10 Best Hair-Growth Mask:Tried,Tested & Approved by Dermatologists

The Best Hair-Growth Masks , According to Experts and Real Users

If you’re hoping to boost hair growth, the right hair mask can do wonders—helping to repair damage, reduce shedding, and strengthen strands from root to tip. According to dermatologists, there are a few key ingredients to look for: proteins to reinforce weak strands, hydrating agents like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, and nourishing natural oils such as argan or coconut oil.

Sounds simple, right? Yet a quick scroll through TikTok will throw dozens of options your way—infused with everything from tea tree oil and biotin to amino acids—leaving you more confused than confident about what actually works.

To simplify the search, we asked trusted experts—dermatologists, trichologists, and professional hairstylists—for their go-to recommendations. Then, Glamour’s beauty editors (including myself—a beauty writer with wavy, tangle-prone hair still recovering from years of bleach damage) put them to the test. We assessed each product based on its ingredient list, fragrance, and how it made our hair look and feel.

Our top-rated pick? The Kérastase Resistance Masque Extentioniste, known for its exceptional detangling and strengthening power. That said, we’ve included several other highly effective options—including budget-friendly drugstore finds—to help you reach your hair growth goals, no matter your hair type or price point.

Best Overall Hair Mask for Hair Growth: Kérastase Resistance Masque Extentioniste

Endorsed by three board-certified dermatologists, this hair mask stands out as the ultimate choice for promoting long-term hair health and growth. Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, highlights its potent blend of ceramides and maleic acid, which work together to repair damaged hair fibers, reduce split ends, and strengthen strands—ultimately supporting healthier, longer hair over time.

Dr. Dawn Queen, MD, a specialist in dermatology and hair transplantation, adds that the mask is particularly effective for individuals with weak or brittle hair. “It helps maintain strength and vitality from root to tip, making it ideal for preventing breakage and enhancing resilience,” she explains.

Pros:
✔ Lightweight formula suitable for fine to medium-density hair
✔ Strengthens and repairs damaged hair

Cons:
✘ May not provide enough richness for thick or coarse hair types

Key Ingredients: Creatine R, ceramides, gluco peptide, wheat protein

How to Use:
Apply after shampooing as a conditioner or a weekly treatment mask. For deeper hydration, leave it on for up to 35 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

Reviwes

“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,” says one Glamour reviewer.

Best Drugstore Hair-Growth Mask: Hask Tea Tree Oil Hair & Scalp Treatment Mask

Best for Scalp Health and Thinning Hair

A dry, flaky scalp can significantly hinder healthy hair growth—but this deeply hydrating mask is designed to restore balance and promote a healthier foundation for your strands. “Keeping the scalp moisturized and free of buildup is essential for optimal growth,” says Dr. Nazanin Saedi, a board-certified dermatologist based in Pennsylvania.

In addition to helping combat dandruff, this mask is especially beneficial for those with fine or thinning hair. “It blends rosemary oil and tea tree oil—two ingredients known for their ability to stimulate the scalp and support hair regrowth,” Dr. Saedi explains.

Pros:
✔ Affordable, drugstore-friendly price
✔ Convenient, travel-sized packets

Cons:
✘ Packets are not resealable, which can cause a bit of mess

Key Ingredients: Rosemary oil, tea tree oil

How to Use:
Massage into a clean, damp scalp and work the product down to the lengths and ends. Leave on for up to 3 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Reviews

Reviewers love this drugstore option’s cooling, stimulating feel, the hydration it gives their ends, and the travel-friendly packet formats, though they wish they could reseal the packages for easier use on future wash days.“I’ve noticed thinning around the crown of my head for a little over a year now, and I’ve tried a lot of different methods to try to prompt growth in the area,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary. “I used this hair growth mask three times over the course of a month and definitely noticed a difference in how my hair looked around the crown. It’s typically quite thin, and you can see my scalp peek through in my before photo, but if you look at my after, you can see how much stronger, shinier, and more filled in it looks.”

Best Hair-Growth Mask for Fine Hair: Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask

Best for Growing Out Short or Chemically Treated Hair

If you’re stuck in the awkward stage of growing out a pixie cut or wishing your bob would hurry up and become a lob, this strengthening treatment from Olaplex might be your new best friend. Formulated with Olaplex’s patented bond-building technology, it’s designed to work deep within the hair shaft, repairing broken bonds and reinforcing strands from the inside out.

“This mask hydrates, smooths, and strengthens, making it an ideal solution for those with chemically treated or damaged hair looking to stimulate healthy growth,” says Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist.

