15 Best Hair Masks for Damaged Hair to Rejuvenate It
By Ava Barnes
Hard water, environmental aggressors, pollution, and constant hair styling take a toll on our hair leaving it lifeless, dull, rough, dry, and frizzy. The best hair masks for damaged hair breathe life into your hair giving it an instant fix. Your hair starts regaining its lost luster, health, and softness. Dry and frizzy hair means it’s short on moisturization and the best hair mask for dry, damaged hair gives it the much-required nourishment. Hair masks are enriched with hydrating and nourishing ingredients that work like magic on limp curls, split ends, dull highlights, dry bleached hair, and if your hair feels rough like a sack. And the best part is whether you have curly or straight hair that runs through your waist or just under your ears, these hair masks work perfectly for all!
Hair masks treat your hair from within through deep conditioning as they saturate the hair follicle and nourish it with nutrients. Whether your hair is crying for attention as it needs hydration, nourishment or repair, a hair mask is the answer. It restores your hair so that it looks soft, silky, and rejuvenated. So get ready to pamper your hair and yourself with some of the best hair masks for damaged hair that are available for your taking.
Our top picks
15 Best Hair Masks For Damaged Hair
The highly concentrated formula of Olaplex Hair Perfector No 3 prevents and repairs hair damage. It restores stronger and healthier hair and contains bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate that treats all hair types at the molecular level. Your dry, brittle hair will undergo a noticeable change as it becomes more soft, shiny, and resilient. A single molecule of this hair mask for damaged hair shows a dramatic and immediate improvement in your hair strength as it repairs it from within. So, repair broken bonds and fix damaged hair with this best hair mask for dry, damaged hair, and get your luscious tresses back to life.
Active Ingredients: Jojoba Oil
Hair Type: All hair types
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Oil-free
- Silicone-free
- Concentrated formula
Cons
- Contains fragrance
2
Best in Moisturizing
SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Hair Masque
For hair damage control, deep conditioning, hydration, moisturizing and frizzy hair fixes, SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Hair Masque is the answer. It gives your hair a powerful dose of nutrients and moisture with its potent blend of shea butter, manuka honey, baobab, and mafura oils. This blend is enriched with African rock fig which is a powerful antioxidant and locks in moisture and conditions your hair. It smoothes your frizzy hair making it stronger and healthier. The effect of these ingredients is enhanced as it contains no parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, or phthalates. This hair mask for dry, damaged hair locks in moisture, fortifies follicles, and works on over-processed and color-treated hair as well.
Active Ingredients: Manuka honey, mafura oil, fig extract, shea butter, and baobab oil
Hair Type: Curly hair, dry hair
Pros
- Certified organic ingredients
- Intense hydration
- No harmful chemicals
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- Some may not find the fragrance desirable
3
Best Nourishing Mask
Moroccanoil Restorative Hair Mask
A powerhouse of protein, Moroccanoil Restorative Hair Mask restructures, nourishes and fortifies weakened and damaged hair. This hair mask for damaged hair infuses life into your dull, lifeless tresses with the benefits of argan oil, shea butter, and vegetable protein (1). This restorative hair treatment helps to reconstruct and condition damaged strands from the effects of heat or chemical styling and environmental aggressors. Enriched with vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, this incredible oil has been used for a long time to strengthen and nourish hair. It also has a pleasant fragrance which is an aromatic blend of sweet flowers and spicy musk and amber.
Active Ingredients: Argan oil, shea butter
Hair Type: For all types of damaged hair
Pros
- Improves elasticity of hair
- Good for treated hair
- Rich in antioxidants
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Some feel it could be more moisturizing
4
Best for Dry Hair
Arvazallia Hydrating Argan Oil Mask
Get back those glorious tresses with Arvazallia Hydrating Argan Oil Mask as it strengthens, nourishes and hydrates your hair. It leaves your hair silky, smooth, stronger, and more manageable as it restores it to its former glory. Though especially good for dry hair, it can be used by all hair types including curly or permed hair with its deep moisturizing and conditioning. Overprocessed, dry and frizzy hair is repaired, restored, and strengthened so that it looks healthy and glossy again. Fortified with premium vitamin and nutrient-rich argan oil, this hair mask for dry, damaged hair also repairs hair that has been damaged by excess heat due to hair styling.
