9 best hair masks for growth and shine, tested and reviewed

Glamour US commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary is a big fan of this hair mask because it can be applied in or out of the shower. “This one is super creamy to the touch and a little goes a long way—you only need one or two pumps to fully saturate your whole head. You can use this in shower or directly after as a leave-in for just a few minutes. After washing it out, I can already tell the difference after every time I use this—it’s easier to run my hands through my hair, I have less breakage generally, and my hair isn’t as static-y (especially during the winter months). All in all, this one will always be in my cabinet if my hair needs a refresh, that’s for sure.”

Glamour contributor Georgia Brown tested it out for four weeks after re-entering the world of hair masks after making the pledge to embrace her natural hair colour ahead of her wedding day next year. In her K18 mask review, she says: Overall, I do think this treatment is a great investment. It’s expensive, yes, but it’s worth it, and one tube should last a lot longer than your average conditioner – plus it’s working so much harder. You also have to remember it’s working on a much deeper level than other bond-building products, and yes, it might take some getting used to, but I promise it’s so worth it in the end.

“I like to use this mask both in the shower and as a day-time treatment. If I’m tying my hair up in a braided ponytail for the day, I apply it on throughout my hair and it gives me the slick-back look. I’ve noticed my hair is so soft after using and it’s been my cold-weather go-to this season,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle, who has thick, coarse hair.

“I started using this mask smack in the dead of winter when the highs were 40 degrees in NYC. My hair was extremely dehydrated and felt rough to the touch, so I knew I was in need of something to help bring it back to life,” she says. “Needless to say, it did the job and it did it quickly. It has a super-thick consistency but didn’t weigh my fine strands down, and I was left with polished hair that looked glassy as ever, so smooth that I was able to run my hands right through it without catching a snag or a knot. I’d definitely recommend it for anyone looking to achieve shiny, healthy hair,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary, who also loves this pick.

“My hair gets particularly dry when the seasons change, so I was excited to start incorporating this into my routine. The thick texture makes it easy to coat every inch of your hair, and although it takes a couple passes under water to wash out, my strands instantly turn into silk post-wash. I’ve noticed that my hair looks and feels less static-y and is easier to style,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.

Glamour’s Kilkeary is a massive fan of this mask for this reason as it helps keep her fine, long hair in check. “I deal with a lot of breakage when my hair gets too long, especially in wintertime (it literally gets to the point where it’s completely knotted and I have to brush the entire knot out), so I always like to reach for a hair mask to help detangle and smooth the area,” she says. “It does just the trick for a knot-free brush, plus it minimises endless flyaways and strands. It always leaves my hair super soft, refreshed, and strong post-blow dry.”

“I’ve actually used the Briogeo for several months (I ran out of it and this was a new one). I have fine, quite dry, wavy-curly hair that really benefits from a leave-in conditioner and mask like this one. I like how lightweight it is and how it doesn’t weigh down my curls, its floral fragrance, and how soft and shiny my hair feels after using it. I use it once a week in place of conditioner, and I can definitely tell that my hair is healthier and happier,” says Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs.

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.

“Adding this mask to my fine-hair-care routine really helped my hair feel smooth and silky. I also love when hair products have a slight fragrance and loved how it made my hair smell fresh for hours. After my blowout, my hair felt healthy, bouncy, and really strong,” says Glamour designer Falak Khoja.

“I’m a huge fan of the Beyoncé and Tina Knowles’ Cécred hair-care line, including the Clarifying Shampoo & Scrub, Hydrating Shampoo, and the Restoring Edge Drops. While I’ve tried the Cécred Reconstructing Treatment Mask a few times in the past, I was eager to try it again,” says Glamour’s global executive assistant Monique Wilson. “My hair has been incredibly dry and brittle for the past few months, so I’ve been looking to add as much moisture into my strands as possible. The mask, which is made with their patent-pending bioactive keratin ferment, hydrolysed rice, and sea buckthorn oil, claims to prevent breakage and increase shine after just one treatment. While my hair felt less dry generally (a win), I still experienced some breakage while styling my hair afterward. The product directions suggest pairing this with the Cécred Deep Conditioner, so I would be down to try it again with that combo.”

“It’s not as uber-hydrating as some others on this list, so it’s ideal for fine-hair types that need something more lightweight. You can easily replace your conditioner with this hair mask because it won’t over hydrate your strands,” says Glamour’s Calle.