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11 Best Hair Masks for Dry Hair, According to Haircare Experts
Revive your thirsty locks with these powerful, nutrient-rich masks.
We updated this article in December 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.
Excessive flyaways, split ends, dull-looking hair—the list of dry hair concerns can go on and on. Years of coloring and using styling tools like curling irons and hair straighteners may leave you with tresses that you’re less than proud of. Fortunately, the best hair masks for dry hair will bring your locks back to life.
“Hair masks usually contain a mixture of ingredients like oils to condition and water to help hydrate,” says Meena Singh, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon at KMC Hair Center in Kansas City.
Meet the Experts: Meena Singh, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon; Heather Woolery-Lloyd, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist; Michele Farber, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist; Anabel Kingsley, trichologist; Ona Diaz-Santin celebrity hairstylist; Michelle Cleveland, owner of Hair Addict Salon; Jennifer Korab, the owner of Renaissance Salon.
When hair is dry, moisture is depleted, and the strands are in desperate need of hydration. When left untreated, “dry hair is more prone to damage because the bonds in the hair have been broken due to things like excessive heat use and coloring, which results in weak strands that may easily snap off,” says Anabel Kingsley, brand president and consultant trichologist of Philip Kingsley.
Improving the health of your hair takes time, but with the right treatment option, it can certainly be done.
Our top picks
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Ahead, find the best hydrating hair masks to treat dry hair.
Olaplex Hair Perfector No 3 Repairing Treatment
Olaplex Hair Perfector No 3 Repairing Treatment
Pros
- Good for all hair types
- Repairs extreme damage
- More than 90,000 5-star reviews on Amazon
Cons
- Some users did not find the results they were looking for
Dr. Farber calls this Olaplex mask one of her “overall favorites as it can repair disulfide bonds in hair to address significant damage.” It’s formulated for all hair types, including color-treated hair, and strengthens strands from within while restoring a healthy texture and appearance. Plus, with over 90,000 5-star ratings on Amazon, it’s a clear favorite of shoppers, too.
“I had colored very curly hair. It was very dry and distressed. This line of products has turned my hair into soft healthy curls. I love that it doesn’t have a strong smell. I have allergies and I tolerate this line well,” shares one happy Amazon customer.
| Key ingredients | Bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate |
|---|---|
| Size | 3.3 oz |
SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Masque
SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Masque
Pros
- Affordable
- Good for detangling frizzy hair
- More than 8,900 5-star reviews on Amazon
Cons
- Some users dislike scent
“I like this intensive hydrating masque because it seals the cuticles and leaves a kind of buttery texture. It also provides great slip so it helps to detangle very dry hair easily,” says Dr. Singh. The formula works to intensely condition while infusing the strands with a powerful dose of moisture and nutrient-rich ingredients.
Among the ingredients, you’ll find shea butter, honey, and baobab oils blended with antioxidant-rich African rock fig to restore and lock in moisture while deeply conditioning the hair.
| Key ingredients | Manuka honey, mafura oil, fig extract, shea butter |
|---|---|
| Size | 11.5 oz |
Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Hair Mask
Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Hair Mask
Pros
- Good for color-treated hair
- Hydrating formula
- More than 10,400 5-star reviews on Amazon
Cons
- Pricey
Dr. Woolery-Lloyd loves this five-minute mask for dry and color-treated hair. “It contains argan oil and reduces frizz [without changing] the hair color and is safe on color-treated hair,” she says. It also hydrates dry hair and works to improve elasticity, shine, and the general manageability of your strands.
“Both my daughter and I had massively dry brittle hair from so many pool days & time in the sun. Thankfully this hair mask was a life saver, or better put a hair saver. We will be doing this every other week, it is worth every penny,” wrote one Amazon customer.
| Key ingredients | Argan oil, linseed extract, glycerin |
|---|---|
| Size | 2.53, 8.5, or 16.9 oz |
Sebastian Dark Oil Lightweight Mask
Sebastian Dark Oil Lightweight Mask
Pros
- Lightweight
- Hydrating
- Good for all hair types
Cons
- Some users dislike scent
“If you have super damaged hair that’s dry and dull, I recommend using this dark oil mask,” says Diaz. “It’s an incredible mask that feels luxurious, it’s hydrating, and it adds tremendous shine to the hair.” This mask nourishes your strands while giving it natural body and bounce thanks to its blend of oils like jojoba and argan oil.
