What to look for in the best hair mask for damaged curly hair

Choosing the right hair mask can help restore, strengthen, and define your curls while repairing damage.

1. Moisturizing Ingredients

Citrus catapult arrow

Curly hair is naturally drier and more prone to breakage, so look for masks with deeply hydrating ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, or glycerin. These help replenish moisture and improve curl elasticity.

2. Protein Content

Citrus catapult arrow

Damaged curls often need a boost of protein to rebuild strength. Masks containing hydrolyzed proteins like keratin or silk protein can help repair and fortify weakened strands.

3. Curl-Friendly Formulation

Citrus catapult arrow

Avoid masks with heavy silicones, sulfates, or drying alcohols that can weigh down or further damage curls. Opt for formulas specifically labeled as suitable for curly or textured hair.

4. Repairing & Nourishing Benefits

Citrus catapult arrow

Look for masks with additional repairing ingredients such as argan oil, avocado oil, or panthenol. These nourish the hair shaft and help reduce split ends and frizz for healthier-looking curls.

  1. 1
    No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask
    1,242 REVIEWS
    Weekly deep moisture hair mask to repair hair damage and dryness.
  2. 2
    Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
    2,953 REVIEWS
    A weekly deep conditioning mask that balances protein and moisture to strengthen and repair dry, damaged hair.
  3. 3
    Don’t Despair, Repair! Rice Water Protein and Moisture Strengthening Hair Treatment
    235 REVIEWS
    Intensive weekly hair treatment that delivers the optimal balance of protein and moisture and is scientifically proven to strengthen hair after 1 use.
  4. 4
    Signature Moisture Masque
    108 REVIEWS
    A super hydrating mask that works to transform even the driest hair, leaving it supremely soft. This rich, deep conditioning hair mask uses the finest ingredients for a reparative treatment that makes hair irresistably touchable.
  5. 5
    Chitosan Pre-style Cream Curly to Coily Rich Conditioning
    49 REVIEWS
    Rich conditioning for hair that needs nourishing ingredients.
  6. 6
    Hair Alchemy Strengthening Masque
    444 REVIEWS
    A treatment mask that replenishes & strengthens fragile strands. It hydrates to restore elasticity & prevent breakage, allowing hair to grow longer.
  7. 7
    Intense Hydrating Mask

    Moroccanoil

    264 REVIEWS
    High-performance, rich and creamy deep conditioner formulated for medium to thick, dry hair.
  8. 8
    Regenerating Mask With Rare Prickly Pear Seed Oil
    115 REVIEWS
    An intensive nourishing hair mask that uses prickly pear seed oil to smooth, soften, and add radiance to dry, damaged, and dull hair.
  9. 9
    Be Gentle, Be Kind Avocado and Kiwi Mega Moisture Superfood Mask
    90 REVIEWS
    Weekly, protein-free nourishing hair mask scientifically proven to boost moisture for softer, smoother, and more manageable hair.
  10. 10
    Moisture and Control Deep Treatment Masque
    75 REVIEWS
    Moisturizing masque, with coconut and almond oils, quenches thirsty curls and prevents breakage while repairing damage.

What to look for in the best hair mask for damaged curly hair

Choosing the right hair mask can help restore, strengthen, and define your curls while repairing damage.

1. Moisturizing Ingredients

Citrus catapult arrow

Curly hair is naturally drier and more prone to breakage, so look for masks with deeply hydrating ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, or glycerin. These help replenish moisture and improve curl elasticity.

2. Protein Content

Citrus catapult arrow

Damaged curls often need a boost of protein to rebuild strength. Masks containing hydrolyzed proteins like keratin or silk protein can help repair and fortify weakened strands.

3. Curl-Friendly Formulation

Citrus catapult arrow

Avoid masks with heavy silicones, sulfates, or drying alcohols that can weigh down or further damage curls. Opt for formulas specifically labeled as suitable for curly or textured hair.

4. Repairing & Nourishing Benefits

Citrus catapult arrow

Look for masks with additional repairing ingredients such as argan oil, avocado oil, or panthenol. These nourish the hair shaft and help reduce split ends and frizz for healthier-looking curls.