• Why it’s -approved: This cult mask has earned a reputation for transforming fragile hair, and when we tried it, we were impressed. Harnessing the properties of a patented biomimetic peptide, it assimilates with keratin structures in your hair to knit together broken bonds. The result is fewer flyaways, sealed split ends and hair that feels stronger overall, even after intense heat styling and colour. You only need to use a small pump, so it lasts a long while, too.
• Key ingredients: K18PEPTIDE™, hydrolysed wheat protein

Why it’s -approved: The product that spurred a whole line from Color Wow, this hair mask deserves all the hype for its instant glossy glass hair effect. “Money Masque is amazing,” says celebrity hairstylist Dom Seeley, who counts Kendall Jenner, Kim Kardashian and Jessica Alba among his extensive clientele. “It’s a very deep moisturiser that contains a lot of marine ingredients. It repairs, strengthens and moisturises without weighing hair down or overloading it. It leaves hair strengthened, hydrated, super shiny and healthy. Another plus is that it is suitable for all hair types, colours and textures. The best thing is that you only need to leave it on for three minutes for it to work. No more waiting 20 to 30 minutes for the treatment to take effect.”

• Why it’s -approved: Like a delicious smoothie for the hair, Fable & Mane’s mask – which smells like a tropical getaway – is whipped with coconut cream, banana and mango butter. Marianna Blyumin-Karasik, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Florida, stands by the deliciously scented salve. “This is a rich and moisturising hair mask with coconut and mango butter,” she says, explaining that coconut is a moisturising ingredient that can tame inflammation in the scalp, protect the lipid barrier and balance pH levels to enhance the hair growth cycle. She most frequently recommends the product to her curly-haired patients, since curly hair tends toward dryness.
• Key ingredients: Coconut cream, banana, mango butter
• Best for: Designed to treat damaged hair of all types and textures, the creamy formulation hydrates the hair while reducing frizz, split ends and breakage.
• Apply the mask to damp hair from roots to tips, section by section. Gently rub the product into the hair for maximum absorption, then allow it to sit for five minutes before rinsing it out with warm water.

• Why it’s -approved: A rescue treatment for seriously damaged hair that’s formulated to rebuild the molecular structure and improve strength, the L’Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Molecular Strengthening Mask for Damaged Hair has an infusion of peptides and five amino acids that do just that, as well as helping to deliver unprecedented smoothness and detangling.
• Product type: Mask
• Key ingredient: Peptides bonder and amino acids

• Why it’s -approved: Mielle’s rosemary-mint hair oil is a classic. The viral treatment – designed to stimulate hair growth – has legions of lushly coiffed fans, including a number of editors. The mask version of the botanical salve is also racking up buzz. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist in New York, recommends the strengthening treatment to anyone with a scalp in need of some TLC. “This has rosemary oil [and biotin] to promote hair growth, but it also has mint to soothe the scalp if it’s inflamed and itchy,” she says.
• Key ingredients: Biotin, honey, coconut oil, rosemary, mint
• Best for: Suited for all hair types – particularly types 3A to 4C – the mask reduces frizz, mends split ends and hydrates dry and brittle hair.
• After shampooing, smooth the mask evenly through damp hair from roots to ends. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse it out thoroughly.

• Why it’s -approved: Those with thick, dry hair that’s prone to frizz will find a saviour in this formula. It spreads like butter to fully saturate brittle strands, feeding hair a cocktail of proteins and vitamins. Thanks to amodimethicone – a thin, film-forming hybrid of amino acids and silicone – it also attaches to damaged areas and creates a protective shield. But unlike most silicones, this one is water-soluble and won’t leave heavy residue behind after subsequent washes.
• Key ingredients: Hydrolysed plant proteins, niacinamide

