The 14 Best Masks and Conditioners for Hair Growth, Tested By Real People
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Our top pick is the Redken Extreme Length Conditioner
People / Eliza Koster
Hair growth is about so much more than actually achieving longer strands — it’s about providing locks with enough nourishment to achieve a full, voluminous and well-nourished look, in addition to lasting hair health. So when shopping for hair masks and conditioners that promote hair growth, a lot goes into determining their overall efficacy.
“Hair masks are a great way to add nourishment to your hair,” Rita Hazan, a celebrity colorist and hairstylist who has worked with Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson, and Beyoncé, tells PEOPLE. “They enhance shine, add thickness, and boost hydration.” With these perks, it’s no wonder that hair growth masks and conditioners are some of the most popular hair care products out there. While many make big promises, they can’t all live up to their claims.
To determine which hair growth masks and conditioners are actually worth it, our PEOPLE Tested team took 25 formulas out for a real-world spin. After logging a total of 475 hours over a six-week testing period, the results are finally in.
Up ahead, find out which formulas to try for your hair type and goals with our top 15 picks for the best hair growth masks and conditioners.
Best Overall: Redken Extreme Length Conditioner
Pros
This conditioner is formulated with ultra-nourishing ingredients that address all types of damage, including more extreme situations.
During the testing period, we saw healthier strands and even some hair growth after just three weeks of use.
Despite its nourishing formula, it doesn’t leave the hair feeling greasy or weighed down.
Cons
The price might be a little higher than other formulas on our list, but you definitely get what you pay for.
Our top pick for the best overall hair growth conditioner is the Redken Extreme Length Conditioner. This formula is enriched with amino acids, citric acid, and arginine, which blend together to ward off all types of damage — including more extreme situations — while also providing an ideal environment for hair growth.
During the testing period, we saw an overall improvement in our hair’s hydration, texture, and appearance, and after just three weeks of use, we noticed some hair growth. We also love that this formula provides a protective layer that helps prevent further damage and breakage while also strengthening the strands, so it not only promotes growth but also supports strands to keep hair looking healthier.
This formula is suitable for all hair types, especially if you have more damaged strands. Despite its ultra-nourishing formula, you don’t have to worry about it ever feeling greasy or heavy.
Sizes: 1 oz., 10.1 oz., 16.9 oz., 33.8 oz. | Key Ingredients: Amino acids, citric acid, arginine | Hair Type: All
Best Budget: Marc Anthony Grow Long Super Fast Strength Conditioner
Pros
We saw hair growth after four weeks of regular use.
The formula has a thick and creamy consistency that nourishes strands without weighing things down.
With regular use, our waves and curls appeared more pronounced, which is a sign of healthier (and happier) strands.
Cons
While the formula is nourishing, it doesn’t do much for dead ends. For healthier-looking hair, we recommend getting regular hair trims, as your hairstylist advises.
For a more budget-friendly hair growth conditioner, consider the Marc Anthony Grow Long Super Fast Strength Conditioner. This formula is enriched with a potent blend of caffeine, ginseng extract, and vitamin E to provide strands with deep nourishment while also supporting improved hair growth with regular use.
We love that the conditioner has a thick and creamy consistency that is easy to apply all over without making hair feel greasy and weighed down. Since it is so nourishing, our waves and curls appeared more pronounced — a sign of healthier hair — with regular use.
Growth-wise, we were impressed by how well this formula promotes longer strands. While it won’t do much for dead ends (you’ll want to get those trimmed regularly for a healthier look), the conditioner helped promote growth after just four weeks of use.
Size: 8.4 oz. | Key Ingredients: Caffeine, ginseng extract, vitamin E | Hair Type: All
People / Alexa Frankelis
Best for Thinning Hair: Nutrafol Strand Defender Lightweight Strengthening Conditioner for Thinning Hair
Pros
With regular use, our hair looked longer and thicker, with some noticeable new growth, especially around the hairline.
The formula features hydrating ingredients that replenish the hair without weighing things down.