Active Ingredients: Argan oil
Hair Type: Dry hair
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Improves manageability and elasticity of hair
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- May take time to remove from hair
5
Best for Deep Conditioning
Marc Anthony Grow Long Restoring Anti-Breakage Mask
Packed with the benefits of caffeine, ginseng, biotin, and hydrolyzed keratin, Marc Anthony Grow Long Restoring Anti-Breakage Mask does deep conditioning of your hair. It not only smoothens the hair cuticles, but it also makes your hair stronger and softer and improves its elasticity. One of the best hair masks for damaged hair, it nourishes your dull, dry, weak or frizzy hair with proteins and improves its texture and quality. Hydrolyzed keratin does a perfect job of smoothening hair by filling in the cuticle, ginseng, and caffeine deeply condition it, and argan and avocado oil hydrate and moisturize it so that your hair looks healthy and glossy (2).
Active Ingredients: Caffeine, ginseng, biotin, hydrolyzed keratin
Hair Type: All hair types
Pros
- Improves elasticity
- Deep conditioning
- Contains natural ingredients
- Free of all harmful chemicals
Cons
- Has added fragrance
6
Best Vegan Mask
Coco & Eve Like a Virgin Hair Masque
Coco & Eve Like a Virgin Hair Masque is a super effective 5-in-1 treatment as it revives, restores, repairs, tames and conditions your hair. An amalgam of natural ingredients, this hair mask for damaged hair deeply conditions, nourishes, and hydrates your hair. Raw, virgin coconuts from Bali add strength and shine while preventing split ends and breakage. Fig extracts and shea butter deeply moisturize and detangle your hair without making it heavy and greasy. Linseed improves the texture and gloss while argan oil tames frizziness making your hair softer, shinier, and more manageable. Winner of several awards, this hair mask improves your hair. In a matter of just 10 minutes, one application will show a marked improvement in damaged hair. Even if the hair has been under constant heat stress, bleach, or coloring, this godsend will fix it. It comes with a free tangle tamer with 2-tiered bristle technology to gently detangle your hair without breakage.
Active Ingredients: Coconut, argan, and linseed oil, fig extract, shea butter
Hair Type: All hair types
Pros
- Natural ingredients
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- No harmful chemicals
Cons
- May leave a residue in some cases
7
Best for All Hair Types
Majestic Pure Avocado Hair Mask
A blend of avocado and coconut oil, biotin, shea butter, and vitamin E, Majestic Pure Avocado Hair Mask works to give you thicker and shinier hair. Also infused with wild geranium extract, rosehip seed oil, argan oil, cilantro extract, and ginger extract among other things, it hydrates and conditions your hair so that it looks healthier. The deep conditioning action of this hair mask for damaged hair thickens and softens hair, improves its texture, and makes it more manageable. Suitable for all hair types, this hair mask is cruelty-free and doesn’t contain toxins or harmful chemicals.
Active Ingredients: Avocado oil, coconut oil, biotin, vitamin E
Hair Type: All hair types including colored and chemically treated hair
Pros
- Reduces frizz
- Deep conditioning
- Sulfate-free
- Color-safe
Cons
- Contains perm/relaxer solution
8
Sunatoria Premium Keratin Hair Mask
The unique hydrolyzed keratin formula of Sunatoria Premium Keratin Hair Mask contains vitamin E that brings back shine to the hair which may have been lost with exposure to styling products, heat or harsh chemicals. Hydrolyzed keratin deeply penetrates the hair follicle and repairs its basic structure. It is also infused with omega 3 and omega 9 that increase the elasticity of hair and hydrate it. Together, they restore the hair with a protein boost so that your hair regains its previous shine, softness, bounce, and health. It prevents hair from drying out and makes it more manageable. This hair mask for damaged hair is ideal for brittle, dry, and color or chemically treated hair of all textures and treats split ends as well.
