These Treatments for Damaged Hair Will Make It Look Like New (2024)

Whether you’ve spent years perfecting your shade of blonde or can’t resist experimenting with hot tools, the best hair treatment for damaged hair can help. After all, it’s only natural that your hair shows a little wear and tear over time, the signs of which will be pretty obvious by both its look and feel. “It 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 senior stylist at Sharon Dorram at Sally Hershberger Salon in NYC. It also might be more prone to tangling.

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, rough handling—such as brushing too hard or using tight hairstyles,” says Angelo David, a hairstylist and founder of Angelo David Salon in NYC. The bad news: Almost everything we do to our hair can cause damage—even something as simple as brushing or spending time in the sun. The good news: While there’s no magic fix for all the damage, you can absolutely restore some of your hair’s lost shine, bounce, and overall health with the right treatments and care.

When it comes to deeper damage, it’s a little trickier. “Deeper level damage affects the hair's cortex, which is responsible for your hair’s overall health. Once the cortex is compromised, the only solution is to cut it off,” says Emily Claire, a colorist and Davines educator at Rob Peetoom Salon in NYC. But don’t panic—many times, the damage is surface level. “When the outer layer of the hair, or the cuticle, weakens, this can be repaired with products like bond-building treatments,” she adds.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector, $30
• Best Conditioner: Pantene Pro-V Miracles Miracle Bond Repair Conditioner, $10
• Best Mask: K18 Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask, $75
• Best Shampoo: Davines Naturaltech Nourishing Shampoo, $36
• Best Preventative: Virtue Healing Oil, $45
• Best Heat Protector: Bumble and Bumble Heat Shield Thermal Protection Hair Mist, $34
• Best Styling Serum: Oribe Hair Alchemy Fortifying Treatment Serum, $66
• Best Deep Conditioner: Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask, $39
• Best Bond Treatment: Living Proof Triple Bond Complex, $45
• Best for Sensitive Scalps: Seen Leave-In Conditioner Fragrance-Free, $27
• Best Leave-In: Moroccanoil Treatment Original, $48

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the best treatment for damaged hair?
• How can I heal my damaged hair?
• Can very damaged hair be repaired?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

So, while not every type of damage can be reversed, there’s plenty you can do to bring your hair back to life. You can restore some of your hair’s health and shine with the right routine.

Best Hair Treatment for Damaged Hair Overall: Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector

Why we love it: Before TikTok sent Olaplex’s No. 3 Hair Perfector into viral stardom, hairstylists were already in on the secret. This treatment has long been their go-to for restoring dry, damaged hair. “Olaplex No. 3 is a game-changer for 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. With continued use, it helped restore her hair's health and vitality. You'll notice less breakage, improved elasticity, and a smoother, shinier appearance,” he adds.

Tester feedback: “By the time my hair was dry, I could see the difference: 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,” says senior beauty editor Paige Stables. “Normally, to achieve such a sleek finish, this would have required additional styling products on the lengths of my hair and a blast of hair spray to tame flyaways. But in a matter of minutes, my hair looked significantly healthier.”

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 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 skincare 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 works its magic in just 60 seconds, making it a lifesaver on days when your hair needs a quick hydration boost but your schedule doesn’t have time for long treatments. Executive beauty director Jenny Bailly said this conditioner “quickly rose to the top” out of the contenders.

Tester feedback: “If your hair, attention span, and wallet are as damaged as mine, this mask is a true triple threat,” writes Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann. “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."

Key ingredients: pro-vitamin B5, keratin, vitamin E | Fragrance-free: no | Who it’s for: people with dry hair

Best Hair Mask: K18 Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask

Why we love it: Friendly PSA: K18 Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask isn’t your run-of-the-mill hair mask, and it definitely doesn’t play by the usual rules. Instead of rinsing it out after letting it sit for a few minutes post-conditioner, you skip conditioner altogether after shampooing and apply this product directly. No rinsing required—just let it do its thing as a leave-in on clean, damp hair. Unlike traditional hair masks that sit outside each strand, this one works inside the cortex to restore strength and elasticity. "Even though it’s lightweight, it delivers a serious hit of moisture and repair. It reconnects polypeptide chains, which strengthens 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."

Tester feedback: Although Allure contributor Michelle Rostamian didn't notice a big difference when she first used this, “after the second wash, though, I started noticing the results I had hoped for—my hair was becoming smoother and shinier," she says. “By the end of five washes, my hair was significantly healthier-looking: it felt softer, didn't have as much frizz, and my curls were definitely more uniform. But the real ‘wow’ factor for me came after I had my hair professionally blown out. My hair was bouncier, shinier, and silkier than ever before.”

