10 Hair Growth Masks We Tested 2026, Approved by Dermatologists

A dry, flaky scalp can hinder hair growth, but this affordable, hydrating mask helps 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 boosting fine, thinning hair. “This mask combines rosemary oil and tea tree oil, an ingredient that has shown success in growing and replenishing thinning hair,” says Dr. Saeidi.

Reviewers love its cooling, stimulating feel, and the hydration it provides their ends. travel-friendly packets resealable.

Key ingredients: Rosemary oil, tea tree oil
How to use: Apply to a clean, damp scalp, working down to the lengths and ends of hair. Leave on for up to 3 minutes, then rinse.

“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 who has long straight hair. “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 Leave-In Hair-Growth Mask: K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask

Original image by Bella Cacciatore before testing K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
Original image by Bella Cacciatore after testing K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask

K18 Leave in Molecular Repair Hair Mask

What we like: Lightweight; strengthens damaged hair
Worth noting: Pricey for the size.

This viral leave-in K-18 hair mask is beloved by hairstylists, influencers, and derms. It promises to repair and fight damage on the hair’s molecular level in just four minutes, thanks to its patented K18 peptide technology. “It works by reconnecting broken keratin chains; restoring strength, elasticity, and smoothness to damaged hair without weighing it down,” says Dr. Geria.

The K18 peptide mimics the structure of actual hair, Dr. Geria notes, helping strengthen strands that have suffered the effects of bleach, color, and chemical treatments. Unlike some of the other masks on this list, this is a leave-in treatment; you can apply it to shampooed, towel-dried hair, then style your hair as usual.

Key ingredients: K18 peptide
How to use: Apply one to three pumps to towel-dried hair after shampooing. Do not rinse.

“The mask quickly absorbs into your hair with minimal residue and is very lightweight—more so than a traditional conditioner or leave-in—making it a great option for finer hair like mine,” says Glamour contributor Bella Cacciatore. “I’ve been using K18 for a few weeks now—every wash for four washes at first, as recommended by the brand, then about once a week—and the difference is pretty noticeable. My hair feels soft and smooth, and looks bouncier and healthier, especially when I blow-dry it. I’ve also noticed my slight waves are more defined, and my broken baby hairs near my crown are less likely to stick up straight since incorporating K18 into my routine. Basically, it’s a shampoo-commercial hair in a bottle—it’s worth the price tag and the hype.”

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

Original photo from Ariel Wodarcyk testing Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask
Original photo from Ariel Wodarcyk testing Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask

Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask

What we like: Great for encouraging growth on all hair lengths
Worth noting: May not be rich enough for thick or very damaged hair on its own

Perfect for anyone growing out short styles or managing fine strands, this Olaplex mask hydrates while rebuilding weakened bonds.. “This mask hydrates and smooths while working deep within the hair shaft to rebuild and strengthen weakened bonds,” says Dr. Garshick. “It’s perfect for those with chemically treated or damaged hair looking to promote hair growth.”

Key ingredients: Patented bond-building technology
How to use: Apply once a week to clean, damp hair from mid-lengths to ends for 10 minutes, then rinse.

“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, but 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 for Thick and Coarse Hair: Vegamour HYDR-8 Deep Moisture Repair Mask

Original photo from MRC testing Vegamour HYDR-8 Deep Moisture Repair Mask
Original photo from MRC testing Vegamour HYDR-8 Deep Moisture Repair Mask
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Vegamour HYDR-8 Deep Moisture Repair Mask

Vegamour HYDR-8 Deep Moisture Repair Mask

What we like: Rich hydration, and great for medium to thick hair
Worth noting: Used sparingly on fine hair

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