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10 Hair Masks For Dry Hair You Should Try In 2024

Cindy Scott

Updated on - Written by
Medically reviewed by Melissa Mitri, MS, RD

hair mask for dry hair
A hair mask for dry hair restores locks and enhances beauty. Photo: freepik/Freepik

Dry hair —can be such a pain. Uncontrollable flyaways, hard to manage, little shine. A deep conditioning mask may be the answer if this sounds like your hair. A hair mask for dry hair is loaded with benefits that can restore your locks to their beautiful, flowing glory and encourage new hair growth

Don’t let the stress of hair dyes and styling tools get you into a frizz. Let’s discuss the many benefits of traditional hair masks and how to choose the right mask for your hair type.

10 Best Hair Masks For Dry Hair

  • Moisturizing Hair Masks 
  • Protein Hair Masks
  • Coconut Oil Hair Masks
  • Avocado Hair Masks 
  • Aloe Vera Hair Masks 
  • Banana Hair Masks 
  • Shea Butter Hair Masks
  • Honey Hair Masks
  • Jojoba Oil Hair Masks
  • Yogurt Hair Masks

Hair Mask For Dry Hair From Experts

A hair mask is a popular way to restore, hydrate, and nourish hair. It’s a great way to give your hair the tender, loving care it deserves while lessening the damage caused by styling, coloring hair, and other environmental factors. 

Choosing the best hair mask for dry hair can be tricky. Whether you choose a homemade hair mask for damaged hair or grab one from a store, it’s important to know which hair mask best fits your hair. Here are 10 types of hair masks recommended by professionals for dry hair.

Hydrating Hair Masks

Hydrating Masks
Quench your dry hair with a hydrating hair mask. Photo: UfaBizPhoto/Shutterstock

The best hydrating mask for dry hair can help nourish and restore moisture, to damaged, or frizzy hair. These masks typically contain natural oils, proteins, and vitamins which help moisturize and strengthen the hair from the inside out. 

They penetrate deep into the hair shaft and replenish lost moisture, leaving hair softer, smoother, and healthier. Hydrating hair masks can be used on all hair types.

Protein Hair Masks

Protein hair masks are ideal for hair damaged by heat styling or chemical treatments. They contain proteins and collagen, which fortify the hair’s natural structure and provide essential nutrients. 

Proteins like keratin help to repair damaged hair[1] by attaching the shaft and strengthening the hair cuticle layer. Protein masks also improve hair elasticity and prevent breakage. These masks are especially beneficial for damaged or chemically treated hair, as they provide an intensive dose of moisture to restore hair health and shine.

Coconut Oil Hair Masks

Coconut Oil Masks
Revive your locks with a coconut oil hair mask. Photo: New Africa/Shutterstock

Coconut oil hair masks are another popular natural hair treatment for dry hair. Coconut oil contains fatty acids and antioxidants that help nourish the hair, stimulate hair growth, and reduce breakage from damage. It also penetrates the hair shaft and prevents protein loss[2] from the hair.

Avocado Hair Masks

Avocado hair masks have become popular recently for their ability to nourish and rehydrate hair. Avocado is loaded with healthy fats and vitamins, especially vitamin E, which is essential for hair growth

This hair mask can help repair the damage, reduce frizz, and add shine.

Aloe Vera Hair Masks

Aloe Vera Hair Masks
Let the healing power of aloe vera nourish your hair. Photo: Orawan Pattarawimonchai/Shutterstock

Aloe vera is a natural moisturizer that helps soothe dry, itchy scalp and nourishes hair. It also contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote fine hair growth. 

Aloe vera nourishes dry hair and moisturizes the scalp to help prevent dandruff. Aloe vera hair masks can be made at home using fresh aloe vera gel or store-bought aloe vera juice.

Banana Hair Masks

Bananas are packed with vitamins, minerals, and natural oils that can help nourish and moisturize hair. A banana mask can help combat frizz, split ends, and breakage, making it a popular choice for dry or damaged hair.  

Regular use of a banana hair mask can help improve hair texture, promote healthy growth, and leave hair shiny and smooth.

Shea Butter Hair Masks

Shea butter is popular for its moisturizing and nourishing properties for both skin and hair. When used as a hair mask, shea butter helps improve hair’s overall health and appearance. 

A shea butter hair mask can hydrate and deep condition dry, damaged, or frizzy hair, leaving it soft, smooth, and more manageable. Shea butter also contains vitamins and antioxidants that can help protect hair from environmental stressors and promote healthy hair growth.

Honey Hair Masks

Honey Masks
Restore your locks with a silky sweet honey mask. Photo: Anna Ok/Shutterstock

A honey hair mask is a natural and nourishing treatment for hair that can be easily made at home. Honey is rich in antioxidants, enzymes, and minerals that help strengthen hair follicles, promote hair growth, and soften the hair. 

