15 Expert-Approved Hair Masks That Will Give Your Hair a Boost
Refresh your hair in no time with these revitalizing products.
1 of 16
If you want to look instantly more put together or need new ways to elevate your everyday look, luscious, vibrant hair is an easy way to up your style game. Whether you favor a hairstyle that is long and straight or short and curly, the right products can improve your hair's overall look and health. In fact, hair masks were designed specifically to enhance the overall quality and look of your hairstyle, and using one regularly can lead to results you never knew were possible. But with so many on the market, how do you go about finding the right one for your needs? We spoke to celebrity hairstylists and haircare experts to find the best hair masks specifically formulated for all of your hair concerns.
You might be wondering what a hair mask can do that a traditional conditioner can't. Full of vitamins and nutrients, masks are the answer to a number of your everyday hair problems. "There are masks for all textures and types of hair including masks for dry hair, damaged hair, curly hair, colored hair, thick hair, and fine hair," says celebrity hairstylist Linet K. Depending on your needs, there are certain words to look out for. "If your hair is dry, colored, curly, or damaged, you want to look for keywords like 'moisturizing' and 'hydrating.' If your hair is fine or limp, you want to look for keywords like 'voluminous' and 'restorative,'" she says. If your concerns rest in dull, dry-looking hair, our experts are sharing shine-providing, nourishing hair masks, which will restore luster. If time is of the essence, Garnier celebrity hairstylist Ashley Streicher recommends looking for products that don't need long to sink in. We found an option that will have your hair hydrated and feeling softer in just 60 seconds.
So, whether you're looking to completely revamp your hair or simply want to improve its overall health, ahead find hair masks that will work wonders. A good hair day is just a few clicks away.
1 of 16
2 of 16
For Thick Hair
"R+Co Television Perfect Hair Mask is thick and great for heavy, longer hair or over-colored hair," says Garren, celebrity stylist and co-founder of R+Co. "It's a great treatment to use at home and will smooth the hair and cuticle. Masks will always do more than a regular conditioner can."
Shop Now: R+Co. "Television Perfect" Hair Masque, $42, neimanmarcus.com.
2 of 16
3 of 16
For Frizzy Hair
"I love Redken Frizz Dismiss Mask for curly or frizzy hair. It contains sustainably sourced babassu oil and calms down frizzy hair. Plus, it leaves it smelling great!" says Cassondra Kaeding, a celebrity hair colorist.
Shop Now: Redkin "Frizz Dismiss" Mask, $25, ulta.com.
3 of 16
4 of 16
For Curly Hair
Streicher suggests this hair mask for those with natural curls. It contains avocado oil, shea butter, and safflower oil and serves as a powerful wash-out deep conditioning treatment.
Shop Now: Pattern "Intensive" Conditioner for Tight Textures, $25, ulta.com.
4 of 16
5 of 16
For Thin Hair
A favorite of both Garren and Streicher, this pre-shampoo treatment mask is just the thing to add volume to thin hair. "A pre-mask conditioner is really good for fine hair," says Garren. "I suggest Palm Springs Pre-Shampoo Treatment Mask for clients with very fine hair that want their hair full, but don't want to over condition. Use it on dry hair before you shampoo in the shower."
Shop Now: R+Co "Palm Springs" Pre-Shampoo Treatment Mask, $32, dermstore.com.
5 of 16
6 of 16
For Oily Hair
"To help eliminate excess oil, look for hair masks with ingredients such as...clay that are great at absorbing unwanted oil," says Marilisa Sears, artistic director of Marc Anthony True Professional.
Shop Now: Marc Anthony Volumizing Clay Hair Mask, $8.99, ulta.com.
6 of 16
7 of 16
For Sun-Damaged Hair
This Kiehl's mask restores shine and hair health. Linet K. loves it for its reparative elements. "Ingredients to look for [are] almond oil, avocado, coconut, Moroccan oil, and olive oil," she says.
Shop Now: Kiehl's Olive Fruit Oil Deeply Reparative Hair Pak, $25, kiehls.com.
7 of 16
8 of 16
For Dry, Thick Hair
"This mask is super moisturizing and leaves my hair beautiful, shiny, and manageable," says Millie Morales, Garnier celebrity hairstylist. "Use it once a week to recover damaged hair done by heat."
Shop Now: Kérastase "Nutritive Mask" for Dry Thick Hair, $56, sephora.com.
8 of 16
9 of 16
For a Healthy Scalp
It's no secret that a healthy scalp is essential if you want healthy hair. "This mask makes hair feel super clean and also treats the scalp which I love," explains Streicher.
Shop Now: Christophe Robin Cleansing Mask with Lemon, $49, dermstore.com.
9 of 16
10 of 16
For Anti-Aging Benefits
Yes, your hair actually ages along with you. Streicher recommends this mask to slow down the appearance of aging. It's great for all hair types and soothes the scalp.
Shop Now: Playa "Healing" Hair Mask, $38, sephora.com.
10 of 16
11 of 16
To Purify
Sears suggests using charcoal hair masks for their purifying benefits. She recommends Renpure Plant Based Detoxifying Charcoal Hair Mask for its ability to absorb unwanted oil.
Shop Now: Renpure Plant-Based "Detoxifying Charcoal" Hair Mask, $7.99, cvs.com.
11 of 16
12 of 16
To Improve Manageability
Linet K. suggests this Amika hair mask for its restorative ingredients, like borage oil, and the fact that it's sulfate- and paraben-free.
Shop Now: Amika "The Kure" Intense Repair Hair Mask for Damaged Hair, $38, sephora.com.
12 of 16
13 of 16
To Add Shine
Use this Rahua hair mask to add some shine to your hairstyle. "I love Rahua hair mask," Linet K. says. "Ingredients to look for include beta-carotene and Moringa seed oil so hair won't get weighed down."
Shop Now: Rahua "Omega Nine" Hair Mask, $58, dermstore.com.
13 of 16
14 of 16
To Mitigate Breakage
"This product has helped my clients go lighter with healthier hair than before!" says Morales. But whether or not you like to experiment with dye, this mask is sure to restore and hydrate your hair.
Shop Now: Olaplex "Hair Perfector No. 3" Hair Mask, $56, seophora.com.
14 of 16
15 of 16
To Repair Hair Fast
"This is my favorite mask to use year-round for a quick moisture surge and softening for dry hair," says Streicher. "I also love to travel with the travel size one."
Shop Now: Garnier Fructis Hair Mask, $2.99, target.com.
15 of 16
16 of 16
For Added Elasticity
Streicher also recommends Kristin Ess's Reconstructive Moisture hair mask, which she likes for added workability. It's sulfate-free and revives lost moisture.
Shop Now: Kristin Ess "Strand Strengthening" Reconstructive Moisture Mask, $14, target.com.