Korean Hair Masks Are the Secret to Strong, Shiny Strands
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Pros
- Non-greasy
- Fast-acting
Cons
- Some say it has a strong scent
Dermatologist Dr. Zion Ko Lamm previously called this his “go-to [Korean hair product] for deeply conditioning and repairing strands after chemical processing.” Formulated specifically for dyed, bleached, and heat-damaged hair, it delivers high concentrations of Keratin-PF to help target damage at a deeper level. After just a few uses, customers report softer, silkier, visibly nourished hair—with noticeably less fallout.
Size: 7 fl. oz.
Key ingredients: Keratin-PF
Pros
- Gives that glass hair look
- Light, musky scent
Cons
- On the pricier end
This shea butter– and argan oil–infused mask is another favorite of Cho and a staple in celebrity-frequented hair salons across Korea. “It’s deeply nourishing yet lightweight, delivering that signature glossy, ‘glass-like’ finish Korean hair care is known for,” she says. Apply it for 10 to 15 minutes as a mask, or use it as a conditioner or styling product to smooth brittle ends.
Size: 8.8 fl. oz.
Key ingredients: Shea butter, argan oil
Pros
- Lightweight and multitasking
- Doubles as a heat protectant
Cons
- Some wish the scent lingered in hair longer
“This is a great example of Korean hair care that feels like skin care for your hair,” says Cho. “La’dor’s salon-grade Wonder Balm immediately improves texture and radiance while supporting long-term softness and smoothness.” Packed with protective ceramides, strengthening amino acids, and shine-boosting aloe vera, the versatile formula is designed to be applied from root to ends—and can even double as a heat protectant.
Size: 6.76 fl. oz.
Key ingredients: Ceramides, amino acids, macadamia oil, aloe extract
Pros
- Playful packaging
- Nourishing yet lightweight
Cons
- Some dislike the nutty vanilla scent
Inspired by the age-old DIY hair hack, TonyMoly’s viral mask only resembles bottled mayo. Instead, it blends shea butter, macadamia seed oil, and egg yolk extract into an equally quenching yet surprisingly lightweight treatment that helps soften and smooth staticky strands in minutes.
Size: 9.9 fl. oz.
Key ingredients: Shea butter, macadamia seed oil, egg yolk extract
Pros
- Rich texture
- Penetrates the cuticle
Cons
- On the pricier end
Combining three forms of natural butters, this rich formula targets severely damaged strands and is especially well-suited to thick hair in need of a quick weekly refresh. Vegan proteins work to smooth the cuticle while penetrating the hair shaft to help repair damage at its source.
Size: 8.8 fl. oz.
Key ingredients: Shea butter, squalane, glycerin, jojoba seed oil
Pros
- Bond-building technology
- Safe for color-treated hair
Cons
- Smaller bottle
This clinically backed, hair-strengthening mask from dermatologist-approved brand Mise En Scene is another great option for those dealing with stubborn split ends and breakage. Using proprietary technology, it helps repair broken bonds within the cuticle to make hair more resilient over time. Apply for at least five minutes one to three times per week before shampooing, and expect strands to regain some of their original bounce.
Size: 5.11 fl. oz.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, panthenol, centella asiatica extract, ceramide, niacinamide
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Pros
- Affordable
- Softens and detangles
Cons
- Small packaging
Prefer something without fragrance? This gentle, fragrance-free formula is designed for even curly hair types, packed with collagen, ceramides, glycerin, and proteins to help bring thirsty, dull strands back to life. With quick five-minute pre-shampoo treatments and an under-$10 price tag, it’s a bestseller for good reason.
Size: 3.38 fl. oz.
Key ingredients: Glycerin, ceramide NP
Are Korean hair masks suitable for all hair types?
“Korean hair masks are surprisingly universal because they’re designed to be gentle and adaptable,” says Cho. “They work well for most hair types, including fine, color-treated, and chemically processed hair, since they tend to hydrate and repair without relying on heavy silicones or oils alone. At the same time, it’s worth noting that many formulas created for the Korean market are not yet fully accessible for textured or coily hair. The category is evolving, and as Korean brands continue expanding globally, I’m excited to see more inclusive options that cater to a wider range of hair needs.”
How We Chose
While the Korean hair mask market is still growing stateside, we tapped Cho for her insights, revisited our archives for more expert recommendations, and closely evaluated ingredients and reviews across the most popular formulas available. In short, these are the Korean hair masks truly worth investing in.
Meet the Expert
Charlotte Cho is a K-beauty expert and founder of Soko Glam.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
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 Sam Peters interviewed a K-beauty expert about the best Korean hair masks and what makes them stand out.
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