Proper hydration is a must for shiny, healthy-looking hair. Unfortunately, many common haircare habits and practices—including heat styling and chemical processing—can strip the hair of much-needed moisture, leaving your strands feeling dry, rough, and brittle. Hydrating hair masks can help restore the balance. These formulas are uniquely designed to deliver deep, long-lasting hydration to help nourish your strands, restore softness, and boost shine. But not all hair hydrating masks are created equally, and to get the best results, you’ll want to choose a formula aligned with your hair type and needs. Ahead, we’re sharing a look at eight of the best hydrating hair masks from the L’Oréal portfolio of brands and sharing tips on how to incorporate them into your regular routine.
How Deep Hydrating Hair Masks Work
Before we dive into our top picks for hydrating hair masks, it’s important to understand what they are and how they differ from your regular conditioner. Keep reading for a quick breakdown of hair masks—what they do, how they work, and why they’re a game-changer for your hair care routine.
What makes a hair mask different from a conditioner?
A hydrating hair mask is a haircare treatment formulated with a high concentration of hydrating ingredients for intense, long-lasting moisture. Unlike conditioners, which are usually rinsed out right away, hair masks are designed to sit on your hair for anywhere from five to 20 minutes. This extra time allows them to provide deeper hydration, offering more intensive moisture than your regular conditioner.
In addition to delivering intense moisture, a hydrating hair mask for dry hair can help smooth the hair, add shine, and strengthen weak or damaged strands. Keep in mind that the specific benefits of a hair mask depend on the formula you choose. The best hair hydrating mask for you is whichever one aligns most closely with your hair type, concerns, and goals.
Ingredients to look for in your hair mask
As mentioned, different hair masks have different benefits and ingredients. If you’re looking to hydrate dry, damaged hair, keep an eye out for these ingredients:
- Humectants: Humectant ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, help attract moisture. In haircare products, they can help boost hydration to replenish dry strands without weighing the hair down.
- Plant oils: Plant oils, such as argan oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil, are often found in hydrating hair masks for curly hair. Products with these natural emollients can help lock in moisture, smooth frizz, and amplify shine.
- Proteins: If your hair is damaged from heat or chemical treatments, look for hair masks that contain keratin, biotin, or other proteins. These formulas are typically designed to help strengthen the hair, reducing the risk of breakage.
- Citric acid: You’ll often see citric acid featured in formulas designed to help repair broken or damaged hair bonds and strengthen brittle, color-treated hair.
8 of Our Favorite Hydrating Hair Masks for Soft, Shiny Hair
Your friend's go-to hair treatment might not be the right fit for your hair, and the same goes the other way. To find the best hydrating mask for your hair, it’s important to consider your unique hair type and needs. We’ve curated a list of eight of our top recommendations for different hair types and concerns to get you started on your search.
Good hair day by @biolage.
For dull, dry hair
Biolage Professional Ultra Hydra Source Deep Treatment Pack Hair Mask
Dryness can often make the hair appear dull and rough—a far cry from the silky, glossy locks you’re likely after. To help moisturize your strands and improve manageability, reach for this nourishing hair mask. It’s formulated with a high concentration of plant-based emollients and leaves the hair softer, silkier, and more manageable after a single use.
For extremely dry, damaged hair
Kérastase Première Masque Filler Réparateur Anti-Breakage Repairing Hair Mask
This super hydrating hair mask is ideal for those with dry, damaged hair. The rich, nourishing formula helps repair and rebuild over-processed hair, leaving it stronger, more moisturized, and more resistant to damage. Use it once weekly or as needed to replenish your hair and diminish breakage by up to 98%.
For color-treated hair
Shu Uemura Art of Hair Urban Moisture Hair Mask
Give your color-treated strands some TLC with this hydrating hair mask, which is infused with moringa oil and amino acid-rich red algae extract. The unique formula helps to protect against external stressors that can damage the hair and wreak havoc on your color, such as air pollution and smoke. Plus, it’s lightweight and suitable for all hair types, making it the ultimate addition to your after-color care routine.
Good hair day by @mizani.
For curly and coily hair
Mizani Moisture Fusion Intense Moisturizing Mask
Textured hair is especially susceptible to dryness and often requires more intense nourishment than fine or straight strands. This curly hair hydrating mask is well up for the job. It’s infused with cupuaçu butter, argan oil, and honey and delivers intense hydration without weighing your tresses down. Apply it to damp hair after showering, pop on a cap, and wait about 20 minutes. After rinsing, you’ll be left with bouncy, hydrated curls and coils.
For bond repair
Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate 5-Min Liquid Mask
You don’t need to set aside half an hour to give your hair some TLC—this ultra-conditioning mask works in just five minutes. The citric acid-powered formula melts into the hair to help repair damage caused by heat or chemical processing. In just one use, it leaves the hair up to three times stronger, while continued use over time helps repair damaged hair bonds for silky, healthy-looking strands. For the best results, use it alongside the other products in Redken’s Acidic Bonding Concentrate collection.
For frizzy hair
Matrix Food for Soft Rich Hydrating Treatment Mask
If frizz is a constant concern, add this nourishing hair mask to your regular routine. The vegan formula with hyaluronic acid and avocado oil delivers deep, long-lasting hydration and helps tame frizz for smooth, shiny-looking strands.
Good hair day by @biolage.
For fine hair
Biolage Professional Hydra Source Hair Mask
If you have fine hair, you’ll want to reach for a mask that delivers hydration without weighing your hair down. This deeply hydrating hair mask fits the bill. The aloe vera-infused formula helps optimize your hair’s moisture balance while hydrating, softening, and smoothing the hair. Use it once or twice per week in place of your regular conditioner for shiny, healthy-looking strands.
For all hair types
Pureology Hydrate Superfood Treatment
Whether your hair is fine and straight or thick and curly, this hydrating hair mask can make for a great addition to your haircare routine. It’s made with avocado oil, coconut oil, and multi-weight proteins and provides intense nourishment to help restore your hair’s healthy appearance.
How To Use Hair Masks
How you use your hydrating hair mask ultimately depends on the formula you choose—some are suitable for daily use while others are best applied more sparingly. Likewise, some formulas are designed to be left in the hair for an extended period of time, while others can be rinsed out after just a few minutes. It’s always a good idea to read the instructions on the package for a clear understanding of when and how to use your mask. If you’re looking for a general overview, however, here’s what to do:
- Wash your hair as usual, using your preferred shampoo.
- Use a wide-toothed comb to carefully detangle your strands. Then, use your hands to squeeze out excess moisture.
- Divide the hair into two to four sections to make your mask application easier and ensure you’re covering all of your hair.
- Work your chosen mask throughout your hair, avoiding the roots if you have an oily scalp.
- Once your mask is evenly dispersed throughout your strands, you’ll likely want to let it sit for a few minutes. Read the instructions on the package for guidance on how long to wait before rinsing.
- Rinse your hair with lukewarm water, then squeeze out excess moisture and proceed with your routine as usual.
Pro tips for maximizing hydration
Hair masks are hydrating all on their own. However, if you want to give your hair even more TLC, try these tips:
- Steam your hair: Many find that wrapping their hair in a warm towel or steaming their hair helps maximize the benefits of their hydrating hair mask.
- Layer treatments: Use your hydrating hair mask alongside leave-in conditioners and oils for long-lasting hydration.
- Be consistent: For the best results, use your hydrating hair mask regularly, ideally once or twice a week.
Next Up: What Is High Porosity Hair, Really? Here’s What a Pro Says
Header photo credits (left to right): @mizani, @biolage
If your dry hair is in need of some serious TLC, use our salon locator to book an appointment with a pro near you.