We noticed a reduction in hair fall and shedding when using this formula.
Cons
Since the formula promotes new growth, it isn’t as effective as reducing frizz.
The Nutrafol Strand Defender Lightweight Strengthening Conditioner for Thinning Hair is an excellent choice for those looking for a conditioner that can promote growth and re-growth in thinning hair. This conditioner is formulated with ximenia oil for its intensely hydrating properties, vegan proteins for strength, and glucose fibers for less breakage.
When testing this formula over a six week period, we noticed our hair not only grew longer but also saw plenty of regrowth (especially around the hairline). Additionally, this formula is nourishing enough to provide plenty of moisture without weighing things down, so it’s compatible with finer hair types.
While using this conditioner, we also noticed a significant reduction in hair fall and shedding, which tells us that it doesn’t just reverse the effects of hair thinning but can also help prevent it altogether.
Size: 8.1 oz. | Key Ingredients: Ximenia oil, vegan proteins, glucose fibers | Hair Type: All
Best for Curly Hair: Curls Blueberry Bliss Reparative Hair Mask
Pros
At the end of the six-week testing period, our hair looked longer and healthier.
We found that this budget-friendly hair mask works just as well (if not better) than some of the more expensive options we’ve tried.
The formula helps restore moisture and hydration and, in return, creates more bouncy and pronounced curls.
Cons
We wish the formula were compatible with straight hair types, too.
Curly hair types need a deep conditioning treatment nourishing enough to create more pronounced and bouncy curls without weighing things down — and we found exactly that in the Curls Blueberry Bliss Reparative Hair Mask. Formulated with organic blueberry extract, aloe leaf juice, and chamomile extract, this hair mask helps replenish hydration and improve overall health while also promoting growth.
When testing this formula, we found that it works just as well — if not better — as some of the more expensive options we’ve tried, which is truly impressive for a $15 mask. On top of that, we found that the formula restored our hair texture and promoted hair growth, even on hair seemingly stuck at the same length.
Size: 8 oz. | Key Ingredients: Blueberry extract, aloe leaf juice, and chamomile extract | Hair Type: Curly hair
Best Anti-Aging: Alterna Caviar Anti Aging Multiplying Volume Conditioner
Pros
The conditioner is formulated with Color Hold, designed to brighten hair color.
With regular use, hair is replenished enough to have a natural, voluminous finish.
Cons
The formula doesn’t really promote additional hair growth — however, its nourishing ingredients help support an ideal environment for growth.
Aging hair tends to fall subject to dry and lackluster finishes — but with the right conditioner, you can reduce these woes and promote fuller-looking strands, too. When testing hair growth masks and conditioners, we were impressed with the Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Multiplying Volume Conditioner. Formulated with Color Hold to brighten color, Seasilk to strengthen and restore thickness, and an omega-3-rich Marine Plumping Complex, this formula helps support hair health all around while improving vibrancy and volume.
This anti-aging hair conditioner also features a thick consistency that is easy to apply and even easier to rinse without the risk of excess residue. With regular use, hair feels lighter and bouncier with a shiny and soft finish.
Size: 8.5 oz. | Key Ingredients: Marine Plumping Complex, Seasilk, Color Hold | Hair Type: All, especially aging strands
Best for Split Ends: Briogeo Avocado + Kiwi Mega Moisture Superfood Mask
Pros
The texture is a little thicker than conditioner, making it a more lightweight hair mask that can deeply nourish all hair types without leaving behind a heavy, greasy residue.
After six weeks of testing, our hair appeared longer, and our ends looked healthier.
We are obsessed with the scent! It’s fruity and sweet but not overpowering and doesn’t linger.
Cons
Considering the amount of formula, this hair growth mask is on the expensive side.
If you have split ends and are looking for a deep conditioning mask that can help reduce the appearance and support stronger strands, we love the Briogeo Avocado + Kiwi Mega Moisture Superfood Mask. After six weeks of testing, we not only saw some regrowth but also experienced much healthier strands, especially on our ends, where our hair tends to take the biggest hit.