| Key ingredients | Jojoba, argan oil |
|---|---|
| Size | 5.1 oz |
ORIBE Moisture & Control Deep Treatment Masque
ORIBE Moisture & Control Deep Treatment Masque
Pros
- Good for frizzy hair
- Hydrating
- Safe for color- or keratin-treated hair
Cons
- Some users note packaging issues
Oribe’s Deep Treatment Mask is “perfect for frizzy hair” according to Dr. Farber because, “It has murumuru and mango seed butter to help seal the hair cuticle and tame frizz.” The nourishing formula also helps hydrate brittle hair and prevent breakage, leaving hair silkier and healthy. It’s also safe for color- or keratin-treated hair.
| Key ingredients | Signature complex of watermelon, lychee, and Edelweiss flower extracts |
|---|---|
| Size | 8.5 oz |
Ouidad Ultra-Nourishing Intense Hydrating Mask
Pros
- Affordable
- Good for curly hair
- Works fast
Cons
- Smaller amount of product
Recommended by Korab as a great option for curly hair, this affordable mask is formulated with natural oils to help detangle and hydrate curls. It also strengthens strands and prevents breakage. Plus, the brand says it works in just five minutes.
| Key ingredients | Macadamia nut oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, argan oil |
|---|---|
| Size | 2 oz |
SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Treatment Masque
SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Treatment Masque
“This mask contains coconut oil and black castor oil,” says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. “It is an excellent option to hydrate and protect natural hair.” The mask also contains nourishing shea butter, peppermint, and apple cider vinegar to help promote hair elasticity and repair damage while reducing breakage.
“This is an awesome product. I put a little on my wet hair before swimming in chlorine and it keeps my hair amazing,” shares an Amazon reviewer.
| Key ingredients | Jamaican black castor oil, shea butter |
|---|---|
| Size | 12 oz |
Aveeno Farm-Fresh Oat Milk Overnight Hair Mask
Aveeno Farm-Fresh Oat Milk Overnight Hair Mask
Pros
- Soothing for sensitive scalps
- Lightweight formula
- Affordable
Cons
- Some users don’t see visible results
Aveeno’s overnight hair mask features a soothing oatmeal formula, which Dr. Farber says makes it a good choice for those with sensitive scalps as “oats are a good, gentle hydrator.” Plus, the formula is lightweight enough for it to be used as an overnight treatment without leaving hair too greasy or weighing it down.
| Key ingredients | Oat and almond milk |
|---|---|
| Size | 8 oz |
Living proof Perfect Hair Day Nightcap Overnight Perfector
Living proof Perfect Hair Day Nightcap Overnight Perfector
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Helps improve shine
- Doesn’t weigh down fine hair
Cons
- Some users don’t notice visible results
“For deep moisture, most hair masks can be used overnight,” explains Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. “But for a great lightweight overnight mask, [Living Proof] is a great option. It is lightweight and won’t weigh down fine hair.” Plus, it works to improve shine and is safe for use on color-treated hair.
| Key ingredients | Patented “Healthy Hair Molecule” and amino acids |
|---|---|
| Size | 1.41 oz |
shu uemura Ultimate Reset Treatment Mask
shu uemura Ultimate Reset Treatment Mask
Pros
- Good for thick hair
- Hydrating
- Helps repair damage
Cons
- Pricey
Recommended by Dr. Farber, this mask from Shu Uemura is a great choice for those with thicker hair. While the formula may be a little too heavy for fine hair, “it can help repair damage and strengthen weak hair with Japanese rice extract.” Plus, it reduces frizz and leaves hair extra hydrated and shiny.
| Key ingredients | Rice extract |
|---|---|
| Size | 6 oz |
DevaCurl Melt Into Moisture Treatment Mask, Green Oasis
DevaCurl Melt Into Moisture Treatment Mask, Green Oasis
Pros
- Reduces frizz
- Good for curly hair
- Eases detangling
Cons
- Some users find formula too thin
“I like using this hair mask because it increases slip and helps detangle my hair. It also makes it feel much softer and leaves my cuticles looking and feeling healthier,” says Dr. Singh. Formulated with a rich moisture-preserving blend of ingredients (sunflower seed oil and aloe leaf juice), this mask works to reduce frizz, nourish dry curls, and ease detangling without weighing the hair down.
| Key ingredients | Matcha butter, beet root extract, sweet almond oil |
|---|---|
| Size | 8 or 17.75 oz |
How to choose (and use) the best hair mask for dry hair
Look for hydrating ingredients. When it comes to treating dry hair you’ll want to look for hair masks that include extract oils and natural butters like coconut, black castor oil, jojoba, and shea butter, says Dr. Singh.
