The best hair masks for hair growth can help repair damage and reduce shedding. Dermatologists say there are a few key ingredients you should scan the label for: proteins to strengthen, hyaluronic acid or glycerin to hydrate, and natural oils like argan or coconut oil to nourish. Sounds easy enough, but if you scroll through TikTok, you’ll end up learning about more tea tree oil-, amino acid-, and biotin-infused deep conditioning treatments than you can count, and probably leave the app feeling more overwhelmed than when you started.
To help you cut through the noise, we turned to the experts—dermatologists, trichologists, and hairstylists—to find out what hair growth masks they recommend, then had Glamour reviewers put them to the test (including me, a beauty editor with wavy, tangle-prone hair that’s still recovering from years of double-process bleach sessions). For two months, we took into account the masks’ ingredients, scent, and the way they made our hair look and feel.
Our top pick was the detangling and strengthening Kérastase Resistance Masque Extentioniste, but there are plenty of other hair masks on this list, including a couple of more affordable drugstore options, that can help you reach your hair growth goals.
The best hair masks for hair growth, at a glance
- Best Overall: Kérastase Resistance Masque Extentioniste, $68
- Best Drugstore: Dove 10-in-1 Bond Strength Repair Serum Mask, $10
- Best for Very Damaged Hair: K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask, $75
- Best for Thick and Coarse Hair: Vegamour HYDR-8 Deep Moisture Repair Mask, $52
- Best for Scalp Health: Jupiter Purifying Mask, $37
- Best for Fine and Thinning Hair: Pura D’or Hair Thinning Therapy Moisturizing Masque, $20
Your hair mask questions, answered
How exactly do hair growth masks work?
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Hair masks can’t spur new hair growth from the follicle, the way that anti-shedding treatments like minoxidil can (an FDA-approved over-the-counter topical shown to promote hair growth). However, masks are great for strengthening your hair and helping it grow fuller and healthier over time. “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 stimulate hair follicles using ingredients like caffeine and cayenne, too.
In addition to incorporating the masks below in 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, FAOCD, a board-certified dermatologist in Florida. “Scientifically-backed supplement ingredients supporting hair health include NAD, pumpkin seed extract, taurine, saw palmetto, and ashwagandha.” He particularly recommends the xtressé Nutrient Gummies, which are available in dermatologists’ offices
What are the best DIY hair masks for hair loss?
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If you’re looking for a good DIY hair mask to combat hair loss, look to 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 may 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.
Best Overall Hair Mask for Hair Growth: Kérastase Resistance Masque Extentioniste
Kérastase Resistance Masque Extentioniste
Sephora
Recommended by three dermatologists, this is our top overall pick for hair health and hair growth. “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, says it’s perfect for those with weak or damaged hair because it keeps it healthy and strong from root to tip.
This mask is my personal fave among the picks on this list. Its whipped, lightweight texture softens my wavy hair and eliminates tangles without sacrificing volume. I noticed that my comb glided through my wet hair easily after using this, 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.
- Pros: Lightweight enough for fine- to medium-density hair types
- Cons: May not be rich enough for thick and coarse hair types
- Key ingredients: Creatine R, ceramides, gluco peptide, wheat protein
Best Hair Growth Mask for Thick and Coarse Hair: Vegamour HYDR-8 Deep Moisture Repair Mask
Vegamour HYDR-8 Deep Moisture Repair Mask
Sephora
Amazon
This silicone- and sulfate-free hair mask was love at first wash for me. It has a heavenly white floral scent and an extremely thick consistency that reduced my amount of hair shedding as I blow-dried. Plus, its benefits extend past wash day. “[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 Dr. Nathan. It’s packed with marula and moringa seed oils, which smooths frizz and prevents breakage.
The Vegamour mask was also a favorite for our coarse, curly-haired reviewer. “My thick, curly hair felt more pliable and easy to style after just one use,” they said. During the testing time, 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 found it easier than usual to re-style.