This formula is one of our top picks because in addition to providing deep and effective nourishment, the mask isn’t heavy and doesn’t leave behind a greasy residue, so it’s compatible with all hair types. Plus, it has the best aroma — a fruity and sweet scent that isn’t overpowering and doesn’t linger.
Considering how much product you get, this formula is on the more expensive side. However, if you want to try it out without the investment, you can snag this in a 2 oz. travel-sized jar for $15.
Sizes: 2 oz., 8 oz., 33.8 oz. | Key Ingredients: Avocado oil, chia seed oil, kiwi extract, spinach | Hair Type: All
Best for Split Ends, Less Expensive: Pantene Pro-V Unbreakable Lengths Conditioner with Rice Water
Pros
The formula has a thick and creamy texture that is lightweight and easy to apply all over.
Our hair looked thicker with much less breakage and frizz with regular use.
Cons
We didn’t see a significant improvement in actual hair growth, but we noticed much less breakage at our ends, which made hair look longer, fuller, and more healthy looking.
For a more budget-friendly way to address split ends, we recommend the Pantene Unbreakable Lengths Conditioner with Rice Water. This formula is enriched with a blend of lipids, amino acids, antioxidants, rice bran oil, and Pantene-Pro-Vitamin B5 to nourish hair, strengthen strands, and decrease breakage at the ends.
While using this formula, we didn’t see a significant improvement in actual hair growth. Instead, we found that the conditioner works particularly well at preserving ends and preventing split ends from breaking, so hair actually looks longer and fuller with regular use. On top of that, this formula helps fight frizz and has a lightweight texture that is compatible with all hair types.
Size: 8 oz. | Key Ingredients: Lipids, amino acids, rice bran oil, Pantene-Pro-Vitamin B5, antioxidants | Hair Type: All
Best for Frizzy Hair: Davines Nounou Hair Mask
Pros
The hair mask is formulated with vitamin E to protect strands from environmental aggressors while also strengthening.
After the six-week testing period, we noticed increased hair growth and healthier-looking strands overall.
With regular use, the nourishing formula can help decrease breakage and frizz.
Cons
The mask isn’t as effective at thickening hair compared to others we tested.
Frizzy hair is a common side effect of breakage, which is why a reparative mask like the Davines Nounou Mask is worth adding to your haircare routine. Enriched with antioxidant-rich vitamin E to protect hair from environmental aggressors and help strengthen strands over time, this formula provides a burst of nourishment that results in smoother, shinier, and silkier hair.
While we didn’t notice a thickening effect, we definitely saw some hair regrowth at the end of the six week testing period. Additionally, our natural wave pattern appeared a little more pronounced and was overall much smoother and sleeker.
Size: 8.4 oz. | Key Ingredients: Vitamin E | Hair Type: All
Easiest to Use: K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
Pros
It’s formulated with K18Peptide, which helps repair color and bleach-treated hair.
The product is lightweight and easy to apply all over.
Despite being a leave-in treatment, it goes virtually undetected, and you can still style your hair.
Cons
This is more of a repairing mask than a hair growth mask, so it doesn’t promote new growth. (However, it does preserve the strands you currently have, helping them look longer and fuller.)
When you’re in a pinch, reach for the K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask, which is formulated with K18Peptide to repair color and bleach-treated hair, as well as strands damaged from heat styling. This leave-in conditioner treatment has an overall lightweight consistency that is easy to apply all over and goes virtually undetected in the hair — so you can style it as usual.
While it isn’t meant to promote hair growth, the mask is highly reparative, and as a result, preserves the strands you currently have in order to make them appear longer, fuller, and healthier. With regular use, we found that this worked particularly at refreshing dry, dull, and damaged strands for a smoother and shinier finish.
Size: 0.5 oz., 1.7 oz. | Key Ingredients: K18Peptide | Hair Type: All
Best Fast-Acting: Kerastase Genesis Masque Reconstituant Hair Mask
Pros
It works particularly well at strengthening ends and creating a smoother, shinier look.
