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The 12 Best Masks and Conditioners for Hair Growth, Tested By Real People

Our top pick is the Redken Extreme Length Conditioner

A person holding up the RedKen Extreme Length Conditioner
Photo:

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.

The More You Know

“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. So to determine which formulas are actually worth it, our testers took 25 products out for a spin in the real world.

After logging a total of 475 hours over a six-week testing period, the results are finally in. Keep reading to find out which products nabbed top spots for all different hair types and goals.

Redken Extreme Length Conditioner
PHOTO: Redken
Our Ratings
  • Performance/Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Feel/Consistency
    5/5
  • Overall Results
    5/5
Star Qualities
  • Nourishes damaged hair

  • Hair became stronger and grew longer after three weeks

  • Doesn’t leave hair feeling greasy or heavy

Red Flags
  • Slightly expensive

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

Marc Anthony Grow Long Super Fast Strength Conditioner
PHOTO: Target
Our Ratings
  • Performance/Effectiveness
    4/5
  • Feel/Consistency
    5/5
  • Overall Results
    4.5/5
Star Qualities
  • Noticeable growth after four weeks of use

  • Thick consistency nourishes strands without adding weight

  • Waves and curls appeared more pronounced

Red Flags
  • Doesn’t do much for dead ends

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

The Marc Anthony Grow Long Super Fast Strength Conditioner bottle

People / Alexa Frankelis

Sephora Nutrafol Strand Defender Lightweight Strengthening Conditioner for Thinning Hair
PHOTO: Sephora
Our Ratings
  • Performance/Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Feel/Consistency
    5/5
  • Overall Results
    4.8/5
Star Qualities
  • Longer and thicker hair with regular use

  • Reduced hair fall and shedding

  • New growth around the hairline

Red Flags
  • Not super effective at 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

CURLS Blueberry Bliss Reparative Hair Mask
PHOTO: Ulta
Our Ratings
  • Performance/Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Feel/Consistency
    4.8/5
  • Overall Results
    5/5
Star Qualities
  • Hair looked longer and healthier by end of testing period

  • Works just as well as some of the more expensive options we’ve tried

  • Restores moisture and hydration to curls

Red Flags
  • No complaints here

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

Sephora Briogeo Avocado + Kiwi Mega Moisture Superfood Mask
PHOTO: Sephora
Our Ratings
  • Performance/Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Feel/Consistency
    4.7/5
  • Overall Results
    5/5
Star Qualities
  • Deeply nourishes all hair types without a greasy residue

  • Our hair appeared longer and ends looked healthier

  • Light, fruity scent

Red Flags
  • Slightly expensive for smaller amount of product

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

Pantene Unbreakable Lengths Conditioner with Rice Water
PHOTO: Pantene
Our Ratings
  • Performance/Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Feel/Consistency
    5/5
  • Overall Results
    4.5/5
Star Qualities
  • Creamy, lightweight texture

  • Hair appeared thicker with regular use

  • Significant decrease in breakage and frizz

Red Flags
  • No significant improvement in hair hair growth

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 

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Hair Masque
PHOTO: Ulta
Our Ratings
  • Performance/Effectiveness
    4.5/5
  • Feel/Consistency
    4.7/5
  • Overall Results
    4.7/5
Star Qualities
  • Put a stop to shedding hair

  • Hydrating formula reduced breakage

  • Thick, nourishing product spreads well through hair

Red Flags
  • No noticeable increase in growth

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 Densifying Conditioner

Viviscal Gorgeous Growth Densifying Conditioner
PHOTO: Viviscal
Our Ratings
  • Performance/Effectiveness
    4/5
  • Feel/Consistency
    5/5
  • Overall Results
    4/5
Star Qualities
  • Stronger hair with less breakage and shedding at end of test

  • Reduced our frizz significantly

  • Enriched with growth-supporting ingredients

Red Flags
  • Tube is a bit hard to use

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

Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength Fortifying Conditioner
PHOTO: Amazon
Our Ratings
  • Performance/Effectiveness
    4.5/5
  • Feel/Consistency
    4.7/5
  • Overall Results
    4.6/5
Star Qualities
  • Enriched with castor oil, a hair growth benefactor

  • Stronger, fuller, and shinier hair in six weeks

  • Provides scalp care, too

Red Flags
  • Provides a fuller look versus a longer one

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

Alterna Caviar Anti Aging Multiplying Volume Conditioner
PHOTO: Sephora
Our Ratings
  • Performance/Effectiveness
    4/5
  • Feel/Consistency
    4.7/5
  • Overall Results
    4.5/5
Star Qualities
  • Formula is designed to enhance hair color

  • Voluminous, bouncy results with regular use

  • Lightweight body

Red Flags
  • Doesn’t really promote additional hair 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

K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
PHOTO: Sephora
Our Ratings
  • Performance/Effectiveness
    4/5
  • Feel/Consistency
    5/5
  • Overall Results
    4.5/5
Star Qualities
  • Helps repair color- and bleach-treated hair

  • Lightweight and easy to apply all over

  • Feels undetectable despite being a leave-in treatment

Red Flags
  • More of a repairing mask than a hair growth mask

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

Sephora Kerastase Genesis Masque Reconstituant Hair Mask
PHOTO: Sephora
Our Ratings
  • Performance/Effectiveness
    4.5/5
  • Feel/Consistency
    4.7/5
  • Overall Results
    4.6/5
Star Qualities
  • Successfully strengthened and smoothed our ends

  • Longer, fuller, and bouncier hair by the end

  • Only requires five minutes of leave-in time

Red Flags
  • You don’t need a lot of product formula to get results

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

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If you’re shopping for a hair growth mask, you might be interested in these other PEOPLE-Tested beauty products, too. Our recommended picks go through rigorous testing from both our editors and independent testers.

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. 
The kitsch Rice Water Conditioner Bar for Hair Growth on a table

People / Anna Kwong

What to Know About 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. 

Behind the Scenes

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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