Avoid overusing chemicals. “Avoid using anything that lists long words that look like chemicals on the ingredient labels,” Dr. Singh explains. “Some chemicals may be too harsh on dry stands and only cause more damage,” says Dr. Singh.
Use formulas for your specific hair type. It’s important to consider the type of hair you’re working with. “Something people don’t realize is that dry colored hair and dry virgin hair require different treatments,” says Diaz. Colored hair may need protein due to the oils being stripped away during the dyeing process, while never-been-dyed (or “virgin”) hair may only require more hydration due to excessive heat styling.
Apply it only to strands. “Hair masks are not designed for your scalp, so they will not target scalp issues, like oiliness, itching, or irritation,” she says. Stick to massaging the formula throughout your lengths to the ends to get the most hydrating benefits.
Don’t use too much protein. “If your hair is dry and feels brittle, avoid using masks that are protein-heavy,” says Dr. Singh.“The more protein you add to the hair, the more dryness and breakage it can cause,” she adds.
What is the best treatment for dry hair?
Dry hair is often damaged hair, so helping it return to a more supple, healthy state may require a “full court press” in terms of internal and external treatments. For one thing, getting a trim and cutting off any split ends can help give your hair an instant lift in terms of appearance. Then, it’s important to make sure you’re drinking enough water and eating a healthy, well-balanced diet full of vitamins and minerals that support healthy hair. Foods full of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins and minerals are good choices, like salmon, nuts and seeds, beans, and brightly colored fruits and vegetables.
As far as external treatments, it’s important to seek out well-reviewed and highly recommended products designed for your specific type of hair (for instance, curly, straight, or color-treated). These are often full of natural oils, which can help lock in moisture and repair damage, like coconut oil or argan oil.
Finally, make sure you’re taking steps to reduce additional damage. Avoid blow-drying your hair or using hot irons for styling it. Avoid washing your hair every day, which can strip it of natural oils, and make a point of covering your head with a hat or a wrap when you’re out in the sun to protect your hair from UV rays.
Do masks actually help hair?
Masks can, in fact, help your hair, particularly if your hair is dry and damaged. That said, it’s important to use masks as instructed, as different formulas or brands require different steps. Some should be left in for short periods of time, while others should be left overnight. Also, it’s important to choose masks specifically formulated for your hair type (particularly color-treated versus “virgin” hair). Just remember hair masks are designed to treat your hair, not your scalp, so they shouldn’t be used to try to correct skin problems on your head.
How we chose the best hair masks for dry hair
We spoke with multiple board-certified dermatologists including Meena Singh, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon at KMC Hair Center in Kansas City; Heather Woolery-Lloyd, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and the Director of the Skin of Color Division for the University of Miami Department of Dermatology; Michele Farber, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist practicing with Schweiger Dermatology Group in Philadelphia, PA. We also spoke with haircare experts, including Anabel Kingsley; the brand president and consultant trichologist of Philip Kingsley; Ona Diaz-Santin, a celebrity hairstylist and CEO of 5 Salon & Spa; Michelle Cleveland, the owner of Hair Addict Salon; Jennifer Korab the owner of Renaissance Salon.
Why trust us
For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.
Shauna Beni is the Associate Commerce Editor at Prevention. An NYC native and beauty product lover, Shauna has written for Beauty Magazine, Condé Nast Traveler, and ABC News. She enjoys testing out new beauty products, watching makeup tutorials on Youtube, and binge-watching her favorite shows on Netflix. When she’s not writing, you can find her taking Zumba classes at Crunch, trying out natural curly hairstyles, and giving her friends advice on what makeup and haircare products they should buy. Follow her on Instagram @Beni127.
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