Whether you’ve spent years perfecting your shade of blonde or can’t resist experimenting with the latest multistylers or blow-dryer brushes, the best treatments for damaged hair can help bring brittle, easily-tangled strands back to life. “Damaged hair will feel dry to the touch and lose its shine, the ends of your hair will start to split—indicating breakage—and your hair may even become frizzy and unruly,” says Jennifer Nast, a hairstylist based in New York City. But you’re far from the only one to experience this—almost everything we do to our hair can cause some damage, including brushing, tight ponytails, and sun exposure.
Our Top Treatments for Damaged Hair
Let’s dig a little deeper. There are several types of hair damage and countless things that cause them. “Heat styling with tools like straighteners and curling irons, coloring and chemical treatments like bleaching and perming, over-washing, and rough handling, such as brushing too hard or using tight hairstyles,” says Angelo David, a hairstylist based in NYC. While there’s no single fix for all types of damage, the right treatments and care can restore shine, bounce, and overall health. Read on for hairstylist tips to revive troubled strands, plus editor-approved fixes we swear by.
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Overall: K18 Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask
K18
Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask
Why we love it: K18 Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask isn’t your run-of-the-mill hair mask. It still promises similar benefits to that of rinse-off masks (shinier, bouncier, and stronger hair), but it’s a leave-in treatment that’s meant to be applied on shampooed, unconditioned hair—and it’s formulated totally differently, too. Unlike hair masks that sit outside each strand, this one actually penetrates the cortex to repair bonds that are broken during heat styling and color treatments.
“Even though it’s lightweight, it delivers a serious hit of moisture and repair by reconnecting polypeptide chains to strengthen the hair,” says Nast. “My clients love it, especially those with color or heat-styling damage. Plus, it’s lightweight enough for fine hair so that it won’t weigh you down.” The brand recommends working it through your strands and letting it sit for four minutes to activate (you can layer on your usual styling products during the wait), then styling as usual. Results build over time, so don’t be surprised if it takes a few washes before you start to see what all the hype is about.
Allure shopping director Shanna Shipin applying K18’s Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask
Shanna Shipin
Shipin after applying K18’s Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask
Shanna Shipin
“I put my hair through so much—the blow-drying, the flat-ironing, the re-curling!—my split ends were practically visible from outer space. It wasn’t until I diligently started using this now-classic leave-in mask that I believed you could actually undo years of damage. There’s a learning curve to using it; you need to essentially emulsify the product in your hands, then apply and wait a few minutes, and then continue to style. You also can’t use conditioner before applying. Sure, it’s a bit finicky, but this stuff works—seemingly instantly. I got heaps of compliments after using it for a consistent month; people thought my hair was shinier when blown out, and my curls were brought back to life; their pattern restored, their joie de vivre revived!” —Shanna Shipin, shopping director
- Key ingredients: biotech-developed peptides, hydrolyzed wheat protein, glycerin
- Fragrance-free: no
- Who it’s for: all hair types
Best for Frizz: Dae Stargloss Shine Hair Gloss Treatment
Dae
Stargloss Shine Hair Gloss Treatment
Why we love it: Do you ever wonder why your at-home blowouts never hit quite the same as a salon one? We felt the same way, until we gave Dae’s Stargloss Shine Hair Gloss Treatment a try. Massage it from root to tip, let it sit for at least 20 minutes (or toss your hair in a bun and sleep on it for some extra TLC), then rinse, condition, and style as usual. The result? Frizz-free, healthy strands that look like they’d cost triple at the salon. The secret sauce is prickly pear seed oil, a fan fave in Dae’s lineup, plus shea butter and moringa seed oil to lock in that juicy moisture. PSA: If you have finer hair, double cleanse in the shower. Any leftover product can weigh it down and make it look greasy.
