If we asked you to describe your dream hair, the words “damaged” and “brittle” probably wouldn’t be among your top hair aspirations. Unfortunately, there are many everyday hair habits that can lead to damage, like heat styling, frequent bleaching, wearing tight hairstyles, and even brushing your hair when it’s wet. Weak, damaged strands require extra hydration and TLC, and that’s where hair masks can make all the difference. Many of these deep treatments contain strengthening ingredients (like proteins) that can help repair damage, replenish moisture, and return your hair to a stronger, healthier state.
If you're on the hunt for the best hair masks for dry, damaged hair, we’ve got you covered. Read on to discover 19 of our favorite hair masks for damaged hair, including bond-building formulas for over-processed hair, overnight leave-in masks for stressed curls and coils, and more.
Good hair day by @kerastase_official.
19 Hair Masks for Damaged Hair
Hair masks can help improve the look and feel of damaged strands, but it’s essential to choose the right formula for your hair’s needs. We recommend looking for salon-quality hair masks for damaged hair that are formulated for your hair type and texture. If you ask us, it’s hard to go wrong with one of the nourishing, innovative formulas we’re sharing below.
Good hair day by @lorealpro.
Our Favorite Masks for Hard Water Damage
Kérastase Première Masque Filler Réparateur Anti-Breakage Repairing Hair Mask
Arguably, one of the best ways to deal with hair breakage is to prevent it from occurring in the first place—and that’s where this anti-breakage hair mask comes in. Kérastase Première Anti-Breakage Repairing Hair Mask is a luxurious formula with peptide and glycine that’s designed to hydrate your strands while removing calcium buildup from shower water (which can contribute to dull, brittle hair). It’s ideal for medium to thick hair that’s been damaged by hard water, but it can also be used to help protect all types of damaged hair. Try applying this mask once or twice a week to towel-dried mid-lengths and ends for stronger, shinier locks with visibly reduced split ends.
L’Oréal Professionnel Metal Detox Mask
Many people are surprised to learn that showering with hard water can leave your mane looking dull, frizzy, and damaged over time. In fact, research shows that washing your hair with hard water can cause your hair to be more fragile and prone to breakage. L’Oréal Professionnel Metal Detox Mask is formulated with a patented molecule (Glicoamine) that helps combat the damaging effects of hard water by removing metal particle deposits from your strands. It works to nourish your hair, helps prevent color fade, and leaves your hair softer, smoother, and more vibrant.
We recommend using this mask with the rest of the Metal Detox system, which includes the Metal Detox Sulfate-Free Shampoo, Leave-In Styling Cream, and Lightweight Concentrated Oil.
Good hair day by @redken.
Our Favorite Bonding Masks
Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate 5-Min Liquid Mask
In just five minutes, Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate 5-Min Liquid Mask hydrates and repairs all hair types and hair textures. This bonding mask is a great pick for anyone dealing with brittle, over-processed hair. The lightweight formula melts into your strands, delivering Redken’s most intensive Conditioning Care Complex (a high concentration of cationic agents and conditioning oils). Besides its fast-acting, bond-building benefits, this mask also features a unique liquid consistency that’s easy to distribute evenly through your mane. It leaves your locks feeling deeply hydrated, stronger, and smoother.
Good hair day by @lorealpro.
L’Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Molecular Leave-In Mask
L’Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Molecular Leave-In Mask uses patented technology to repair up to two years of damage in just one use.* It works by injecting your hair fibers with L’Oréal Professionnel’s five amino acids and patented peptide bonder—this helps repair your hair’s molecular structure from the inside out. The unique formula helps restore strength, movement, and elasticity while providing frizz control and heat protection (up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit). To use this mask, apply it on towel-dried locks after washing and conditioning with the Absolut Repair Molecular Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Rinse-Off Hair Serum.
*When used as a system with the coordinating shampoo and serum.
