When it comes to taking care of damaged hair, hair masks are an essential part of any solid hair care regimen. Here, we’re showcasing our top picks for revitalizing dry, brittle strands in need of serious TLC.
If your dream hair goals don’t include the words “damaged” or “brittle,” you’re not alone. However, everyday habits like heat styling, frequent coloring, tight hairstyles, and brushing wet hair can easily lead to breakage. Weak and damaged hair needs extra nourishment and hydration, and that’s where hair masks come to the rescue. Infused with strengthening ingredients like proteins, these deep treatments can repair, replenish, and bring your hair back to life.
On the hunt for the best hair masks for dry, over-processed locks? Look no further. Below, we share our favorite hair masks for damaged hair, including products designed to rebuild bonds in weakened hair, overnight treatments for curls, and so much more.
Hair Masks to Restore Damaged Hair
Hair masks can transform the look and feel of damaged strands, but selecting the right formula for your hair’s texture is key. We recommend opting for salon-quality masks with ingredients tailored to your specific hair type. From protein-infused treatments to ultra-hydrating formulas, we’ve rounded up the best options for every kind of damage.
Repair Masks for All Hair Types
Matrix Food For Soft Rich Hydrating Treatment Mask Packed with avocado oil and hyaluronic acid, this mask locks in moisture for 72 hours, providing soft, frizz-free hair from root to tip. It’s perfect for even the driest hair types.
Matrix Miracle Creator Multi-Tasking Hair Mask This multitasking mask delivers 20 benefits, including breakage prevention, moisture, and strength, all in one. Formulated with shea butter and coconut oil, it’s a must for healthy, hydrated hair.
Biolage Professional Hydra Source Deep Treatment Pack For medium to coarse hair, this mask’s spirulina and aloe formula deeply nourishes, leaving hair more manageable with less breakage. Use it once a week in place of your conditioner for best results.
Top Masks for Hard Water Damage
Kérastase Première Masque Filler Réparateur Anti-Breakage Hair Mask Prevention is often the best strategy for managing hair breakage, and Kérastase’s Anti-Breakage Hair Mask delivers just that. This luxurious mask contains peptides and glycine, designed to hydrate while eliminating calcium buildup from hard water that can contribute to dull, brittle hair. It’s perfect for medium to thick hair types but works across various textures to enhance shine and reduce split ends. Apply once or twice weekly to towel-dried hair for stronger, healthier locks.
L’Oréal Professionnel Metal Detox Mask Hard water can cause significant damage to your hair, making it prone to breakage and leaving it looking dull. L’Oréal Professionnel’s Metal Detox Mask tackles this issue with its patented Glicoamine molecule, which helps remove metal deposits from your strands. It nourishes, helps maintain vibrant color, and leaves your hair feeling soft and smooth. Pair this mask with the full Metal Detox system for optimal results.
Best Bonding Masks
Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate 5-Min Liquid Mask Perfect for brittle, over-processed hair, this fast-acting liquid mask repairs and hydrates in just five minutes. With Redken’s most concentrated conditioning oils and cationic agents, it rebuilds bonds and deeply moisturizes for stronger, smoother hair. Its lightweight formula spreads easily and provides visible improvement in just one use.
L’Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Molecular Leave-In Mask For significant damage repair, L’Oréal Professionnel’s Absolut Repair Molecular Leave-In Mask works wonders in restoring strength and elasticity. Using patented peptide bonder and amino acids, this mask repairs damage from the inside out. It’s perfect for frizz control, heat protection, and providing movement to dull, damaged locks.
Reconstructive Hair Masks
Kérastase Résistance Masque Force Architecte Hair Mask A favorite among stylists and editors alike, this reparative mask is loaded with amino acids and proteins that rebuild hair fibers, making it a go-to for preventing breakage and split ends. Use it regularly for smoother, shinier, more hydrated hair that looks as healthy as it feels.
Shu Uemura Art Of Hair Ultimate Reset Hair Mask With ingredients like Japanese-sourced rice extract and an irresistible blend of sandalwood, jasmine, and citrus, this mask offers an ultimate reset for damaged locks. Ideal for all hair types, it combats damage from heat, bleaching, and chemical treatments, targeting concerns like split ends, dullness, and brittleness.
Kérastase Masque Thérapiste Hair Mask For over-processed, weak hair, this buttery formula is a lifesaver. Packed with gluco peptides and plant cells, it deeply nourishes while preventing further breakage. Ideal for thick hair, this mask repairs and strengthens, leaving your locks smoother and more resilient.
Masks for Color-Treated Hair
Pureology Strength Cure Superfood Treatment Loaded with antioxidant-rich olive oil and goji berries, this vegan treatment mask nourishes and repairs split ends while deeply moisturizing color-treated hair. Its luxurious, creamy formula feels like a superfood smoothie for your locks, providing visible smoothing and hydration.
Pureology Hydrate Superfood Treatment Designed specifically for dry, color-treated hair, this rich mask features avocado and coconut oils that provide intense moisture, softness, and shine. With added color protection, it ensures your color stays vibrant while addressing damage and dryness.
Strengthening Hair Masks
Biolage Professional Strength Recovery Deep Treatment Pack Packaged in an easy-to-squeeze tube, this vegan formula with squalane repairs all types of damaged hair. Its ultra-creamy texture leaves hair feeling softer and stronger after just one use.
Kérastase Genesis Masque Reconstitutuant Hair Mask This fortifying mask, infused with ginger root, arginine, and edelweiss cells, is ideal for weakened hair that’s prone to falling out. Apply weekly for soft, manageable hair with enhanced strength and reduced breakage.
Anti-Frizz and Split End Masks
Redken All Soft Heavy Cream Mask If your hair suffers from both damage and frizz, this is the mask for you. Enriched with argan oil, it transforms dry, brittle strands into soft, smooth, and shiny locks while controlling frizz and preventing split ends.
Shu Uemura Art Of Hair Ashita Supreme Hair Mask This luxurious mask for medium to thick hair infuses your strands with the regenerating power of ashitaba, a Japanese plant known for its renewing properties. The warm, citrusy scent of jasmine, star anise, and patchouli adds an extra touch of indulgence.
Best Masks for Curly and Coily Hair
Mizani Strength Fusion Intense Night-Time Treatment Perfect for curls and coils, this overnight treatment works while you sleep to prevent breakage and strengthen stressed hair. Shea butter and anti-breakage technology keep curls nourished and protected from damage.
Mizani Moisture Fusion Intense Moisture Mask For moisture-starved curls, this mask is a game-changer. With argan oil, cupuaçu butter, and honey, it hydrates and revives dull curls while tackling frizz.
