11 Best Protein Hair Masks To Try In 2024, According To A Cosmetologist
Strengthen and rejuvenate dull and brittle hair with these protein-enriched masks.
Laura Dale is a Hair Expert and licensed Cosmetologist with over 20 years of experience. Laura has worked as a Global Education Director for Beauty Brands specializing in haircare and as a Beauty Editor she is passionate about sharing her love of beauty products and hair tools.
Read full bio of Laura Dale
Experience: 3 yearsKirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after reading the brilliant works of Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl and has chosen a career that is driven by creativity.
Read full bio of Kirtana Divakar
Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
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Experience: 4 yearsMonomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.
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Your hair goes through so much every day — styling products, sun exposure, heat damage, and more. It deserves the nourishment that the best protein hair mask can provide at the end of a tough week, don’t you agree? From dryness and split ends to rapid hair breakage, the powerful ingredients in these formulas protect the keratin in your strands while strengthening the roots. The masks also strengthen weak and brittle strands and eliminate split ends. Pampering yourself with the right protein mask is not only a luxurious treat, but it also has practical benefits like improving hair elasticity, fighting the effects of bleaching, and bringing limp locks back to glorious life. Here are all the facts you ought to know about the mask and how it works.
In This Article
What Do Protein Masks Do?
Our hair is essentially made up of protein filaments that are called keratin. When hair is not properly taken care of, it may lead to poorly maintained and unhealthy tresses. Additionally, if your hair is prone to damage caused by exposure to chemicals or heat-based styling, it can look dry and dull over time. But you can fight the signs of dehydrated and brittle hair by including a protein hair mask into your hair care routine. Damaged hair deserves deep conditioning and protein masks do just that. Each formula works from your roots to your tips and tackles various hair concerns including split ends, frizz, and premature greying. The protein masks contain hydrating and nourishing properties which work hard to give you soft, smooth, silky, and manageable hair. These masks are ideal for a deep conditioning treatment. A protein hair mask nourishes and hydrates the hair and improves hair texture.
The best hair masks contain proteins like collagen, keratin, or biotin that will help rebuild your hair structure at a cellular level. Bless your hair with the TLC it needs by choosing from our list of the 11 best protein hair masks. It’s worth noting that all these products are selected after a careful and in-depth analysis of their reviews.
11 Best Protein Hair Masks For Improved Shine And Growth In 2024
1. Best Frizz Control:Keraproof Biotin Hair Mask
Get healthy hair growth with the Keraproof Biotin Hair Mask. This hair mask is formulated with biotin, collagen, and hydrolyzed keratin that thickens and strengthens each hair strand, promotes healthy hair, minimizes hair loss, maintains scalp health, and prevents future damage. The moisturizing conditioner penetrates each hair strand and repairs damaged hair. In addition, it nourishes the scalp and replenishes the hair to undo the damage caused due to heat styling chemicals and environmental agents. Moreover, the smooth texture eliminates frizz, adds shine to the hair, improves elasticity and volume.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Eco-friendly
- Non-toxic
- Cruelty-free
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- None
"This hair mask makes a difference in hair texture and makes it softer and less frizzy. The creamy formula is a treat for thirsty strands and is helpful for post-bleach damage and hair fall concerns. It is worth a shot for a nourishing boost, but pair it with a fragrant conditioner."
Quick Tip2. Best Moisturizing Formula:Vitamins Hair Cosmetics Keratin Mask For Dry And Damaged Hair
Say goodbye to dry and brittle hair with the enriching natural herbal complex in the Vitamins Hair Cosmetics Keratin Mask For Dry And Damaged Hair. The revitalizing treatment is ideal for damaged, dull, and brittle hair with its long-lasting, rich, and deep hydrating powers. This luxurious formula will give you salon-like soft and beautiful hair with nourishing ingredients like keratin, collagen, Moroccan, argan, castor, and coconut oils. This protein hair mask is exceptionally crafted for thin to normal hair types and contains high antioxidant and moisturizing ingredients that prevent future breakage Enhance your natural hair’s beauty by infusing the strands with essential proteins and nutrients that will restore its shine, strength, and elasticity, all with this weightless formula. Plus, this brand believes in animal welfare and does not test its products on furry babies. Check out this review to learn about the tester’s experience and get a detailed understanding of the product.
