As someone who regularly interviews trichologists for a living, I feel pretty confident in my knowledge on hair masks for hair growth – and all the benefits and nuances that come with them.
Here's the deal: similar to most topical growth-boosting hair products, even the best hair masks can’t technically spur new hair growth from the follicle (the way that anti-shedding treatments like minoxidil can). Rather, they're 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. “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,” she explains.
So, although some formulas still feature hair-growth-stimulating ingredients such as caffeine and cayenne, using hair masks alone won't give you the same wow-factor results you might get from in-clinic treatments alongside vitamins for hair growth.
That said, it's not all a waste of time and money. If you're starting on a hair growth journey, using a nourishing hair mask on a regular basis won't hurt. There are a few key ingredients worth noting: proteins to strengthen, hyaluronic acid or glycerin to hydrate, and natural oils like Argan or coconut oil to nourish.
To help you cut through the noise, we turned to the experts — dermatologists, trichologists, and hairstylists — to find out which hair masks are best to help to support hair growth, then had GLAMOUR editors put them to the test (including myself, a beauty journalist with wavy, tangle-prone and damaged hair from years of bleaching and dyeing). Here's everything you need to know.
Meet the experts:
- Neera Nathan, MD, MSHS, a board-certified dermatologist.
- Robyn Gmyrek, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
- Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist.
- Dawn Queen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and hair transplantation fellow.
- Shab Caspara, a trichologist and hair health expert.
- Nazanin Saedi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Pennsylvania
How we tested the best hair masks for hair growth
Over the years, the GLAMOUR beauty team has been busy reviewing countless haircare products (hair masks included) – be it cult favourite formulas that stood the test of time or newer, trending releases that are fresh off your #FYP. When testing each formula, we made sure to take careful note of the ingredient list and how various components may benefit different hair types. Each editor presented with their own set of concerns and preferences: whether it's to revive dull hair, moisturise dehydrated hair or strengthen damaged hair. Read more about how we test here.
- Number of hair masks tested: 15.
- Number of hair masks featured: 9.
- GLAMOUR's standard testing period: 3-5 weeks.
- Testing frequency: Once a week.
- Criteria: Value for money, consistency, smell, and whether each mask actually lived up to its claims on the label.
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Scroll for our edit of the best hair growth masks, tried & tested by GLAMOUR editors…
1. Best Overall: Kérastase Resistance Masque Extentioniste
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- 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.
- Tester: Mayola Fernandes, GLAMOUR's Commerce Writer.
Why we love it: 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 fibres, 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 favourite. 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 this, and I experienced less breakage and shedding during the detangling process. More than anything, though, it seriously helped my hair growth journey. In fact, my hair grew almost four inches in just two months,” says Mayola Fernandes, GLAMOUR's Commerce Writer.
2. Best for Damaged Hair: K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
- 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 technology.
- Tester: Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR's Senior Commerce Editor.
Why we love it: This viral leave-in K-18 Leave In Molecular Repair hair mask is beloved by beauty editors, hairstylists, influencers, and dermatologists alike – and with good reason. It promises to repair the 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 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, colour, 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.
When reviewing this mask, our very own Senior Commerce Editor Sophie Cockett loved its nourishing consistency, and just how convenient it was to leave it in, instead of washing it off. As someone who's previously colour-treated her hair, she appreciated that this formula genuinely helped revive it, leaving it shinier and smoother than ever. As a result of consistent use, this mask aided in stimulating healthier re-growth, resulting in stronger and healthier-looking hair.
3. Best for Dry Hair: Gisou Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hair Mask
- Pros: Great for nourishing dry hair, smells great, has a thick and nourishing feel.
- Cons: May not be a great fit for those with sensitive skin due to its obvious scent.
- Key ingredients: Biomimetic ceramides, panthenol and hyaluronic acid.
- Tester: Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Freelance Beauty Contributor.
Why we love it: After smoother, stronger and shinier hair? Say less. Meet the Gisou Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hair Mask, which is the latest addition to the brand's haircare lineup. Thanks to its clever blend of biomimetic ceramides, panthenol and hyaluronic acid, this formula works wonders for those of us with dry and processed hair. Not only does it help boost hydration levels, but also helps lock that much-needed moisture in, leaving your hair shiny and not at all greasy.
“I've bleached and dyed my hair into practically every colour you can think of: from platinum blonde to cherry red, rose gold to box dye black, ” says Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Freelance Beauty Contributor. “Naturally, a nourishing hair mask has been an essential part of my routine since the dawn of time, and having tested over 30 formulas collectively, the new Gisou mask has emerged as my latest obsession. First off, it smells absolutely divine, and its luxurious cloud-like texture feels incredible upon application. The best part? It doesn't ever weigh my hair down or makes it look greasier. In fact, it leaves it silky-soft, and well-nourished, which is exactly what I look for in any haircare product,” she adds.
4. Best for Shine: Color Wow and Chris Appleton Money Masque
- Pros: Has a lightweight consistency, helps achieve glossy hair, delivers root-to-tip hydration and heat protection.
- Cons: Nothing of note.
- Key ingredients: Procapil complex, sea kelp, algae extract.
- Tester: Robyn Eugene, GLAMOUR Social Media Manager.
