Certain things in life require a bit more time and effort to truly flourish, and curly hair is at the top of that list. Falling on the drier, more fragile side of the hair type spectrum, ringlets are more sensitive to damage, their environment, and the products put onto them, which is why it’s wise to keep a nourishing hair mask for curly hair on hand.
With so many curly hair masks to choose from, it can be puzzling to figure out which one is best for your concerns—but that’s where we come in. Whether you’re battling dry curly hair, frizz, breakage, or damage, our portfolio of hair masks is sure to restore spring and vitality to your coily mane in no time.
Do hair masks help curly hair?
Hair masks can certainly help bring out the best in curly hair since this hair type is naturally more prone to frizz and dryness. Incorporating a hair mask formula into your routine that strengthens strands, adds moisture, and tames frizz will help your spirals live their best life and look good while doing it.
Serie Expert Curl Expression Anti-Build Up Cleansing Shampoo
Gentle cleansing shampoo that removes buildup and impurities on curls and coils.
When should I do a hair mask for curly hair?
Reach for a hair mask for curly hair after excessive heat styling, after a lengthy coloring session, or whenever your locks look extra limp, parched, or frizzy. However, take care not to overdo it. Overusing thick masks can backfire by making curls appear greasy and weighed down, so applying them once or twice a week should suffice. If you think you’ve gone overboard, a good clarifying shampoo like L’Oréal Professionnel’s Serie Expert Curl Expression Anti-Build Up Cleansing Shampoo can help wash away excess residue and restore your bounce.
Pro tip: While many masks are made to be applied and rinsed out right in the shower, Redken and Mizani ambassador Leysa Carrillo has a trick for those days when you have a little extra time on your hands.
“Apply a hydrating mask on towel-dried hair so it absorbs better,” she explains. “When rinsing, only rinse about 80 percent, so some of that product is still left on the hair for ultimate hydration.”
How do I bring out my natural curls?
Using the right hair products is essential for any hair type, but it’s particularly key for curly hair to help tackle those issues head-on so that your curls are healthy and defined. Getting regular trims, limiting hot tool use, opting for protective hairstyles, and sleeping on silk pillowcases can also help you score the buoyant curls of your dreams.
Hair care routines will vary depending on your exact curl type, so we recommend consulting your salon professional to help create your ultimate hair care regimen.
What is a good mask for curly hair?
Ideally, the best hair mask for curly hair will be packed with nourishing and moisturizing butters and oils to help define curls, tame frizz, and leave your strands healthy and fortified. Still trying to figure out where to start? We’ve outlined 14 of our top formulas below to help you pinpoint your ultimate curly hair mask.
Our 14 Best Hair Masks for Curly Hair
Serie Expert Curl Expression Intensive Moisturizer Mask
Detangling and deeply hydrating mask for curls and coils that leaves a natural-feel finish.
L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Curl Expression Intensive Moisturizer Mask
Those of us with luscious curls know all too well how easy it is for them to become a tangled mess. Enter: L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Curl Expression Intensive Moisturizer Mask. The creamy formula melts right in, allowing you to easily detangle gnarls and snags with your fingers. The super-lightweight, ultra-hydrating mask leaves hair soft and light-as-air.
Serie Expert Curl Expression Intensive Moisturizer Rich Mask
Detangling and intensely hydrating mask for curls and coils that leaves a luxurious-feel finish.
L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Curl Expression Intensive Moisturizer Rich Mask
Dryness is no match for L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Curl Expression Intensive Moisturizer Rich Mask, a creamy mask that envelops each and every strand in intense hydration. Your ringlets are left with high shine and a velvety feel.
Serie Expert Liss Unlimited Mask
A smoothing mask for frizzy hair.
L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Liss Unlimited Mask
When it comes to curls, frizz is mortal enemy number one. L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Liss Unlimited Mask is ideal for unruly hair because it contains oil extracts like primrose to help prevent frizz before it begins.
A Curl Can Dream Rich Mask for Curly and Coily Hair
A rich, hydrating, Manuka honey extract-infused hair mask for curly and coily hair.
Matrix A Curl Can Dream Rich Mask For Curly And Coily Hair
Thanks to this rich hair mask for curly hair, your spirals can make dreams about serious hydration a reality. Matrix A Curl Can Dream Rich Mask For Curly And Coily Hair is infused with manuka honey extract to help moisturize your strands while preserving the pattern of your curls and coils.
Total Results Miracle Creator Nourishing Strengthening Mask
A nourishing, strengthening hair mask that delivers instant results.
Matrix Total Results Miracle Creator Nourishing Strengthening Mask
While it’s great to have various products targeting your hair type and concerns, why not invest in a hair mask that treats them all? Matrix Total Results Miracle Creator Nourishing Strengthening Mask intensely nourishes, revitalizes, and strengthens all hair types in just 60 seconds—without disrupting your color. *Adds to cart.*
True Textures Morroccan Clay Steam Mask
A deep conditioning mask for wavy, curly and coily hair prone to dryness.
Mizani True Textures Moroccan Clay Steam Mask
Recharge your curls with an at-home spa day using Mizani True Textures Moroccan Clay Steam Mask. Formulated with Moroccan lava clay, this hair mask for curl types 2C-4C hydrates, detangles, and defines natural hair texture from waves to tight coils.
Moisture Fusion Intense Moisture Mask
An intense moisturizing hair mask.
Mizani Moisture Fusion Intense Moisture Mask
Like a tall glass of water for your thirsty ringlets, Mizani’s Moisture Fusion Intense Moisture Mask is just what the doctor—err, hairstylist—ordered. Ideal for all textures and hair types, this creamy mask features cupuaçu butter, argan oil, and honey to deeply nourish and hydrate hair, leaving it touchably soft.