Kérastase Résistance Masque Force Architecte Hair Mask
This reconstructing hair mask for damaged, over-processed hair is beloved by many—including us. Kérastase Résistance Masque Force Architecte Hair Mask provides your mane with amino acids, protein, and essential nutrition for healthy-looking hair. Using this mask regularly can help rebuild damaged hair fibers and prevent breakage and split ends. With this nourishing mask, you can expect hair that looks visibly smoother, shinier, and more hydrated.
Shu Uemura Art Of Hair Ultimate Reset Hair Mask
As the name implies, Shu Uemura Art Of Hair Ultimate Reset Hair Mask can help you press the reset button on damaged locks. The formula contains Japanese-sourced rice extract and features a heavenly scent that combines sandalwood, floral jasmine, and vibrant citrus notes. All hair types and textures can use this mask to help repair hair that’s been damaged as a result of frequent bleaching, heat styling, chemical treatments, and coloring. It’s one of our absolute favorites for targeting hair concerns like split ends, dullness, and brittleness.
Kérastase Masque Thérapiste Hair Mask
A number of our editors are currently obsessing over this hair mask—and for good reason. Kérastase Masque Thérapiste Hair Mask is a game-changer for over-processed, weak, and damaged hair. The buttery formula features gluco peptide, wheat protein derivative, and native plant cells to help repair very damaged strands and prevent future breakage. It’s best suited for thick hair types and can be used as needed on your mid-lengths and ends for stronger, healthier-looking locks.
Good hair day by @shereeknobel_bixiecolour.
Our Favorite Masks for Over-Processed, Color-Treated Hair
Pureology Strength Cure Superfood Treatment
If brittle, split ends are keeping your mane from reaching its full potential, reach for Pureology Strength Cure Superfood Treatment. This fortifying mask treatment visibly smooths split ends, heals damaged hair, and penetrates the hair fiber to deliver much-needed moisture and protein. You can think of this ultra-creamy mask as a vegan superfood smoothie for your hair—it’s packed with antioxidant-rich olive oil and goji berries, and it has a fresh, floral scent with a hint of citrus.
Pureology Hydrate Superfood Treatment
For dry, color-treated hair, look no further than Pureology Hydrate Superfood Treatment. This vegan formula was specially designed with the needs of color-treated hair in mind. It features nourishing oils (like avocado and coconut oil), provides your strands with essential nutrients, adds softness and shine, and intensely moisturizes dry hair. As an added bonus, Pureology’s exclusive AntiFade complex helps protect your color’s vibrancy, making this innovative formula an all-around win for color-treated tresses.
Our Favorite Strengthening Masks
Biolage Professional Strength Recovery Deep Treatment Pack
Biolage Professional Strength Recovery Deep Treatment Pack is another great option for repairing all types of damaged hair. We love that this rinse-off formula comes in easy-to-squeeze packaging that’s lightweight and convenient to take on the go. It contains vegan squalane as its main ingredient—a natural emollient that helps repair and protect damaged strands. With this rich, ultra-creamy hair mask, you can expect your hair to feel noticeably softer, stronger, and more manageable after just one use.
Kérastase Genesis Masque Reconstitutuant Hair Mask
When it comes to repairing damaged strands, Kérastase Genesis Masque Reconstitutuant Hair Mask does not disappoint. The weekly fortifying mask is designed to strengthen and help protect weakened hair that’s prone to falling out when you brush it. Its star ingredients include ginger root extract, arginine, and edelweiss native cells, and it has a delicious scent that helps turn caring for your hair into a relaxing self-care moment. Apply this deep treatment on your lengths and ends (avoiding your scalp) to restore intense softness and improve the overall look and feel of your mane.
Redken Extreme Mega Mask
For hair that’s been pushed to the extreme, there’s Redken Extreme Mega Mask. This fortifying rinse-out mask features Redken’s Strength Complex with protein and lactic acid to help fortify and strengthen your hair—combating all types of hair damage. It’s also formulated to help balance your mane’s pH levels while adding smoothness and making damaged strands more manageable and resilient.
Good hair day by @shuuemura_artofhair_bixiecolour.
