10 Best Drugstore Hair Masks That Change Everything
Sometimes doing your daily hair routine just isn’t enough to keep your hair as healthy as it can be. Cold weather, sun exposure, and a myriad of other things you encounter in your life can dry out your locks, leaving them coarse and lifeless. Luckily for you, hair masks are an easy fix! With regular use, hair masks can keep dandruff, dullness, and dry ends at bay. Although this may seem like a luxury product, there’s no need to spend an extraordinary amount on one mask. We have found the best drugstore hair masks that will work for both your hair and your wallet.
Top-Rated Drugstore Hair Masks
Use this easy-to-read table for a quick rundown on the best hair mask for your specific needs. Explore the different ingredients, scents, and prices of these good hair masks.
| Product | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|
Living Proof Restore Mask Treatment - Editor’s Choice | Dry or brittle hair | Check Price |
ArtNaturals Argan Hair Mask | Colored hair | Check Price |
xtava Deep Conditioning Mask | Dry and damaged hair | Check Price |
Kerastase Resistance Masque Force Architecte | Over-processed hair | Check Price |
Shiseido Fino Premium Touch | Shine and smoothness | Check Price |
SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Hair Masque | Natural and curly hair | Check Price |
Neutrogena Triple Moisture | Intense moisture | Check Price |
Fekkai Technician Color Care | Enhancing colored hair | Check Price |
L'Oreal Absolut Repair Lipidium | Conditioning and volume | Check Price |
Redken All Soft Heavy Cream | Thicker hair | Check Price |
#1: Living Proof Restore Mask Treatment – The Right Hairstyles’ Choice
View on AmazonDamaged hair can be difficult to heal without the right products in hand. With Living Proof’s Restore Mask Treatment, your hair will be left moisturized, stronger, and silkier. While on the pricier side, this treatment has the power to restore dry and damaged hair, making this a great hydrating hair mask. Part of the company’s patented Restore System, the mask works to repair hair for an improvement that you can see in as little as a week’s time.
Living Proof’s Rest Mask Treatment promises 95% less breakage after using the product just once, so you can be sure that you will see quick results. And, with a light citrus fragrance, you’ll love the way your hair smells in addition to the way it looks and feels! The mask is available in an 8oz container or a convenient 1oz travel size.
How to Use: After applying and rinsing out shampoo, apply this mask to wet hair, working it from your roots to your ends. Leave on for no more than 5 minutes and rinse out. You can use this treatment 1-2 times per week for the best results. One the days you use the mask, you can even skip your usual conditioner if you wish.
Pros- safe for colored hair
- silicone and paraben-free
- oil-free
- quick and easy
- pricey
- does not contain healing proteins
#2: ArtNaturals Argan Oil Hair Mask – Best Hair Mask for Colored Hair
View on AmazonAs you get older, your hair loses its natural shine and your follicles weaken, but with ArtNaturals’ Argan Oil Hair Mask, you can heal your scalp and seal added moisture into your locks. The mask stimulates your hair with its mostly all-natural ingredients including green tea, amino acids, wheat, and quinoa proteins. The product also acts as a deep conditioning treatment. In addition to repairing dry hair, the product always protects your hair from harmful sun rays and the effects of blow-drying. The formula’s argan oil leaves hair silky smooth and gives your locks an extra boost of shine.
This moisturizing hair mask is filled with keratin and amino acids that are safe for those with color-treated or bleached hair. The green tea extract specifically helps protect your precious hair color and helps heal any damaged hair follicles. The product also includes ivy extract, which helps relieve any irritation from dandruff and eczema. If you’re not a fan of strong fragrances, this may be the right mask for you. ArtNaturals’ hair mask does have a specific scent to it, but it is not overpowering.
How to Use: This quick-acting hair mask only takes 3-5 minutes to soak in and start working. Rinse out really well, and, because the mask contains heat protection, feel free to style with your preferred hot tool.
Pros- paraben-free
- cruelty-free
- safe on colored hair
- contains chloride and silicone
- only available in one size
#3: xtava Deep Conditioning Hair Mask Treatment – Best Hair Mask for Dry Hair
View on AmazonThe best drugstore deep conditioners are those that work for all hair types, whether they be curly, straight, thick or fine. xtava’s Deep Conditioning Hair Mask Treatment is a one-stop-shop when it comes to breakage restoration and hair hydration. The brand calls this hair mask “R&R in a jar,” so you’ll be sure to experience an intense deep cleaning that will cure your dryness.
