In the world of hair care, the pursuit of the perfect hair mask is an art, a science, and a testament to the transformative power of thoughtful ingredients.
Enter Braydon Nelson, a maestro in the realm of hair styling whose expertise has graced the pages of Vogue, French Vogue, Holiday Magazine, and Elle. With a portfolio that includes collaborations with iconic labels such as Chanel, Dior, and Brioni, Nelson’s insights on hair care are nothing short of professional.
Nelson unveiled the first layer of the mystery surrounding great hair masks. “A great hair mask always has thoughtful ingredients that will help improve one’s quality of hair,” he shared. In a market saturated with promises, emphasis on the efficacy of ingredients quickly became a guiding principle in our quest for the ultimate hair masks.
Related: Best hair conditioners we tested
From revitalizing damaged strands to enhancing natural shine, we explore the top-tier hair masks that promise to turn your at-home hair care routine into a salon-worthy experience.
Click to shop our picks of the best hair masks by category:
- Best Overall Hair Mask
- Best Splurge-worthy Hair Mask
- Best Color-treating Hair Mask
- Best Value Hair Mask
- Best for Dry Hair
- Best for Damaged Hair
- Best for Scalp Care
How we tested
We scrutinized ingredient lists, and paid special attention to the presence of nourishing components, innovative technologies, and botanical extracts. Like Nelson, we believe in the power of thoughtful ingredients to deliver real results. In addition to ingredients, we paid special attention to the following criteria:
- User experience: From the viscosity and application of the hair mask to the scent, a great hair mask should offer as great an experience while using it as its results afterward. How often are you meant to apply it? Is it easy to apply and sit with for 5-15 minutes?
- Longevity of treatment: How long do the results last? Are they immediate? Do the results improve even more over time?
- Value: How much is the hair mask? Based on its user experience and the longevity of its treatment, is it worth the cost?
Understanding that true hair transformation requires consistency, we extended our testing period to at least two weeks (with many of these being tested for months to even years) to evaluate the true impact of each mask.
To offer a clear and concise overview, we conducted side-by-side comparisons of the leading hair masks. This allowed us to highlight the unique selling points, applications, and results of each product, aiding us (and you!) in making informed decisions based on specific needs and preferences.
Whether you’re on a quest for hydration, color preservation, or overall rejuvenation, our round-up is your compass to discovering the secrets behind the most coveted and effective hair masks on the market. Get ready to transform your tresses and step into a world where every day is a good hair day.
Best Hair Masks
Best Overall Hair Mask: It’s a Ten Miracle Hair Mask
The It’s a Ten Miracle Hair Mask is a versatile treatment designed to address a range of hair concerns (and at a fair price). Packed with potent ingredients, it works to combat frizz, enhance shine, and provide deep conditioning. Its nourishing formula leaves hair manageable, smooth, and revitalized, making it an essential addition to your hair care routine.
This brand has been a staple in my hair care arsenal for years. My mom introduced it to me eons before it became mainstream — I don’t know how she discovered it, but this is the only product that works consistently and well for our color-treated, damaged, and rather fine hair. This mask doesn’t weigh our hair down and our locks end up as shiny and slippery as they’d be had we never had the feminine urge to go blonde.
Pros
- Available at many drugstores
- Color-safe
- Heat-protective
Cons
- Over $25 price point
Best Splurge-worthy Hair Mask: Sisley Paris Hair Ritual Restructuring Nourishing Balm
As an advocate for pre-shampoo masks, Nelson extols the virtues of efficiency and results, citing the Sisley Hair Ritual Restructuring Nourishing Balm as his personal favorite. Packed with Babassu oil, shea oil, and moringa oil, this mask is not just a product; it’s a sensory experience designed to cater to all hair types.
Nelson remarks that this pre-shampoo mask “smells amazing and works on all hair types, especially frizzy or dry winter hair. I also recommend this for those beach bums that need extra hair care.” Personally, I found this to be a savior for my oily scalp yet dry ends — a typical feat for me during the winter months. It didn’t weigh down my hair (I love some volume!) or make my roots greasy, but it made my ends professional treatment-level smooth, shiny, and somehow plump? Bye-bye, brittle hair.
Pros
- Treats hair and scalp
- Color-safe
- Pre-shampoo mask for no buildup
- Doesn’t weigh hair down
Cons
- High price point
Best Color-treating Hair Mask: Christophe Robin Shade Variation Care Mask
Christophe Robin’s toning masks also earn a coveted spot in Nelson’s lineup, promising a life-changing experience for blondes, brunettes, and redheads alike. Whether or not your hair is color-treated, this deep conditioner is here to revitalize and intensify whatever your shade (or desired shade) could be.
