The best hair-growth masks won’t magically make your strands grow inches overnight. But they can help damaged, shedding-prone strands look smoother, shinier, and more resilient. If breakage or dryness have your strands in disarray, the right formula can support strengthening strands and improving scalp conditions.
Instead of relying on TikTok virality alone, we turned to the experts—dermatologists, trichologists, and hairstylists—to find out what hair masks actually work. Then Glamour reviewers with a wide range of hair types put the most promising ones to the test. We evaluated the masks’ ingredients, texture, and scent as well as how they made our mane look and feel after consistent use. Our top pick was the detangling and strengthening Kérastase Resistance Masque Extentioniste, but we also found plenty of other options at lower price points that can help various hair types reach their hair-growth goals.
The best hair masks for hair growth, at a glance
- Best Overall: Kérastase Resistance Masque Extentioniste, $68
- Best Drugstore: Hask Tea Tree Oil Hair & Scalp Treatment Mask, $8
- Best Leave-In Hair-Growth Mask: K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask, $75
- Best for Fine Hair: Olaplex No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask, $30
- Best for Thick, Coarse Hair: Vegamour HYDR-8 Deep Moisture Repair Mask, $52
- Best for Thinning Hair: California Naturals Re:Gro Anti-Thinning Conditioner, $12
- Best for Scalp Health: Jupiter Purifying Mask, $37
- Best for Waves and Curls: Ouai Treatment Mask for Thick Hair, $38
- Best for Hydration: Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask, $39
- Best Rosemary: Mielle Rosemary Mint Strengthening Hair Mask, $8
How we tested
Glamour editors and contributors evaluate hair products on factors such as efficacy, ingredients, texture, and scent. We gathered testers with a variety of hair types—from fine to coarse, straight to curly—and focused on formulas enriched with nourishing oils, extracts, and hair-strengthening ingredients like amino acids and proteins. We prioritized masks that washed out easily and didn’t leave our hair feeling weighed down or greasy. The top performers left hair softer and shinier, improved manageability, and helped reduce breakage over time—making grow-out journeys feel easier.
Best Overall: Kérastase Resistance Masque Extentioniste
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- What we like: Lightweight enough for fine to medium-density hair types
- Worth noting: May not be rich enough for thick and coarse hair types
Recommended by three dermatologists, this is our top overall pick for hair health and hair-growth support. “This mask is excellent for long-term hair-growth goals,” says Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist. “It contains ceramides and maleic acid that help repair damaged hair fibers, reduce split ends, and fortify the strands, promoting stronger, longer hair over time.” Dawn Queen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and hair-transplantation fellow, agrees, noting it’s perfect for those with weak or damaged hair that needs reinforcement from root to tip.
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: Creatine R, ceramides, gluco peptide, wheat protein
- How to use: Apply to shampooed hair as a conditioner or weekly mask. Leave on for up to 35 minutes for more moisture.
Testing notes from Glamour reviewer Alexis Gaskin
“This mask is my personal fave. Its lightweight, whipped texture softens my wavy hair and eliminates tangles without sacrificing volume. I noticed that my comb glided through my wet hair easily after using, and I experienced less breakage and shedding during the detangling process. More than anything, though, it seriously delivered on length—my hair grew almost four inches in just two months,” says Glamour reviewer Alexis Gaskin.
Best Drugstore: Hask Tea Tree Oil Hair & Scalp Treatment Mask
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- What we like: Drugstore price; travel-friendly size
- Worth noting: Packets aren’t resealable
A dry, flaky scalp can hinder hair growth, but this affordable hydrating mask helps keep your scalp balanced and healthy, says Nazanin Saedi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Pennsylvania. In addition to fighting dandruff, the formula is recommended for boosting fine, thinning hair. “This mask combines rosemary oil with tea tree oil, an ingredient that has shown success in growing and replenishing thinning hair,” says Dr. Saeidi.
Reviewers love its cooling, stimulating feel, and the hydration it provides their ends.
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: Rosemary oil, tea tree oil
- How to use: Apply to a clean damp scalp, working down to the lengths and ends of hair. Leave on for up to three minutes, then rinse.
Testing notes from Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
“I’ve noticed thinning around the crown of my head for a little over a year now, and I’ve tried a lot of different methods to try to prompt growth in the area,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary, who has long straight hair. “I used this hair-growth mask three times over the course of a month and definitely noticed a difference in how my hair looked around the crown. It’s typically quite thin, and you can see my scalp peek through in my before photo. But if you look at my after, you can see how much stronger, shinier, and more filled in it looks.”