The aloe vera juice formula helps bring your hair’s pH value back to its natural equilibrium, and the broccoli seed oil conditions and moisturizes your hair so you can better fight frizziness and dry ends. And their most precious ingredient is pequi oil from Brazil. This oil contains vitamin A and fatty acids that seal deep into your hair, healing damaged cuticles all while helping your hair keep its natural volume. With its sweet floral scent and buttery consistency, your dry hair will soak up all the moisture it can.
How to Use: After washing your hair, be sure to get rid of any excess water. Apply xtava’s mask treatment from roots to tips and let it sit for about 10 to 20 minutes. If you feel as if your hair could use an extra healing boost, put a shower cap on and leave the mask on your hair overnight, but be sure to do a thorough rinse in the morning.
Pros- contains healing enzymes and proteins
- cruelty-free
- works on all hair types
- safe to use hot tools after usage
- safe on color-treated hair
- longer wait time
- inconvenient for travel
#4: Kerastase Resistance Masque Force Architecte – Best Mask for Over-Processed Hair
View on AmazonAlthough you may not believe it, there is a way to revert your over-processed and over-colored hair back to its natural texture and moisture levels. Using Kerastase’s Resistance Masque Force Architect will rebuild your damaged hair from the ground up, strengthening the fibers in your hair. This makes for smoother, shinier, and much healthier locks, and your hair will also be protected from future split and dry ends.
This mask contains three featured ingredients: pro-keratin, ceramides, and resurrection sap. The protein in the keratin works to rebuild your locks, while the ceramides give your hair extra strength. Finally, the resurrection sap contains all the regeneration power. Its lightweight formula won’t leave hair weighed down or greasy, making this the best drugstore hair mask for fine hair. The product comes in two different sizes (6.8oz and 16.9oz) or you can get the most out of your money and buy a 2-pack!
How to Use: Less is definitely more when it comes to Kerastase’s hair mask. You only need a quarter-sized amount to spread from the mid-section of your hair to the ends. Unlike most masks that require a per-weekly usage, you can use this mask every day if your hair needs extra conditioning.
Pros- quick usage time
- lightweight
- non-greasy formula
- pricey
- not to be used on roots
#5: Shiseido Fino Premium Touch Hair Mask – Best For Shine and Smoothness
View on AmazonMasks don’t have to just be for dry ends or roots. If you’re suffering from dull, shine-less locks, Shiseido’s Fino Premium Touch Hair Mask may be able to help bring a glow back into your hair. Made in Taiwan, this product’s formula contains a royal jelly that moisturizes your hair, leaving it sleek after usage.
This mask is a holy grail for anyone with naturally curly, frizzy hair. It can be so easy to fall into the dull hair rabbit hole, but after using Shiseido’s hair mask, you’ll feel renewed with sleek, silky locks. Plus, you’ll come away with a long-lasting floral scent in your hair. However, make sure you rinse out the product completely for the thick formula can leave hair slightly greasy if left on.
How to Use: The brand recommends using roughly 2 teaspoons’ worth of product for longer hair. The good thing about this product is that you don’t have to use the mask over your whole head. Target the areas of your hair that need the most help, and just apply to those. Leave on for 5 minutes and rinse out.
A Quick Tip: After massaging in the mask, take a wide-toothed comb and gently run it throughout your hair. This will make sure that the product is evenly dispersed, and it will get rid of any lingering knots or tangles.
Pros- safe on colored and permed hair
- controls frizz
- de-tangles hair
- only one size available
- can make hair greasy
#6: SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Masque – The Best Hair Mask For Natural Hair
View on AmazonFor those curly-haired ladies out there, SheaMoisture’s high-intensity hair mask can help solve your extreme dryness and frizz — all with natural ingredients. With this mask come five main benefits: softness, smoothness, moisture, frizz removal, and nourishment. This 12oz gold tin is packed with all-natural ingredients, like shea butter, baobab and mafura oils, honey, and African rock fig, that will work wonders for your damaged hair.
SheaMoisture’s hair mask can also double as a leave-in conditioner, so if you have naturally coarse and curly hair, feel free to leave this product in overnight. However, anyone with fine, curly hair should rinse it out after the appropriate amount of time.
How to Use: For this hair mask, SheaMoisture recommends that you section off your clean, wet hair and apply the product in stages. Leave on for 5 minutes and rinse out. However, if you need a deeper conditioning, cover your hair with a plastic hair cover and run a hairdryer on low heat over your hair for up to 30 minutes. Afterwards, rinse out as usual!
