The 11 Best Hair Masks for Growth and Retention

• Strengthening ingredients

• Some may dislike scent

Mielle went beyond viral on TikTok for its Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp Hair Strengthening Oil, which nourishes the scalp to encourage hair growth. The hair mask in the same line deserves a second look, too; by strengthening parched, fragile hair with biotin, aloe, and honey, it helps stop strands from breaking faster than you can grow them.

Key ingredients: Biotin, aloe, honey, essential oils

Size: 12 oz.

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “Whenever my hair is limp, lifeless, and weak, this is the refresher that helps revive my strands. The texture is thick but emulsifies to a creamy milk consistency when activated with water. Post-shower, my hair is softer and primed for the next style.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor

• Hydrating

• Some may go through it quickly

“The Vegamour HYDR-8 Deep Moisture Repair Mask is a great option because it contains natural oils that can penetrate the hair shaft to protect bonds and deeply moisturize,” says Dr. Nathan. Another helpful ingredient is the vegan keratin alternative, which leaves hair both stronger and shinier.

Key ingredients: Karmatin, amino acids, marula oil, moringa seed oil, milk thistle

Size: 5 fl. oz.

Vegamour rating: 4.9/5 stars

A Vegamour reviewer says: “This hair mask is so good. First, I love the natural smell of this product. The mask is great and leaves my hair so smooth and hydrated. It’s perfect if you have damaged hair as it helps with restoring your hair. I’ve been using it for a month and loving it!”

• Boosts shine

• On the pricier side

When you have fine hair, you might be more likely to avoid rich hair masks that feel like they'll weigh your hair down. This option from Ouai is geared toward aiding you on your journey to healthy, hydrated hair without making it fall flat—a testament to its carefully formulated blend of shea butter, panthenol, keratin, and protein.

Key ingredients: Shea butter, panthenol, hydrolyzed keratin and protein

Size: 8 oz.

Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “I love this hair mask! It makes my hair smell so good. and it makes it also really soft! It doesn’t really even take long—five to seven minutes, and it works wonders. If you have dead and dry hair, I would recommend and 100 percent buy it again!”

• Non-messy packaging

• May not be suitable for oily hair

This Act+Acre mask is bursting with fatty acids, proteins, and vitamins, which help to revive damaged strands and fried ends. The formula also contains antioxidants that neutralize free radicals, which not only wreak havoc on your skin but also your hair. “It’s light enough to be used daily, while still being deeply hydrating and moisturizing,” says Dr. Reavey.

Key ingredients: Castor oil, glycerin, shea butter

Size: 4.5 oz.

Act+Acre rating: 4.8/5 stars

An Act+Acre reviewer says: “I have thin, dry hair that looks brittle and dull even if I’m not using heat. Three weeks with this product and I’ve noticed a big difference in the appearance of my hair!”

• Frizz-reducing

• On the pricier side

This mask from Colleen Rothschild is suitable for all hair types, including color-treated hair. Although it contains rich oils and butters to nourish your hair, smooth frizz, and reduce split ends, the formula does its job without leaving behind a heavy, greasy residue.

Key ingredients: Kokum butter, shea butter, capuacu butter, bacuri butter, argan oil, and moringa oils

Size: 10 fl. oz.

Colleen Rothschild rating: 4.8/5 stars

A Colleen Rothschild reviewer says: “Love this hair mask. I saw a HUGE difference just after the first use. And the scent is incredible!”

• Nourishing

• Some dislike small size

The Nounou hair mask harnesses the softening and hydrating powers of Fiaschetto tomato and works its magic on processed hair to add shine and bounce. Plus, it doesn’t take much of the nourishing formula to get your lengths in tip-top shape.

Key ingredients: Fiaschetto tomato extract, vitamin E

Size: 8.87 oz.

Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I recently started relaxing my hair again. This has been beyond amazing for keeping it feeling good, healthy, moisturized. and soft. I highly recommend buying this for any chemically treated hair. Also, despite how small it seems, a little goes a very long way. I use this every time I wash, and I’m only halfway through the jar.”

