Pugh sums up this industry favorite perfectly: “This isn’t your average mask!” He explains that it uses a patented peptide technology to “actually rebuild broken keratin chains inside the hair,” and calls it a “holy grail for bleached or over-processed hair.” Jeanine Downie, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Montclair, NJ, recommends this pick as well, explaining that it tends to work better than other products in the hair mask category because it operates within the hair follicle. What I think: As Prevention’s resident beauty geek and someone who has been bleaching my hair for the last 15 years, it’s safe to say I have a pretty hefty arsenal of hair repair products at my disposal. And this product always comes out on top. I love using an in-shower hair mask to hydrate and de-frizz my hair, but K18 is truly what allows me to keep my hair long and strong, even with twice-yearly balayage sessions and occasional heat styling. I notice a real difference in the health of my hair when I use this product regularly, and I always make sure to use it before and after every salon appointment. This hair mask from Dove boasts 10 benefits (including preventing breakage, smoothing strands, reducing frizz, and visibly repairing damage) in one affordable product. It’s formulated with protein and an innovative peptide complex to strengthen and repair hair, as well as glycerin and coconut oil for a boost of hydration and moisture. What I think: I’ve tried a lot of high-end hair masks, and the results from this drugstore pick seriously shocked me (in the best way). I initially thought this mask would be a great “filler” product to extend the life of my more expensive hair masks, but it’s quickly become one that I reach for constantly. It makes my hair SO smooth, moisturized, and manageable—after using it, my comb glides through my strands with ease. I haven’t had time to use this mask exclusively for an extended period, so I can’t speak to long-term damage repair, but I do know that my hair looks the best it has in a long time since introducing it to my shower routine. Where the other bond-building superstar (K18) on our list works within the hair shaft, “Olaplex works better outside the hair follicle by repairing disulfide bonds, which hold the hair follicle together,” says Dr. Downie. It helps restore those disulfide bonds with Olaplex’s signature ingredient: bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate. Unlike a standard hair mask that is used post-shampoo as a final in-shower step, this product “is a pre-treatment that is typically used before shampooing,” adds Janiene Luke, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Loma Linda, CA, who also recommends it for its bond-building capabilities. What reviewers think: “After the first treatment (yes, I am dead serious, one single use) my hair felt like it used to, before I started bleaching it to within an inch of its life a year ago….before mother nature drained all the liveliness, body, and thickness from my hair. Even incredibly, it looked better than before I ever permed my hair into a sky in high nightmare in the late-’80s…yup…it is the fountain of youth for your hair. Mine now looks and feels as good as it did over 20 years ago. Thick. Shiny. Soft. Bouncy. Gorgeous. My hair is GORGEOUS AGAIN. I have now done my third treatment, and there is still enough left in the bottle for one more. So, you get more bang for your buck than you think, with this size,” wrote one reviewer on Amazon. If you thought hyaluronic acid was only for your skin, think again! Thanks to a blend of hyaluronic acid and squalane, “this mask is very hydrating,” explains Dr. Luke. “It is great for people with dry hair and can be used on multiple hair types.” What I think: This is truly one of the most hydrating, moisturizing masks I’ve personally tried (and clearly, I’ve tried a lot), and it truly revives my strands when they are extra dry and scraggly. It provides a ton of slip to the hair, which makes detangling post-shower a breeze and helps smooth any broken bits or flyaways. Plus, it has that iconic amika scent that so many fellow beauty-lovers know and love! This hair mask is formulated specifically for dry and damaged hair with a blend of amino acids, ceramides, and plant extracts. It is meant to restore “slightly damaged hair,” fortify strands to prevent future breakage, and provide nourishment and moisture. What I think: From the first use, I knew this mask was going to do the trick. The formula is rich and creamy, but not too thick or heavy. It spreads easily through the hair and instantly makes my strands feel softer, smoother, and look less frizzy. Plus, it smells great—it’s a fresh, clean, slightly powdery scent that lingers in the hair but isn’t at all overpowering. This mask is designed to make your hair look “expensive,” with a deeply hydrating, shine-inducing, strengthening formula. It’s meant for straight and wavy hair types and made to fight against frizz, dryness, and damage. It’s also color-safe. What I think: This mask is thick—so thick it’s almost slimy, in the best way possible. A little goes a long way, and you do need to make sure to thoroughly rinse it out before hopping out of the shower to avoid any unwanted residue. But this product imparts a level of moisture, shine, and gloss I didn’t even know was possible. My hair is completely smooth and frizz-free post-shower, even when I heat style after