Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brands and editorsSave this storySave this story
To smooth flyaways and other wild, tough-to-control wisps, treat your strands to one of the best hair masks for frizzy hair. “Using hair masks helps to prevent breakage and leaves the hair feeling healthy and frizz-free,” says Los Angeles-based hairstylist Kylee Heath. “A mask helps the ends stay hydrated and keeps the cuticle smooth.”
These at-home hair treatments have a leg up on the usual conditioners and styling creams thanks to their über-moisturizing ingredients, like castor, coconut, and argan oils. Plus, you don’t have to worry about their formulations weighing hair down, since they easily rinse off; all you’ll be left with is a silky, shiny base for your next hairstyle. If you need a frizz-defying treatment mask, these deep-conditioning formulas provide all the moisturizing properties that crinkled strands need to look and feel their best. Keep reading for the formulas loved by hairstylists and editors alike.
Our Top Hair Masks for Frizzy Hair
- Best Overall: Isima Súperbomba Triple Repair Peptide Hair Mask, $38
- Best for Dull Hair: Pureology Smooth Gloss Mask, $45
- Best for Damaged Hair: Olaplex Rich Hydration Moisture Mask, $44
- Best for Curly Hair: Amika The Kure Intense Bond Repair Mask, $44
- Best Drugstore: L'Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm, $9
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What causes frizz?
- How can I minimize frizz?
- Can I use a hair mask every day for frizzy hair?
- What are the disadvantages of a hair mask?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: Isima Súperbomba Triple Repair Peptide Hair Mask
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Isima
Súperbomba Triple Repair Peptide Hair Mask
Ulta Beauty
Allure executive beauty director Jenny Bailly after using the Isima Súperbomba Triple Repair Peptide Hair Mask
Jenny Bailly
Why it’s worth it: Shakira’s hair-care line, Isima, is the latest addition to the ever-prolific list of celebrity beauty brands, and the Súperbomba Triple Repair Peptide Hair Mask is among its standout offerings. This 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner has an impressive ingredient list, starting with nonapeptide-3, a retinol alternative that helps keep the scalp clean and buildup-free. It’s bolstered by two proprietary ingredients: GluconaBond, which helps reinforce weakened strands by recreating lost hydrogen and ionic bonds, and FiberSeal to help smooth and seal the cuticle. (There’s also soy and rice hydrolyzed proteins for restoring keratin.) So the thick, creamy mask doesn’t just leave hair looking frizz-free and silky smooth; it improves overall hair health, repairing and preventing damage along the entire strand to increase strength and decrease breakage.
Allure former senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin before using the Isima Súperbomba Triple Repair Peptide Hair Mask
Sarah Felbin
Felbin after using the Isima Súperbomba Triple Repair Peptide Hair Mask
Sarah Felbin
Tester feedback from executive beauty director Jenny Bailly
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“After using this three times in one week—once I left it on for 10 minutes, the other times I rinsed out after maybe two minutes—my [long, gray-and-bleached hair] was much softer and less fuzzy. The musky-sweet fragrance I could do without, but it doesn’t stick around once my hair is dry, so fine, I’ll deal with it for the silkier hair. “And the packaging is 10/10—the soft-touch/matte finish doesn’t slip around in the shower and the lid has a little doohickey (I think that’s the official term) on the edge that lets you easily open it with wet hands.” —Jenny Bailly, executive beauty director
Tester feedback from former senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
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“A hair mask needs to be seriously hydrating to make a difference in my thick, frizzy, wavy hair. I absolutely love this one from Isima because it has a creamy, super-satisfying texture (like a really good body butter) and actually gives me results I can see after one shower. It only has to sit for 5 to 10 minutes—after rinsing it out, my wet hair already feels softer and smoother. Then, after drying, I notice that my hair looks way healthier and shinier. It tames frizz and provides results that last until the next time I use it (usually about a week). I'm obsessed!” —Sarah Felbin, former senior commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: nonapeptide-3, GluconaBond, soy and rice hydrolyzed protein
- How long to leave in: 5-10 minutes
- Frequency of use: weekly
Best for Dull Hair: Pureology Smooth Gloss Mask
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Pureology
Smooth Gloss Mask
Amazon
Sephora
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: The key to shine is hydration, which is exactly what Pureology’s Smooth Gloss Mask provides via a trio of ingredients that work together to attract and retain moisture—imparting a glass-hair finish that’ll round up compliments from everyone around you. Said ingredients include serine, a water-drawing humectant, as well as alanine, which repels excess moisture, and smoothing glycine. The creamy formula, while thick, isn’t super heavy (it feels closer to a lotion than butter), so it won’t weigh down hair that’s on the thinner or finer side. Along with how quickly it works—you can clock an immediate improvement in luster in sub five minutes— this mask also scores points for its fruity-floral scent, which features notes of red currant, magnolia, and sandalwood.