Using a honey hair mask once a week can help revitalize and restore dry, damaged hair, leaving it luscious and radiant.

Jojoba Oil Hair Masks

Jojoba oil is known for its moisturizing and nourishing properties. A jojoba oil mask is typically applied to the hair and left on for a longer period before being washed out. This allows the oil to penetrate deep into the hair shaft, providing a range of benefits. 

These benefits include improved hair elasticity, reduced hair breakage, and increased hair softness and shine. Additionally, the jojoba oil hair mask can help to soothe a dry and itchy scalp and promote overall hair health. Jojoba oil hair masks are easily made at home by mixing jojoba oil with other ingredients like honey or aloe vera.

Yogurt Hair Masks

A yogurt hair mask is a natural way to strengthen your hair. Yogurt helps to exfoliate dead skin cells and nourish dry scalps. Its moisturizing properties leave your hair feeling soft and smooth. 

Yogurt also contains proteins essential for healthy hair. Regularly using a yogurt hair mask can help restore the natural shine and health of your hair.

Benefits Of Hair Masks For Dry Hair

Hair masks are essential to any hair care routine. Factors like excessive heat, our environment, and even genetics can cause hair to be overly dry. Here are seven benefits of using a hair mask for dry hair.

  • Moisturizes the hair.
  • Improves texture.
  • Protects against damage.
  • Improves manageability.
  • Promotes hair growth.
  • Promotes a healthier scalp.

Regularly used masks for dry hair can repair hair to improve hair texture and appearance. This results in smoother, softer, and more manageable locks.

How Long Do You Keep A Hair Mask On?

Some hair masks may be left on overnight, but others only need to be used for a very short amount of time. Each mask is different depending on the specific product and your hair type. 

Thinning hair, fine, or brittle hair may need a shorter time than coarse or thick hair. Most hair masks are generally left on for around 15 to 30 minutes.

How Often Should You Use A Hair Mask?

A hair mask can help revitalize your hair and encourage hair growth. However, moderation is essential to avoid over-treatment. A hair mask is recommended once a week to every other week. You may want to use masks less frequently if you have oily hair or a sensitive scalp. Overusing a hair mask may cause product buildup or excess oil production, making it look dull and lifeless. 

Other Remedies For Dry Hair

If you are experiencing dry hair but want to skip the homemade hair mask for dry hair, here are some things you can do to restore your hair’s natural beauty.

  • Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo — Sulfates strip your hair of natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. Sticking with a sulfate-free shampoo can help maintain your hair’s moisture.
  • Use conditioner regularly — Consider using a deep conditioner once a week, but be sure to use at least a light conditioner every time you shampoo. Conditioners[3] make brushing easier, seal the cuticles, mimic the natural lipid layer of hair, and help hair repel water more easily. 
  • Limit the use of hot tools — Heat damages dry hair more, so avoid using hot tools like curling irons, straighteners, and blow dryers as much as possible. If you do use these tools occasionally, it’s recommended to use a heat-protectant spray as well.
  • Protect your hair from external sources — Sun, wind, and cold weather can dry hair out. Wearing a hat or scarf helps protect your hair from the elements.

The Bottom Line

Whether you are using a DIY hair mask for dry hair or one of the many products for hair care on the market, a hair treatment with hydrating and moisturizing properties can help treat dry hair. Masks are a great way to strengthen weak hair, improve texture, soften hair, and promote growth. Maintaining healthy hair is possible with a proper hair care routine that includes a hair mask.


+ 3 sources

Health Canal avoids using tertiary references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic researches from medical associations and institutions. To ensure the accuracy of articles in Health Canal, you can read more about the editorial process here

  1. Basit, A., asghar, F., Sadaf, S. and Akhtar, M.W. (2018). Health improvement of human hair and their reshaping using recombinant keratin K31. Biotechnology Reports, [online] 20, p.e00288. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.btre.2018.e00288.
  2. Wallace, T.C. (2018). Health Effects of Coconut Oil—A Narrative Review of Current Evidence. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, [online] 38(2), pp.97–107. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2018.1497562.
  3. Gavazzoni Dias, M.F. (2015). Hair cosmetics: An overview. International Journal of Trichology, [online] 7(1), p.2. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-7753.153450.
Cindy Scott

Medically reviewed by:

Melissa Mitri

Cindy Scott is a registered dental hygienist, fitness coach and freelance writer, with more than 20 years of health and medical experience. She is passionate about overall health and wellness as it connects throughout to the whole body. Through writing, she seeks to share knowledge and connections with others to give them the best overall health possible. Keeping smiles and bodies healthy, and HAPPY!

Medically reviewed by:

Melissa Mitri

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