Best Leave-In Hair-Growth Mask: K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
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- What we like: Lightweight; strengthens damaged hair
- Worth noting: Pricey for the size
This viral leave-in K18 hair mask is beloved by hairstylists, influencers, and derms. It promises to repair and fight damage on the hair’s molecular level in just four minutes, thanks to its patented K18 peptide technology. “It works by reconnecting broken keratin chains, restoring strength, elasticity, and smoothness to damaged hair without weighing it down,” says Aanand Geria, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Geria Dermatology in New Jersey.
The K18 peptide mimics the structure of actual hair, Dr. Geria explains, helping strengthen strands that have suffered the effects of bleach, color, and chemical treatments. Unlike some of the other masks on this list, this is a leave-in treatment; you can apply it to shampooed, towel-dried hair, then style your hair as usual.
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: K18 peptide
- How to use: Apply one to three pumps to towel-dried hair after shampooing. Do not rinse.
Testing notes from Glamour contributor Bella Cacciatore
“The mask quickly absorbs into your hair with minimal residue and is very lightweight—more so than a traditional conditioner or leave-in—making it a great option for finer hair like mine,” says Glamour contributor Bella Cacciatore. “I’ve been using K18 for a few weeks now—every wash for four washes at first, as recommended by the brand, then about once a week—and the difference is pretty noticeable. My hair feels soft and smooth, and looks bouncier and healthier, especially when I blow-dry it. I’ve also noticed my slight waves are more defined, and my broken baby hairs near my crown are less likely to stick up straight since incorporating K18 into my routine. Basically, it’s shampoo-commercial hair in a bottle—it’s worth the price tag and the hype.”
Best for Fine Hair: Olaplex No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask
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- What we like: Great for encouraging growth for all hair lengths
- Worth noting: May not be rich enough on its own for thick or very damaged hair
Perfect for anyone growing out short styles or managing fine strands, this Olaplex mask hydrates while rebuilding weakened bonds. “This mask hydrates and smooths while working deep within the hair shaft to rebuild and strengthen weakened bonds,” says Dr. Garshick. “It’s perfect for those with chemically treated or damaged hair looking to promote hair growth.”
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: Patented bond-building technology
- How to use: Apply once a week to clean damp hair from midlengths to ends for 10 minutes, then rinse.
Testing notes from Glamour contributor Ariel Wodarcyk
“I like to apply three to four pumps of this mask to my hair. Not only does it keep my ends soft and prevent them from drying out, but I’ve also noticed about an inch of growth since my last haircut while using this. Plus, my ends look extremely shiny and healthy in my after pic, about a month and a half later,” says Glamour contributor Ariel Wodarcyk.
Best for Thick and Coarse Hair: Vegamour HYDR-8 Deep Moisture Repair Mask
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- What we like: Rich hydration; great for medium to thick hair
- Worth noting: Use sparingly on fine hair
This silicone- and sulfate-free hair mask was love at first wash for me. It packs a heavenly white floral scent and an extremely thick consistency that reduces my hair shedding while blow-drying. Plus, its benefits extend past washday. “[The mask] is powered by Karmatin, a vegan keratin alternative, which coats the hair to make it instantly appear thicker and doesn’t wash away with rinsing,” explains Neera Nathan, MD, MSHS, a board-certified dermatologist. Moringa seed and marula oils smooth frizz and prevent breakage.
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: Karmatin (a vegan alternative to keratin and silicones), marula oil, moringa seed oil, milk thistle
- How to use: Apply after shampooing for three to five minutes.
Testing notes from Kilkeary
The Vegamour mask was also a favorite for our curly-haired reviewer with coarse hair. “My thick, curly hair felt more pliable and easy to style after just one use,” they say. In two months, their hair grew a little over two inches. They can vouch for the claim that the mask’s benefits last several days too. Each time they wet their hair in the morning, they find it easier than usual to restyle.
Glamour’s Kilkeary is also a fan, noting that she experienced less static and breakage after using this. “My mid to ends feel a lot smoother and stronger, and don’t break as easily when I’m brushing my hair.”
Best for Scalp Health: Jupiter Purifying Mask
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- What we like: Helps manage dandruff and oil buildup
- Worth noting: May be drying if overused. Stick to once- or twice-weekly use, as recommended by the brand.
Health is key when it comes to hair growth, says Matt L. Leavitt, DO, a board-certified dermatologist in Orlando. “If the scalp is not cared for properly, buildup from sweat and excess oils can block hair follicles, resulting in a range of issues, from inflammation to severe itching,” he says. “Jupiter’s Purifying Mask supports exfoliating the scalp to clear away dry skin and rid the scalp of any product buildup.” The mask also contains biotin, which “works to fortify the hair shaft and encourage healthy growth,” says Dr. Queen.