Because the amount you use can be tailored to your hair’s length and thickness, it’s suitable for all textures—even very short or fine hair.

Pros:
✔ Strengthens and supports growth for all hair lengths
✔ Ideal for damaged or chemically treated hair

Cons:
✘ May not provide enough moisture for thick or severely damaged hair unless paired with other Olaplex products

Key Ingredients: Patented bond-building technology

How to Use:
Apply once weekly to clean, damp hair. Focus on the mid-lengths and ends, and allow it to sit for 10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

Reviews

“I like to apply three to four pumps of this mask to my hair. Not only does it keep my ends soft and prevent them from drying out, I’ve also noticed about an inch of growth since my last haircut while using this. Not only that, but my ends look extremely shiny and healthy in my after pic, about a month-and-a-half later,” says Glamour contributor Ariel Wodarcyk.

Best Hair-Growth Mask for Thick and Coarse Hair: Vegamour HYDR-8 Deep Moisture Repair Mask

Best for Smoothing and Reducing Shedding

This silicone- and sulfate-free hair mask became a personal favorite from the very first wash. Its luxuriously thick texture and divine white floral scent made the experience feel more like a spa treatment than just another part of my hair routine. But beyond sensory appeal, it delivered real results—I noticed significantly less shedding as I blow-dried my hair.

What makes this mask stand out is its star ingredient, Karmatin—a plant-based, vegan alternative to keratin and silicones. “Karmatin coats the hair shaft, making strands appear thicker instantly while remaining resilient even after rinsing,” explains Dr. Neera Nathan, a board-certified dermatologist. Unlike many hair treatments that wash away, this one leaves lasting results.

It’s also enriched with marula and moringa seed oils, both known for their ability to reduce frizz, smooth strands, and prevent breakage. The formula is rich and deeply hydrating, making it especially well-suited for medium to thick hair types.

Pros:
✔ Deeply hydrating and ideal for smoothing frizz
✔ Reduces shedding and enhances thickness
✔ Silicone- and sulfate-free, making it safer for color-treated or sensitive scalps

Cons:
✘ May feel too heavy for those with very fine or thin hair—use sparingly in such cases

Key Ingredients: Karmatin (vegan keratin alternative), marula oil, moringa seed oil, milk thistle

How to Use:
Apply generously to clean, shampooed hair. Leave the mask on for 3 to 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Reviews

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. In two months, their hair grew a little over two inches. They can vouch for the claim that the mask’s benefits lasts several days too—each time they wet their hair in the morning, they found it easier than usual to restyle.

Best Hair-Growth Mask for Scalp Health: Jupiter Purifying Mask

Best for Scalp Detox and Hair Growth Support

When it comes to healthy hair growth, the foundation starts at the scalp—and few products tackle that better than Jupiter’s Purifying Mask. According to Dr. Matt L. Leavitt, a board-certified dermatologist in Florida, neglecting scalp care can seriously impact hair growth. “If the scalp isn’t properly maintained, buildup from sweat, excess oils, and styling products can block hair follicles, leading to inflammation, itching, and even hair thinning,” he explains.

This purifying scalp mask is specifically formulated to detoxify and exfoliate, clearing away dead skin and product residue that may be clogging pores. Its powerhouse ingredients include volcanic ash, which helps draw out impurities, and argan oil, which soothes and hydrates. Additionally, the formula is infused with biotin, a well-known ingredient that strengthens the hair shaft and supports new growth.

Dr. Dawn Queen, a dermatologist and hair transplantation fellow, adds that “biotin fortifies hair from the root and encourages long-term scalp health,” making this mask a great preventive solution as well as a treatment.

Pros:
✔ Exfoliates scalp buildup and soothes irritation
✔ Supports healthier, stronger hair growth
✔ Helps combat dandruff and oily scalp conditions

Cons:
✘ Can be drying if used too frequently—stick to 1–2 times per week as advised

Key Ingredients: Volcanic ash, argan oil, biotin

How to Use:
Massage a generous amount into dry or damp scalp once or twice weekly. Let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes before rinsing thoroughly for a refreshed, detoxified feel.

Best Hair-Growth Mask for Hair Shedding: Kérastase Genesis Masque Reconstituant Hair Mask

Deep Moisture & Strength for Curly, Weakened Hair

If your hair is dry, fragile, and in desperate need of restoration, the Kérastase Genesis Strengthening Hair Mask might just become your new favorite rescue treatment. One reviewer with fine, 3B curly hair raved about the results: “This mask gave my thirsty curls the TLC they needed. I left it on longer than the recommended five minutes because my hair has been quite weak lately, and it paid off. My hair felt deeply hydrated and detangled easily. After it dried, I noticed how soft and smooth it felt—and it even had a noticeable shine after just one use!”