Key ingredients: biotech-developed peptides, hydrolyzed wheat protein, glycerin | Fragrance-free: no | Who it’s for: people with processed, colored, or heat-styled hair

More treatments for damaged hair to shop:

Best Shampoo: Davines Naturaltech Nourishing Shampoo

Why we love it: Remember, there are no true overnight cures for reversing damage. “If we could cure your damage here in one visit to the salon, we would! You need to do your part,” says Claire. And part of playing your part starts in the shower. Many shampoos with harsh chemicals strip your natural oils and weaken your hair’s bonds, leading to damaged cuticles. That’s why you should reach for Davines NaturalTech Nourishing Shampoo, which gently cleanses without messing with your hair’s natural integrity. Thanks to ingredients like panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) for deep hydration and rice protein to strengthen hair, this shampoo wraps your hair in a rich, soft foam that leaves it feeling soft, smooth, and moisturized.

Editor tip: Pair it with a scalp massager that can help remove dead skin cells and buildup that’s preventing healthy hair growth.

Key ingredients: phytoceuticals from grapes, pro-vitamin B5, rice protein | Fragrance-free: no | Who it’s for: all hair types experiencing a dehydrated scalp and brittle hair

Best Preventative: Virtue Healing Oil

Why we love it: When you hear the name "Healing Oil," you can expect damage repair, strengthening, and glossy shine—and this one delivers on all fronts. Virtue Healing Oil has a patented keratin protein that’s identical to the keratin naturally found in our bodies, so it recognizes it as its own. This means it knows exactly how to repair and transform dry, brittle hair. “This is a product I recommend for my fine hair clients that are experiencing breakage from highlights or if their hair is weak and has the potential to break at a particular length,” says Nast. And with nourishing oils like marula and watermelon seed oil, it’s not just repairing—it’s hydrating, smoothing, and leaving your hair with an incredible, healthy sheen.

Editor tip: A little goes a long way with this product. If you have fine hair, start with just a single pump. “I love using this before bed to give it plenty of time to sink in. Massage the product in your hands for a few seconds to warm it up, then massage into the ends of your hair,” says Nast.

Key ingredients: alpha keratin, tocopherol (vitamin E), kalahari melon seed oil | Fragrance-free: no | Who it’s for: people with fine, brittle hair

Best Heat Protector: Bumble and Bumble Heat Shield Thermal Protection Hair Mist

Why we love it: Hypothetically speaking (because you’d never), going to the beach without sunscreen would leave your skin crying for help. That’s precisely how your hair feels when you crank up the heat-stylers without using a thermal protectant spray. This mist is like a protective shield against hot tools up to 450°F. And, just like sunscreen, it’s packed with UV filters to fend off the sun’s drying effects, while honey and jojoba seed oil locks in moisture and boosts shine. So whether you’re curling, straightening, or just spending the day in the sun, it conditions, calms frizz, and prevents breakage in just a few spritzes.

Editor tip: This mist also incorporates lightweight sunflower seed oil, rich in antioxidants, to protect against environmental stressors like the sun and pollution.

Key ingredients: honey, jojoba seed oil, sunflower seed oil | Fragrance-free: | Who it’s for: people with dry, coily, curly, or wavy hair that’s damaged from heat or chemicals

Best Styling Serum: Oribe Hair Alchemy Fortifying Treatment Serum

Why we love it: Aptly named, the packaging of Oribe Hair Alchemy Fortifying Treatment Serum makes it even look like a magical elixir—and to its credit, it kind of is. This leave-in serum is like a little repair squad for your hair, packed with chia seed, bio-fermented bamboo leaf, plant-based protein, phytoceramides, and cotton seed extract—all teaming up to seal and strengthen fragile, damaged strands. The texture is just right—not too thick, not too watery—gliding on effortlessly and allowing for easy application (and reapplication whenever you need heat protection) without ever weighing your hair down. And, of course, true to Oribe’s signature style, it smells absolutely amazing, with a fragrance that’s noticeable but never overpowering.

Editor tip: Use it as a pre-styling serum or an overnight serum to give it time to absorb and heal hair while you sleep.

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, chia seed, plant proteins | Fragrance-free: no | Who it’s for: people who experience breakage from brushing and styling their hair

Best Deep Conditioner: Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask

Why we love it: When your hair feels more like straw than silk, you turn to the experts—and the six-time Allure Readers’ Choice Award winner. This damage-reversing Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask doesn’t disappoint with moisture-boosting ingredients like sweet almond, avocado, and rosehip oils. Add biotin and algae extract into the mix, and you’ve got a formula that makes your hair nearly twice as strong after three uses. So, did it live up to all the hype? “Yes, I can confidently say it did all that it promised. And who knows, if I keep using it, perhaps it will turn straw into gold,” says Allure contributor Elizabeth Denton.

