Whey we love it: This mask expertly quenches dry, damaged hair while promoting strands’ strength and elasticity, thanks to its high-impact ingredient list. “Moisturising ingredients like rosehip, almond, and avocado oil hydrate and improve hair elasticity, biotin strengthens the hair shaft making hair stronger and more resilient, and algae extract is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant,” says Dr. Queen. In addition to hydrating hair and fighting dryness, this mask is fantastic for smoothing frizzy hair and making it more manageable.

8. Best Hair Growth Mask for Colour-Treated Hair: It’s a 10 Potion Miracle Hair Mask

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It’s a 10 Potion Miracle Hair Mask

• Pros: Great for colour-treated and chemically-treated hair.
• Cons: Some users wished this mask offered more frizz control.
• Key ingredients: Keratin amino acids, hydrolysed collagen, rose extract, bamboo extract, Indian gooseberry extract, coffee seed oil.
• As recommended by: Shab Caspara, a trichologist and hair health expert.

Why we love it: Shab Caspara, a trichologist and hair health expert, swears by this rich, frizz-smoothing mask. “It’s formulated with keratin amino acids that strengthen the structure of hair, hydrolysed collagen for strand protection, and Indian gooseberry extract for intense nourishing,” she raves. This hair mask is also pH-balanced (which is great for scalp health), colour-safe, and packed with antioxidant-rich ingredients to help minimise environmental and UV damage. It also helps improve elasticity, which makes hair less likely to snap when being brushed or heat-styled.

9. Best Drugstore Hair Growth Mask for Scalp Health: Hask Tea Tree Oil Hair & Scalp Treatment Mask

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Hask Tea Tree Oil Hair & Scalp Treatment Mask

• Pros: Drugstore price and travel-friendly size.
• Cons: Packets are reusable but not resealable, so they can be messy.
• Key ingredients: Rosemary oil, tea tree oil.
• As recommended by: Nazanin Saedi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Pennsylvania.

Why we love it: A dry, flaky scalp is a known inhibitor of hair growth, but this hydrating mask will help to keep your scalp balanced and healthy, says Nazanin Saedi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Pennsylvania. In addition to fighting dandruff, the formula is recommended for giving fine, thinning hair a boost. “This mask combines rosemary oil and tea tree oil, an ingredient that has shown success in growing and replenishing thinning hair,” adds Dr. Saeidi. 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 re-seal the packages for easier use on future wash days.

Do hair masks actually help with hair growth?

The bottom line is that hair masks can’t exactly stimulate new hair growth from the follicle – especially not in the way that anti-shedding treatments like minoxidil can (it’s an FDA-approved over-the-counter topical shown to promote hair growth). However, masks are great for strengthening and nourishing your hair and helping it grow fuller and healthier over time. Some stimulate hair follicles using ingredients like caffeine and cayenne too.

What helps stimulate hair growth best?

In addition to incorporating the masks into your hair care routine, you may want to ask your doctor about vitamins for hair growth. “I suggest an oral nutraceutical packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that nourish hair from within,” says Matt L. Leavitt, DO, FAOCD, a board-certified dermatologist in Florida. “Scientifically backed supplement ingredients supporting hair health include NAD, pumpkin seed extract, taurine, saw palmetto, and ashwagandha.” He particularly recommends the Xtressé Nutrient Gummies, which are available in dermatologists’ offices.

What are the best DIY hair masks for hair loss?

If you’re looking for a good DIY hair mask to combat hair loss, look to coconut oil. “Coconut oil is truly nature’s bond repair,” says Neera Nathan, MD, MSHS, a board-certified dermatologist. “Studies show it may help protect hair against UV, reduce protein loss, and penetrate the hair shaft to reduce hair breakage.” To use, she recommends applying to the whole head for 30 minutes (or overnight for an extra-deep conditioning boost) and then washing hair as usual.

Which ingredients work best for hair growth?

Again, while hair masks aren’t your best bet for stimulating hair growth per se, if your goal is to achieve smoother, shinier and stronger hair and encourage healthier re-growth, you might want to consider ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides for hydration; tea tree oil, amino acids and biotin for improved scalp health; plus various butters and oils for added nourishment (think: shea butter, cocoa butter, Argan oil, coconut oil and the works).