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: Volcanic ash, argan oil, biotin
- How to use: Massage into the scalp on dry or damp hair one to two times a week. Let sit for three to five minutes, then rinse.
Testing notes from Wodarcyk
“This mask has a foaming, mousse-like texture. You can apply it to wet or dry hair, then shampoo and condition as usual,” says Wodarcyk. “I used this formula once a week on my roots, and my hair grew almost four inches. The first time I tried it, I applied the mask to dry fourth-day hair, the longest my hair can go without a wash. I left it on for several minutes before shampooing and was delighted by the cooling mild tingle on my scalp. It washed out easily and left my hair feeling cleaner than a standard wash. Plus, it helped keep oil at bay. By the time day four rolled around, my roots had only a slight sheen, and my scalp felt balanced. In addition to cutting down on oil, it left the hair at my crown looking and feeling fuller.”
Best for Thinning Hair: California Naturals Re:Gro Anti-Thinning Conditioner
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- What we like: Cruelty-free; clean formula; moisturizes without weighing hair down
- Worth noting: Pump makes it hard to use every last drop
If you’re conscious about using clean ingredients in your beauty routine, we highly recommend adding this conditioner for thinning hair to your cart. It’s formulated with 98% naturally derived ingredients, including nourishing avocado oil, nettle, caffeine, pumpkin seed oil, and rosemary. The bottle is 100% recyclable, the fragrance is food-grade, and the formula is free of things like silicones, sulfates, phthalates, and parabens—all for only $12. The founder created the product to aid with her own hair thinning and hair loss postpartum—a time when she wanted to avoid harsh ingredients.
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: Biotin, argan oil, rosemary
- How to use: Apply two to three pumps to clean damp hair. Let sit for three minutes and rinse.
Testing notes from Wodarcyk
“After a little over a month of testing, my hair grew about an inch, and my ends looked shiny and fuller than usual,” says Wodarcyk. “I could apply this directly to my scalp without losing volume; in doing so, I also noticed a fresh crop of baby hairs along my hairline. This works for coarse hair types as well—when my partner tried it, they were pleasantly surprised by how moisturizing it was for their thick, curly hair.”
Best for Waves and Curls: Ouai Treatment Mask for Thick Hair
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- What we like: Deep hydration; supports broken strands; helps seal split ends
- Worth noting: Texture may be too thick for finer hair types (thankfully there’s a lighter option)
When curls lose their bounce and break easily, they need a hefty dose of hydration, and this Ouai mask provides just that. As a blend of almond, macadamia, and olive oils seals in much-needed moisture, hydrolyzed keratin helps support broken strands, resulting in a smoother feel and improved elasticity for bouncier, more defined curls. Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, a family nurse practitioner certified in dermatology, says this mask is also great for dry or weathered hair. “It is very luxurious and makes hair feel smooth and silky,” she says.
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: Botanical oils (almond, macadamia, olive), shea butter, illipe butter, hydrolyzed keratin
- How to use: Apply a quarter-size amount onto clean damp hair, starting from the ends and working to the roots. Comb product through with fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Leave the mask on for five minutes, then rinse with cool water.
Testing notes from Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle
“I have thick, coarse wavy hair, and this hair mask deeply hydrates and softens my strands. It’s great at quickly detangling and has a pleasant floral scent that makes washing my hair so luxurious. I use it about once a week, and I’ve noticed it helps smooth my frizzy hair,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle.
Best for Hydration: Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
- What we like: Deep hydration; cruelty-free; Black-owned brand
- Worth noting: Jar packaging may be easier to use than the tube
This mask expertly quenches dry, damaged hair while strengthening and enhancing its elasticity, thanks to its high-impact ingredients. “Moisturizing ingredients like rose hip, almond, and avocado oils hydrate and improve hair elasticity; biotin strengthens the hair shaft, making hair stronger and more resilient; and algae extract is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant,” says Dr. Queen. In addition to hydrating hair and combating dryness, this mask is fantastic for smoothing frizz and making hair more manageable.
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: Rose hip oil, algae extract, B vitamins
- How to use: Apply once a week to clean damp hair in place of conditioner. Leave on for 10 minutes and rinse.
Testing notes from Calle
“The before image here is from February of this year. I had just stepped out of the hair salon, having dyed my hair back to dark brown after years of highlighting it. The highlights below did come through after two months, which is why my hair is now brown (which I love!). After this hair transformation, I started incorporating the Briogeo hair mask. Now my hair feels so healthy. I’m able to blow-dry it and style it without feeling like I’m drying out my ends. I’ve noticed less hair breakage and frizz. The mask has been a great addition to my hair care routine,” says Glamour’s Calle.