Editor tip: Ten minutes is a long time to let the shower run while you wait for this mask to soak in, so we suggest throwing on a shower cap, stepping out, and using that time to catch up on your skincare routine.

Key ingredients: rosehip and argan oils, algae, biotin | Fragrance-free: | Who it’s for: people with all hair types and textures looking to smooth flyaways and frizz

Best Bond Treatment: Living Proof Triple Bond Complex

Why we love it: This bond repair treatment is so lightweight that it layers effortlessly with your other styling products—no need to worry about buildup or a greasy feel, even if you have finer hair. Living Proof Triple Bond Complex is loaded with moisture-sealing lipids and strengthening peptides to reduce frizz and add softness, but its real superpower is reversing damage. While you can air-dry and still get some repair benefits, the magic happens when you heat style to activate the covalent bond repair. Though it’s often referred to as a hair mask, think of it more like a leave-in serum—just one or two pumps will do the trick to get stronger, more resilient hair.

Editor tip: If pairing with other products in your hair care routine, apply this to freshly washed hair and wait 10 minutes to let it sink in.

Key ingredients: cellular oil, biometric emollient blend, 3D fortifying technology | Fragrance-free: | Who it’s for: people with damaged, overprocessed hair

Best for Sensitive Scalps: Seen Leave-In Conditioner

Why we love it: Non-comedogenic? Check. Fragrance-free? Check. Derm-approved? Check! Seen's Leave-In Conditioner is loaded with all the good stuff like squalane, which locks in moisture and boosts shine without weighing your hair down, and hemisqualane, a biotech ingredient designed for strengthening and shielding your hair from heat damage (up to 450°F) and providing UV protection from the sun. If your scalp tends to be extra sensitive, bisabolol helps calm things down. The formula nabbed the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, which means it’s gentle enough for sensitive scalps and skin—all while delivering serious moisture, protection, and frizz control.

Editor tip: You can even spray this directly on your scalp for UV protection. Since it’s non-comedogenic, it won’t clog pores.

Key ingredients: squalene, moringa, bisabolol | Fragrance-free: yes | Who it’s for: people with sensitive or acne-prone scalps and dry, damaged hair

Best Leave-In: Moroccanoil Treatment Original

Why we love it: There was a time when you couldn’t flip through a magazine without spotting this iconic glass bottle on every beauty page. Known for its ability to revive even the most desert-dry hair, Moroccanoil Treatment Original has earned its permanent place on our vanities. “Moroccanoil Treatment is a cult favorite for a reason. It's a versatile, multi-tasking oil that adds incredible shine, hydration, and manageability to all hair types,” says David. It’s not just about the results but also the experience. The luxurious, lightweight texture is absorbed quickly, and the signature, slightly spicy scent is strong at first but fades nicely. “It doesn’t leave any greasy residue. I often use a small amount on my ends throughout the day to refresh my style and add a touch of shine. It's also fantastic for taming flyaways and creating a sleek, polished look,” says David.

Editor tip: Damp hair or dry? You can’t go wrong. “I love using it on both damp and dry hair. On damp hair, it helps detangle and smooth, while on dry hair, it tames frizz and adds a beautiful, healthy sheen,” says David.

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, “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—at least to a point. It depends on how bad the damage is and what treatments you’re using. While you can’t completely undo extreme issues like split ends or breakage, you can make your hair look and feel healthier with the right care. As David puts it, “Not all damage is the same. Surface-level issues? You can usually fix those with good products. But more serious damage might need something more serious." He also suggests that if your hair is struggling, sometimes it’s best to let it recover and rock some extensions to give it a break from styling and further stress.

Meet the Experts:

• Angelo David, a hairstylist and founder of Angelo David Salon in NYC
• Jennifer Nast, a senior stylist at Sharon Dorram at Sally Hershberger Salon in NYC
• Emily Claire, a colorist and Davines educator at Rob Peetoom Salon in NYC

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—who [TK hair type (i.e., characteristically dry hair)/hair concern or desired outcome (i.e., want shinier hair)]. 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:

• 17 Best Bond Repair Treatments for Major Damage Control
• 15 Best Leave-In Conditioners for Every Hair Type
• We Tested 13 Hair Oils For Every Hair Need, and Here's What We Recommend

Now, watch a cosmetic chemist guess which highlighter is cheap vs. expensive:

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