Limp curls, dull color, , hair that doesn't just seem to grow—there's a hair mask for every concern. Think of these hair care products as on steroids, thanks to ingredient lists with an extra dose of nourishing oils and deeply hydrating formulas, which work to quickly repair damaged hair, revive color, and restore softness—no matter your hair type, length, or texture. Over the course of two months, editors and contributors—all with varying hair types and concerns—put more than a dozen stylist-recommended hair masks to the test to see if we could really get shampoo commercial hair.
We evaluated each hair product on all of the most important attributes: ingredients, consistency, scent, and—of course—whether it delivered on promises like shinier hair or less frizz. Our top pick, the , received rave reviews all around for its ability to restore dry, dull, and damaged hair. All products are independently selected by our editors.
If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Amazon Sephora This bestselling, easy-to-use leave-in hair treatment—which launched in 2020 but gained popularity on TikTok in 2022 after landing at Sephora—is a client favorite for those dealing with dryness, dullness, and damage, says , a NYC hair stylist. Not only does it deliver serious results, but it’s also not a huge time commitment.
“It’s a mask that gives immediate results, and the application time calls for four minutes, so you’re not spending 10 minutes in the shower patiently waiting,” he says. (Simply apply it to towel-dry hair and let it activate for four minutes before continuing with the rest of your styling.) contributor tested it out for a few weeks hoping to reverse “years of bleach damage” that left her hair looking “scraggly and frail.
” she says, “Though it feels somewhat unnatural to skip conditioner and apply a mask fresh out of the shower, after doing it a few times I can’t imagine going back to traditional masks. There’s no killing time in the shower while it does its thing or getting out to let the mask sit and then back in to rinse. The mask quickly absorbs into your hair with minimal residue and is very lightweight—moreso than a traditional conditioner or leave-in—making it a great like mine.
” Of the hair perfector, she added, “It’s shampoo-commercial hair in a bottle.” Amazon We’ve tried other SheaMoisture hair masks over the years—all to rave reviews—but this new launch may be our favorite yet. It’s part of a four-step system that includes bond repair shampoo, conditioner, , and this mask.
They all work together to infuse the hair with emollients like amla oil and, of course, shea butter, plus a proprietary amino blend that works to repair broken bonds and improve overall hair health. Our testers said they noticed less shedding when brushing and experienced its smoothing properties. “It has great slip, which makes it easier to brush out tangles,” says contributor , who saw measurable results even when she used the hair mask alone.
“I wish it had more of a scent, but I was definitely impressed by how tangle-free, smooth, and shiny my hair was after using this one.”.