Pros- no mineral oil or parabens
- made specifically for natural hair
- de-tangles
- can be used as a deep conditioner
- a little sticky
- can make hair feel crunchy while using
#7: Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Deep Conditioner – Triple Moisture Powers and Shine
View on AmazonNeutrogena’s deep conditioning treatment packs three times the punch when improving dry hair. The conditioner contains three main oils: olive oil, sweet almond oil, and meadowfoam seed oil. The combination of these three ingredients hydrates each strand and controls dandruff and an itchy scalp by penetrating deep down into your hair follicles.
The conditioner’s formula also treats symptoms of scalp psoriasis. So if you’ve yet to find a product that soothes the discomfort of a dry scalp, you may want to give this deep conditioner a shot. Gone are the days of suffering from brittle and breaking locks. Shield your hair from chronic dryness with this cost-effective favorite.
How to Use: What’s different about this is that you can use the product daily if you wish, not just once or twice a week. Massage the conditioning treatment through your locks. Rinse out all of the product, and you’re good to go. Style or air-dry as you normally would.
Pros- daily use
- salon-approved
- safe on color-treated hair
- quick and easy
- not a leave-in product
- does not contain protein
#8: Fekkai Salon Tech Mask – Best Mask For Enhancing Color
View on AmazonSome masks protect color-treated hair, but Fekkai’s Salon Tech Mask protects and enhances your color by amping up the shine in your hair. Whether you have a full color or just light highlights, your dye will brighten and shine after regular use with Fekkai’s product. This super moisturizing mask is infused with grapeseed oil, which gives your hair a romantic rose scent and revitalizes your locks so they look more radiant than ever.
Used at the famous Fekkai Salons, this hair mask promises professional results when it comes to conditioning and protecting your hair. Although this is a conditioning mask, the product specializes in making your hair radiantly shiny and luscious. Additionally, the mask’s formula isn’t too heavy for those with fine and thin hair, so you won’t have to worry about greasy, weighed-down roots.
How to Use: It is recommended that you use this product with damp hair rather than wet. Wrap up your hair in a towel or a shower cap and leave on for 5 to 10 minutes.
A Quick Tip: Warm the towel you plan to wrap your hair in beforehand. This will lock even more moisture into your hair and will make sure your roots get enough attention.
Pros- great for color-treated hair
- enchanting scent
- works on all hair types
- not all-natural ingredients
#9: L’Oreal Absolut Repair Lipidium Masque – Best For Salon-Quality at a Drugstore Price
View on AmazonLooking for an intense conditioning treatment? See near-immediate results with L’Oreal’s repairing hair mask. In addition to conditioning and healing your damaged strands, the product also adds some structure to your roots for amped up volume. This deep conditioning treatment heals even the most damaged hair thanks to its lipid and keratin enriched formula.
Although on the pricier side, you can often find this product on sale, and with L’Oreal, the results you see in your hair will be well worth the cost. The smart formula specifically targets the areas of your hair that need the most help, and you can even use it as a replacement for your usual conditioner. You won’t just see the difference with your hair, but you’ll also be able to feel stronger, more resilient strands.
How to Use: Unlike some hair masks that require about 20 minutes of soaking, L’Oreal’s mask does the trick in just about 3-5 minutes. Apply to your hair, focusing on your ends, and rinse out well after the time has passed.
Pros- professional quality
- doubles as a volumizer
- short waiting time
- reduces frizz
- pricey
- large packaging
- not all-natural
#10: Redken All Soft Heavy Cream Super Treatment – Heavy Cream Consistency for Ultimate Moisture
View on AmazonSome hair textures need a heavy mask in order to fully repair any damage and split ends. The thick texture of Redken’s All Soft hair mask loosens up your hair so it can soak deep down into your follicles and control frizz. The keratin formula radically transforms dry hair, and the argan oil gives it added softness.
There are also some unexpected ingredients hiding within this mask. Avocado oil contributes to the hair’s smoothness and shine, and olive oil conditions both on and beneath the surface of your hair. The proteins in this product give the core of your hair extra strength in order to withstand sun and heat damage. If you decide you like Redken’s hair mask, the product comes in a pack of two, so you can get the most out of your money.
How to Use: Towel dry your hair before applying the mask. Leave on for no more than 5 minutes. You can use this product as frequently as you want, but Redken recommends that you use it at least once a week.