use. A popular product from amika, this mask is “super rich in jojoba seed oil and sea buckthorn, which is perfect for dry, brittle strands,” Pugh says. “It’s hydrating without being too heavy, making it perfect for fine hair too.” What I think: I love using this mask in place of (or in addition to) a regular conditioner when I want a little more of a moisture-boost without anything too heavy or intense on my fine strands. It provides the perfect amount of hydration, never leaves any residue behind, smells amazing, and makes my hair look and feel super healthy every time. This ultra-nourishing hair mask is designed to deeply hydrate and revitalize dry, damaged strands. It is “an ultra-rich, luxe-feeling mask that’s amazing for thick, dry hair,” Pugh explains, adding that it leaves hair softer, shinier, and easier to manage. It’s infused with plant proteins and lipids alongside powerful hydrators like niacinamide and glycerin to impart moisture and strength.What I think: I am down to my last drop of this hair mask, and I’ve been saving it for a rainy day. It’s my go-to for instantly transforming dry, brittle hair into soft, silky strands. The rich formula feels luxurious but rinses out easily, leaving no residue behind—just smooth, hydrated hair that’s noticeably healthier. It’s been a long-time staple in my routine for keeping ends nourished and preventing breakage. This mask is formulated with pure African shea butter that is rich in vitamins and amino acids to deeply nourish, moisturize, and repair the hair. It contains a number of other standout, natural ingredients including various plant-derived oils, aloe leaf juice, glycerin, and hydrolyzed wheat protein. What we think: “My curls have multiple personalities depending on where they are on my head: The top layer is thin and dry, the middle is just dry, and the ones from the back of my head are pretty okay. This stuff supplies the right amount of moisture for each of those different textures and helps them all act as one uniform head of hair. I also love their hair oil—I put it on when my hair is dry and it still sinks right in,” says Prevention Executive Editor, Stephanie Dolgoff. “This mask is good for people with curly and coily hair, and has raw honey, olive, and jojoba oils to moisturize strands,” says Dr. Luke. The ingredient list is reflective of its claims to nourish, heal, and hydrate the hair, and reviewers with a variety of hair textures attest to its deep conditioning abilities. What reviewers say: “I love this hair mask! I used it as a deep conditioner with heat. It has been a God-send for my low-porosity, high-density 4c hair that is very tangle prone. Leaves my hair soft after rinsing,” wrote one Ulta reviewer. The cult-favorite Don’t Despair, Repair! mask from Briogeo is a longtime popular product and comes highly recommended by two of our haircare experts. “This mask is great because it contains vitamins and nourishing oils and works well for all hair types,” says Dr. Luke. Pugh appreciates the “balance of moisture and protein” in the formula and says it is “ideal for curls, coils, and anyone with breakage or frizz too!” What reviewers think: “I love this product! I’ve been using it for three months now, and it has completely transformed my hair. It’s softer, shinier, and has so much more structure. My hair is naturally frizzy and tends to go wild in humid weather, and for most of my life, I preferred keeping my hair tied up or cutting it short, but thanks to this, I feel so much more confident. I just purchased another one!” wrote one Amazon reviewer. This mask is a must for blondes battling brassiness and bleach-induced damage or dryness. It’s packed with nourishing ingredients like panthenol, cocoa butter, and coconut oil to tone and deeply moisturize strands in just a few minutes—no trip to the salon needed. After use, hair feels softer and looks brighter. What we think: “I have been dyeing my hair since I was approximately 13 years old, so it’s sustained a ton of bleach damage over the years. Nothing brings it back to life like the Pravana blonde purple hair mask. Purple products are notorious for drying out already dry hair, but this is the opposite. Not only does it neutralize any brassy tones and leave my strands a perfect beige, but it leaves my hair feeling moisturized without being weighed down, and looking smooth and shiny,” says Prevention Senior Commerce Editor, Charlotte Lewis. To smooth dryness and damage, opt for a mask containing an abundance of nourishing ingredients. This option from Kiehl’s is packed with oils, emollients, and hydrators like olive fruit oil, avocado oil, glycerin, and lemon oil. What we think: “I have dry, damaged hair that has only gotten worse over the years as I have to color it regularly. My go-to product is Kiehl’s Olive Fruit Oil Deeply Reparative Hair Mask, which I use once a week (I would use it every day, but I’m not made out of money, so I switch it off with drugstore-price conditioners). It is a nice weight, it scoops out of the tub pretty easily, and always leaves my hair softer and easier to style,” says Health News Room Deputy Editor, Marisa Cohen. This luxurious treatment transforms dry, damaged hair in just five minutes, according to the brand. The ultra-creamy formula is packed with a nourishing blend of five oils, Kokum butter, and proteins to deeply penetrate each strand, restoring softness and strength. It also has a lovely fresh lemon scent