Top 10 Hair Masks
Looking For A Hair Mask That Actually Works? Here Are The Internet's Top Choices
Maintaining soft, shiny, full-bodied strands requires effort with a capital E. If you're struggling with fried ends, breakage, or hair that falls flat midday, it might be time to reevaluate your haircare routine. But fret not—you don't need to make any major adjustments. In fact, most hairstylists agree that hair masks can work wonders when it comes to maintaining healthy hair and solving your concerns, whatever they may be.
If you've never used a hair mask, we'll give you the lowdown. Hair masks are just like your everyday conditioner, but way better. Packed with nourishing ingredients, these intensive treatments quench parched strands and improve the look of damaged hair fast.
The problem? The beauty industry is inundated with options. So, to save you some time, we rounded up a list of the 10 best formulas out there for every hair type and concern. Whether you want to reduce frizz and increase shine, repair and strengthen lackluster locks, or simply give your hair a little extra love, we've got you covered.
How We Found The Best Hair Masks (Plus, Why You Should Trust Us)
We’re not like the others—because we’re backed by data. Our proprietary ranking algorithm uses information from user reviews, editorial mentions, and social buzz to determine whether a product lives up to our high set of standards. Sometimes, we even take things a step further by testing out products ourselves (like squatting in 20+ pairs of black leggings). All this to say, we’re not going to recommend products in our Top 10 lists that we’re not sure are the best of the best. So with that, go forth and shop the best hair masks the internet has to offer.
April 8, 2024
Written By:Sierra Rogers
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Ouai Treatment Mask For Fine And Medium Hair
Overall Score
4.8
10
Ouai Treatment Mask For Fine And Medium Hair
4.51
2798 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Hair Mask For Fine Hair
WHAT TO KNOW
Shiny, frizz-free hair isn’t as far out of reach as it seems. OUAI’s Treatment Mask for Fine and Medium Hair is made to hydrate strands and help prevent damage caused by heat and environmental stressors. It’s safe for color- and chemically-treated locks, and it’s easily one of the best masks for fine hair on our list (just read the review below for proof).
PROMISING REVIEW
“I really love the smell of this deep conditioner. It’s easy to apply to my hair, and when I rinse it out, it doesn’t feel like it leaves a very heavy residue. I have also used this as a leave-in conditioner, and I do really like how my hair feels after using it. I have fine hair and I really like that it doesn’t wear my hair down.”
Cruelty Free
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Hair Masque
Overall Score
4.8
09
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Hair Masque
4.54
16281 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Strengthening Hair Mask
WHAT IT DOES
Packed with nourishing botanicals like biotin and babassu oil, this mask deeply penetrates the hair shaft to strengthen and repair damaged strands, promoting growth and preventing breakage. The powerful blend of essential oils not only stimulates the scalp, but improves circulation to encourage healthy hair growth.
WHO'S IT FOR
Ideal for all hair types, especially those prone to breakage or thinning, Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Hair Masque leaves your hair feeling softer, smoother, and more resilient after just one use.
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
It’s A 10 Miracle Hair Mask
Overall Score
4.85
08
It’s A 10 Miracle Hair Mask
4.7
4854 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Multitasking Hair Mask
WHAT TO KNOW
In addition to being a hair mask, this product is a detangler, a heat protectant, and a frizz-fighting smoothing cream. With that kind of resume, it truly deserves the name Miracle Hair Mask. Plus, it’s lightweight enough that those with fine hair can use it without feeling weighed down.
PROMISING REVIEW
“The hair miracle I’ve been needing! After being frustrated by not seeing any results [from alternative products], I decided to try this one and I am so glad I did! I have thick, frizzy hair that, unfortunately, is damaged from heat tools, and this just makes my hair feel so healthy and soft! Would absolutely recommend it!
Cruelty Free
Redken All Soft Heavy Cream Hair Mask
Overall Score
4.85
07
Redken All Soft Heavy Cream Hair Mask
4.71
4453 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Softening Hair Mask
WHAT IT DOES
Experience the transformative power of argan oil, known for its rich omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, which help to replenish and restore softness and shine when you start usuing this creamy, indulgent mask. Warning: your hair will be irresistibly smooth, manageable, and touchably soft.
PROMISING REVIEW
"My hair is dense, fine, curly, and color treated. This means it is prone to dryness. This product conditions my hair extremely well without doing anything extra steps (steam, heating cap, etc.) Also, a little bit goes a long way with this product as it provides great slip which helps for easy detangling."