Pros
- Contains nourishing oils
- Suitable for colored hair
- Intensive deep conditioning and hair repair treatment
- Safe, weightless formula
- Ideal for all hair types
- Non-oily formula
- Free from alcohol, sulfates, and parabens
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Contains fragrance
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 14,523 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
3. Best Conditioning Option:L’Oreal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Damage-Erasing Balm
Healthy hair is the essence of gorgeous-looking hair, and the L’Oreal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Damage-Erasing Balm deeply conditions your hair to give it that extra shine. The rinse-out protein hair mask reinforces hair to daily wear and tear and makes it smooth right after the first wash. Enriched with intensely nourishing ingredients like almond oil, this formula with 17% repair concentrate has all the proteins that your tresses want, need, and deserve! If you’re going to tackle weak, fried, brittle, and tangled hair, this deep conditionerand protein hair mask is your best bet as it nourishes hair strands and protects them from future damage. You’ll be left feeling like a dream with this hair mask that offers an irresistible scent in the form of a sophisticated creamy and floral blend with juicy green notes. This video review will help you learn about the reviewer’s experience.
Pros
- Deep conditioning
- Visible signs after a single wash
- Contains almond oil
- Contains protein
- Has a pleasant scent
- Rich texture
- Easy to use and rinse out
Cons
- Hair strands may feel slightly greasy
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 8,449 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
| Keraproof Biotin Hair Mask Best Frizz Control | Vitamins Hair Cosmetics Keratin Mask For Dry And Damaged Hair Best Moisturizing Formula | L'Oreal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Damage-Erasing Balm Best Conditioning Option | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Damaged Hair,All,Dry | Chemically Treated, Dry, Curly, Damaged, Straight | Damaged |
| Dimensions | 3.23 x 3.23 x 3.35 inches | 3.6 x 2.4 x 3.6 inches | 3.5 x 2.9 x 3.5 inches |
| Weight | 10 Ounces. | 8.8 Ounces | 8.5 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 313 | 14,523 | 8,449 |
| Price | $9.79 | $19.98 | $5.97 |
4. Best For Highlighted Hair:Revicare Purple Hair Mask – For Perfect Blonde
Do you want a hair mask that is loaded with high-quality ingredients to help hydrate, smoothen, and repair your lifeless locks? The Revicare Purple Hair Mask is ideal for treating weak hair with split ends as it reduces frizz and increases manageability, especially if your hair has been subjected to bleaching or color treatments and daily styling. It adds moisture to the hair, repairs color-treated hair, and strengthens hair follicles. Your blonde hair deserves to be treated with rich and nutritious ingredients like retinol, aloe vera, avocado oil, vitamin E, and silk proteins that this formula has to offer. The Revicare hair mask also contains purple pigments to help neutralize brassy tones and gets your blonde or highlighted hair looking bright and beautiful. Pamper your chemically-treated tresses when you go blonde with this hydrating protein hair mask, and rest assured that your hair will love you for it!
Pros
- Made for chemically treated hair
- For blonde colored hair
- Eliminates yellow undertone
- Contains nourishing ingredients
- Free from parabens, silicone, and sodium chloride
Cons
- You may find the scent to be slightly pungent.
5. Best Non-Drying Product:Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque
Pollution, excessive chemical treatments, and regular styling can demand a quick SOS treatment for your hair, and that’s precisely what the Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque has to offer. The nourishing ingredients like raw shea butter, argan oil, sea kelp, castor oil, avocado oil, and more come together to aid transitioning between chemically treated hair and normal hair. The all-natural intensive treatment hair mask intensely nourishes and repairs damaged, dry, and over-processed hair and helps strengthen the curl pattern for curly hair types. This super-safe formula also invigorates your scalp, promotes hair growth, fights dryness, rehydrates your tresses, and is rich with vitamins essential for cellular production and improving the quality of low porosity hair. If you are still unsure, check out an honest review of this deep conditioner to learn about the tester’s experience of using it.