While she noted that the strong citrus-floral fragrance was a bit intense, she was relieved that it didn’t cause dryness or irritation, as some scented products can. However, she did mention a small letdown: “After a full month of use, I had hoped to see more dramatic growth. My hair did grow—just under an inch—but that’s still slightly above the typical monthly growth rate.”

What makes this mask special is its powerful blend of restorative ingredients. According to Dr. Aanand Geria, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Geria Dermatology, “The mask contains Edelweiss native cells and gingerroot, both of which help fortify weakened strands, improve resilience, and promote smoother, healthier-looking hair over time.”

Pros:
✔ Nourishes dry, fragile hair
✔ Enhances shine and softness
✔ Works across all hair types

Cons:
✘ Fragrance may be overpowering for scent-sensitive users

Key Ingredients: Edelweiss native cells, gingerroot

How to Use:
Apply a quarter-sized amount to clean, damp hair, distributing from roots to ends. Leave on for five minutes (or a bit longer for intense repair), then rinse thoroughly.

Best Smoothing Hair-Growth Mask: Marc Anthony Grow Long Restoring Anti-Breakage Mask

Surprisingly Powerful for Under $10: Frizz Control & Growth Boost

Don’t underestimate this under-$10 hair mask—it may be affordable, but its results are anything but cheap. Packed with hydrolyzed keratin, caffeine, biotin, ginseng extract, and vitamin E, this formula is designed to smooth the hair cuticle, boost elasticity, and support healthy growth.

One user shared, “The texture is thick and rich, so a little went a long way for my hair type. Even after nearly a month of regular use, the tub still looks nearly full. Each time I used it, my hair felt softer, looked shinier, and had noticeably less frizz. However, I did have to be careful with how much I used—it weighed down my volume slightly when I applied too much.”

As for growth? “I saw just over half an inch of growth in less than four weeks, which I’d say is impressive—especially for a product at this price point.”

This mask is especially great for those living in humid climates, where frizz is a constant battle. It delivers smoothness, manageability, and a gentle nudge toward longer, healthier hair—without breaking the bank.

Pros:
✔ Budget-friendly and effective
✔ Reduces frizz and boosts shine
✔ Encourages healthy growth with regular use

Cons:
✘ May weigh down finer or thinner hair types

Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed keratin, caffeine, biotin, ginseng extract, vitamin E

How to Use:
Apply to freshly washed, wet hair. Distribute evenly from roots to ends, leave on for 3–5 minutes, and rinse thoroughly.

Best Leave-In Hair-Growth Mask: K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask

The Viral K18 Leave-In Hair Mask: Worth the Hype? Absolutely.

Beloved by hairstylists, influencers, and dermatologists, the K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask is nothing short of a game-changer for damaged hair. Backed by science and social media buzz, this mask uses a patented K18 peptide that promises to reverse damage—not just disguise it—in as little as four minutes.

“What makes K18 different is its ability to work on a molecular level,” explains Dr. Aanand Geria, board-certified dermatologist. “It reconnects broken keratin chains within the hair shaft, restoring strength, elasticity, and smoothness—all without adding weight or buildup.”

Designed to mimic the natural structure of hair, the K18 peptide deeply penetrates each strand to help repair the damage caused by chemical treatments, coloring, heat styling, and environmental stressors.

Unlike traditional masks, this is a leave-in formula, making it incredibly convenient. After shampooing (no conditioner needed), simply apply to towel-dried hair and style as usual.

Glamour beauty contributor Bella Cacciatore shares:
“I’ve been using K18 for a few weeks—every wash for the first four washes, then once a week as suggested. It absorbs quickly, feels weightless, and leaves almost no residue. My fine hair looks smoother, bouncier, and more defined. Even my baby hairs are behaving better. Honestly, it’s like having shampoo-commercial hair in real life.”

Pros:

Repairs damage from the inside out
Ideal for color-treated and chemically processed hair
Lightweight enough for fine or thin hair
Noticeable improvement in texture and definition

Cons:

✘ Some users report the bottles aren’t completely filled, which can affect perceived value

Key Ingredient:

K18 Peptide (biomimetic peptide that rebuilds keratin chains)

How to Use:

Shampoo hair (skip conditioner).
Towel-dry thoroughly.
Apply 1–3 pumps (depending on length/thickness).
Leave in—do not rinse. Style as usual.

