How we test hair masks for hair growth:
I’ve been a beauty journalist for over half a decade now, and testing products is a huge part of my job. From LED face masks and microcurrent devices to moisturisers, mascaras and, of course, haircare – yep, everyday is different. And, like every guide I put together, when testing hair masks for hair growth I wanted to make sure we were being as fair and inclusive as possible. That’s why you’ll see multiple Glamour writers, editors and contributors featured throughout this guide, rather than just me. Between us, we tested the masks on everything from colour-damaged and very dry hair to fine, thin, Afro-textured hair, so you can get a much better idea of how each formula performs across different hair types and concerns.
Hair growth is also one of those things you simply can’t judge after a couple of uses, so we gave every mask at least a month of testing before making the cut. We looked at whether our hair felt more hydrated and healthy, whether it appeared shinier or stronger, if we noticed less breakage and, where possible, whether we saw any noticeable difference in length. We also paid attention to all the things that matter when you’re actually using a product – texture, scent, application, how easily it rinsed out and whether it left our hair feeling heavy or greasy – as well as taking a closer look at the ingredients behind each formula. And because we want our reviews to be genuinely useful, we’ve included the things we didn’t love, too, whether that was the packaging, fragrance, texture or simply the price. You can read more about how we test here.
Why you can trust me:
My hair wasn’t always this long. Thick? Yes. Long? Absolutely not. After years of bleach, heat damage and a very dedicated dip-dye phase (IYKYK), my hair refused to grow much past my shoulders for years. And while I did learn to love my LOB era, ahead of my wedding last year I became pretty determined to get my hair into the healthiest – and longest – condition possible.
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So, I did what any beauty journalist would do: I researched. A lot. I started with plenty of late-night Google and TikTok scrolling, before calling on the trichologists and hairstylists I’ve worked with over the years for their advice. Hair masks came up time and time again, and despite previously being far too lazy for the whole ‘get out of the shower, wait 20 minutes, get back in’ routine, I finally committed. Having seen the difference consistent masking has made to the condition of my hair, I can safely say the extra step has been worth it. Plus, there are now plenty of leave-in and pre-wash options – several of which you’ll find in this guide – if, like me, you don’t always have 20 minutes to spare.
Scroll for our edit of the best hair growth masks, tried & tested by Glamour editors…
1. Best Overall: UKHAIR Hair Repair Mask
- Pros: Left my hair noticeably softer and smoother after consistent use; quick five-minute treatment; didn’t cause any scalp build-up.
- Cons: I found the tub surprisingly tricky to open with wet hands – a little handle on the lid wouldn’t go amiss.
- Key ingredients: Argan oil, coconut extract, avocado oil, glycerin, wheat bran extract and black oat extract.
- Tester: Sophie Donovan, Glamour’s Senior Commerce Writer
Why we love it: Considering UKLASH has taken top spots in our best eyelash growth serum and hair growth serum guides, it would have been a little silly not to put the brand’s popular Hair Repair Mask to the test, too. Rather than focusing on stimulating growth at the root, this one is all about helping hair become stronger and healthier so it’s less prone to damage and breakage. Its cream-based formula uses amino acids alongside bond-building technology designed to support and reinforce the hair’s keratin structure, while argan and avocado oils help condition dry lengths and coconut extract adds extra nourishment. It’s also silicone and paraben-free, vegan-friendly and, importantly if you’re impatient, only needs to be left on for around five minutes.