- Pros: Rich, hydrating, and great for medium to thick hair types
- Cons: Should be used sparingly on finer hair
- Key ingredients: Karmatin (a vegan alternative to keratin and silicones), marula oil, moringa seed oil, milk thistle
Best Hair Growth Mask for Scalp Health: Jupiter Purifying Mask
Jupiter Purifying Mask
Amazon
Dermstore
According to Dr. Leavitt, scalp health is key when it comes to hair growth and this one helps with just that. “If the scalp is not cared for properly, build-up 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 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.
This mask has a foaming, mousse-like texture. You can apply it to wet or dry hair, then shampoo and condition as usual. During the testing period, I used this formula once a week on my roots and the Kérastase Resistance Masque Extentioniste twice a week on my lengths and ends. My hair grew almost four inches with this duo.
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 tingling sensation I felt on my scalp. It was easy to wash out, and it left my hair feeling cleaner than just a standard wash. Plus, it helped keep oil at bay for the following days—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.
- Pros: Great for fighting dandruff, reducing oil, and maintaining scalp health
- Cons: May be drying if over-used—stick to once or twice-weekly use, as recommended by the brand
- Key ingredients: Volcanic ash, argan oil, biotin
Best Hair Growth Mask for Fine and Thinning Hair: Pura D’or Hair Thinning Therapy Moisturizing Masque
Pura D’or Hair Thinning Therapy Moisturizing Masque
Amazon
The ideal pick for fine hair or hair that is thinning, this mask reduces breakage and shedding while stimulating the hair follicle to encourage new and thicker growth. The 15 key ingredients, including caffeine, panthenol, retinol, and biotin “encase the hair in a protective shield that holds in moisture and keeps out damaging free radicals,” says celebrity hairstylist Clyde Haygood. It conveniently comes in individual packets, which makes it an ideal pick for frequent travelers and hairstylists like Haygood. “I always keep these in my kit and my clients love it,” he says.
A reviewer with very fine, bleached hair loved this mask. Not only was the formula lightweight enough for her hair, she told Glamour she could extend her wash time by one extra day without her roots feeling overly greasy—“a first” for her. Over the course of the testing period, her hair grew a little over one inch, which she was happy with considering she touched up her bleached blonde color during the trial. She also noticed extra thickness and a boost of volume at the root, especially if she blow-dried her hair after using the mask.
- Pros: Perfect for fine and thinning hair, easy to travel with, good for oily hair
- Cons: Strong medicinal scent may be a deterrent to some
- Key ingredients: Caffeine, cayenne, apple stem cell, aloe vera, meadowfoam seed oil, DHT blockers, panthenol, retinol, biotin
Best Hair Growth Mask for Hair Shedding: Kérastase Genesis Masque Reconstituant Hair Mask
Kérastase Genesis Masque Reconstituant Hair Mask
Amazon
Sephora
“The Kérastase Genesis Strengthening Hair Mask gave my thirsty, curly hair some much-needed TLC,” says one reviewer with fine, 3B curly hair. “I let the mask sit on my wet hair for longer than the directed five minutes because I know my weakened hair could use the extra time. After I rinsed the mask out, my hair instantly felt more moisturized and was easy to detangle. I was surprised at how soft my hair felt once it was fully dry and how my usually dull hair had an extra shine after only one use. My only ‘complaint’ was the highly fragranced scent, but thankfully it didn’t dry out my hair like some parfums do.” She added that although she liked the mask, she still expected to see more visible growth. Even accounting for her curls’ shrinkage, her hair only grew about an inch.
Inside the formula, you’ll find Edelweiss native cells and ginger root, “which deeply feed and strengthen the hair, making it more resilient and encouraging smoother, healthier strands,” says Aanand Geria, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Geria Dermatology in New Jersey.
- Pros: Works for all hair types
- Cons: Citrus-floral scent may be overpowering for some
- Key ingredients: Edelweiss native cells, ginger root
Best Hair Growth Mask for Very Damaged Hair: K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
K18 Leave in Molecular Repair Hair Mask
Amazon
This viral leave-in K-18 hair mask is beloved by hairstylists, influencers, and derms alike. It promises to repair hair and fight damage on 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 Dr. Geria.
The K18 peptide mimics the structure of actual hair, Dr. Geria notes, which helps strengthen strands that have suffered the consequences 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. The brand recommends using one to three pumps of product with each application.