Since taking my blonde hair to a rich brown, I’ve been using the Ash Brown Shade Variation Mask to keep my hair tone balanced since, as my color washes out, it tends to go a bit brassy. Not only does it keep my color refreshed without any damage, but it treats my hair in the process. Even my stylist was confused as to why my color stayed vibrant for so long without any extra damage.
Pros
- Imparts subtly color for more vibrancy
- Color-safe
- Doesn’t weigh hair down
Cons
- High price point
Best Value Hair Mask: Macadamia Natural Deep Repair Hair Masque
Get salon-quality hair care on a budget with the Macadamia Natural Deep Repair Hair Masque, our top choice for the best-value hair mask. Enriched with Macadamia and Argan oils, this transformative treatment delivers deep hydration, strength, and revitalization, offering a luxurious spa-like experience without breaking the bank.
I have this mask in my hair as I write this. In fact, on those days that call for a quick and easy slicked-back hairstyle, I reach for this mask. It’s remarkably lightweight for how well it treats my hair and I can get a full day’s worth of treatment without looking greasy or anything dripping down my face or back.
Pros
- Good value for performance
- Lightweight while still hydrating
- Light scent
Cons
- Not extremely repairative
Best for Dry Hair: Kérastase Nutritive Ultra-Hydrating Mask for Very Dry Hair
Specifically crafted for those with very dry hair, the Kérastase Nutritive Ultra-Hydrating Mask offers a luxurious solution. Infused with powerful hydrating agents, this mask wins the most hydrating as it deeply nourishes and replenishes moisture, restoring softness and flexibility to even the most parched strands.
This one’s a game-changer. I’ve had every color of hair — red, brown, blonde, blue, pink, yellow, green, etc. — and after it, all my hair has emerged unscathed because of this hair mask. I often use it as my regular conditioner since I only shampoo 2-3 times a week and if there’s anything that liberates hair from the side effects of damage, it’s Kerastase Nutritive.
Pros
- Extremely reparative and hydrating
- Color-safe
- Beautiful scent
Cons
- High price point
Best for Damaged Hair: COLOR WOW x Chris Appleton Money Masque
The collaboration between COLOR WOW and celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton results in the Money Masque, a game-changer for color-treated hair. This transformative masque enriches and revitalizes colored strands, ensuring a vibrant and glossy finish. Packed with innovative ingredients, it goes beyond typical color care, leaving hair nourished, radiant, and beautifully maintained.
TikTok has it right. This trending hair mask is raved about for a reason, and I recently discovered why myself. Having gone from blonde to brown, my hair tends to dull out as my color fades. Without imparting any pigment at all, the Money mask boosts my color by making my strands stand out shiny.
Pros
- Great value for performance
- Color-safe
Cons
- Often sells out (it’s a popular one!)
Best for Scalp Care: Adwoa Beauty Baomint Deep Conditioning Treatment
Curly-haired gal and fellow New York Post commerce journalist, Victoria Giardina, says of the Adwoa Beauty Baomint treatment: “A Sephora beauty director once told me this is the hair mask you have to try at least once — and I’m glad I did. I’ve always loved the fresh feeling of mint-scented hair products for that oh-so-clean result, and my hair is always incredibly hydrated and smooth as a result — whether I blow dry my hair or follow up with a curl cream.”
Pros
- The minty scent provides a fresh feeling on the scalp
- Ultra-thick formulation (without weighing down the hair!)
- No greasy look post-styling
Cons
- While not heavy, those with fine hair may not be satisfied with the thicker formulation
The products compared
| Name | Price | Best for |
| It’s a Ten Miracle Hair Mask | $29.99 | Frizzy, damaged, unruly hair |
| Sisley Paris Hair Ritual Restructuring Nourishing Balm | $132.00 | All hair types |
| Christophe Robin Shade Variation Care Mask | $53.00 | Color-treated or dull hair |
| Macadamia Natural Deep Repair Hair Masque | $29.95 | Lightly damaged hair |
| Kérastase Nutritive Ultra-Hydrating Mask for Very Dry Hair | $63.00 | Extremely dry hair |
| COLOR WOW x Chris Appleton Money Masque | $45.00 | Long hair |
| Adwoa Beauty Baomint Deep Conditioning Treatment | $39.00 | Curly hair; scalp issues |
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