Best Hydrating Hair-Growth Mask: Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask

Briogeo Deep Conditioning Mask: Intense Hydration Meets Strengthening Power

This ultra-nourishing mask is a multitasking powerhouse—expertly formulated to hydrate dry, damaged hair while reinforcing strength and elasticity. According to Dr. Dawn Queen, a board-certified dermatologist, “Moisturizing ingredients like rosehip, almond, and avocado oils deeply hydrate and improve hair elasticity. Meanwhile, biotin helps strengthen the hair shaft, making strands more resilient, and algae extract adds an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant boost.”

Beyond restoring moisture and shine, the Briogeo mask excels at taming frizz, smoothing texture, and making hair noticeably more manageable—especially for those with color-treated or chemically processed strands.

Real-world results speak volumes. Glamour’s senior commerce editor, Jenifer Calle, shares her experience:
“Back in February, I had just returned from the salon after dying my hair dark brown—years of highlighting had left it dull and brittle. Two months later, the old highlights started to peek through, but this time my hair looked healthier than ever. Since incorporating the Briogeo mask into my weekly routine, I’ve noticed fewer split ends, less frizz, and my hair feels softer and stronger. I can blow-dry and heat style without worrying about damaging my ends. This mask has completely transformed my hair care game.”

Why We Love It:

✔ Deep hydration for dry, brittle hair
✔ Strengthens and reduces breakage with biotin
✔ Smooths frizz and enhances manageability
✔ Safe for color-treated and chemically processed hair

Hero Ingredients:

Rosehip, Almond & Avocado Oils – Hydrate and restore shine
Biotin – Strengthens hair strands
Algae Extract – Calms the scalp and protects against oxidative stress

How to Use:

After shampooing, apply generously from mid-lengths to ends. Leave on for 5–10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Use once a week or as needed for intensive repair.

Best Hair-Growth Mask for Thinning Hair: California Naturals RE:GRO Anti-Thinning Conditioner

Clean Beauty Favorite: Lightweight Hair-Loss Conditioner with Natural Ingredients

If clean beauty is a priority in your hair care routine, this conditioner deserves a spot in your cart. Thoughtfully formulated with 98% naturally derived ingredients, it combines the power of avocado oil, nettle, caffeine, pumpkin seed oil, and rosemary to nourish the scalp, strengthen strands, and support healthy hair growth.

What truly sets it apart is its founder’s personal story—this product was developed during her own postpartum hair loss journey, when she was determined to avoid harsh chemicals. The result? A gentle yet effective formula that hydrates without weighing down the hair.

And the eco-conscious details are a bonus: the bottle is 100% recyclable, the fragrance is food-grade, and it’s completely free from silicones, sulfates, parabens, and phthalates. All that for just $12 makes this a standout clean-beauty steal.

Why We Love It:

✔ Formulated for thinning hair and hair loss
✔ Clean, cruelty-free, and environmentally friendly
✔ Lightweight hydration that works for most hair types
✔ Ideal for postpartum or sensitive scalps

Key Ingredients:

Biotin – Strengthens the hair shaft and supports growth
Argan Oil – Smooths and adds shine
Rosemary – Stimulates scalp circulation and helps reduce shedding

How to Use:

Pump 2–3 times into your hands and apply evenly to clean, damp hair. Let it sit for 3 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Use regularly for best results.

Your Hair Mask Questions, Answered

1. How exactly do hair-growth masks work?

Hair-growth masks are deeply nourishing treatments designed to strengthen the hair shaft, stimulate the scalp, and improve overall hair health—creating the right environment for hair to grow. They often contain ingredients like biotin, caffeine, rosemary oil, and keratin that boost circulation to the scalp, reduce breakage, and reinforce the hair’s structure. While they don’t instantly grow new hair, they reduce hair fall and damage, which leads to fuller, longer hair over time.

2. Is a hair mask or hair oil better for hair growth?

It depends on your hair’s needs.

Hair oils (like castor or rosemary oil) are ideal for scalp stimulation and moisture retention, especially for dry or curly hair.
Hair masks are better for repairing damaged strands, detangling, and providing targeted nutrients.

For best results, many people use both: oil before shampooing (pre-poo) and a mask once a week for deep treatment.

3. What is the difference between using a mask and a regular conditioner for hair growth?

Conditioners are lighter, used after every wash to soften and detangle. They coat the outer layer of the hair for daily manageability.
Hair masks are more concentrated and used less frequently (1–2 times/week). They penetrate deeper into the hair shaft and provide longer-lasting moisture, protein, and repair—key for reducing breakage and encouraging growth.

Think of conditioners as daily maintenance, and masks as your intensive repair treatment.