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han before applying the Pureology Smooth Gloss Mask
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Pureology Smooth Gloss Mask
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“Regular conditioners rarely do much for my dry, color-treated hair, so I have to reach for a hair mask at least once a week to soften my strands. This Pureology mask smells divine and I appreciate that it’s literally made for my hair type (color-treated and frizzy). It does a much better job at minimizing frizz than most hair masks, even though I’m not particularly skilled at blowouts, and I love that it works fast. I can’t be bothered to stand in the shower for 10 minutes waiting for a mask! It’s thick but not heavy, which is the perfect balance for my fine but dense hair. Post-shower, my hair actually has a sheen to it, which is truly a feat.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: serine, alanine, glycine
- How long to leave in: 3 to 5 minutes
- Frequency of use: weekly
Best for Curly Hair: Amika The Kure Intense Bond Repair Mask
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Amika
The Kure Intense Bond Repair Mask
Amazon
Sephora
Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Amika The Kure Intense Bond Repair Mask
Shanna Shipin
Why it's worth it: Dehydrated curls need intensive moisture to maintain their natural bounce, which is why our curly-haired editors love the defining results of Amika’s The Kure Intense Bond Repair Mask—and they aren’t the only ones. "This one is great for heat-damaged or overly processed hair," says Ohio- and New York City-based hairstylist Mia Santiago. The fast-acting formula packs a triple punch of moisture with hyaluronic acid, squalane, and polyglutamic acid, along with sea buckthorn extract for antioxidant protection against environmental-related damage. Plant butters, including mango and shea, help this thick and creamy mask lock in moisture—not to mention, lend it that rich consistency. (Those with finer curls might want to opt for the Smooth Over Frizz-Fighting Hair Treatment Mask instead.)
Shipin before applying the Amika The Kure Intense Bond Repair Mask
Shanna Shipin
Shipin after applying the Amika The Kure Intense Bond Repair Mask
Shanna Shipin
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
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“This mask is my go-to when I've gone a bit too blow-dry-brush-happy on my hair. I only use it once every few weeks, but it's a nonnegotiable in my shower. It instantly brings softness and adds shine, but The Kure doesn't just make my hair look healthier; I keep coming back to this mask because I find that it truly revives my strands, virtually undoing the split ends I habitually create, resealing each one. Despite using it for years, I still can't pinpoint a smell (it's not one to remember, apparently!). And note that you really need to take your time washing it out; a little goes a long way, and it's easy to over-apply. I have thick hair, but I can imagine someone with finer hair finding the product to be heavy.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: squalane, hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, sea buckthorn extract
- How long to leave in: 5 to 10 minutes
- Frequency of use: once per week
Best for Damaged Hair: Olaplex Rich Hydration Moisture Mask
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Olaplex
Rich Hydration Moisture Mask
Amazon
Nordstrom
Dermstore
Allure commercial editorial assistant Hailey Roy applying the Olaplex Rich Hydration Moisture Mask
Hailey Roy
Why it’s worth it: Best suited for dry, medium-to-coarse hair, Olaplex’s Rich Hydration Mask deposits plenty of frizz-free shine, thanks to its avocado and shea conditioning complex (which provides a hefty dose of hydration and moisture), but it’s the Biometric Cuticle Technology that’s the captain of the damage-fighting arm. It wraps around each strand to keep moisture in and cuticle damage at bay, thereby strengthening them over time and allowing them to grow healthy, strong, and smooth. The mask’s consistency is appropriately thick and buttery; that said, it provides excellent slip for detangling and leaves the hair feeling smooth and soft, not heavy or greasy. However, for finer hair types, Olaplex’s Weightless Nourishing Mask is the better move.
Roy before applying the Olaplex Rich Hydration Moisture Mask
Hailey Roy
Roy after applying the Olaplex Rich Hydration Moisture Mask
Hailey Roy
Tester feedback from commerce production assistant Hailey Roy
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“Usually, you need to try a hair mask a few times to truly see results, especially when you have very dry hair like moi, which is why the Olaplex Rich Hydration Moisture Mask thoroughly surprised me in the best way possible. As soon as I dug my fingers into the jar and saw the indentations my fingers left behind in the rich, thick cream, I knew this mask would hydrate my curls well and keep my intense frizz in check. My favorite part about this mask is that I didn’t need to use heaps of styling cream or leave-in conditioner after my wash day for my curls to pop. This mask had already done the job. Plus, I only left it in my hair for about 15 minutes before washing it out (I usually aim for an hour with hair masks), and it still left my curls soft and shiny.” —Hailey Roy, commerce production assistant
Key facts
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- Key ingredients: biometric cuticle technology, avocado oil, shea butter, sunflower seed oil, safflower seed oil, coconut oil
- How long to leave in: 3 to 5 minutes
- Frequency of use: weekly
Best for Thick Hair: Mise en Scene Argan Oil Repair Mask
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Mise en Scene
Argan Oil Repair Mask
Amazon
Olive Young
Allure contributing writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Mise en Scene Argan Oil Repair Mask
Christa Joanna Lee
Why it’s worth it: The word “rich” might not immediately come to mind when you think of K-beauty; after all, the category is known for featherweight SPFs, instantly absorbing serums, and cushiony makeup. But Mise en Scene’s Argan Oil Repair Mask fits the descriptor so well, you’d think it has robust investments and a real estate portfolio. The balm-like formula is anchored by a capsule technology that delivers argan, amino acids, and proteins deep within strands. It takes what could be called a “beauty starts on the inside” approach: By improving the strands’ ability to retain moisture from the inside—addressing breakage, dullness, split ends, and frizz–it leaves them shiny and smooth on the outside. The sumptuous texture makes it better suited to thicker hair types, but it still absorbs quickly and won’t leave your hair feeling heavy or greasy.