At the end of the testing period, our hair looked longer and fuller with more bounce to it.
It only needs to sit on the strands for five minutes, so it’s fast-acting.
Cons
You don’t need to use a lot of product formula to get desired results. (However, the less product you use, the more effort it takes to apply all over.)
The Kerastase Genesis Strengthening Hair Mask is another one of our top picks, especially because it doesn’t take long to see the benefits of this hair mask. Formulated with a nourishing blend of ginger root, edelweiss native cells, and arginine, the hair mask is designed to strengthen strands while also replenishing moisture throughout.
We love this mask because you only need to let it sit on your strands for five minutes, and even after the first wash, you can see a difference in hair health. At the end of the six week testing period, the mask helps hair look longer and fuller with more volume and bounce to it.
Size: 6.8 oz. | Key Ingredients: Ginger root, edelweiss native cells, arginine | Hair Type: All
Best for Fine Hair: Kevin Murphy Young Again Masque
Pros
After the testing period, our hair looked fuller and more voluminous with much less frizz.
The product has a thick consistency, but it isn’t too heavy, making it an excellent option for fine hair.
The formula helps strengthen strands over time (we even noticed less breakage at our ends).
Cons
The fragrance is a bit strong, especially if you have a sensitive nose.
Masks and conditioners can get a bit tricky with fine hair. On one end, you want them to work their magic and provide deep nourishment, but on the other end, you want to avoid anything that will weigh down your strands. If you have fine hair, we found that the Kevin Murphy Young Again Masque works well at nourishing the strands enough to strengthen, smooth, and support hair growth without weighing down your locks.
During the testing period, we were impressed by how well this formula helped create a fuller and more voluminous look, which is always appreciated with fine hair. On top of that, the deep conditioning treatment helped strengthen strands over time, and at the end of the testing period, we even noticed less breakage at our ends.
Sizes: 1.35 oz., 6.76 oz., 33.8 oz. | Key Ingredients: Lotus flower extract, orchid flower extract, bamboo extract, hydrolyzed quinoa protein, baobab seed oil, immortelle extract | Hair Type: All
Best for Natural Hair: Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength Fortifying Conditioner
Pros
The formula is enriched with castor oil, which has known hair growth benefits.
After the six week testing period, our hair felt stronger and looked fuller and shinier.
Cons
While it does provide some hair growth benefits, it’s more about providing a fuller look vs. a longer style.
Lackluster strands be-gone with this strengthening conditioner. The Carols Daughter Goddess Strength Conditioner with Castor Oil features an ultra-nourishing formula that promotes hair growth and results in more moisturized and shiny strands. As its name suggests, the conditioner is enriched with castor oil, which has known hair growth benefits. Additionally, it also features black cumin seed oil for its ability to soothe scalp irritation and keep flakiness at bay.
When testing this formula out, we saw a significant improvement in our strands’ strength and our hair also appeared fuller and shinier, too. While the formula does promote some hair growth benefits, we found that this one is more about providing a fuller and healthier look versus a longer hairstyle.
Size: 11 oz. | Key Ingredients: Castor oil, black cumin seed oil | Hair Type: Natural hair types
Best Anti-Shedding Mask: Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Hair Masque
Pros
Throughout the testing period, we didn’t experience any hair shedding.
It’s meant to be used between shampooing and conditioning, so you get twice as much hydration in one hair wash.
The mask features an ultra-thick consistency that spreads well on the hair and provides deep, effective nourishment.
Cons
The formula doesn’t really promote growth per se — instead, it helps protect the strands you already have to prevent hair fall and shedding.
Concerned about hair shedding? Reach for the Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Hair Masque. This deep conditioning treatment is enriched with a blend of rosemary, sesame seed oil, honey, coconut oil, and biotin to provide strands with plenty of hydration and strength.