Pros
- No sulfates, parabens, phthalates, or paraffin
- Free from synthetic fragrances and colors
- All-natural ingredients
- Cruelty-free product
- Organic and sustainably produced
Cons
- Some may find this hair mask to be thick and stiffening.
Pro Tip6. Best Breakage Control:Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
Who doesn’t love a deeply moisturizing hair care product that is entirely safe for you? The dermatologist-tested Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask is a 6-free breakthrough formula not containing any harsh sulfates, silicones, parabens, phthalates, DEA’s, or artificial dyes. Get rid of lifeless , dry hair with this unique blend of transformative nutrients, including B-vitamins, algae, biotin, natural oils, and more. Natural oils like rosehip oil and argan oil work to provide a foundation for healthy hair and fight dryness and damage like no other. Get stronger hair with this protein-rich hair mask clinically proven to decrease hair breakage after a couple of uses, so you will want to add this one to your cart!
Pros
- 98% naturally derived
- Cruelty-free
- 6-free formula
- Vegan and gluten-free
- Conditioning mask for all hair types
Cons
- It may take longer to wash off the product thoroughly.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 3,141 great reviews on Amazon.
7. Best Hair Fall Control:Arvazallia Professional Series Fortifying Protein Hair Mask
The Arvazallia Professional Series Fortifying Protein Hair Mask is a definite steal if you want a formula that repairs, strengthens, and adds volume to brittle strands to improve hair growth. Infused with macadamia oil and argan oil, this powerful hair care solution works on your dry and damaged lengths to mend split ends and restore strength, while also preventing hair loss. The protein hair mask is devoid of parabens and sulfates, making it suitable for all hair types, including hair treated with heat and chemicals. You won’t have to think twice about your hair health with this hair mask as it gives hair added body and volume. This exclusive protein therapy also includes nourishing ingredients such as hydrolyzed wheat protein, aloe vera, and natural oils to help revive your hair and make you simply love your tresses! Plus, several reviewers on Amazon have highly-recommended this product for making their hair look voluminous and shiny.
Pros
- Contains natural oils
- Paraben and sulfate-free
- Suitable for all hair types
- Infused with wheat protein and aloe vera
- Visible signs after a single-use
- Promotes hair growth and prevents hair loss
Cons
- It may not help in taming naturally frizzy hair.
8. Best Detangling:Hi Pro Pac Extremely Damaged Hair Repair Intense Protein Hair Treatment
Pamper your hair and replenish the building blocks of your hair with exceptional conditioning with the Hi Pro Pac Extremely Damaged Hair Repair Intense Protein Hair Treatment. The concentrated proteins help fortify your hair, prevent breakage, and minimize split ends. For those of you who have excessively damaged hairthat may be prone to drying and dullness, you will need a hair protein treatment that treats and corrects your mane. This protein hair mask contains active moisturizers that rebuild strength and improves manageability to let you instantly feel the difference in under 5 minutes. Get the perfect hairdo when you indulge in this protein mask for your hair that contains collagen to build moisture and gently detangle your hair.
Pros
- Contains wheat amino acids
- Prevents breakage and split ends
- Fights dullness and drying hair
- Works in just 5 minutes
- It can be used to detangle hair and manage it.
Cons
- It may not be entirely suitable for frizzy hair.
9. Best For All Hair Types:Bold Uniq Boldplex Bond Restore Treatment
If you are looking for an intense therapeutic protein conditioner, look no further than the Bold Uniq Boldplex Bond Restore Treatment. Repair the broken disulfide bonds that your hair is composed of, with this protein hair mask formulates for all hair types, including colored, broken, and bleached hair. It restores the protein balance, revives dull hair, makes the hair stronger, and promotes a healthy scalp. The scientifically innovative bond-building treatment penetrates each strand of hair, and both strengthens and conditions it. You can now wave goodbye to all the damage caused by styling, coloring, chemical treatments, and over-processing, all with this simple and deeply nourishing formula that also acts as a heat protectant. This brand uses ethically sourced ingredients and develops formulations that are free from animal testing.
