The Best Hair Masks For Every Hair Type

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When your hair is desperately dry and damaged, there are times when a regular conditioner just won't cut it. If your ends are starting to fray, your color is looking dull, or your curls are looking limp, then it's time to pull out the big leagues: hair masks and intensive treatments.

Think of hair masks as a much more concentrated version of conditioner that aims to address whatever your hair woe might be, whether that's a lack of moisture, an overabundance of heat tools, greasy roots, saggy curls, brittle ends, or faded highlights. In between trips to the hair salon, masks can keep your hair looking healthy.

"Hair masks are a great way to get the condition back, whether you're suffering from loss of moisture or lots of damage from over-styling," London-based hairstylist Lewis Pallett tells POPSUGAR.

And we're sorry to say it, but it's pretty damn easy to damage your hair, whether that's due to regular dyeing or daily styling sessions with your curling iron. That's where masks can make a huge difference. It's generally recommended to use a hair mask once a week and leave it on for a minimum of five to 10 minutes, although many can be left on overnight every few months for maximum conditioning.

However, just like not all hair types and textures are the same, not all hair masks are created equal. Sure, there are some great multitasking formulas out there, but then there are masks that are good for fine hair that won't do a thing for coarser textures; or there are treatments for natural hair that may weigh down limp roots; and there are also masks specifically out there to cleanse away scalp buildup or seal up split ends. Luckily, there are tons of impressive formulas out there — some expensive, some not — but that can also make the choice a little overwhelming. With so many to pick from, you might not know where to start, and that's where we come in. As beauty editors, we've tried a lot of 'em, so we've rounded up our absolute favorite masks for every hair type.

So, if you fancy taking your regular hair routine up a notch, read on to see which hair masks are the very best for whatever your hair concern might be.

— Additional reporting by Jessica Harrington

Best Overall Hair Mask
k18hair.com

Best Overall Hair Mask

K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask ($75)

The K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask repairs damage caused by bleaching, coloring, heat styling, and chemical treatments. It's formulated with a patented bioactive peptide treatment that strengthens ends and improves elasticity for smoother, healthier hair.

Best Drugstore Hair Mask
target.com

Best Drugstore Hair Mask

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioner ($5)

If you just can't be bothered with 10-minute hair masks, then turn to the Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioner. This hardworking conditioner transforms dry strands into your softest and shiniest hair yet, in just (you guessed it) three minutes. And of course, it has that distinct Aussie scent that people just can't resist.

Best Hair Mask For All Hair Types
Sephora

Best Hair Mask For All Hair Types

Virtue Restorative Treatment Mask ($34)

It doesn't matter if your hair is straight, wavy, or curly, leave the Virtue Restorative Treatment Mask on it for two to five minutes and it will feel immediately stronger, less frizzy, and easier to comb through when you get out of the shower. The secret (in addition to a combination of plant oils, plant extracts, and shea butter) is the brand's pure, whole, and ethically sourced proprietary keratin protein. The molecule is identical to the keratin in your hair, and because of that, it fits into damaged ends like a jigsaw puzzle, filling in the damaged bits and ultimately leaving your hair silky and soft — even if it actually looks like a broomstick.

Best Hair Mask For Straight to Wavy Hair
sephora.com

Best Hair Mask For Straight to Wavy Hair

Dae Monsoon Moisture Mask ($30)

There's a lot to love about this Dae mask. The scent is heavenly, but it also makes your hair feel brand new. It provides deep hydration that leaves your ends silky soft, repairing split ends and reducing frizz in the process. Read our full Dae Monsoon Moisture Mask review.

Editor's Quote: "This mask didn't leave my hair feeling heavy or greasy, and I was able to go my typical four days before needing to shampoo. At $28, this hair mask is priced similarly to other comparable products on the market. I have a whole shelf dedicated to hair care, but the reason I continue to reach for this product is because of how hydrated it makes my hair look and feel. I can honestly say that I rarely see the ends of my hair looking this smooth and sleek unless it's immediately after a haircut." — Renee Rodriguez, staff writer and social producer

Best Hair Mask For Curly Hair
ulta.com

Best Hair Mask For Curly Hair

Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Frizz-Fighting Hydrating Mask ($44)

This frizz-fighting hair mask from Ouidad infuses curls with hydration while cutting down on frizz. It's great for all curly hair types, from wavy to natural hair, and creates curl definition without any crunchy feeling. It'll leave your ends feeling soft and smooth but not weighed down. Read our full Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Frizz-Fighting Hydrating Mask review.

