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 hair 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 (it’s 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 into your hair care routine, you may want to ask your doctor about vitamins for 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 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.
1. 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 fibres, 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 lightweight whipped 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
2. 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 washday. “[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 favourite 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 restyle.
- 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
3. 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.
A reviewer with very fine, bleached hair loved this mask. Not only was the formula lightweight enough for her hair, she told Glamour she could extend her wash time by one extra day without her roots feeling overly greasy—“a first” for her. Over the course of the testing period, her hair grew a little over one inch, which she was happy with considering she touched up her bleached blonde color during the trial. She also noticed extra thickness and a boost of volume at the root, especially if she blow-dried her hair after using the mask.
- Pros: Perfect for fine and thinning hair, easy to travel with, good for oily hair
- Cons: Strong medicinal scent may be a deterrent to some
- Key ingredients: Caffeine, cayenne, apple stem cell, aloe vera, meadowfoam seed oil, DHT blockers, panthenol, retinol, biotin
4. Best Hair Growth Mask for Hair Shedding: Kérastase Genesis Masque Reconstituant Hair Mask
“The Kérastase Genesis Strengthening Hair Mask gave my thirsty, curly hair some much-needed TLC,” says one reviewer with fine, 3B curly hair. “I let the mask sit on my wet hair for longer than the directed five minutes because I know my weakened hair could use the extra time. After I rinsed the mask out, my hair instantly felt more moisturised and was easy to detangle. I was surprised at how soft my hair felt once it was fully dry and how my usually dull hair had an extra shine after only one use. My only ‘complaint’ was the highly fragranced scent, but thankfully it didn’t dry out my hair like some parfums do.” She added that although she liked the mask, she still expected to see more visible growth. Even accounting for her curls’ shrinkage, her hair only grew about an inch.