Lee before applying the Mise en Scene Argan Oil Repair Mask
Christa Joanna Lee
Lee after applying the Mise en Scene Argan Oil Repair Mask
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“I’ve just had my once-a-year haircut, so my ends were actually in pretty good shape—but the cold, dry weather where I live has completely zapped my hair of moisture and shine. The Mise en Scène Argan Oil Repair Mask is very thick and rich when you scoop it out, so I was genuinely surprised by how quickly it absorbed without weighing my hair down. It instantly detangles, and the scent is so good. My only qualm is standing around in a robe in the cold while it does its thing—but that’s true of any leave-in—and it works so well at nourishing my dry hair that I’m still excited to use this in the shower all season long.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: argan oil, amino acids, proteins, panax ginseng root extract, laminaria japonica (kelp) extract
- How long to leave in: 3 to 5 minutes
- Frequency of use: weekly
Best for Fine Hair: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Cooling Hydration Scalp Mask
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Briogeo
Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Cooling Hydration Scalp Mask
Amazon
Nordstrom
Sephora
Why it’s worth it: Worried about weighing down already fine hair? Consider a scalp mask instead. Houston-based hairstylist Kimberly Michelle recommends Briogeo’s Charcoal + Tea Tree Cooling Hydration Scalp Mask to those working with this hair type. “For fine hair, sometimes the goal isn't adding more weight or moisture to the hair fiber: It is about removing what does not belong so the hair can feel lighter, fuller, and more responsive to styling,” Michelle explains. This thinner, lotion-like cream does just that by harnessing charcoal to remove product buildup, while soothing scalp irritation with tea tree, peppermint, and spearmint oils. Though you have the option of following up with an all-over mask, we recommend a lightweight, frizz-fighting leave-in conditioner to keep your hair looking airy and lifted.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: charcoal, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, hydration complex (hyaluronic acid and aloe vera)
- How long to leave in: up to 10 minutes
- Frequency of use: weekly
Best for Dry Hair: Gisou Honey-Infused Hair Mask
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Gisou
Honey-Infused Hair Mask
Amazon
Sephora
Revolve
Why it's worth it: If your hair is chronically dry, color-treated, or feels especially brittle after one too many hot-tool sessions, treat it to the ultra-moisturizing cocktail that is Gisou’s Honey-Infused Hair Mask. As its name suggests, the main ingredient in this custardy formula is honey, which has hydrating properties to soften and enhance shine. The supporting stars include hyaluronic acid at two different molecular weights—a higher one for instant gloss and a lower one to hydrate deep within the strands—as well as biomimetic ceramides that fill gaps in the hair’s surface to smooth everything out. The resulting formula “leaves hair feeling soft, hydrated, and fluffy without heaviness," says bicoastal hair colorist Tylor Johnson.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: honey, coconut oil, baobab extract
- How long to leave in: 5 to 7 minutes
- Frequency of use: up to twice per week
Best Drugstore: L'Oreal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm
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L'Oreal Paris
Elvive Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm
Amazon
Walmart
Why it's worth it: Some of the most hardworking formulas go for as little as $10. Case in point: L'Oréal Paris’ Elvive Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm is a creamy mask that “uses ceramides and almond oil to repair dryness and bring back smoothness,” explains hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos (the ceramides are part of the brand’s Repair Concentrate, which also includes protein). It targets all the usual suspects when it comes to rough hair texture—think tangles, split ends, and brittleness—and does so with a light, green-floral scent. Despite what the name might suggest, the formula doesn’t feel especially thick or heavy; indeed, if you’re looking for intense repair, you can use it daily as a replacement for your conditioner, or even as a co-wash.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: ceramides, almond oil, Repair Concentrate (hydrolyzed wheat protein)
- How long to leave in: 3 to 5 minutes
- Frequency of use: once per week minimum, up to daily
Best for Blowouts: Kérastase Discipline Maskeratine
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Kérastase
Discipline Maskeratine
Amazon
Sephora
Why it’s worth it: If the goal is a bouncy, frizz-free blowout, take note: “[Kérastase’s Discipline Maskeratine] is a formula I recommend for individuals looking to improve manageability, softness, and frizz control without sacrificing movement,” says Michelle. Through its Morpho-Kératine Complex and a blend of softeners and lipids, it tames flyaways, seals split ends, and leaves hair smooth and protected against blow-drying heat. Between the floral fragrance and the creamy texture, there’s something almost vintage skin care-coded about the sensorial experience of this mask; fitting, given how it leaves the hair with a “gets her hair done at the beauty parlor every two weeks” sheen. “I appreciate that it helps create a polished finish without leaving the hair feeling overly coated or weighed down,” says Michelle.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: glycerin, arginine, serine
- How long to leave in: 5 minutes
- Frequency of use: weekly
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes frizz?