• Why it’s -approved: A classic for good reason, this mask works wonders on every hair type to bring back flexible strength. So if harsh colour treatments, mechanical damage or excessive heat have made your hair prone to snapping off, it’s a formula worth investing in. The main attraction here is hydrolysed elastin, which is small enough to permeate the hair cortex and restore healthy stretch. Despite its rich texture, Kingsley explains that it’s suitable for fine hair because “as a pre-shampoo mask, any heavy excess residue is washed away.” Editor’s tip: If you like a sensorial shower experience, opt for the peach-scented Honey & Nectar variant over the original, which is fragrance-free.
• Key ingredients: Hydrolysed elastin, castor oil, glycerin

• Why it’s -approved: Too much sun exposure can contribute to damage, as heat strips moisture and UV weakens keratin in your strands – especially on lighter hair colours that lack built-in protection from the sun. Enter Ouai’s hair mask, which sleekens straw-like tresses with hydrolysed keratin that acts like scaffolding for damaged lengths. A hit among blondes, the fine/medium variety is lightweight, colour-safe and great at restoring hydration to hair that’s been heavily processed. It also smells amazing, courtesy of the crushed jasmine petals in its blend. We’d expect nothing less from a brand that’s the brainchild of celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin, who’s serviced many a bleached-blonde star in her time.
• Key ingredients: Hydrolysed keratin, coconut water, glycerin, jojoba esters, shea butter

• Why it’s -approved: “Ceramides play a vital role in restoring the balance needed to maintain the hair’s structure, strength, and resilience,” says Ball. Gisou’s mask is full of biomimetic ceramides, and by helping replenish those lost during bleaching and styling, it restores both strength and shine. The brand’s homegrown Mirsalehi honey is a workhorse here – it acts as a humectant to attract moisture and reduce hair fall. And of course, we love the playful packaging that sits pretty on any bathroom shelf.
• Key ingredients: Mirsalehi honey, ceramides, multiweight hyaluronic acid, omegas 3, 6 & 9

What to look for in an effective hair mask

Though what constitutes effectiveness may differ depending on your hair type, our experts agree that the best hair masks are those that focus on hydration and repair – and by doing so, also offer protection against future wear and tear. “Beyond offering immediate nourishment, a well-formulated mask should also deliver targeted actives that strengthen various layers of the hair strand,” says cosmetic chemist Fungai Ball. These include:

• Ball says these are vital to replenish the hair’s own natural ceramides, which “are lost due to heat styling, friction (such as brushing or combing), sun exposure, and both physical and chemical hair treatments.” She recommends looking for “hair-identical ceramides” as these maintain structure and strength by keeping the hair barrier balanced.
• “I recommend anything with fatty oils, such as papaya, acai and seed oils,” Heather says, “especially to lock in moisture on maturing or damaged hair.” Kingsley adds that oils are beneficial because “when hair is coloured, bleached or past a certain length (longer hair = older hair), the hair’s natural fatty acid protective layer becomes worn away.” While you look out for oil-rich formulas, be sure to keep your hair type in mind. “If you have fine hair and your mask is rinsed off, but not shampooed away, oils should be lower down on the INCI [list].”
• Amino acids: Ball describes amino acids as the “fundamental building blocks of hair” and recommends seeking formulas that contain them. Indicated on ingredient lists by names including peptides, arginine and hydrolysed elastin, they are crucial for rebuilding and reinforcing broken bonds, promoting stronger, healthier, and more resilient strands.

What’s in a hair mask formula is equally as important. Since masks sit on the hair shaft for prolonged periods, it’s best to steer clear of ingredients that can penetrate and do more harm than good. “I recommend avoiding ingredients that can strip your hair of its natural oils and natural moisturising factors,” Ball says. “These include harsh surfactants and solvents like ethanol.”

What is better – hair mask or conditioner?

“Hair masks are formulated with a higher percentage of conditioning actives than normal rinse-off, post-shampoo conditioners,” trichologist Anabel Kingsley explains. Being more concentrated, they’ll work harder than your average conditioner to revive damaged hair. And because they are kept on the hair for longer periods, hair masks are also more restorative. “Left on the hair for anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour, masks have more time to penetrate and strengthen the strands,” she adds.

Meet the experts