8 Best Korean Hair Masks, According to Experts—Tested & Reviewed
Much like the viral snail mucin serums and bouncy gel-creams before them, these treatments aren’t just quick fixes. “Following the same philosophy as Korean skin care, they treat the scalp as an extension of the face and focus on long-term hair health,” Cho says. Key ingredients often include nourishing panthenol, proteins and lipids to fortify the hair fiber, fermented plant extracts, and traditional Korean herbs such as ginseng and green tea to help stimulate growth. “Some brands are even bringing signature K-beauty elements into the category, offering a great snapshot of how Korea continues to innovate,” she notes.
To help match you with the right option, we consulted Cho and combed through customer reviews to find the best Korean hair masks for instantly glassier, stronger and healthier strands.
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Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Soko Glam
Pros
Non-greasy Fast-acting Cons
Some say it has a strong scent
Dermatologist Dr. Zion Ko Lamm previously called this his “go-to [Korean hair product] for deeply conditioning and repairing strands after chemical processing.” Formulated specifically for dyed, bleached, and heat-damaged hair, it delivers high concentrations of Keratin-PF to help target damage at a deeper level. After just a few uses, customers report softer, silkier, visibly nourished hair—with noticeably less fallout.
Size: 7 fl. oz.
Key ingredients: Keratin-PF
ProsGives that glass hair lookLight, musky scent ConsOn the pricier end
This shea butter– and argan oil–infused mask is another favorite of Cho and a staple in celebrity-frequented hair salons across Korea. “It’s deeply nourishing yet lightweight, delivering that signature glossy, ‘glass-like’ finish Korean hair care is known for,” she says. Apply it for 10 to 15 minutes as a mask, or use it as a conditioner or styling product to smooth brittle ends.
Size: 8.8 fl. oz.
Key ingredients: Shea butter, argan oil
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ProsLightweight and multitasking Doubles as a heat protectantConsSome wish the scent lingered in hair longer
“This is a great example of Korean hair care that feels like skin care for your hair,” says Cho. “La’dor’s salon-grade Wonder Balm immediately improves texture and radiance while supporting long-term softness and smoothness.” Packed with protective ceramides, strengthening amino acids, and shine-boosting aloe vera, the versatile formula is designed to be applied from root to ends—and can even double as a heat protectant.
Size: 6.76 fl. oz.
Key ingredients: Ceramides, amino acids, macadamia oil, aloe extract
ProsPlayful packaging Nourishing yet lightweight ConsSome dislike the nutty vanilla scent
Inspired by the age-old DIY hair hack, TonyMoly’s viral mask only resembles bottled mayo. Instead, it blends shea butter, macadamia seed oil, and egg yolk extract into an equally quenching yet surprisingly lightweight treatment that helps soften and smooth staticky strands in minutes.
Size: 9.9 fl. oz.
Key ingredients: Shea butter, macadamia seed oil, egg yolk extract
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ProsRich texture Penetrates the cuticle ConsOn the pricier end
Combining three forms of natural butters, this rich formula targets severely damaged strands and is especially well-suited to thick hair in need of a quick weekly refresh. Vegan proteins work to smooth the cuticle while penetrating the hair shaft to help repair damage at its source.
Size: 8.8 fl. oz.
Key ingredients: Shea butter, squalane, glycerin, jojoba seed oil
Cho also loves these serum ampoules for smoothing, plumping, and reviving hair overnight. “Snail mucin, a standout K-beauty ingredient, makes perfect sense in a hair treatment for boosting softness and hydration,” she notes. Depending on your level of dryness, you can apply up to a full ampoule at a time—no rinsing required in the morning.
Size: 0.68 fl. oz. (Pack of 4)
Key ingredients: Snail secretion filtrate, squalane, collagen
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ProsBond-building technologySafe for color-treated hairConsSmaller bottle
This clinically backed, hair-strengthening mask from dermatologist-approved brand Mise En Scene is another great option for those dealing with stubborn split ends and breakage. Using proprietary technology, it helps repair broken bonds within the cuticle to make hair more resilient over time. Apply for at least five minutes one to three times per week before shampooing, and expect strands to regain some of their original bounce.
Size: 5.11 fl. oz.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, panthenol, centella asiatica extract, ceramide, niacinamide
ProsAffordable Softens and detanglesConsSmall packaging
Prefer something without fragrance? This gentle, fragrance-free formula is designed for even curly hair types, packed with collagen, ceramides, glycerin, and proteins to help bring thirsty, dull strands back to life. With quick five-minute pre-shampoo treatments and an under-$10 price tag, it’s a bestseller for good reason.
Size: 3.38 fl. oz.
Key ingredients: Glycerin, ceramide NP
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Are Korean hair masks suitable for all hair types? 
“Korean hair masks are surprisingly universal because they’re designed to be gentle and adaptable,” says Cho. “They work well for most hair types, including fine, color-treated, and chemically processed hair, since they tend to hydrate and repair without relying on heavy silicones or oils alone. At the same time, it’s worth noting that many formulas created for the Korean market are not yet fully accessible for textured or coily hair. The category is evolving, and as Korean brands continue expanding globally, I’m excited to see more inclusive options that cater to a wider range of hair needs.”
How We Chose
While the Korean hair mask market is still growing stateside, we tapped Cho for her insights, revisited our archives for more expert recommendations, and closely evaluated ingredients and reviews across the most popular formulas available. In short, these are the Korean hair masks truly worth investing in.
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Meet the Expert
Charlotte Cho is a K-beauty expert and founder of Soko Glam.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty writer Sam Peters interviewed a K-beauty expert about the best Korean hair masks and what makes them stand out.
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