Why we love it: Created in collaboration with Colow Wow brand ambassador and celebrity hair stylist Chris Appleton, the Money Masque formula has been specifically formulated for that ultra-glossy and hydrated result. Promising results in just five minutes, this unique formula also helps prep the hair for styling, offering root-to-tip heat protection. Infused with a hydrolysed vegetable protein complex as well as sea kelp and algae extracts, this hair mask also aids in strengthening your lengths as it targets each cuticle to offer deep moisture delivery.
When reviewing this hair mask, GLAMOUR's Social Media Manager Robyn Eugene concluded that it's now become her “favourite haircare product of all time.” Since she has curly, colour-treated hair, she always likes to prioritise hydration in her haircare routine, and this is exactly where this formula excels at. She loved the lightweight feel and the subtle yet refreshing scent. But above all, she appreciated just how soft and shiny this mask left her hair after just one use. Safe to say, it's become an essential part of her beauty regimen ever since.
5. Best Affordable Formula: Being Hair Mask Mega Shine
- Pros: Reasonably priced, helps strengthen hair, free of sulfates and silicone.
- Cons: May not be as nourishing for extremely damaged hair.
- Key ingredients: Cocoa butter, shea butter, oat extract.
- Tester: Lucy Morgan, GLAMOUR's Deputy Website Editor & Purpose Editor.
Why we love it: Whoever said that quality haircare products can't be affordable didn't try this incredibly hydrating formula from Being. A great fit for all hair types, this nourishing formula is filled to the brim with some of the most effective good-for-hair ingredients, including the likes of shea butter, cocoa butter and aloe vera extract. On top of its reasonable price tag, it's also free of silicones, sulfates and paraffins, making it a solid choice for every preference.
During our rigorous testing process, Lucy Morgan, GLAMOUR's Deputy Website Editor & Purpose Editor loved the this formula for its impressive blend of hydrating ingredients. She was particularly excited to apply its cushiony texture, which didn't end up weighing down her hair in the process. Apart from delivering some serious nourishment, this mask also did a superb job at leaving Lucy's hair noticeably shinier, which is all the more evident after using it for two weeks.
6. Best for Colour-Treated Hair: Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask
- Pros: Great for encouraging growth on all hair lengths.
- Cons: May not feel moisturising enough if not used with other Olaplex products/
- Key ingredients: Patented bond-building technology.
- Tester: Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Freelance Beauty Contributor.
Whether you're dealing with freshly colour-treated hair or if you’re in that awkward stage of growing out a pixie or a bob, this bond-repairing hair mask from Olaplex could do just the trick. The amount of product you’ll use will vary based on your hair length and thickness, making it ideal for even the shortest or finest hair. Although it could help all hair types, it still comes highly recommended for dry and damaged hair, thanks to the brand's signature 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,” she adds.
“As someone who's been swearing by Olaplex since as far as I can remember, I can attest to this mask's high quality formula first hand. I first started using it shortly after I first bleached my hair platinum blonde, and it genuinely delivered some of the most impressive results I've ever gotten from a topical hair product alone. After just using it once, my hair felt immediately replenished and smoother. Plus, my painfully fried and dull-looking ends appeared significantly healthier, which definitely scored some extra points in my book,” says Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Freelance Beauty Contributor.
7. Best Hydrating Hair Growth Mask: Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
- 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
- As recommended by: Dawn Queen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and hair transplantation fellow.
Whey we love it: This mask expertly quenches dry, damaged hair while promoting strands’ strength and elasticity, thanks to its high-impact ingredient list. “Moisturising 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.
8. Best Hair Growth Mask for Colour-Treated Hair: It’s a 10 Potion Miracle Hair Mask
- Pros: Great for colour-treated and chemically-treated hair.
- Cons: Some users wished this mask offered more frizz control.
- Key ingredients: Keratin amino acids, hydrolysed collagen, rose extract, bamboo extract, Indian gooseberry extract, coffee seed oil.
- As recommended by: Shab Caspara, a trichologist and hair health expert.
Why we love it: 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, hydrolysed collagen for strand protection, and Indian gooseberry extract for intense nourishing,” she raves. This hair mask is also pH-balanced (which is great for scalp health), colour-safe, and packed with antioxidant-rich ingredients to help minimise environmental and UV damage. It also helps improve elasticity, which makes hair less likely to snap when being brushed or heat-styled.
9. Best Drugstore Hair Growth Mask for Scalp Health: Hask Tea Tree Oil Hair & Scalp Treatment Mask
- 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.
- As recommended by: Nazanin Saedi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Pennsylvania.
Why we love it: 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.
Do hair masks actually help with hair growth?
The bottom line is that hair masks can’t exactly stimulate new hair growth from the follicle – especially not in the way that anti-shedding treatments like minoxidil can (it’s an FDA-approved over-the-counter topical shown to promote hair growth). However, masks are great for strengthening and nourishing your hair and helping it grow fuller and healthier over time. Some stimulate hair follicles using ingredients like caffeine and cayenne too.
What helps stimulate hair growth best?
In addition to incorporating the masks into your hair care routine, you may want to ask your doctor about vitamins for 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?
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 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.
Which ingredients work best for hair growth?
Again, while hair masks aren't your best bet for stimulating hair growth per se, if your goal is to achieve smoother, shinier and stronger hair and encourage healthier re-growth, you might want to consider ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides for hydration; tea tree oil, amino acids and biotin for improved scalp health; plus various butters and oils for added nourishment (think: shea butter, cocoa butter, Argan oil, coconut oil and the works).
