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Transform dry, dull, and damaged strands.
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We handpicked 17 of the most popular hair masks andtestedthem at home.
Then, with guidance from professional hairstylists, we highlighted the highest-scoring masks in this list.
Thepeptideswork to build bonds and make hair feel stronger and healthier.
PHOTO: Sephora
After showering (just usingshampoo), you’ll apply the product to towel-dried hair.
Despite not using conditioner, she still felt an added boost of hydration.
Bonus: the product boasts a light floral fragrance that our tester found irresistible.
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I love the scent and the way my hair looks after using it.
I feel like my color stayed more vibrant while using K18 on alternate shampoo days."
Infused with the brand’s bio-protein care technology, the creamy mask strengthens myhair’s bondsand combats breakage.
PHOTO: Target
After just one wash, I noticed less breakage and split ends overall.
The impressive results were immediate, and the serum-esque texture left my mane feeling silky and soft.
It feels the softest it has ever felt, and my dead and dry ends look revived and nourished.
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I was actually surprised at the level of hydration this product provided my hair in such a short time.
My hair looked fluffier, like full, fluffy cotton."
The repairing mask seals in hydration (sans any greasy residue).
PHOTO: Amazon
Our tester was impressed with how manageable her hair felt after using this mask.
It was easier to detangle, and she noticed fewer flyaways.
All of my damaged, bleached ends feel so much stronger and softer.
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This mask usesjojoba estersto obtain a gentle yet effective physical exfoliation that removes buildup.
It’s also fused withAHA fruit acids, which chemically exfoliate the scalp.
This dual exfoliation removes dead skin cells and can help stimulate new hair growth.
PHOTO: Sephora
While many exfoliating products are difficult to wash out, our tester had no issue rinsing out the product.
Mikey, tester with short, straight hair:“My hair felt quite refreshed and detoxified after use.
Glycerin, a natural humectant, locks in hydration and seals your follicle for smooth, gloss-like hair.
The thick consistency takes more time to apply to the hair, but our tester found the results worthwhile.
She loved how moisturizing the mask was and visibly noticed fewer flyaways, frizz, and split ends.
Plus, the light amber scent leaves your strands smelling extra good.
PHOTO: Cecred
It is definitely super hydrating.”
This leave-in spray from IGK sprays on dry hair and doesn’t require a rinse.
It adds a gorgeous sheen to dull hair and takes your mane from limp to voluminous withprofessional blowout quality.
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I absolutely loved this effect."
This hair mask from Color Wow packs a moisturizing punch while enhancing your hair’s natural texture.
The creamy mask is lightweight and gives your curls a gorgeous gloss-like sheen.
PHOTO: Nutrafol
Ashley, tester with medium, curly hair:“This hair treatment mask gave me salon-style texture.
This product gave my dry scalp a powerful moisturized feeling.”
Our tester adored how manageable this mask made her hair; she efficiently distributed the product sans any knots.
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Trust us, your coils will never look better once you start using this mask.
There were no tangles or knots.
My hair’s curls were hydrated and tight when I rinsed this off.
PHOTO: Amazon
The thick cream coats your hair, infusing it with moisture and adding a pillowy softness.
The results are smoother, healthier hair that feels nourished without falling flat.
But fear notthis pick is intended to provide you with some relief.
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Thanks to hyaluronic acid, this gentle mask hydrates the scalp while refreshing the hair.
Abyssine and vitamin E work together to give you that silky, soft feeling we crave.
The duo also strengthens your bonds and repairs any damage.
PHOTO: Sephora
Instead, it helped soothe some of the dryness."
Best for Fine Hair
Olaplex No.
Unlike other highly hydrating masks, this pick is lightweight and nongreasy.
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Instead, it rinses out beautifully, leaving thinner hair feeling fuller and nourished.
Bonus: it minimizes frizz and boosts shine.
Right after using the mask, my hair felt soft, silky, and bouncy."
PHOTO: Sephora
If you have very damaged hair, you might use both; stylists often advise it.
Start with a traditional conditioner and follow up with a hair mask for extra hydration.
Gega recommends targeting the conditioner on the ends of your hair for easy manageability and added shine.
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It really depends on what hair mask youre using, so be sure to read the instructions carefully.
However, theres (generally) no harm in keeping a hair mask on longer than recommended.
Meet Our Expert
We reached out to a hairstylist to better understand all things hair masks.
PHOTO: Sephora
Why Trust Byrdie
Amanda Rosenthalis a writer at Byrdie who covers beauty, specializing in product recommendations.
She is a hair mask aficionado and has tested many on this list.
Her fine and primarily straight hair prefers lightweight formulas that hydrate her mane.
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Some of her favorites include Amika The Kure and Olaplex No.
2013 Nov-Dec;64(6):429-43.
Basit A, Asghar F, Sadaf S, Akhtar MW.
PHOTO: Amazon
Health improvement of human hair and their reshaping using recombinant keratin K31.
Biotechnol Rep (Amst).
2018 Oct 24;20:e00288.
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PMID: 30416979; PMCID: PMC6218806.
PHOTO: Kerastase
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PHOTO: Sephora
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