Active Ingredients: Vitamin complex with omega 3, 9, vitamin E
Hair Type: All hair types
Pros
- Contains hydrolyzed keratin
- Non-greasy
- Chemical-free
- Floral scent
Cons
- Contains alcohol
9
K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
Recover the softness, strength, bounce, and smoothness of your hair in a matter of minutes with K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask. The patented biotech peptide treatment of this hair mask for damaged hair restores chemically treated hair by penetrating its structure and making it soft, smooth, and strong. It reconnects broken polypeptide chains and restores the core elasticity and strength of your hair. Its highly concentrated formula works wonders on all types of hair. You will soon notice that your hair has improved shine and silkiness. Its frizziness and split ends reduce and the former bounce and gloss are back.
Active Ingredients: K18Peptide™
Hair Type: All hair types
Pros
- Works in 4 minutes
- Enhances core strength of hair
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May dry out hair
10
Vitamins Keratin Mask for Dry & Damaged Hair
The biotin protein with castor oil that is present in Vitamins Keratin Mask for Dry & Damaged Hair not only repairs hair, it also conditions curly, thin or fine hair. Enriched with the goodness of keratin, collagen, coconut oil, and Moroccan argan oil, your hair becomes as soft and smooth as silk with a luxurious shine(3). Its intensive, deep conditioning action nourishes and hydrates your hair as it gives it the required nutrition. This volumizing hair mask is good for hair of all textures and does not weigh your hair down or make it greasy. So if you want shiny, healthy hair with no split ends, frizz, or breakage, this best hair mask for damaged hair that is packed with antioxidants is definitely your go-to.
Active Ingredients:Vitamin E, lactic acid
Hair Type: All hair types
Pros
- Frizz control
- Non-greasy
- No harsh chemicals
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- May not be suitable for very sensitive skin
11
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair Deep Conditioning Mask
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair Deep Conditioning Mask is a godsend for dry, colored, chemically treated, damaged and curly hair and is clinically proven to reduce hair breakage after just 2 uses. It not only strengthens damaged hair, but it also helps prevent damage in the future and makes your hair shinier and softer with its 97 percent natural ingredients. A powerful blend of antioxidant-rich B-vitamins, rosehip oil, and algae extract, this hydrating hair mask for damaged hair does wonders for all types of hair. The B-vitamins add volume to your hair improving its texture and shine and also treat hair damaged by chemical or heat treatments. You can get your dose of amino acids, antioxidants, and minerals that are needed to nourish the hair from within, thanks to the algae extracts. While rosehip oil nourishes your hair with essential fatty acids that hydrate your hair and control frizz.
Active Ingredients: Vitamin B, algae extract, rosehip oil
Hair Type: All hair types
Pros
- Vegan formula
- 97 percent naturally derived ingredients
- Improves long-term health of hair
- No harsh chemicals
Cons
- May cause scalp irritation in rare cases
12
Eva Nyc Therapy Session Hair Mask
Eva Nyc Therapy Session Hair Mask works its magic on damaged hair with keravis plant protein and argan oil to hydrate, strengthen, deeply condition, and style your hair. Your hair becomes soft and manageable as keravis protein improves the elasticity and strength of your hair and argan oil nourishes it. As the formulation is devoid of any chemicals and artificial colors, it is safe to use for everyone. Your dry hair gets the attention it’s craving with the rich creamy formula of this hair mask for damaged hair and before you know it your hair looks healthier and shinier. This hair mask works equally well on Brazilian, keratin, and color-treated hair.
