If your hair needs some extra TLC, a hydrating hair mask could be just the boost you need. “Hair that’s lacking moisture can tangle easily, feel rough to the touch and looks dull, lacking that natural luster,” says board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger. Hair masks are deep-conditioning treatments you can use weekly or as needed to help restore your hair’s natural moisture and softness after the stresses of cleansing, styling and chemical processing. Ready to find the best hydrating hair mask for your needs? Check out these hand-picked, derm-approved recommendations.

8 best hydrating hair masks

“Whether your hair is fine, curly, chemically treated or all of the above, hydrating hair masks are necessary for added moisture and nourishment,” says Arica McNutt, a licensed cosmetologist and Director of Customer Care for LovelySkin. “Each of our hair strands have tiny little divots or holes in them, and a hydrating mask fills those holes, which is what helps make your hair look shinier, softer and more manageable.” Ready to try a hydrating hair mask at home? Here are a few of our favorites.

OLAPLEX No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask

From cult-favorite hair care brand OLAPLEX, this is one of the best hydrating hair masks because it not only infuses your hair with moisture thanks to a blend of ceramides, avocado oil and panthenol, but it actually helps restructure damaged hair for stronger, smoother strands.

“The key to OLAPLEX’s products is bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate, an innovative active ingredient that actually repairs the broken disulfide bonds in your hair that can contribute to dryness and damage,” Dr. Schlessinger says. “The clinical results are quite remarkable.” In an independent study, users reported hair had four times the moisture and six times the smoothness after using this mask.

Surface Bassu Hydrating Masque

One of the best hydrating hair masks for bleached or color-treated hair, this nourishing treatment packs a slew of benefits. In addition to the namesake babassu seed oil—a deeply penetrating oil that moisturizes hair—this hydrating hair mask also contains amaranth protein for natural UV protection and flaxseed oil, which is rich with natural fatty acids and omegas 3 and 9 for effective hair nourishment.

Ouidad Ultra Nourishing Intense Hydrating Hair Mask

“Curly hair has a naturally larger cuticle, making it more susceptible to dryness,” McNutt says. Natural curls are Ouidad’s specialty, so this hair mask deserves a place in your hair care routine if your curly mane is in need of nourishment. A blend of macadamia, sunflower seed, argan and olive oils work to hydrate hair and add softness and shine. You can use it weekly or even as your daily conditioner to maximize its detangling and hydrating benefits.

Verb Hydrating Mask

This weekly hydrating hair mask is well-suited for all hair types, from fine to wavy hair to coily, and is especially beneficial for hair that’s color-treated or over-styled. “Those of us with fine hair tend to steer clear of hydrating products for fear of adding weight and loss of volume, but with this mask, you don’t have to worry about that,” McNutt says. It contains glycerin to naturally bind moisture into dehydrated strands, plus antioxidant-rich babassu oil to hydrate and nourish. This mask also contains a touch of dimethicone to help smooth and detangle hair without weighing it down.

Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask

If your hair density tends toward the thick end of the spectrum, this hydrating hair mask from Moroccanoil was tailor-made for you. Formulated to hydrate and soften dry hair that’s medium to thick in density, this hydrating hair mask takes just five minutes to condition locks for a softer, shinier feel.

The key ingredient is Moroccanoil’s signature argan oil, a deep-conditioning ingredient that’s rich in vitamin E. This formula also contains behentrimonium chloride, a canola oil derivative that guards against static—a big benefit during dry weather—and linseed extract to help improve the health of your hair.

K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask

For a boost of hydration plus serious hair repair, this intensely nourishing hair treatment from K18 really delivers. This formula centers around a patented peptide technology that repairs broken disulfide bonds and polypeptide chains in hair that can become damaged through heat styling and chemical processing. Other supporting ingredients include vitamin E for antioxidant protection and wheat protein for added shine and strand protection. This no-rinse hydrating hair mask is intended to be used in place of your regular conditioner for the first four to six washes and then as needed after that.

Pureology Hydrate Superfood Treatment

Turn down the volume on frizz and pump up the moisture in your hair with this hydrating hair mask. Intended to serve as a “superfood” for your mane, this formula features a bright, fresh scent that will remind you of a nutritious morning smoothie with its aromatherapy blend of leafy greens, pineapple and citrus. Glycerin, avocado oil and coconut oil also come together here to help hydrate and nourish dry, frizzy hair while Pureology’s patented Antifade Complex provides protection for color-treated hair.

PHYTO Phytodensia Fluid Plumping Mask

While most hydrating hair masks target dry, damaged ends, this unique formula is designed to nourish your scalp as well as your entire mane. Key ingredients include grape polyphenols to invigorate your scalp, hyaluronic acid to hydrate hair fibers and acacia collagen to help shield your hair cuticles from future damage. Additionally, pea protein and milk thistle extract work together to provide a boost of volume and bounce without weighing your hair down.

Ready to learn more about dermatologist-recommended hair care? Check out the LovelySkin Hair Care Blog today to learn about the best products for fine hair and thinning hair.