- Pros: Can help repair extremely damaged and dry hair
- Cons: Some users find that the bottles aren’t filled to the top with product, which makes the mask less cost-effective
- Key ingredients: K18 peptide
Best Hair Growth Mask for All Hair Lengths: Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask
Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask
Nordstrom
Amazon
Let’s say you’re in the awkward stage of growing out a pixie, or you wish your bob was more of a “lob.” If that’s the case, this hair treatment from Olaplex is for you. The amount of product you’ll use will vary based on your hair length and thickness, making it ideal for even very short or very fine hair. Though, it comes highly recommended for dry and damaged hair, thanks to its bond-repairing technology.
“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.”
- Pros: Great for encouraging growth on all hair lengths
- Cons: May not feel moisturizing enough if not used with other Olaplex products
- Key ingredients: Patented bond-building technology
Best Hydrating Hair Growth Mask: Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
Nordstrom
Amazon
This mask expertly quenches dry, damaged hair while promoting strands’ strength and elasticity, thanks to its high-impact ingredient list. “Moisturizing ingredients like rosehip, almond, and avocado oil 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 fighting dryness, this mask is fantastic for smoothing frizzy hair and making it more manageable.
- Pros: Cruelty-free, Black-owned/founded
- Cons: Some users find the jar packaging easier to use than the smaller tube
- Key ingredients: Rosehip oil, algae extract, B-vitamins
Best Drugstore Hair Growth Mask: Dove 10-in-1 Bond Strength Repair Serum Mask
Dove 10-in-1 Bond Strength Repair Serum Mask
Amazon
If you’re looking for a hair growth mask you can pick up at the drugstore (or for only $10 on Amazon), this option from Dove is for you. “This mask is powered by peptides, which help to strengthen hair and repair visible daily hair damage,” says Dr. Nathan. It also contains bio-protein technology, which helps repair hair bonds broken by continuous exposure to heat styling, coloring, chemical treatments, and UV rays. You only have to leave this hair conditioner in for one minute to reap all of its benefits.
- Pros: Price
- Cons: Strong fragrance that may linger too much for some
- Key ingredients: Bio-protein technology, peptides
Best Drugstore Hair Growth Mask for Scalp Health: Hask Tea Tree Oil Hair & Scalp Treatment Mask
Hasl Tea Tree Oil Hair & Scalp Treatment Mask
Walmart
A dry, flaky scalp is a known inhibitor of hair growth, but this hydrating mask will help to 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 giving fine, thinning hair a boost. “This mask combines rosemary oil and tea tree oil, an ingredient that has shown success in growing and replenishing thinning hair,” adds Dr. Saeidi.
Reviewers love this drugstore option’s cooling, stimulating feel, the hydration it gives their ends, and the travel-friendly packet formats, though they wish they could re-seal the packages for easier use on future wash days.
- Pros: Drugstore price and travel-friendly size
- Cons: Packets are reusable but not resealable, so they can be messy
- Key ingredients: Rosemary oil, tea tree oil
Best Hair Growth Mask for Color-Treated Hair: It’s a 10 Potion Miracle Hair Mask
It’s a 10 Potion Miracle Hair Mask
Ulta
Amazon
Shab Caspara, a trichologist and hair health expert, swears by this rich, frizz-smoothing mask. “It’s formulated with keratin amino acids that strengthen the structure of hair, hydrolyzed collagen for strand protection, and Indian gooseberry extract for intense nourishing,” she raves.
The hair mask is also pH-balanced (which is great for scalp health), color-safe, and packed with antioxidant-rich ingredients to help minimize environmental and UV damage. It also helps improve elasticity, which makes hair less likely to snap when being brushed or heat-styled.
- Pros: Great for color-treated and chemically-treated hair
- Cons: Some users wished this mask offered more frizz control
- Key ingredients: Keratin amino acids, hydrolyzed collagen, rose extract, bamboo extract, Indian gooseberry extract, coffee seed oil
The post 11 Best Hair Masks for Hair Growth, Tested and Reviewed 2025 appeared first on Glamour.
