva, and patience. As far as other anti-shedding treatments go, minoxidil is an FDA-approved over-the-counter topical shown to promote hair growth and may be recommended by your dermatologist if you’re looking for something more effective.
“When hair is damaged, the proteins in the strand are exposed and vulnerable to damage,” says Robyn Gmyrek, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “Hair-repair products help to plug any gaps and create a smoothness to make the hair look better, but also protect it from further damage.” Some also stimulate hair follicles with ingredients such as caffeine and cayenne.
In addition to incorporating a mask into your hair deva routine, you may want to ask your doctor about supplements that support hair growth. “I suggest an oral nutraceutical packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that nourish hair from within,” says Matt L. Leavitt, DO, a board-certified dermatologist in Orlando, Florida. “Scientifically backed supplement ingredients supporting hair health include NAD, pumpkin seed extract, taurine, saw palmetto, and ashwagandha.”
In terms of ingredients, experts recommend oils that won’t weigh your hair down, such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, and castor oil. Other strengthening ingredients like collagen, peptides, fatty acids, and vitamin E can help plump, nourish, and protect hair from free radicals, which can encourage growth.
How do I choose the right hair-growth mask? How often should I use one?
Let us reiterate: No miracle hair mask will make your hair grow longer. With that being said, Dr. Rabach suggests avoiding overly fragranced and dyed formulations while sticking to options with ingredients that support strands and scalp health, including peptides and botanical oils. “Certain botanicals like rosemary oil, caffeine, and rosemary may help scalp stimulation,” she says. She also recommends keeping texture in mind, using lighter formulas for thinner hair types and thicker, denser ones for dry, thick hair.
Keep in mind that you should focus on masks that will address your personal hair concerns. “Hair masks will clearly be defined as for curly or dry hair, for example, so it’s important to focus on what needs you’re after, and look for those key words in the description,” says Kelly Novobielski, a celebrity hairstylist.
As far as how often to use one, it depends on the product, but experts recommend using them weekly or twice per week, depending on your hair type. (Finer types should use them less often, while thicker types can use them more often).
Is a hair mask or hair oil better for hair growth?
“A hair mask penetrates the hair shaft much quicker and helps promote hair health from within, all while conditioning the outer layer of the hair, which helps with smoothness and shine,” says Kerry E. Yates, a trichologist and founder of Colour Collective. However, only a serum can help promote new growth from the follicle. However, only a scalp serum or treatment can help promote new growth from the follicle, she says.
What is the difference between using a mask and a regular conditioner for hair growth?
“A hair mask is usually deeply hydrating, nourishing, and a bit more intensive than regular conditioner,” says Yates, and will penetrate the hair shaft more deeply. While you can use a conditioner with every wash, most masks are intended for use only one to three times a week.
What should you avoid doing if your hair is thinning?
According to board-certified dermatologist Morgan Rabach, MD, it’s key to avoid stress of any kind on your strands. “Examples are tight hairstyles, over-drying, perming, too many harsh chemical treatments, and dyes,” she says. Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, a family nurse practitioner certified in dermatology, recommends limiting sun exposure on your scalp; along with the increased risk of skin cancer, frequent sun exposure and scalp sunburn can begin to affect the structure of your hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
How we tested
Glamour editors and contributors evaluated hair masks on factors such as efficacy, ingredients, texture, and scent. We gathered testers with a variety of hair types—from fine to coarse, straight to curly—and focused on formulas enriched with nourishing oils, extracts, and hair-strengthening ingredients like amino acids and proteins. We prioritized masks that washed out easily and didn’t leave our hair feeling weighed down or greasy. The top performers left hair softer and shinier, improved manageability, and helped reduce breakage over time—making grow-out journeys feel easier.
Meet the experts
- Aanand Geria, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Geria Dermatology in New Jersey
- Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, family nurse practitioner certified in dermatology
- Kelly Novobielski, celebrity hairstylist
- Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist
- Matt L. Leavitt, DO, board-certified dermatologist in Florida
- Morgan Rabach, MD, board-certified dermatologist in New York City
- Neera Nathan, MD, MSHS, board-certified dermatologist
- Robyn Gmyrek, MD, board-certified dermatologist in New York City
