The 15 Best Hair Masks for Speedy Damage Recovery

“Damage to the hair can come from many sources, including color or chemical treatments, mechanical damage from hot tools, and the environment and climate you live in,” says McLaren. “In addition, just like skin texture can vary from person to person, hair can as well, and some people have a naturally drier hair texture. If you feel like your hair is frizz-prone or dry, or if you feel like your hair isn’t as soft, shiny, or healthy-looking as you would like it to be, you could probably benefit from incorporating a hair mask into your regimen.”

“Color-depositing masks are the perfect way to keep your color fresh in between salon visits while also deeply moisturizing for softer, shinier hair,” says Grenia. “They work even better on highlighted hair: the lighter the hair, the more vibrant the shade will present.” For blondes, using a purple-toning shampoo can reduce brassy tones for a brighter color. “Toning masks that have purple tones are usually good for blondes or anyone that wants to prevent brassiness to maintain a cool-toned hue and keep the warm tones from creeping in,” adds McLaren.

“Typically, you can use a mask in place of conditioner once a week,” says McLaren. “After shampooing, it is good to try to gently remove excess water from the hair so it doesn’t dilute the masque and apply it throughout the hair—especially focusing on the mid-shafts to ends—leave it on for the recommended amount of time, and then rinse thoroughly. To get the most out of the mask, it is good to make sure it is evenly distributed through the hair. Combing through your hair gently with a wide-tooth comb or shower comb can help make sure the mask thoroughly coats the 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, ELLE.com editors and contributors spoke with haircare professionals about the benefits of hair masks and how to use them. The authors personally tested a number of these products and poured over reviews for dozens of top-rated hair masks, evaluating each on their ingredients, results offered, and customer feedback.