Pros
- Free from parabens and phthalates
- Does not contain mineral oils or formaldehyde
- Ethically sourced ingredients
- Fully recyclable packaging
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- It may not be ideal for those who have a sensitive scalp.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 4,732 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
10. Best Split Ends Control:Virtue Restorative Treatment Mask
The alpha keratin Virtue Restorative Treatment Mask has a mild and enticing coconut scent that will naturally draw you towards it. But that’s not all! This restorative care protein hair mask is ideal for hair types that include color-treated, chemically-treated, dry, and damaged hair. The key ingredients, including alpha keratin, brown algae, baobab seed oil, artichoke leaf extracts, all contain nourishing proteins that boost your hair’s overall health and provide protection while using hot tools. Get softer, nourished, smoother, silkier, and moisturized hair with this super cooling hair mask. Without weighing your hair down, you can embrace this hydrating protein hair mask for a reinvigorated shine and nourishment. This product generated positive reviews on Amazon for leaving the hair looking silkier and smoother after use.
Pros
- No added synthetic dyes or fragrances
- Free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and gluten
- Cruelty-free product
- Visible increase in thickness
- Suitable for split-end reparation
- Lightweight formula
- Ideal for all hair types
Cons
- You may find that this product is available in a limited quantity.
11. Best For Curly Hair Types:Savion Curly Hair Mask
This Ecoflex 5 Damaged Hair Restoring Treatment contains vitamin B biotins, keratin, and collagen combined in a nourishing, fortifying, and conditioning formula designed specifically for curly hair. This hair mask will provide an extra layer of protection to your hair shafts for naturally defined curls and eventually help you get thick and luscious hair. This protein mask also contains natural ingredients like avocado, argan, orange, grapefruit, coconut oil, rose, and shea butter that will lend a hand in enhancing your curls, boosting shine, adding texture and definition, as well as restoring moisture and elasticity. Whether you have wavy, curly, coiled, or tightly coiled hair, this curly hair formula smoothens and softens hair from within.
Pros
- Contains natural ingredients
- Contains biotin, keratin, and collagen
- Specifically designed for curly hair types
- Restores moisture and elasticity
- Comes with a scalp massager
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- It does not contain parabens, SLS, or dyes.
Cons
- It contains additives like silicone.
"This hair mask is perfect for rejuvenating dry, damaged curls. It moisturizes and enhances the hair texture. It has no overpowering scent and does not weigh down the hair. The silicone brush is a good tool for scalp care but must be used in moderation to avoid damaging the hair roots."
That’s a wrap with some of the best protein hair masks targeted treatments that contain deeply nourishing, moisturizing, and protective ingredients to give you long and strong hair. All these above listed products have got numerous positive reviews, and we’re sure you’ll be more than impressed with their results. So if you’re wondering how to tackle protein loss and find a formula that will work its magic on your tresses, we’ve got you!
How To Choose The Best Protein Hair Mask
- Hair type and texture
If you’re on the hunt for the best protein hair mask, one of the foremost things you should keep in mind is your hair type. Many products are designed with a particular hair type in mind, and so are these protein hair masks. If your hair is dry and frizzy, you will want to use a mask that can strengthen the cuticle layer and soften and nourish the hair from the roots to the tips. The same is true for dull, dry, lifeless hair with split ends. There are several hair masks that you can get your hands on that may suit all hair types. If you have colored or bleached hair, you should opt for a color-safe formula and a water-based hair mask if you have an oily or flaky scalp. Lightweight hair masks will go the distance if you want to volumize your hair without weighing it down.
- Ingredients
Once you have identified your hair type and texture, the next step to choosing the suitable protein hair mask is to take a good look at the ingredients in your product. Look for hydrolyzed wheat protein, hydrolyzed silk proteins, hydrolyzed soy protein, and amino acids in your hair mask if you want a genuinely nourishing hair mask. These nourishing ingredients will help your hair keep its natural moisture, reduce breakage and prevent split ends. You may want to skip a few harsh chemicals that may damage your hair and cause scalp irritation. Parabens, sodium chloride, silicones, and sulfates are some of the no-no’s you will want to avoid.
