Hair loss can be a source of frustration for a lot of people. However, it’s very common, and nearly 80% of Americans deal with hair loss at some point in their lives. It can potentially lead to poor self-image and other emotional strain. There are many tools on the market that can aid in treating hair loss, like hair masks designed for stimulating hair growth.
Hair masks can be a good noninvasive solution that helps hair grow more quickly and look healthier and fuller. A top pick, the Grow Gorgeous Intense Thickening Hair and Scalp Mask is packed with ingredients to help promote hair growth and nourish hair.
What to know before you buy a hair mask for growth
Hair loss causes
There are several reasons you may be experiencing hair loss, from stress to genetics and more. If you can find out the reason for your hair loss, you can find out if a hair mask for growth is suitable for you. Here are some causes for hair loss:
Hereditary: Sometimes genetics pass down hair loss or thinning hair. But with proper treatment, regrowth is possible, and hair masks can help stimulate hair growth.
Age: It’s common for the rate of hair growth to slow with age, which can result in thinning hair. Hair masks can sometimes help encourage the growth process.
Stress: It’s not uncommon to experience hair loss during a stressful time. Fortunately, regrowth is possible, and hair masks may be able to help.
Damaged hair: Whether it be from too much styling, pulling the hair back too tightly or excessive bleaching, your hair structure can weaken over time. This causes breakage or follicle damage. If the follicle hasn’t died, a hair mask can provide nutrients needed for hair regrowth.
Hormonal imbalance: When the body’s hormones regulate themselves, hair growth will typically continue. Hair masks for growth can help encourage this process.
Scalp infection or psoriasis: Regrowth is possible, and hair masks may be useful in cases like these once the infection and skin condition are treated properly.
Too little iron, biotin, protein or zinc: This may be due to a diet that lacks nourishment. Vitamin-rich hair masks can help hair regrowth along with diet change.
How to use a hair mask for growth
Most hair masks designed for growth can be applied directly to the scalp and then run through the ends of the hair. Most brands recommend shampooing and conditioning your hair, applying the mask at the scalp and running it through your hair, and then leaving it on for 10-15 minutes before washing out.
You should do this one to two times a week. Other more targeted treatments like hair growth serums might direct you to leave it on even after you’re out of the shower.
In either case, many hair loss experts claim that massaging the scalp while applying a hair mask is effective in encouraging greater circulation to your follicles. This can stimulate hair growth and enhance the strength of the root.
Hair loss type
A hair mask for growth is effective in a few ways. It can strengthen and nourish the hair itself so the strands can grow thicker and longer without breaking. They also often utilize ingredients that encourage more hair to grow. And lastly, it clears the scalp of excess debris, so there’s room for each follicle to grow.
Determining the kind of hair loss you’re experiencing can help you choose a hair mask with the ingredients to address your specific hair loss type.
Hair mask for growth features
Ingredients to look for in a hair mask
Many hair masks for growth contain multiple ingredients to help address or slow down hair loss and promote healthier, fuller-looking hair. Common ingredients include:
Biotin: A potent vitamin that stimulates keratin production in the hair, which can speed up the hair growth cycle.
Castor oil: It has antifungal and antibacterial properties that help combat scalp infections. Castor oil is also rich in omega fatty acids, proteins and vitamin E to strengthen and seal hair shafts.
Rosemary oil and amino acids: Both ingredients dilate blood vessels and promote scalp circulation, which stimulates hair follicles and promotes new growth.
Keratin: Keratin is a protein that protects hair and prevents future hair breakage.
Salicylic, glycolic and lactic acids: These effective exfoliators lift dead skin and excess sebum, allowing hair to grow.
Prescription options
For more severe cases of hair loss, you can consider prescription options in the form of oral medications or topical treatments. Most of the time, hair growth masks work best in conjunction with prescription treatments. However, it’s important to talk with your medical healthcare professional.
Scalp massager
There are many hair mask options available that come with scalp massagers. Most brands recommend using a scalp massager with their hair growth mask. Scalp massagers often have waterproof, soft silicone, which you can use in the shower to clean your hair more effectively and stimulate hair growth.
Hair mask for growth cost
Both drugstore and salon brands offer hair growth masks, which shows in the price. Hair masks for growth typically run between $6-$65, depending on the number of active ingredients in the mask.
Hair mask for growth FAQ
How long before I start to see hair growth?
A. With regular and consistent use, it’s usually realistic to start seeing growth in three to six months. However, it may take up to 12 months to see the full effect.
Will my hair stop growing if I stop using a hair growth mask?
A. This depends on what causes your hair loss in the first place. In some cases, if you stop using a hair growth treatment, you may gradually lose the hair. In other cases, your hair will stay for months after you stop using the hair growth mask.
What hair mask for growth should I get?
Best of the best hair mask for growth
Grow Gorgeous Intense Thickening Hair and Scalp Mask: available at Amazon and Ulta
Our take: An effective multi-purpose scalp and hair treatment that visibility increases hair thickness.
What we like: Both the biotin and caffeine stimulates the hair roots, while the rice protein and amino acids improve hair health.
What we dislike: Some users claimed the scent was overpowering and lasted for too long on the hair.
Best bang for the buck hair mask for growth
Nature’s Spirit Castor Oil Pro-growth Hair Mask: available at Amazon
Our take: An affordable hair mask infused with 100% natural castor oil to promote healthy hair growth.
What we like: Contains a wide variety of nourishing oils and rosemary extract to encourage blood flow to hair follicles. These stimulate hair growth and lactic acid to gently exfoliate the scalp.
What we dislike: If not rinsed out properly, the oils can potentially weigh down hair.
Honorable mention hair mask for growth
Hairfinity Hair Strengthening Amino Treatment Masque: available at Amazon
Our take: A restorative hair mask that works well for damaged or over-processed hair. It can help hair grow longer and stronger.
What we like: Formulated with amino acids to fill in the gaps of damaged hair strands to significantly reduce breakage. Contains jojoba, sweet almond and coconut oil for deep hydration.
What we dislike: Some users say it has an odd scent.
Tessa Flores is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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