Allure commerce writer Lily Wohlner applying the Dae Stargloss Shine Hair Gloss treatment and revealing the result
Lily Wohlner
Wohlner after applying the Dae Stargloss Shine Hair Gloss treatment and heat styling
Lily Wohlner
“My hair is naturally coarse and frizzy, and I’ve kinda just come to terms with its unruliness. However, Dae’s Stargloss Hair Gloss Treatment gave me a shiny, keratin-rich finish that looked like I was born that way (if this isn’t every girl’s dream, IDK what is). Even my roommate—he’s a man, might I add—complimented my blowout when I walked out of my bathroom. I use it once a week before heat styling to get commercial-worthy hair from home. I’ll admit, it’s on the thicker side, so it takes a few minutes to really work it into your scalp and down your strands. Definitely give yourself some time to apply it properly! ”—Lily Wohlner, commerce writer
- Key ingredients: prickly pear seed oil, moringa seed oil, shea butter
- Fragrance-free: no
- Who it’s for: frizzy, dull hair
Best Leave-In Treatment: Crown Affair Overnight Repair Serum
Crown Affair
Overnight Repair Serum
Allure features director Dianna Singh after using Crown Affair’s Overnight Repair Serum
Dianna Singh
Why we love it: After a summer of heat styling and sun exposure, Crown Affair’s new Overnight Repair Serum is exactly what the stylist ordered to repair dry, limp strands. Inspired by the body’s natural overnight cell replenishing and repairing process, it nourishes while you sleep, strengthening, smoothing, and boosting shine, with no rinsing required come morning. I know what you’re thinking, but don’t worry—it leaves behind zero greasiness, making it great for finer hair textures. The source of its silky-ifying powers? A seriously stacked ingredient list, including flaxseed and chia that support repair, while a Tsubaki Meadow’s blend—meadowfoam seed oil and tsubaki, the oil extracted from the camellia seeds—locks in moisture, and rosemary adds a natural shine.
“Before I tried Crown Affair The Overnight Repair Serum, I didn’t think my hair was all that damaged: I don’t color it, and I only heat-style a couple times a week. But after just one application of this lightweight, lotion-like formula, I realized my hair’s true potential: My strands were left softer, shinier, and stronger-feeling.” —Dianna Singh, features director
- Key ingredients: flaxseed, chia, Tsubaki Meadow’s blend, rosemary
- Fragrance-free: no
- Who it’s for: fine, dry hair
Best Heat Protectant: Gisou Honey Milk 5-in-1 Styling Cream
Gisou
Honey Milk 5-in-1 Styling Cream
Why we love it: A heat protectant is non-negotiable before blow-drying, and Gisou’s 5-in-1 Styling Cream does that, and then some. Powered by honey from the Mirsaleh bee garden in Holland (a staple in all of Gisou’s formulas) and hydrolyzed milk protein that patches up weak spots in the hair shaft, it strengthens as it smooths. Hyaluronic acid is also thrown in the mix to add a hit of hydration and keep frizz at bay. Beyond 450-degree protection, it delivers flexible hold, glossy shine, and major moisture—it’s basically your blow-dry’s new BFF.
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying Gisou Honey Milk 5-in-1 Styling Cream
Sarah Han
Han after applying Gisou Honey Milk 5-in-1 Styling Cream
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
“My hair-care routine is pretty minimal so I adore a multitasking leave-in like this Gisou 5-in-1. My biggest concern is frizz, so I need all of the hydration I get it and this pre-styling treatment has plenty of it, thanks to the brand’s signature Mirsalehi honey, a bee garden oil blend sourced from the same family plot, hydrolyzed milk protein, and both low and high molecular weights of good ‘ol hylauronic acid. Despite all these heavy hitters, my thin (though dense) strands don’t feel weighed down, and once I’m through with blow-drying, there’s noticeably less frizz. I’m excited to pair it after a hydrating hair mask to compare results versus using a regular conditioner. —Sarah Han, commerce editor
- Key ingredients: Mirsaleh honey, hydrolyzed milk protein, hyaluronic acid
- Fragrance-free: no
- Who it’s for: all hair types
Best for Scalp Health: Virtue Overnight Scalp and Hair Elixir
Virtue
Overnight Scalp and Hair Elixir
Why we love it: Your scalp is basically ground zero for healthy hair, and Virtue’s Overnight Scalp and Hair Elixir understands that to the fullest. While you sleep, it rebalances your scalp and repairs damage, so hair feels softer, stronger, and shinier by morning. Packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid, fortifying peptides, and scalp-balancing prebiotics, it tackles dryness, flakiness, and itchiness without leaving any residue behind, so you can wake up and go (no washing or dry shampoo needed!). With lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood in the mix, it’s like sneaking in a little aromatherapy moment before bed, because who doesn’t long for better sleep?