Active Ingredients: Keravis plant protein and argan oil
Hair Type: Dry and damaged hair
Pros
- Intense hydration
- Rich creamy formula
- Vegan formula
- Good for treated hair
Cons
- Has added fragrance
13
Tgin Miracle Repairx Deep Hydrating Hair Mask
Tgin Miracle Repairx Deep Hydrating Hair Mask is specially designed to repair and restore your damaged hair to its original health. It does a fantastic job of preventing hair breakage, color, and heat damage for all hair textures. This hair mask for damaged hair puts fresh life into your hair with biotin that has healing qualities and black castor oil that is a great moisturizer. Together with other ingredients like raw black honey, olive oil, agave and papaya extract, and jojoba seed oil to name a few, it makes the hair more manageable, improves shine, hydrates your hair, and reduces hair fall and split ends drastically.
Active Ingredients: Black castor oil and biotin
Hair Type: Curly hair
Pros
- Intense hydration
- No harmful chemicals
- Great for all hair textures
- Reduces hair fall
Cons
- May not work on relaxed hair
14
BELLISSO Biotin Hair Mask
BELLISSO Biotin Hair Mask fortified with argan oil is a boon for dry, damaged hair with its deep conditioning and moisturizing. Split ends are dealt with in no time and it reduces frizz, and breakage and repairs weak and color-treated hair. This deeply nourishing hair mask replenishes moisture and restores stressed-out hair. This biotin hair mask for damaged hair is crafted with natural extracts like jojoba and coconut oil, aloe vera, rosemary essence, peppermint oil, keratin, collagen and chamomile extract for optimum moisturization. This hair mask coats each strand forming a protective layer and guards it against pollution and other environmental aggressors like the harmful UV rays of the sun.
Active Ingredients: Moroccan argan oil, jojoba oil
Hair Type: Curly, wavy, damaged, straight, dry
Pros
- Repairs color-treated hair
- Deep conditioning
- Sulfate and paraben-free
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- Contains fragrance
15
Luseta Biotin Collagen Hair Mask
Luseta Biotin Collagen Hair Mask is ideal for strengthening and thickening hair with its deep conditioning treatment. Biotin weaves its magic into your hair as it strengthens weak hair and restores and rejuvenates thinning and dull hair. Enriched with argan oil and other essential vitamins and nutrients, hair loss reduces and your hair is moisturized and repaired. It works wonders on weak, damaged, and chemically processed hair making it more manageable. Argan oil also takes care of split ends, frizziness, and breakage in frizzy hair. Sweet almond oil seals essential moisture in your hair that is vital for its repair and rejuvenation. You can once again boast of a strong, healthy crowning glory with this hair mask for damaged hair.
Active Ingredients: Biotin, collagen
Hair Type: Curly, damaged, dry, color-treated, thin, chemically-treated, frizzy
Pros
- Curl enhancer
- Thickens hair
- Contains essential nutrients
- No harsh chemicals
Cons
- Some may find the fragrance too strong
The concept of one mask suits all does not work with different hair types as their requirements are completely different. A lot depends on the type of hair you have been blessed with genetically and the type of hair issue you might be facing, so decide wisely about the hair mask you choose. We offer you a few tips that you can consider while choosing the best hair mask for damaged hair.
How To Choose Hair Masks For Damaged Hair
So, here we go with a few factors like ingredients and hair type that you should keep in mind while choosing a hair mask so that your hair regains its former glory.
Ingredients
Go for hair masks with moisturizing agents if you have frizzy or dry hair — masks with conditioning oils like olive oil, argan oil, coconut oil or jojoba oil are your best bets. They are your protectors who shield your hair from the harmful sun rays and environmental aggressors. These ingredients make the core of your future healthy hair.
Hair Type
All hair masks do not work for all hair types, so choose wisely. For dry and frizzy hair you should opt for a mask that nourishes and softens your hair from the core. Similarly, for dull, oily hair and split ends go for ingredients that relieve dandruff and itching and balance natural oils like tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and lavender oil. These are lightweight oils and are the best options for oily hair. For split ends, a mask with bond rebuilders is a good choice. For curly hair, a deep conditioning and nourishing mask works well, for dull hair a toning mask and for fine, thin hair go for a lightweight mask.