How Best To Use A Protein Hair Mask
- A protein hair mask ideally works in under 10 minutes to give you beautiful hair. You can start by gently washing your hair with lukewarm water until it is thoroughly wet.
- The next step would be to take a handful of the protein hair mask and apply it generously onto your hair from roots to the tip. You can also gently massage your scalp during this step using the end of your fingers or a soft silicone scalp massager.
- You can leave the mask on for 5-10 minutes, depending on the instructions that come with each product.
- Rinse your hair with lukewarm or cold water and altogether remove the hair mask. You do not have to follow up with shampoo or conditioner as the mask is enriching by itself.
- Dry your hair and gently comb it to get detangled and manageable tresses.
- Ideally, you can use a protein hair mask once a week or once every fortnight, depending on how much your hair needs it.
Infographic: Common Types Of Proteins In Hair Masks
Protein-rich hair treatments have a number of advantages, including strengthening and repairing damaged hair, improving shine, and promoting overall hair health. Check out the following infographic to learn more about the common types of proteins in hair masks that can revitalize your locks.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
If you want to tackle limp and weak hair, protein masks are your best bet! Amino acids are abundant in proteins and are necessary for hair strength and growth. If you have a problem with split ends or brittle, dry, and weak hair, protein therapy is a short-term yet effective answer to all these issues. The natural protein in our hair, keratin, is highly vulnerable to damage from the sun, wind, pollutants, and chemical treatments. Protein treatments, like conditioning treatments, nourish and strengthen your hair on the outside. The Keraproof Biotin Hair Mask strengthens hair strands and repairs them from within while the L’Oreal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Damage-Erasing Balm deeply conditions the hair and boosts shine. If you need a bond-building treatment to restore the protein balance of your hair, the Bold Uniq Boldplex Bond Restore Treatment is perfect. Using a protein treatment on your hair has numerous advantages. It is a great approach to temporarily repair damaged hair by filling up gaps caused by style or heat damage on the hair cuticle. These treatments are also beneficial to those who plan to color, lighten, or chemically texturize their hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you use a protein hair mask?
You can use a protein mask when you’ve treated your hair with chemicals or if you are someone who regularly styles their hair with heat. Over time, exposure to pollutants can also damage hair, and protein masks go a long way in repairing dry and dull hair.
Is a protein hair mask good for low porosity hair?
Yes, protein hair masks are safe and suitable for low porosity hair. Protein masks work by deeply nourishing your hair and scalp and leave it feeling moisturized and healthy.
How long can you leave in the protein hair mask?
You can leave on the hair mask anywhere between 10-25 minutes. For best results, you should counter-check with the instructions that come with each product as they may differ with each one.
How often should we use a protein hair mask?
Using a protein hair mask too often can have side effects. It’s best if you stick to using a mask once a week and then gradually once every fortnight to cherish the results that come with it.
How can I tell if my hair needs protein?
If the hair feels weak or falls off after every stroke of brushing, it may indicate that it lacks protein.
Is it fine to use a protein hair mask with keratin every 5 days?
No, it is not recommended to apply a protein mask with keratin every 5 days. A keratin treatment is best used every 2-3 months and a protein treatment is for every 6 months; overdoing it within a few days may cause hair damage.
Should I deep condition my hair before using a protein hair mask?
No, deep condition your hair after using a protein mask. Protein treatments can make your hair dry. This is why it is essential you follow it up with a potent conditioner that will give your tresses back the lost moisture.
Should I shampoo my hair after using a protein hair mask?
No. After a protein treatment, you wait 3–4 days before shampooing your hair.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Kirtana Divakar, is a hair care aficionado. She browsed multiple online forums for user feedback and product reviews to compile the best protein hair masks. These products can improve hair elasticity, provide hydration, and offer you soft and smooth hair.
Read full bio of Laura Dale
Read full bio of Kirtana Divakar
Read full bio of Medha Deb
Read full bio of Monomita Chakraborty
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