Frizz is caused by a lack of moisture. When your hair is particularly dry, your strands will try to draw in water from the air (hence why your hair might poof on humid days), which messes with your hair's natural smoothness. “Humidity is a big culprit, but things like chemical treatments and naturally dry hair also increase the likelihood of frizz,” he says. (Chemical treatments, like hair dye, bleach, and relaxers, all damage the cuticle of the hair, leaving it drier and more susceptible to frizz.) Giannetos also notes that curly and textured hair types are naturally more prone to frizz “because it's harder for your scalp’s natural oils to keep those strands smooth.” Hair that’s damaged from constant heat styling is also prone to frizz, notes Heath.
How can I minimize frizz?
To ensure your hair stays smooth and frizz-free, Giannetos says to use hydrating products at home to maintain your strands’ texture. Both Giannetos and Heath agree that moisturizing hair masks are one of the best ways to ensure your hair is properly conditioned.
Hair masks are a big stepping stone to smoother hair, but if you’re using heated tools, Giannetos says to make sure you take the proper steps to protect your delicate hair shaft as you expose it to heat. “Let your hair air dry or use a diffuser if blow-drying, and always use a heat protectant when styling,” he says. Giannetos adds to avoid over-washing and to sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase to reduce friction overnight.
Can I use a hair mask every day for frizzy hair?
Across the board, experts advise against using hair masks every day. “Using them more often won't eliminate the frizz,” explains New York-based master colorist Lauren Paglionico. “Frizz usually happens due to your curl or texture, breakage, or humidity.”
Not only will overuse do nothing to address your frizz—it could also undermine the rest of your routine, and even your general hair health. “When hair masks are used too frequently, they can create buildup and excessive weight on the hair fiber, leaving the hair looking limp, feeling heavy, and becoming more difficult to style,” explains Michelle.
Most hair masks will suggest weekly use, and “for most people, once a week is sufficient,” says Michelle. “Those with highly porous, chemically treated, or very dry hair may benefit from two treatments per week, while finer hair types often require less frequent use.”
What are the disadvantages of a hair mask?
Hair masks can “weigh down” the hair—as in leave it coated in product and heavy-feeling—especially for certain hair types and with improper usage. “Using too heavy a mask too often, especially on fine hair, can make the hair flat and look greasy,” explains hairstylist Gina Rivera. Additionally, some protein-heavy masks can lead to an overload of protein, she says, which (as counterintuitive as it may sound) can “actually make the hair become dry and brittle.”
And it isn’t just your hair that’s at risk for buildup. “Another issue is applying a rich mask directly to the scalp when it is intended only for the hair fiber,” says Michelle. “This can contribute to buildup, especially for individuals who already struggle with excess oil, dead skin accumulation, or infrequent cleansing.” As such, it’s important to concentrate masks on the mid-lengths and ends, “unless the product is specifically formulated for scalp use,” she says.
Meet the experts
- Tylor Johnson, a hairstylist based in New York City and Los Angeles
- Angelo David, a hairstylist and founder of Angelo David Salon in New York City
- Mia Santiago, a hairstylist based in Ohio and New York City
- Dimitris Giannetos, a hairstylist based in New York, Los Angeles, and Paris
- Kylee Heath, a hairstylist based in Los Angeles
- Annalouise Rusk, a hairstylist based in Boston
- Kimberly Michelle, a hairstylist, educator, and founder of Mint Well Head in Houston
- Lauren Paglionico, a master colorist based in New York City
- Gina Rivera, a hairstylist based in Las Vegas
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are created in order to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn't want to pick up a purple shampoo that's only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that's never been tested by anyone with curls—right?
For our review of the best hair masks for frizzy hair, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and hairstylists who all want frizz-minimizing formulations for their own hair-care routines. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture and experience, fragrance, and packaging. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