We tested this formula out after taking our hair out of a protective style, so our strands were much drier than usual. With a few uses, we found that our hair looked and felt much more moisturized and nourished while keeping breakage at bay. Since the mask has an ultra-thick consistency, you need to break it up into your hands in order to apply it all over. Nonetheless, this texture helps provide an effective replenishment of moisture after shampooing.
Size: 12 oz. | Key Ingredients: Biotin, rosemary, sesame seed oil, honey, coconut oil | Hair Type: Natural hair types
Best Anti-Shedding Conditioner: Viviscal Gorgeous Growth Densifying Conditioner
Pros
After the testing period, our hair was stronger, with less breakage and shedding.
Since the formula is designed to strengthen strands and help combat breakage, it works well at reducing frizz.
It’s enriched with a blend of growth-supporting ingredients, such as keratin and biotin.
Cons
The bottle is a little awkward to use —we wish it came in a pump style.
If you experience shedding and are looking for something that will reduce the fall, we recommend giving Viviscal Gorgeous Growth Densifying Conditioner a try. This formula is enriched with keratin, biotin, and zinc, which work together to support hair growth while strengthening strands and reducing shedding.
When testing this hair growth conditioner out, we experienced much less breakage and shedding and our hair looked and felt stronger, too. On top of that, the conditioner helps reduce the look of frizz and provides an overall smoother and shinier finish.
Size: 8.45 oz. | Key Ingredients: Keratin, biotin, zinc | Hair Type: All
Others We Tried
Vegamour Gro+ Advanced Replenishing Conditioner: We also tried the Vegamour Gro+ Advanced Replenishing Conditioner, which is enriched with CBD to improve overall hair health through effective replenishment. When testing this formula out, we loved its overall nourishing properties and found that it’s highly effective at hydrating dry strands, adding some volume, and smoothing everything out for a silky, shiny finish. However, it did not do much in the hair growth department (though it certainly helps create an ideal environment for longer, stronger strands).
Kitsch Rice Water Conditioner Bar for Hair Growth: The Kitsch Rice Water Conditioner Bar for Hair Growth is an excellent option for those looking for a shampoo bar designed to support hair growth. This Kitsch shampoo bar is formulated with rice protein, which can improve hair volume over regular use, plus rice water to minimize split ends and repair damage. During the six week testing period, we didn’t notice a significant change in our hair growth. However, this is still one of the best options out there for a shampoo bar and, over time, it can create a more ideal environment for hair growth.
Redken Extreme Length Triple Action Treatment: In addition to the Redken Extreme Length Conditioner, we also loved the Redken Extreme Length Triple Action Treatment. This is a slightly more nourishing formula (compared to its conditioner counterpart) that provides deep and restorative nourishment to all types of damaged strands. While our hair grew during the testing period, it wasn’t significantly more than usual. However, our overall hair health did improve and, with regular use, this hair mask can ensure that we don’t lose any of that growth to breakage.
Amika The Kure Intense Bond Repair Hair Mask: We love all things Amika and found that The Kure Intense Bond Repair Hair Mask is one of the best options for repairing damage and protecting against future breakage. Since it’s not a hair growth mask per se, it didn’t quite make the cut. However, its ability to strengthen strands and act like a shield of armor against damage-causing aggressors is worth mentioning. During the testing period, we saw a significant improvement in hair hydration, too.
People / Anna Kwong
Things to Consider When Buying Hair Growth Masks and Conditioners
Ingredients
When buying hair growth masks and conditioners, always consider the ingredients. “Ensure each mask has active ingredients that provide your hair with vitamins and antioxidants for overall health,” Hazan notes. This will give you an idea of what’s inside of the formula as well as help you determine just how nourishing the conditioner or mask really is.
While ingredients may vary depending on the mask’s purpose, a mask with strengthening ingredients like biotin and amino acids can be an excellent place to start. Our top pick for the best hair growth conditioner, the Redken Extreme Length Conditioner, is enriched with a blend of amino acids along with citric acid and arginine to strengthen and promote healthier hair. For another formula enriched with amino acids, we also recommend the Pantene Unbreakable Lengths Conditioner with Rice Water. The Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Hair Masque and Viviscal Gorgeous Growth Densifying Conditioner both feature biotin in their formulation.
