The 11 Best Hair Masks For Promoting Growth and Preventing Breakage
Oftentimes, trying to make your hair grow faster feels like a Sisyphean task, regardless of how many hair growth vitamins and hair growth serums you incorporate into your daily routine. When your hair is damaged and brittle, you might find that it breaks off long before it can reach its full potential—and you're not alone. While I've had virgin hair all my life, I've seen friends who bleach and double-process their strands struggle with this problem firsthand. Their tresses just don't seem to be able to get past their shoulders. Chances are they didn't have one of the best hair masks for growth to save the day.
'Most hair masks can indirectly help with growth by protecting hair strands, moisturizing hair, and preventing breakage,' says Dr. Neera Nathan, a board-certified dermatologist and the chief dermatological advisor of Vegamour. In other words, while they don't exactly affect the growth time of your hair, they help with length retention, making sure you get to keep whatever you've grown so far with the help of 'vitamins and minerals that improve nutrient delivery and moisture,' adds Dr. Helen Reavey, a board-certified trichologist, celebrity hairstylist, and the founder of Act+Acre.Even if you don't color your hair, frequent heat styling and exposure to the elements can also cause split ends and breakage. Adding a mask to your arsenal is a surefire way to arm your hair with the nutrients needed to remain strong and healthy. There are a lot of options out there, but we've narrowed them down to the top 11 with help from experts and sorting through hundreds of customer evaluations. Behold, the 13 best hair masks for growth to get shiny, bouncy, flowing hair.
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
'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!'
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!'
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!'
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!'
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.'
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!'
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
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
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!'
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!'
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. Neera Nathan is a board-certified dermatologist and the chief dermatological advisor of Vegamour.
Dr. Helen Reavey is a board-certified trichologist, celebrity hairstylist, and the founder of Act+Acre.
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.
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The lightweight formula can be applied without a mitt, and it's designed to be smudge and transfer-proof. Key ingredients: Fig extract, natural DHA, aloe vera Size: 4.2 oz Type: Lotion Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars Our expert says: 'This is perfect after a spray tan to keep your glow going while hydrating the skin.'—Jessica Glaser Formulated with organic glycerin and shea butter to keep the skin supple and hydrated—aka the perfect base for an even, radiant tan—Vita Liberata's body makeup blurs out imperfections with its light-reflecting shimmer. Think of it as a ring light for the skin, but one that casts a golden light onto the legs, arms, chest, or anywhere else that needs a little bronzing. This is more of a body makeup than a traditional self-tanner, which gives it the advantage of being super easy to wash off. Key ingredients: Organic glycerin, shea butter Size: 3.38 oz Target area: Body Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars Our expert says: 'This gives a flawless finish for quick arm, chest, and leg makeup. They also formulate a self-tanner for the face, and I always add a drop into my foundation for an extra smooth finish.' —Amanda Gabbard If you like a little sparkle with your tan, look no further than L'Oréal Paris's shimmery tanning lotion. The blendable tint—which has a summery, citrusy scent—dries quickly and gives the skin a golden gleam within two to four hours. While it adds color, it also cares for the skin with the antioxidant vitamin E and gently exfoliating AHAs. Key ingredients: Vitamin E, alpha-hydroxy acids Size: 5.0 oz Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars Our expert says: 'Use this for a healthy glow with shimmer. I apply a body oil beforehand, so the self-tanner blends seamlessly. It's great for a tan with an added sheen.'—Amanda Gabbard What's the secret to a French-girl, fresh-from-la-plage tan? This Parisian tanner. It not only gives the skin a subtle, natural-looking kiss of bronze—it also lavishes it with natural ingredients that are like a hydrating, antioxidant-packed smoothie for the skin. Infused with passionfruit and lemon extracts, rice oil, and vitamin E, the formula helps a tan develop in three to four hours. Key ingredients: DHA, rice oil, vitamin E, passionfruit and lemon extracts, shea butter Size: 5.18 oz An Amazon reviewer says: 'I've been a fan of Yon-Ka products since my sister worked in a salon/spa that carried them. The quality is superb. This is one of the few lines I actually enjoy the scent of. The self-tanner works gradually and looks natural, as long as you are careful around your knees. This is the most luxurious, best self-tanner I've used, and I've tried some pricey ones over the years.' For an island-style glow, Charlotte Tilbury's tanning drops are a must-have. Made with hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin, the formula comes in two iterations: one for light to medium skin tones; the other for deeper complexions. It contains tanning agent DHA along with erythrulose, which is a sugar-derived ingredient that helps create an even, natural-looking tan. And since no Charlotte Tilbury product would be complete without a bit of light-reflecting magic, rest assured that this is infused with pixie dust, too—or, more accurately, with light-reflecting pigments that give the sun a beachy gleam. Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, DHA, light-reflecting pigments Size: 1 oz Target area: Face Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 stars A Nordstrom reviewer says: 'Beautiful Skin Island Glow Easy Tanning Drops give a natural, sun-kissed glow without streaks. Easy to mix with moisturizer, they leave skin radiant and smooth. No harsh smell, just a flawless tan that builds gradually. A must-have for glowing skin!' Isabel Alysa, celebrity tan artist and founder of Dolce Glow. Melanie Brownlow is the founder of global self-tan brand St. Moriz. Amanda Gabbard is a celebrity makeup artist, beauty educator, and esthetician based in New York City. Jessica Glaser is a registered nurse and the founder of On the Glow Studio. Julie Koritko is a licensed esthetician and the founder of GlowPro Tans. Audrey Spina is the owner of Sweetheart Tan in Irvine, California. So, what kind of sorcery is actually behind the self-tanning process? Here's how Brownlow explains it: 'The active ingredient which creates the appearance of tanned skin is Dihydroxyacetone, commonly known as DHA.' DHA is naturally derived from plant sources, including sugar beets and sugarcane. 'The deepened skin tone that results from self-tanners is the result of the DHA and amino acids in the skin's surface reacting to one another, leading to a temporary pigment change,' Brownlow explains. 'The process usually takes a few hours to develop, depending on the product, and usually lasts several days before fading as the skin naturally exfoliates.' According to Brownlow, 'Self-tanner is a great option for anyone who is looking to achieve a sun-less sun-kissed complexion. In 2025, there are so many brilliant self-tan and bronzing products on the market that there really is something for all skin types and tones.' She adds that gradual tanning lotions tend to be a great option for those seeking a more natural-looking glow, while classic mousse formulas are ideal for those looking to considerably deepen their skin color.'For those who already have a darker complexion, self-tan is often still used as a way to add further radiance to the skin, leaving a glowy finish,' she says.