Prevents Breakage
Dry hair gets frizzy and brittle and that can cause a lot of breakage. Look for a mask that moisturizes and strengthens your hair and stops it from breaking. Argan oil, coconut oil, and olive oil control hair breakage and add shine to the hair.
Price
You should also consider whether the cost of your hair mask is pocket-friendly or not. The more premium the ingredients, like Moroccan argan oil, the higher the cost will be. However, cheaper options from reputed brands are available and do a great job of controlling frizz and hydrating the hair.
Now that you know what to consider while choosing the best hair mask for damaged hair for your unique requirements, it’s also essential to know how to apply it properly so that you get the most out of it.
How to Apply Hair Masks For Damaged Hair
- First of all, shampoo your hair so that it is completely clean and can soak up the repairing and nourishing nutrients of the mask.
- After that, ensure that excess water is removed so that your hair is damp and not wet.
- Apply the mask and run your comb through your hair so that it spreads evenly.
- Let it soak for about 5 minutes or as mentioned on the product.
- Finally, rinse thoroughly with cold water as that improves the shine.
- Use the hair mask once or twice a week so that your hair doesn’t dry out.
The best hair mask for damaged hair gives an almost instant fix to your hair as it drastically improves gloss revives lifeless hair, and gives the required hydration and nourishment to your hair. Split ends disappear, frizzy hair becomes smoother and your hair gets back its original luster, health, and strength. They are infused with natural and organic ingredients and feed your hair with the required nutrients by penetrating deeply into the hair follicle. They are usually free of harmful chemicals and can be used as a leave-in treatment for deep conditioning. There is a hair mask available for every hair type and hair texture and we hope our research into the 15 best hair masks for damaged hair will help you find the perfect one for your lovely tresses.
FAQ's
Which is the best hair mask for damaged hair?
Your choice of a hair mask should be decided by the porosity of your hair. Hair that has low porosity is poor in the absorption of hair care products so hair masks that contain coconut oil, avocado oil, and similar ingredients are good. Hair with high porosity has a high rate of absorption of cream and oil. Masks with shea butter, coconut, jojoba, and avocado oil are good bets.
Are hair masks good for damaged hair?
They are as they nourish, rejuvenate, and moisturize your hair. This is especially true in the case of dry, frizzy, and damaged hair. They enhance hair strength and some hair masks boost the health of your scalp.
How do you heal extremely damaged hair?
You could start by using a shampoo and a leave-in conditioner specially formulated for damaged hair and wash your hair with lukewarm water. Occasionally, use a deep conditioning treatment. Use a wide toothcomb instead of a hairbrush. Always use a heat protectant and try switching to heatless hairstyles.
What is the best homemade hair mask for dry damaged hair?
A tablespoon of honey, a tablespoon of olive oil, and a banana blended into a smooth paste make a moisturizing hair mask. Just apply this best homemade hair mask for damaged hair from your hair roots to the tips and leave it for a while before washing your hair.
Do you put a hair mask on wet or dry hair?
Although you can put a hair mask on wet or dry hair, it works best on damp hair.
Why Trust Pinkvilla
Alvira, our in-house haircare expert, claims that hair masks for damaged hair have the power to repair and rejuvenate locks that have been subjected to stressors like heat styling and chemical treatments. They contain nourishing ingredients like vitamins and proteins that make the hair strong while restoring moisture and shine. She tried the products over a couple of months and found one that was a clear winner. The Olaplex Hair Perfector No.3 made her hair more soft and shiny, repairing it from deep within. Additionally, it also cruelty-free and formulated without silicone and oils.
Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Pinkvilla to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!
Article Sources +
1. Use of vegetable oils in dermatology: an overview
2. Comparative Study of the Online Over-The-Counter Hair Loss Products
3. Coconut, Castor, and Argan Oil for Hair in Skin of Color Patients
Author BIO
With a keen eye for detail and a passion for hairstyling, Alvira is a certified Hair Expert who brings the latest tre More