As far as antioxidant-rich formulations are concerned, we recommend the Marc Anthony Grow Long Super Fast Strength Conditioner or the Davines Nounou Mask, which are infused with vitamin E.
Formula Consistency
Hazan says to also consider the formula’s consistency and, whenever possible, look for more lightweight formulas that don’t feel heavy on the hair. This is especially true for hair masks which Hazan notes can be a bit greasy, depending on the formula.
When testing the best hair growth masks and conditioners, we ensured that each top pick felt lightweight enough to work with all hair types, including thin and fine hair. While some of the formulas have a thicker consistency out of the bottle, all of our selections are lightweight and easy to remove without leaving behind any residue.
How We Tested
To find the best hair growth masks and conditioners, our PEOPLE Tested team researched dozens of top-recommended formulas before narrowing it down to 25 top selections for real-world testing. From there, our testers incorporated the masks and conditioners into their regular hair care routine over a six-week period to get a full idea of how well each product hold up to their claims.
Performance/Effectiveness: The testers made note of how well each formula spread onto the hair and what kind of downtime — if any — was required. They also identified what differences, if any, they saw after using, from their first time to their last.
Feel/Consistency: During the testing period, the team carefully considered the product formulation, benefits, consistency, and weight. Additionally, they also noted whether or not the formulas left behind any residue, as well as how the hair looked and felt after styling compared to pre-use.
Overall Results: Following the six-week testing period, the team compiled all of their notes and thoroughly reviewed their experiences to determine which hair growth masks and conditioners were most effective at nourishing the hair while also promoting some growth benefits (including more volume and less fall).
As a result we rated each product on the above attributes (on a scale of 1-5; 5 being the best). The products with the highest averages made it on this list, earning their PEOPLE Tested seal of approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which hair mask is best for hair growth?
After testing several formulas, we found several hair masks worth considering, including the Briogeo Avocado + Kiwi Mega Moisture Superfood Mask, Curls Blueberry Bliss Reparative Hair Mask, Kevin Murphy Young Again Masque, and Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Hair Masque. We also tried many hair growth conditioners and were particularly impressed with the Redken Extreme Length Conditioner, which helped improve hair growth in just three weeks, and the Nutrafol Strand Defender Lightweight Strengthening Conditioner for Thinning Hair for its impressive regrowth capabilities.
Do hair growth masks actually work?
“Hair growth masks work in the sense that they further prevent damage and can improve the overall health of your hair,” says Hazan. With that said, some formulas are much more effective at curating the ideal hair growth environment than others and can, as a result, reveal improved rates of hair growth or prevention of hair fall.
What are the disadvantages of hair masks?
Hair masks have many advantages, especially when it comes to providing deep hydration and restorative nourishment. However, Hazan says there are some disadvantages to consider (and look out for while shopping). “Some hair masks have poor consistency and, simply put, they won’t work in conjunction with your hair type,” she notes. “Other disadvantages include a greasy, heavy feeling to them."
With this in mind, Hazan recommends ensuring the products you choose address your hair type and goals. It’s also worth being selective about how often you use them, especially when the manufacturer’s instructions only recommend treatment as needed.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When covering the best hair growth masks and conditioners, Jessie began by thoroughly reviewing each of the PEOPLE Tested team’s selections as well as their testing insights to gain a better understanding of their experiences with each formula. She also considered the different types of ingredients included in the formulas, their purpose, and how quickly each conditioner and mask worked to reveal desired results. From there, Jessie connected with a celebrity hairstylist to learn more about what to look for in hair growth masks and conditioners, plus ask some of our most burning questions about these two types of hair growth formulas. As a result, she curated this list of the best hair growth masks and conditioners.
Meet Our Expert
Rita Hazan is a celebrity colorist and hairstylist who has worked with Jennifer Lopez and Jessica Simpson, as well as her longtime client, Beyoncé.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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