that isn’t overpowering but definitely lingers in the hair. What I think: I know, I know, this one is expensive. But, it really is worth the splurge if you’re looking for a luxurious mask formulated to revive seriously dry and damaged hair. My strands have been through the wringer, and this mask makes my hair so much more manageable, smooth, and shiny. I’ve been using it about once per week for the last month, and I truly feel as though my hair is not only healthier-looking overall, but is more resilient to ongoing damage. “If you’re using heat tools regularly or getting color services, a weekly hair mask isn’t optional, it’s essential,” Pugh explains. You wouldn’t skip moisturizer if your skin were dry, right? Your hair deserves the same care!” Below, experts share their top tips for applying a hair mask for maximum benefits. (Note: These directions do not apply to specialized treatments like K18 and Olaplex, which have their own specific instructions.) ✔️ Apply evenly to damp hair. After shampooing, gently squeeze the hair to get rid of any excess water. Then, apply your hair mask of choice, focusing on mid-lengths to ends, says Pugh, who adds that there’s usually no need to apply the mask to your scalp, especially if you’re looking to maintain volume. “I always recommend using a wide-tooth comb in the shower to help evenly distribute the product,” Pugh adds. ✔️ Give the mask time to sink in. Once your hair mask is evenly applied, don’t rinse it out right away! Most hair masks will have their own suggested time to leave the mask on, so when in doubt, follow the directions on the package. But, for those with fine or straight hair, Pugh says just a few minutes in the shower (say, about five) is sufficient. Those with thicker, curly, coily, or extra-dry hair may want to leave the mask on a bit longer, Pugh says, and may benefit from the steam method below. ✔️ Maximize benefits with steam or heat. To amplify the moisturizing and nourishing abilities of your mask, our experts say that adding heat or steam is worth considering. Dr. Luke suggests using a portable steamer or conditioning cap (designed to be heated up before applying). “These types of treatment allow for better penetration of water and conditioning ingredients,” she explains. Dr. Downie adds that you can even use a shower cap or heated towel on the head to help the mask penetrate more deeply. ✔️ Be gentle with wet hair. Once you’ve rinsed out your hair mask, Dr. Downie advises you to be extra careful with your wet hair to avoid damage. Particularly for those with curly or coily hair, she says to always use a wide-tooth comb, “and plenty of patience,” avoiding any yanking or pulling. “Quite frankly, that is the same advice I would give anyone with straight hair as well. Wet hair tends to be a bit more stretchy, but the issue is that after the hair stretches, it can break, so everyone has to be careful when combing, brushing, or styling wet hair,” Dr. Downie emphasizes. ✔️ Look for hydrating, nourishing ingredients. “If your hair is dry, look for masks loaded with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera, or natural oils (argan, avocado, or coconut),” Pugh explains. “These ingredients help lock in moisture without weighing the hair down. Also, avoid masks with too much protein because dry hair needs hydration first.” ✔️ Consider reparative or bond-building technology. “Damaged hair (especially from heat, bleach, or color) needs actual repair,” according to Pugh. “Look for masks that contain bond-building technology (like K18 or Olaplex), keratin, or amino acids to help rebuild the hair’s internal structure.” Dr. Luke agrees, adding that masks with proteins and vitamins are great options for those looking to repair damage. ✔️ Keep your hair type in mind. Those with naturally curly or coily hair, or those with really long hair, may be more prone to dryness (due to the fact that the sebum may not evenly coat the entire length of the hair shaft in these hair types), according to Dr. Luke. If your hair falls into one of these categories, look for moisturizing hair masks. If you also struggle with damage, you may switch between a nourishing, moisturizing mask and a reparative or bond-building formula. ✔️ Avoid harsh ingredients. According to Dr. Downie, anyone struggling with dry or damaged hair should avoid ingredients that have the potential to further dehydrate or negatively impact hair structure. She explains that most types of sulfates and alcohols fall into this category and should be avoided when possible. We spoke to Jeremy Pugh, a hairstylist based in Los Angeles; Janiene Luke, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Loma Linda, CA; and Jeanine Downie, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Montclair, NJ. Prevention editors also tested a number of hair masks themselves and sifted through countless product reviews to select the best hair masks for dry, damaged hair available. For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions. Shannen Zitz is an Assistant Editor at Prevention, where she covers all things lifestyle, wellness, beauty, and relationships. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Prevention, she graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland with a bachelor’s degree in English. If she’s not reading or writing, you can probably find her frequenting the skincare and makeup forums on Reddit or hogging the squat rack at the gym.