The best hair masks for hair growth can help repair damage and reduce shedding. Dermatologists say there are a few key ingredients you should scan the label for: proteins to strengthen, hyaluronic acid or glycerin to hydrate, and natural oils like argan or coconut oil to nourish. Sounds easy enough, but if you scroll through TikTok, you’ll end up learning about more tea tree oil-, amino acid-, and biotin-infused deep conditioning treatments than you can count, and probably leave the app feeling more overwhelmed than when you started.
To help you cut through the noise, we turned to the experts—dermatologists, trichologists, and hairstylists—to find out what hair growth masks they recommend, then had Glamour reviewers put them to the test (including me, a beauty editor with wavy, tangle-prone hair that’s still recovering from years of double-process bleach sessions). For two months, we took into account the masks’ ingredients, scent, and the way they made our hair look and feel.
Our top pick was the detangling and strengthening Kérastase Resistance Masque Extentioniste, but there are plenty of other hair masks on this list, including a couple of more affordable drugstore options, that can help you reach your hair growth goals.
The best hair masks for hair growth, at a glance
Your hair mask questions, answered
How exactly do hair growth masks work?
Hair masks can’t spur new hair growth from the follicle, the way that anti-shedding treatments like minoxidil can (an FDA-approved over-the-counter topical shown to promote hair growth). However, masks are 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 in New York City, “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.” Some stimulate hair follicles using ingredients like caffeine and cayenne, too.
In addition to incorporating the masks below in your hair care routine, you may want to ask your doctor about supplements that support 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 may 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.
Best Overall Hair Mask for Hair Growth: Kérastase Resistance Masque Extentioniste
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 fibers, 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 fave among the picks on this list. Its whipped, lightweight 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 delivered on length—my hair grew almost four inches in just two months.
- 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
Best Hair Growth Mask for Thick and Coarse Hair: Vegamour HYDR-8 Deep Moisture Repair Mask
This silicone- and sulfate-free hair mask was love at first wash for me. It has a heavenly white floral scent and an extremely thick consistency that reduced my amount of hair shedding as I blow-dried. Plus, its benefits extend past wash day. “[The mask] is powered by Karmatin, a vegan keratin alternative, which coats the hair to make it instantly appear thicker and doesn’t wash away with rinsing,” explains Dr. Nathan. It’s packed with marula and moringa seed oils, which smooths frizz and prevents breakage.
The Vegamour mask was also a favorite for our coarse, curly-haired reviewer. “My thick, curly hair felt more pliable and easy to style after just one use,” they said. During the testing time, their hair grew a little over two inches. They can vouch for the claim that the mask’s benefits last several days, too—each time they wet their hair in the morning, they found it easier than usual to re-style.
- Pros: Rich, hydrating, and great for medium to thick hair types
- Cons: Should be used sparingly on finer hair
- Key ingredients: Karmatin (a vegan alternative to keratin and silicones), marula oil, moringa seed oil, milk thistle
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Original image by Glamour reviewer MRC
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Original image by Glamour reviewer MRC
Best Hair Growth Mask for Scalp Health: Jupiter Purifying Mask
According to Dr. Leavitt, scalp health is key when it comes to hair growth and this one helps with just that. “If the scalp is not cared for properly, build-up from sweat and excess oils can block hair follicles, resulting in a range of issues, from inflammation to severe itching,” he says. “Jupiter’s Purifying Mask supports exfoliating the scalp to clear dry skin and rid the scalp of any product buildup.” The mask also contains biotin, which “works to fortify the hair shaft and encourage healthy growth,” says Dr. Queen.
This mask has a foaming, mousse-like texture. You can apply it to wet or dry hair, then shampoo and condition as usual. During the testing period, I used this formula once a week on my roots and the Kérastase Resistance Masque Extentioniste twice a week on my lengths and ends. My hair grew almost four inches with this duo.
The first time I tried it, I applied the mask to dry, fourth-day hair, the longest my hair can go without a wash. I left it on for several minutes before shampooing and was delighted by the cooling, mild tingling sensation I felt on my scalp. It was easy to wash out, and it left my hair feeling cleaner than just a standard wash. Plus, it helped keep oil at bay for the following days—by the time day four rolled around, my roots had only a slight sheen and my scalp felt balanced. In addition to cutting down on oil, it left the hair at my crown looking and feeling fuller.
- Pros: Great for fighting dandruff, reducing oil, and maintaining scalp health
- Cons: May be drying if over-used—stick to once or twice-weekly use, as recommended by the brand
- Key ingredients: Volcanic ash, argan oil, biotin
Original image by Glamour reviewer Ariel Wodarcyk
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Original image by Glamour reviewer Ariel Wodarcyk
Best Hair Growth Mask for Fine and Thinning Hair: Pura D’or Hair Thinning Therapy Moisturizing Masque
The ideal pick for fine hair or hair that is thinning, this mask reduces breakage and shedding while stimulating the hair follicle to encourage new and thicker growth. The 15 key ingredients, including caffeine, panthenol, retinol, and biotin “encase the hair in a protective shield that holds in moisture and keeps out damaging free radicals,” says celebrity hairstylist Clyde Haygood. It conveniently comes in individual packets, which makes it an ideal pick for frequent travelers and hairstylists like Haygood. “I always keep these in my kit and my clients love it,” he says.