K18 Leave-In Repair Hair Mask
Overall Score
4.85
06
K18 Leave-In Repair Hair Mask
4.55
28240 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Splurge Hair Mask
WHAT TO KNOW
While not exactly the most affordable product on our list, the Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask from K18 Biomimetic Hairscience does have an impressive number of 5-star reviews (just under 2,000).
WHO IT’S FOR
This product works for every texture and hair type, from straight to coily, fine to thick. That said, those with color-treated, damaged hair will see the best results from this hair mask. Here’s why: In a clinical study on hair that was bleached eight times, two uses of this hair mask restored damaged hair by up to 82%.
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Masque
Overall Score
4.9
05
SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Masque
4.6
17428 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Affordable Hair Mask
WHAT TO KNOW
SheaMoisture’s Intensive Hydration Masque is currently the 11th best-selling hair mask on Amazon. Considering Amazon’s robust inventory, this is pretty impressive to us, but it also has an astounding 10,000+ 5-star reviews to back up its effectiveness.
WHO IT’S FOR
With shea butter, manuka honey, mafura oil, and fig extract in the formula, this mask is best suited for curly, textured hair. And here’s a tip: You can also find this best-selling hair mask at your local drugstore.
Cruelty Free
MoroccanOil Intense Hydrating Hair Mask
Overall Score
4.9
04
MoroccanOil Intense Hydrating Hair Mask
4.63
19883 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Hydrating Hair Mask
WHAT TO KNOW
Got five minutes? Because that’s all it takes for Moroccanoil’s Intense Hydrating Hair Mask to improve your hair’s elasticity, shine, and manageability. And while this mask works best for those with thick, dry hair, it’s approved for all kinds of textures from straight to coily.
FORMULA FACT
If you’re familiar with Moroccanoil’s brand, you’ll know that argan oil is a key ingredient in many of their products. Argan oil is extremely effective at moisturizing your hair and scalp, but it’s also known to protect your strands from everyday damage.
Oribe Gold Lust Transformative Hair Mask
Overall Score
4.95
03
Oribe Gold Lust Transformative Hair Mask
4.76
2465 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Hair Mask For Damaged Hair
WHAT TO KNOW
Topping our list of the best hair masks, Oribe’s Gold Lust Transformative Mask is made for dry, damaged hair. With a thoughtful ingredient list that features baobab tree oil (a substance loaded with vitamins A, D, E, and F), and Oribe’s bio-restorative complex (a mix of collagen, biotin, and niacinamide), this hair mask is the epitome of functional luxury.
WHO IT’S FOR
Here’s the thing: While Oribe has explicitly stated that this mask is best for dry hair, we scrolled through the reviews and surmised that users with all kinds of hair (fine, thick, curly, straight, color-treated, and more) have had success with it. Here’s an excerpt from one of our faves: “I am 48 and have color-treated, fine hair. I received this product as a sample and have used it about 3 times. I am here to tell you it is amazing for my hair type. I can't believe the volume and shine—it really made my hair look like I just stepped out of the salon.”
Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask
Overall Score
4.95
02
Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask
4.62
17164 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Hair Mask For Color-Treated Hair
WHAT TO KNOW
Most of us have heard the buzz about Olaplex, but you might be wondering if the brand’s products live up to their reputation. Considering the No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask has hundreds of 5-star reviews on Sephora’s website alone, we’re pretty convinced that they do.
FORMULA FACT
Olaplex’s Bond Building Technology™ is the secret behind this mask’s formula. Said to repair damage caused by chemicals, heat, and styling, this mask is best for those with dry, damaged hair. In fact, it promises to deliver twice the shine, four times the moisture, and six times the smoothness of your regular hair routine.
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
Amika Soulfood Nourishing Hair Mask
Overall Score
5
01
Amika Soulfood Nourishing Hair Mask
4.68
9379 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Hair Mask Overall
WHAT IT DOES
Packed with vitamins and nutrients, including jojoba seed oil and sea buckthorn berry, this nourishing mask deeply hydrates and revitalizes dry, damaged hair, leaving it soft, smooth, and oh-so-touchable.
WHO'S IT FOR
Whether your locks are in need of some serious TLC or just a little pick-me-up, this mask delivers intense moisture and restores shine without weighing down your strands.
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
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