Frequently asked questions
What is the best hair mask to use?
Certain hair masks work better than others depending on your specific concerns. “Look for a mask that targets what your hair is in need of most,” says Raven Hurtado, hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. “For instance, if your hair feels damaged or has split ends, opt for a mask with bond rebuilders. A mask that has conditioning oils would also help dry or frizzy hair.” Similarly, a bond-repair mask like K18’s does wonders to bring heat-damaged or color-treated hair back to life, while a deep-conditioning treatment is key if it’s strong, bouncy curls you’re after. And if your color is looking dull? Consider a toning mask, like a purple one; it’ll be your new best friend.
As for finding the right hair mask for your hair type, it might take a little trial and error, says Alex Pardoe, celebrity hairstylist. “If your hair is fine and straight, you won’t use the same mask as someone who has thick, curly hair,” he says. The difference? Fine hair types might want to gravitate towards masks that are more lightweight and contain ingredients like peptides or hyaluronic acid because they won’t weigh hair down. Curly hair types need more occlusive moisture, so you’ll want to look out for ingredients like shea butter and thicker oils. If you’re unsure, he recommends trying a travel-size or mini version of the mask to test before purchasing a full tub
Do hair masks actually make a difference?
According to the experts we spoke with, yes, they can make a big difference. “A good mask helps replenish moisture, and a leave-in helps maintain that hydration and control frizz between washes,” says Rogerio Cavalcante, a NYC-based stylist and owner of the Second Floor Salon. But the key is consistency—great products only work if you actually use them regularly, he says.
A lot of things can cause dry hair, says Annagjid “Kee” Taylor, a celebrity hairstylist in Los Angeles. “Over-washing, heat styling, lack of moisture in the air, chemical treatments, and product buildup. A lot of us are moisturizing without cleansing properly, which keeps hair from absorbing the benefits. And sometimes it’s just genetics; some textures naturally need more TLC,” she says. Dry hair can also lead to increased static, breakage, flyaways and split ends, so incorporating a hair mask into your routine can help repair these weak areas and help encourage healthier, stronger hair.
Is there a difference between a hair mask and a leave-in conditioner?
The hairstylists we spoke to say that although hair masks and leave-in conditioners do similar things, they are in fact different. “A hair mask is heavier and more intense and is meant to be rinsed out, otherwise it will leave your hair oily and weighed down,” says Michael Dueñas, a celebrity hairstylist, men’s grooming expert, and curl expert. Hair masks also address more specific concerns, like hair thinning, dullness, or general breakage. “A leave-in conditioner is lightweight and really helps with detangling specifically,” says Dueñas. While leave-ins have conditioning agents in them, they are much more diluted. “Some of these ingredients take longer to penetrate the hair, which is why leaving it in is best,” he says.
How do you apply a hair mask?
It’s important to read the package instructions, as the exact process varies from product to product, but as a general rule of thumb, use a hair mask once or twice a week to avoid drying out your hair (overuse can overstrip hair and lead to brittle and dehydrated strands). It’s important to read the package instructions, as the exact process varies from product to product, but as a general rule of thumb, use a hair mask once or twice a week to avoid drying out your hair. NYC hairstylist Mikel Slate also recommends applying most hair masks after you’ve rinsed out your shampoo: Lightly towel-dry hair, then comb the mask through the ends to ensure an even application. Leave the mask on for at least 10 to 15 minutes (keeping a claw clip and a comb stashed in your shower will help if you have long or natural hair), and rinse with cold water, which will help boost shine. “Rinse your hair two times if you need to,” says Slate.
“If your hair is very damaged, you can increase it to twice a week for extra nourishment. Those with fine or oily hair should use a mask every other week instead, since heavy formulas can weigh hair down or make it look greasy,” says Sean Michael, owner of Salon Beau.
Is it better to put a hair mask on wet or dry hair?
Most hair masks work best on clean, towel-dried hair right after shampooing. “Damp hair helps the product absorb more evenly and deeply into the strands. However, always check the label because some masks are formulated for use on dry hair,” says Michael. He says to just keep in mind that applying a mask to very wet hair can dilute the formula and make it less effective.
Can you replace your conditioner with a hair mask?
Although it might be tempting, you shouldn’t replace your conditioner with a mask, says Dueñas. “Over time, it will weigh your hair down and overload it. Masks are packed with nutrients that are very heavy for hair. It would be like overworking a muscle when working out, and in the long-term, it can cause more damage,” he says.
Are there disadvantages to using hair masks?
The only disadvantage of hair masks is overusing one. “I wouldn’t use a hair mask every time you wash unless you’re in a bind with very damaged hair,” says Pardoe. Masks are the heavier, more intense version of conditioner, so he recommends alternating washes to guarantee that you won’t weigh your hair down.
How we evaluated hair masks for dry, damaged hair
Glamour editors and contributors evaluate hair products on ingredients, consistency, scent, and—of course—whether it delivers on promises like shinier, hydrated or frizz-free hair. We started with a group of testers with a variety of hair types—from fine, to thick, coarse strands and everything in between. We chose ones that had expert-backed ingredients like rich butters, oils, and ceramides for curls, lightweight ingredients like plant oils for finer hair types, and hair-strengthening additives like keratin. The texture of the masks themselves were rich and coated in between every strand. We looked for masks that were easy to wash out and didn’t leave our hair feeling weighed down or greasy post-wash. The ones on this list gave us shiny, soft hair so velvety and bouncy you could run your fingers through it without snagging.