• Cruelty-free

• Some may dislike scent

This mask is to hair what electrolyte-infused water is to us. Moisture is the name of the game with the Dae Monsoon Moisture Mask, featuring a band of oils and desert botanicals that strengthen and hydrate each hair as soon as you apply it. Fittingly, the product’s fragrance is inspired by the scent of a rain-touched desert.

Key ingredients: Coconut oil, meadowfoam seed oil, grape seed oil, shea butter, desert botanicals

Size: 8 fl. oz.

Dae rating: 4.7/5 stars

A Dae reviewer says: “I love this mask! I use it twice a week on my long hair. It’s long overdue for a trim, but the Monsoon Mask has kept it healthy and soft. Plus I love the smell—very botanical!”

• Recyclable packaging

• May not be suitable for sensitive skin

This mask has collected accolades left and right since its debut. The Deep Conditioning Mask has become a must-have for anyone whose strands are suffering from one too many chemical treatments or heat styling sessions. Just one use a week is enough to ward away breakage while you grow out your tresses.

Key ingredients: Rosehip oil, algae extract, almond oil, biotin

Size: 8 oz.

Briogeo rating: 4.5/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I started using this mask once I began to reintroduce heat styling into my routine, and it’s a lifesaver. I noticed so much less breakage, and as a result, I’ve been able to retain length and bouncier curls. It’s also super hydrating, so whether I’m wearing my hair straight, curly, or in a protective style, my hair always feels soft and protected.”—Tasha Nicole Smith, ELLE beauty assistant

• Silicone-free

• Some reviewers found it difficult to get product out of bottle

Thick, flowing hair often indicates a healthy scalp microbiome. This conditioner supports that community of microorganisms that live on the top of our heads and fortifies strands, proving itself a reliable ally on your mission to achieve your hair goals.

Key ingredients: Ximenia oil, protective postbiotics, arginine

Size: 8.1 fl. oz.

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “This product has been amazing for my hair. Not too light and not at all too heavy feeling after hair is styled. Also has shown a lot of new hair growth and strength!”

• Fortifying

• Pricey

Kérastase specifically conceived the Genesis line to reinforce the hair and make it feel softer to the touch. The Genesis hair mask is an exemplary member of the collection; ingredients like edelweiss native cells and ginger root toil behind the scenes, delivering smooth, shiny locks.

Key ingredients: Edelweiss native cells and ginger root

Size: 6.8 fl. oz.

Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I love the results. My hair feels full, shiny and bouncy. Love it!”

• Strengthening

• May not be suitable for very sensitive skin

In just five minutes, Redken’s mask proves why so many professional hair stylists rave about the brand. At the end of the treatment, you’ll find yourself with fewer split ends and silky strands. It also incorporates biotin, niacinamide, and castor oil—all ingredients that encourage your hair to grow stronger and faster.

Key ingredients: Biotin, niacinamide, castor oil

Size: 8.5 fl. oz.

Redken rating:

A Redken reviewer says: “I have seen less shedding since using, and I like that my hair feels much softer and more moisturized. I love the consistency of the hair mask, and I sat with a heating cap to penetrate my strands. I will continue to use and likely repurchase as I do love the results that I see currently. I have tight coils, and I straightened my hair.”

Dr. Reavey recommends applying them on damp hair post-shampoo. “Most of the active ingredients in hair masks work with water molecules to penetrate the hair shaft to lock in moisture and close the hair cuticle, which is very important,” she explains.

In terms of frequency, Dr. Nathan suggests aiming for “once a week, maybe more often for damaged hair,” she says.

Since the ends are the most vulnerable to damage, Dr. Nathan says that you should focus on both the strands and the tips of your hair—but avoid the scalp. Dr. Reavey shares a secret tip: “Replace your normal conditioner with an antioxidant-rich hair mask to add deep hydration to dry brittle hair.”

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty writer Carol Lee spoke with trusted hair experts about hair growth. She also searched the internet for top-rated hair masks for growth, perused reviews for dozens of popular options, and evaluated each on their features and customer reviews.