Pros- contains proteins
- very affordable
- short waiting time
- contains chloride
- contains silicone
- best for thicker hair
Buyer’s Guide to Choosing the Right Hair Mask
It can be difficult to distinguish the quality drugstore masks from the ones that won’t do anything for your hair. If you’re new to the hair mask game, never fear. We’re here to help you understand all you need to know about using these products.
Can I Use Hair Masks on My Scalp?
One of the great benefits of using hair masks is that they tend to soak deep down into the roots and follicles of your hair. In order to do this, the mask should be applied as close to your scalp as possible. However, at the same time, you want to make sure you don’t neglect the ends of your hair when applying a mask.
How Can I Find a Mask for Extremely Dry Hair?
When it comes to dry hair, finding the right ingredients in a hair mask is essential. Not all masks are created the same, and with hair products, it’s never a one size fits all. Look for masks that contain moisturizing ingredients like natural oils, extracts, and butters. The mask should have a creamy texture, and when in doubt, look for any mask advertising its conditioning properties. But if you’re still not sure where to start, taking a look at the list of ingredients is always a good idea.
Which Are Better: DIY or Drugstore Masks?
If you’re trying to decide between buying or creating a hair mask for your locks, it’s always good to think about what your hair specifically needs. With DIY masks, you are completely in charge of the ingredients being used to create the product. With drugstore products, however, there are more synthetic ingredients being used. So the choice is really yours. For those wishing to only put natural ingredients in their hair, DIY may be the best option. Anyone wishing for the convenience of drugstore products may be better off choosing from the list above.
How Often Should I Use Hair Masks?
Typically, hair masks should be used about every 2 weeks. However, if your hair is in need of even more conditioning, you can use the product weekly. Don’t use a mask any more than twice a week as it will leave your hair greasy.
Which Hair Mask Is the Best to Use for Split Ends?
Repairing split ends can be tricky, especially with so many products on the market. Masks with sealing properties will be the best for healing split ends. Look for products that contain coconut oil, argan oil or honey. These ingredients not only moisturize your hair but will also help to seal up dry ends. We recommend xtava’s deep conditioning treatment for fixing your split ends!
Can I Leave Hair Masks in Overnight?
Certain hair masks can be left in overnight. Dry and damaged hair can benefit from the extra moisture, but if the mask is too thick, your hair will be left feeling greasy or sticky. If you choose to sleep with your mask in, secure your hair in a shower cap or towel, allowing the moisture to lock into your locks. In the morning, thoroughly rinse the mask out with cold water and enjoy your conditioned hair!
Do I Need to Rinse out Hair Masks?
Certain hair masks need to be rinsed out after the appropriate leave-in time has passed because they are too heavy and creamy to be left in overnight. It also comes down to your natural hair texture. Those with fine and thin hair need to be conscious of what product they leave in their hair, and it’s probably best if you rinse the mask out before going to bed. However, if you have your heart set on a leave-in product, check out these very good leave-in conditioners, and you won’t have to worry about the hassle of a rinse-out mask.
What Ingredients Should I Avoid When Looking for a Hair Mask?
Although not all products are going to be created with completely all-natural ingredients, it’s not hard to avoid certain harmful chemicals and synthetics. As a rule of thumb, you want to avoid any sulfates and silicones. You should also be mindful of any ingredients that may harm color-treated hair.
Do You Have to Already Have Dry Hair to Use a Hair Mask?
No, and, in fact, it’s best to preemptively moisturize your hair so you don’t suffer from dryness or damage in the future. However, be careful that you aren’t using a product that is too heavy for your hair. This can lead to an over-production of moisture, which will make your hair look greasy.
Is It Normal for My Hair to Look Greasy After Using a Deep-Conditioning Hair Mask?
No! Hair masks are made to help moisturize your locks, but you shouldn’t feel like there’s leftover residue in your hair or at your roots. There are two possible reasons for your hair feeling or looking greasy after a hair mask. First, you may be using the wrong mask for your hair texture. If you have super fine hair, you shouldn’t be using a thick, heavy mask. Secondly, you may not be rinsing out the mask well enough. Always be sure that you are getting all of the product out of your hair before you go on to style or air dry.
Can Both Men and Women Use Hair Masks?
Absolutely. Men with dry and damaged hair shouldn’t have to suffer either. The same rules apply to them. Find the right mask for your needs and texture, and enjoy healthier hair!
Even the most damaged and dry hair can be saved. All it takes is the regular use of one of these quality drugstore hair masks, and you’ll be walking around with a new head of hair. Once you find the right texture and ingredients that best fit your locks, there’s no problem you can’t fix.