All Soft Heavy Cream Deep Conditioning Treatment Mask
An anti-frizz moisturizing hair mask for dry and brittle hair.
Redken All Soft Heavy Cream Deep Conditioning Treatment Mask
If your shampoo and condition hair routine was a dinner, Redken All Soft Heavy Cream Deep Conditioning Treatment Mask would be the dessert—rich, indulgent, and makes everything better. It restores moisture to all hair types, making strands intensely shiny and hydrated.
Frizz Dismiss Smoothing Hair Mask
An intense smoothing treatment for fighting frizz.
Redken Frizz Dismiss Hair Smoothing Mask
Featuring sustainably-sourced babassu oil, Redken Frizz Dismiss Hair Smoothing Mask will intensely nourish, hydrate, and soften unruly, frizzy strands, making them easy to work with—so hair looks like hair—not a ball of fuzz.
Ultra Hydra Source Deep Treatment Pack
Deeply hydrating moisture mask conditions, softens and restores very dry, thick or coarse curly hair.
Biolage Professional Ultra Hydra Source Deep Treatment Pack
Those with the driest of dry curls know how transformative a deep serving of moisture can be in restoring manageability. That’s where Biolage Professional Ultra Hydra Source Deep Treatment Pack comes in. Its star ingredient, cupuaçu butter, helps hair enjoy 72 hours of moisture retention—which means curls hold their shape, hair stays softer, and shine remains glossy longer.
Curl Manifesto Masque Beurre Haute Nutrition Hair Mask
An extra-rich, nourishing hair mask treatment for very curly & coily hair.
Kérastase Curl Manifesto Masque Beurre Haute Nutrition Hair Mask
When it comes to curly hair, there are two ‘B’ words we dread: brittleness and breakage. Give them both a rest after treating your locks to Kérastase’s Curl Manifesto Masque Beurre Haute Nutrition Hair Mask. This extra-rich, powerhouse hair mask for curly hair is infused with ingredients like manuka honey and ceramide to nourish, reinforcing brittle ringlets intensely, preventing breakage and making detangling a total breeze.
Masque Vert Chroma Neutralisant Color-Correcting Hair Mask
Dark brunette tone-perfecting hair mask for color-treated hair.
Kérastase Masque Vert Chroma Neutralisant Color-Correcting Hair Mask
If you have dyed, dark curly hair, you know it is frustrating to find a product that neutralizes brass and restores hair’s vitality simultaneously. That’s why we love Kérastase Masque Vert Chroma Neutralisant Color-Correcting Hair Mask for its ability to do both. Ideal for all darker color-treated hair types, this mask hydrates and strengthens the hair fiber to prevent future breakage while neutralizing red undertones for a cool brunette hue.
Masque Chroma Filler Mask
Deep conditioning strengthening hair mask that gives color-treated hair a high-shine finish.
Kérastase Masque Chroma Filler Mask
Another winner for color-treated strands of all hair types? Kérastase’s Masque Chroma Filler Mask. The luxurious hair mask hydrates deeply and strengthens the hair fiber while protecting hair color and preventing color fading. The indulgent formula is ideal for medium to thick hair types and leaves hair softer, smoother, and with a high-shine finish.
Discipline Maskeratine Hair Mask
A deep conditioning mask that provides unruly hair frizz control, extreme softness, and suppleness.
Kérastase Discipline Maskeratine Hair Mask
Kérastase Discipline Maskeratine Hair Mask makes fighting frizz feel less of a chore and more of a guilty pleasure. Use it to seal ends to prevent blow-dry heat damage and provide super softness to many hair types, from super-fine to coarse, unruly hair.
Looking for more ways to guarantee a good curly hair day? Stock up on Hair.com’s assortment of professional products.
Serie Expert Curl Expression Anti-Build Up Cleansing Shampoo
Gentle cleansing shampoo that removes buildup and impurities on curls and coils.
Serie Expert Curl Expression Intensive Moisturizer Mask
Detangling and deeply hydrating mask for curls and coils that leaves a natural-feel finish.
Serie Expert Curl Expression Intensive Moisturizer Rich Mask
Detangling and intensely hydrating mask for curls and coils that leaves a luxurious-feel finish.
Serie Expert Liss Unlimited Mask
A smoothing mask for frizzy hair.
A Curl Can Dream Rich Mask for Curly and Coily Hair
A rich, hydrating, Manuka honey extract-infused hair mask for curly and coily hair.
Total Results Miracle Creator Nourishing Strengthening Mask
A nourishing, strengthening hair mask that delivers instant results.
True Textures Morroccan Clay Steam Mask
A deep conditioning mask for wavy, curly and coily hair prone to dryness.
Moisture Fusion Intense Moisture Mask
An intense moisturizing hair mask.
All Soft Heavy Cream Deep Conditioning Treatment Mask
An anti-frizz moisturizing hair mask for dry and brittle hair.
Frizz Dismiss Smoothing Hair Mask
An intense smoothing treatment for fighting frizz.
Ultra Hydra Source Deep Treatment Pack
Deeply hydrating moisture mask conditions, softens and restores very dry, thick or coarse curly hair.
Curl Manifesto Masque Beurre Haute Nutrition Hair Mask
An extra-rich, nourishing hair mask treatment for very curly & coily hair.
Masque Vert Chroma Neutralisant Color-Correcting Hair Mask
Dark brunette tone-perfecting hair mask for color-treated hair.
Masque Chroma Filler Mask
Deep conditioning strengthening hair mask that gives color-treated hair a high-shine finish.
Discipline Maskeratine Hair Mask
A deep conditioning mask that provides unruly hair frizz control, extreme softness, and suppleness.