Allure senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying Virtue’s Overnight Scalp and Hair Elixir
Jesa Marie Calaor
Calaor after applying Virtue’s Overnight Scalp and Hair Elixir
Jesa Marie Calaor
“This milky serum is formulated to balance your scalp’s microbiome and strengthen strands. In the two weeks I’ve been testing this, my ends feel less crispy and my scalp less flaky.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, peptides, prebiotics
- Fragrance-free: no
- Who it’s for: those who have scalp irritation or flakiness
Best for Bleached Hair: Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector
Olaplex
No. 3 Hair Perfector
Why we love it: Before TikTok sent Olaplex’s No. 3 Hair Perfector into viral stardom, hairstylists (and Allure editors) were already in on the secret for restoring dry, damaged hair. “It’s a bond builder that repairs the broken disulfide bonds in your hair that cause damage from heat styling, coloring, and chemical treatments,” says David. Even after one of his clients had undergone years of bleaching, No. 3 was able to bring it back to life. “After just one use of Olaplex No. 3, her hair felt noticeably softer and stronger,” David attests. “With continued use, it helped restore her hair’s health and vitality. You’ll notice less breakage, improved elasticity, and a smoother, shinier appearance.”
Former Allure senior beauty editor Paige Stables before applying the Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector
Paige Stables
Stables after applying the Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector
Paige Stables
Tester feedback from former Allure senior beauty editor Paige Stables
“I could see the difference this mask had by the time my hair was dry: My hair was frizz-free, particularly the pieces framing my face, and when I looked at the back of my head in the mirror, I couldn’t believe the overall smoothness. Normally, to achieve such a sleek finish, this would have required additional styling products on the lengths of my hair and a blast of hairspray to tame flyaways. But in a matter of minutes, my hair looked significantly healthier.” —Paige Stables, former Allure senior beauty editor
- Key ingredients: a patented bond builder (bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate), humectants, glycerin
- Fragrance-free: no
- Who it’s for: people with damaged hair, especially overprocessed hair
Best In-Shower Treatment: Pantene Pro-V Miracles Miracle Bond Repair Conditioner
Pantene
Pro-V Miracles Miracle Bond Repair Conditioner
Why we love it: Got a minute? That’s all it takes for this powerful bond repair conditioner—and Allure Best of Beauty award winner—to start kicking frizz, dullness, flyaways, and dryness to the curb. Taking inspiration from the skin-care world, Pantene’s Pro-V Miracles Miracle Bond Repair Conditioner is packed with pro-vitamin B5, keratin, and vitamin E to strengthen hair from the core while adding hydration and shine back to your life. And the best part? It smells like a blooming garden, and the scent actually lingers in your hair until your next wash.
Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann before applying the Pantene Pro-V Miracles Miracle Bond Repair Conditioner
Sarah Hoffmann
Hoffmann after applying the Pantene Pro-V Miracles Miracle Bond Repair Conditioner
Sarah Hoffmann
Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann
“If your hair, attention span, and wallet are as damaged as mine, this mask is a true triple threat. I refresh my curls with water pretty much every day, and adding this mask as a step in that process has been a game-changer. I wet my hair from my ears to the ends, add a quarter-size dollop to each side, work through, rinse out after a tight 60 seconds, and violà—you’d never know how scraggly my hair was moments before. For a $10 hair product, it truly rivals other keratin treatments on the market.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer
- Key ingredients: pro-vitamin B5, keratin, vitamin E
- Fragrance-free: no
- Who it’s for: people with dry hair
More treatments for damaged hair we like
Best Weekly Deep Treatment: Amika Soulfood
Why we love it: Packed with powerhouse hydrators, Amika’s Soulfood Nourishing Mask brings dry, damaged hair back to life. Jojoba oil swoops in to help mend split ends, while sea buckthorn oil restores lipids for softer, more elastic strands. Rich but never heavy, it works as a weekly treat for fine hair, but our editors found that it’s not the most hydrating option for thicker strands. Those with coarse hair actually prefer using it daily, as it leaves behind no buildup. Bonus: Amika’s signature scent lingers like a hair perfume between washes, keeping those strands smelling as good as they feel.
- Key ingredients: jojoba oil, sea buckthorn oil
- Fragrance-free: no
- Who it’s for: fine hair as a weekly treatment and coarse hair for daily use
Best for Second Day Hair: Moroccanoil Treatment Original
Moroccanoil
Treatment Original
Why we love it: It’s been around forever, but Moroccanoil Treatment Original still delivers, reviving even the driest, most fried strands. David agrees, noting, “Moroccanoil Treatment is a versatile, multi-tasking oil that adds incredible shine, hydration, and manageability to all hair types.”It’s not just about the results but also the experience. The luxurious, lightweight texture absorbs quickly, and while the signature, slightly spicy scent is strong at first, it fades to a subtle level. “It doesn’t leave any greasy residue,” says David, who often uses a small amount on his ends throughout the day to refresh his style and add a touch of shine. “It’s also fantastic for taming flyaways and creating a sleek, polished look,” he adds.
- Key ingredients: argan oil, silicones, linseed extract
- Fragrance-free: no
- Who it’s for: people with dull, dry hair who want to restore shine
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best treatment for damaged hair?
The best, salon-grade treatments are always going to be reserved for the hands of the pros, “meaning you’d need a cosmetologist to administer them,” explains Claire. But if you’re after at-home solutions, she says treatments for dry, damaged hair generally fall into two categories. “The first is surface-level cosmetic treatments, like hair masks and leave-in conditioners, that offer temporary shine and softness. The second is bond-building reparative treatments, like K18 Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask and Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector, which work at the molecular level to repair serious damage,” she says. Remember that those reparative treatments need consistent use for long-term results, but they’re worth it for the deep restoration.
How can I heal my damaged hair?
Healing damaged hair requires consistent care, nourishing products with restorative ingredients, and healthy lifestyle habits. “At-home treatments can be just as effective, if not more so, when used properly and regularly,” says Nast. Start with a gentle shampoo and conditioner that focuses on scalp health and replenishing moisture. Incorporate a rich, deep-conditioning mask into your routine weekly to boost hydration and strength. If it’s possible, cutting back on heat styling and chemical processing is key. If you do reach for your hot tools, always prep hair with a heat protectant.
Small changes like sleeping on a silk pillowcase to minimize friction, eating a balanced diet, and staying hydrated will also help promote stronger, healthier hair. “In the case of excessive damage, you may need to consult a professional for an in-salon treatment, like a keratin treatment, which can deliver more concentrated, long-lasting results that are only available through a licensed stylist,” says Nast.
Can very damaged hair be repaired?
Yes, you can repair very damaged hair, but only to a point. The amount of improvement you see depends on the severity of the damage and the treatments you use. Extreme issues like split ends or breakage can’t be fully reversed, but the right care can make hair look and feel healthier. As David explains, surface-level damage often responds well to bond-repairing products, while more serious damage usually needs in-salon treatment.
Meet the experts
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are created in order to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn’t want to pick up a purple shampoo that’s only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that’s never been tested by anyone with curls—right?
For our review of the best treatments for damaged hair, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and hair stylists—many of whom have damaged hair they’d like to treat. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture and experience, fragrance, and packaging. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
More Allure-approved hair care for your softest strands yet:
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