Editor Quote: "Using this mask before wearing my hair with my natural waves is an absolute must. It leaves my hair feeling soft and hydrated, and it cuts down on frizz immensely. While I still see some at the roots of my hair and around the crown, the area from my midlengths to ends is essentially frizz-free." — RR

Best Hair Mask For Natural Hair
sephora.com

Best Hair Mask For Natural Hair

Bread Beauty Supply Hair-Mask Creamy Deep Conditioner ($28)

The Bread Beauty Supply Hair-Mask Creamy Deep Conditioner, which smells like marshmallows, can be rinsed out or left in overnight and leaves hair feeling soft and hydrated. Made with Australian Kakadu plum (a good source of vitamin C) and starflower oil, the mask gives you a gorgeous foundation for styling.

Best Hair Mask For Fine Hair
sephora.com

Best Hair Mask For Fine Hair

Kérastase Nutritive Masquintense ($63)

Formulated especially for fine hair, this has been around for a long time and is beloved by beauty editors and hairstylists alike. The treatment contains glucose proteins to deeply condition and repair the hair fibers without completely weighing it down. Plus, the Kérastase mask tubs last a long time.

Best Hair Mask For Thick Hair
ulta.com

Best Hair Mask For Thick Hair

Coco & Eve Like a Virgin Super Nourishing Coconut & Fig Hair Masque ($40)

The Coco & Eve Like a Virgin Super Nourishing Coconut & Fig Hair Masque is perhaps one of the most hyped hair masks of all time. "Frankly, I am super skeptical about anything with such a strong Instagram presence, but after 20 minutes of this mask wrapped around my 4A curls, I was surprised at how luscious, soft, and shiny they were," says Kara Kia, a former associate editor for POPSUGAR UK. "Formulation-wise, coconut is always a winner for Afro hair because it deeply penetrates the hair follicles, but fig is definitely a new player among Afro hair ingredients. Fig is meant to increase blood circulation on the scalp, which results in faster hair growth."

Best Hair Mask For Frizzy Hair
amazon.com

Best Hair Mask For Frizzy Hair

John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Deep Conditioner ($12)

The John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Deep Conditioner is an inexpensive mask that boasts 4.5 stars on 3,430 customer reviews. The mask is infused with Abyssinian oil, giving it a lightweight and non-greasy texture. After just three to five minutes, it replenishes and hydrates curls.

Best Hair Mask For Damaged Hair
sephora.com

Best Hair Mask For Damaged Hair

Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask ($39)

The Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask transforms your hair in minutes. It's great for all hair types, but curly hair will find it deeply hydrating and great for definition. Using it weekly will help repair damage and keep your ends shiny.

Best Hair Mask For Brassy Hair
sephora.com

Best Hair Mask For Brassy Hair

Amika Bust Your Brass Intense Repair Mask ($40)

The Amika Bust Your Brass Intense Repair Mask is a must-have hair mask for blondes. It will eliminate any brassy, yellow tones from your hair and brighten up your color after just one use. It also features bond repair technology to strengthen hair while enhancing your color.

Best Hair Mask For Color-Treated Hair
amazon.com

Best Hair Mask For Color-Treated Hair

Bleach London Reincarnation Mask ($12)

The Bleach London Reincarnation Mask is a rich, creamy treatment that will help revive even the most damaged of hair. Despite the recommendation of letting it soak in for 10 to 20 minutes, former POPSUGAR editor Ange Law (whose hair is bleach blond) said she noticed the same deep-conditioning effects after leaving it in for just three minutes. It's perfect if you often bleach or color your hair, as it increases elasticity, hydrates parched ends, and gives your hair color a much-needed brightening boost.

Best Hair Mask For Bleached Hair
ulta.com

Best Hair Mask For Bleached Hair

Pureology Hydrate Superfood Deep Treatment Mask ($42)

Harriet Muldoon, a colorist at Larry King Salon in London (who is known for being particularly adept at creating natural-looking shades of blond), recommends the Pureology Hydrate Superfood Deep Treatment Mask. She noted that it's especially great for those with bleached hair thanks to its rich, nourishing formula that contains both coconut and avocado oils.