Our Favorite Masks for Split Ends and Frizz
Redken All Soft Heavy Cream Mask
Redken All Soft Heavy Cream Mask is a must if you’re dealing with damaged hair that’s accompanied by constant frizz. It contains the highest percentage of Redken’s Moisture Complex with argan oil and is designed to dramatically transform the look and feel of dry, brittle hair. Besides replenishing your hair’s moisture, this mask also controls frizz, softens, strengthens, and provides luminous shine to your strands. To use the formula, apply it for five minutes after your go-to Redken shampoo (we recommend the Redken All Soft Shampoo, then rinse).
Shu Uemura Art Of Hair Ashita Supreme Hair Mask
For a luxurious treat that’s worth the splurge, try Shu Uemura Art Of Hair Ashita Supreme Hair Mask. This replenishing mask for dull, damaged hair is designed for medium to thick hair that’s prone to breakage. The formula features a warm, citrusy aroma that’s layered with notes of jasmine flower, star anise, and patchouli. You’ll also find ashitaba included in this hair mask, a Japanese plant that’s known for its impressive self-regenerating properties. We suggest pairing it with the Ashita Supreme Shampoo and Hair Serum for hair that’s twice as shiny and radiant-looking.
Good hair day by @mizani.
Our Favorite Masks for Dry, Damaged Curls and Coils
Mizani Strength Fusion Intense Night-Time Treatment
Those blessed with natural curls or coils will love Mizani Strength Fusion Intense Night-Time Treatment. Formulated with nourishing shea butter and patented anti-breakage technology, this intensive overnight hair mask for curly hair works while you sleep. It can be used by all curl types to fortify and nourish dry, stressed curls and coils. We recommend applying it as an overnight leave-in hair conditioner two to three nights per week to help prevent breakage and split ends.
Mizani Moisture Fusion Intense Moisture Mask
Hydrating cupuaçu butter, argan oil, and honey come together in this intensely moisturizing mask for every hair texture and curl type. Mizani Moisture Fusion Intense Moisture Mask is among our favorites for reviving dull curls and coils while combating frizz (which can appear worse when your mane is damaged). To use this hydrating mask, apply it onto damp hair in small sections, then cover your hair with a plastic cap and let it sit for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Next, rinse out the mask, towel dry your hair, and continue with the rest of your curly hair routine.
Good hair day by @matrix.
Our Favorite Repairing Masks for All Hair Types
Matrix Food For Soft Rich Hydrating Treatment Mask
Suitable for even the driest, most porous hair, Matrix Food For Soft Rich Hydrating Treatment Mask moisturizes and locks in hydration for 72 hours of seriously soft, smooth locks. All hair types can use this rich, hydrating hair mask for tresses that are visibly less porous, frizz-free, and moisturized from root to tip. Plus, we love that this product includes nourishing ingredients like avocado oil as well as hyaluronic acid—a powerful humectant moisturizer that helps attract moisture from the environment.
Matrix Miracle Creator Multi-Tasking Hair Mask
Matrix Miracle Creator Multi-Tasking Hair Mask is an intensely hydrating hair mask for dry hair that’s packed with 20 hair-boosting benefits. The breakthrough formula does it all, including moisturizing dry strands, boosting shine, preventing breakage, and strengthening damaged hair. It’s enriched with nourishing ingredients for weakened locks, like shea butter and coconut oil, and leaves your hair feeling soft, smooth, and healthy.
Good hair day by @biolage.
Biolage Professional Hydra Source Deep Treatment Pack
Reach for Biolage Professional Hydra Source Deep Treatment Pack if you have damaged hair with a medium to coarse texture. The formula is packed with plant-based emollients, like spirulina and aloe, for hydrated, more manageable hair with less breakage. For best results, use this strengthening mask once weekly in place of the Biolage Professional Hydra Source Conditioning Balm.
Next Up: 18 of Our Best Shampoos for Damaged Hair
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Header image credit: IG @shereeknobel_bixiecolour