Best Rosemary Hair Mask: Mielle Rosemary Mint Strengthening Hair Mask
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- What we like: Moisturizes hair; promotes a healthy scalp; boosts shine; safe for chemically treated and color-treated hair
- Worth noting: May be too rich for finer hair types
When your strands have had one too many heat styling or bleaching treatments, Dr. LoGerfo recommends whipping out this affordable find, which she calls one of her favorite hair masks ever. “It contains rosemary, mint, and biotin, which can help promote a healthy scalp and make hair supple and shiny,” she says. This affordable mask also contains honey and coconut oil for an added dose of moisture, leaving hair velvety-soft and smooth to the touch.
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: Rosemary extract, mint extract, biotin
- How to use: After shampooing, smooth evenly through damp hair from roots to ends. Leave on for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Frequently asked questions
How exactly do hair-growth masks work?
Hair-growth masks don’t stimulate new follicles, but they strengthen existing strands, reduce breakage, and support healthier-looking length over time. (The anti-shedding treatments minoxidil is an FDA-approved over-the-counter topical shown to promote hair growth.) Experts agree the masks work best as part of a holistic routine alongside gentle styling, scalp care, and patience.
“When hair is damaged, the proteins in the strand are exposed and vulnerable to damage,” says Robyn Gmyrek, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “Hair-repair products help to plug any gaps and create a smoothness to make the hair look better, but also protect it from further damage.” Some also stimulate hair follicles with ingredients such as caffeine and cayenne.
In addition to incorporating a mask into your hair care routine, you may want to ask your doctor about supplements that support hair growth. “I suggest an oral nutraceutical packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that nourish hair from within,” says Matt L. Leavitt, DO, a board-certified dermatologist in Orlando, Florida. “Scientifically backed supplement ingredients supporting hair health include NAD, pumpkin seed extract, taurine, saw palmetto, and ashwagandha.”
Is a hair mask or hair oil better for hair growth?
“A hair mask penetrates the hair shaft much quicker and helps promote hair health from within, all while conditioning the outer layer of the hair, which helps with smoothness and shine,” says Kerry E. Yates, a trichologist and founder of Colour Collective. However, only a serum can help promote new growth from the follicle.
What is the difference between using a mask and a regular conditioner for hair growth?
“A hair mask is usually deeply hydrating, nourishing, and a bit more intensive than regular conditioner,” says Yates, and will penetrate the hair shaft more deeply. While you can use a conditioner with every wash, most masks are intended for use only one to three times a week.
What are the best DIY hair masks for hair loss?
If you’re looking for a good DIY hair mask to combat hair loss, look no further than coconut oil. “Coconut oil is truly nature’s bond repair,” says Neera Nathan, MD, MSHS, a board-certified dermatologist. “Studies show it may help protect hair against UV, reduce protein loss, and penetrate the hair shaft to reduce hair breakage.” To use, she recommends applying to the whole head for 30 minutes (or overnight for an extra-deep conditioning boost) and then washing hair as usual.
What should you avoid doing if your hair is thinning?
According to board-certified dermatologist Morgan Rabach, MD, it’s key to avoid stress of any kind on your strands. “Examples are tight hairstyles, over-drying, perming, too many harsh chemical treatments, and dyes,” she says. Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, a family nurse practitioner certified in dermatology, recommends limiting sun exposure on your scalp; along with the increased risk of skin cancer, frequent sun exposure and scalp sunburn can begin to affect the structure of your hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
How do I choose the right hair-growth mask?
Let us reiterate: There is no miracle hair mask that will make your hair grow longer. With that being said, Dr. Rabach suggests avoiding overly fragranced and dyed formulations while sticking to options with ingredients that support hair and scalp health, including peptides and botanical oils. “Certain botanicals like rosemary oil, caffeine, and rosemary may help scalp stimulation,” she says. She also recommends keeping texture in mind, using lighter formulas for thinner hair types and thicker, denser ones for dry, thick hair.
Meet the experts
- Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, family nurse practitioner certified in dermatology
- Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist
- Nazanin Saedi, MD, board-certified dermatologist in Pennsylvania
- Matt L. Leavitt, DO, board-certified dermatologist in Florida
- Aanand Geria, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Geria Dermatology in New Jersey
- Robyn Gmyrek, MD, board-certified dermatologist in New York City
- Neera Nathan, MD, MSHS, board-certified dermatologist
- Morgan Rabach, MD, board-certified dermatologist in New York City
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