Brittle hair, no more! The best protein treatments deserve a permanent spot in your routine—especially if your strands are feeling limp, brittle, or dull. And no, these powerful formulas aren’t your average smoothing hair masks.
First, it helps to understand hair from a scientific perspective. “Hair strands are literally protein threads; once they come out of the hair follicle, they become a fine fabric,” trichologist Bridgette Hill explained in our guide to repairing damaged hair. That’s why protein treatments are designed to support the structure of your hair, filling in weak spots along the hair shaft and boosting its natural strength. They can also smooth frizzy flyaways, prevent split ends, and fight dryness.
Vogue’s Favorite Protein Hair Treatments
Best Leave-In
K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
$29 AMAZON
Best Affordable
Cer-100 Collagen Coating Protein Treatment
$7 AMAZON
Best for Fine Hair
Ouai Treatment Mask for Fine and Medium Hair
$38 AMAZON
Best with Keratin
Unove Deep Damage Treatment Ex
$26 AMAZON
Best for High-Shine
Color Wow Money Masque
$45 AMAZON
Best with Biotin
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask
$39 NORDSTROM
Best Bio-Identical Keratin
Virtue Restorative Treatment Mask
$34 BLUEMERCURY
Think of these treatments as essential TLC for hair that’s been through too many chemical processes and daily heat styling. The benefits build up with each use, turning fragile hair into stronger, healthier strands over time (and yes, that means shinier and softer hair, too). Not surprisingly, protein treatments are a big part of Korean haircare—they’ve been popular in Seoul for a long time and are just now gaining attention in the US. Their popularity comes from K-beauty’s innovative formulas, or as Landing International CEO Sarah Chung Park put it, “the same clinical rigor, layered actives, and fermentation technology that transformed the global skin-care world.”
Ahead, 9 Vogue-approved protein treatments worth adding to your routine (and your damaged hair).
In This Story
What are protein treatments for hair?
What to Look for in a Protein Hair Treatment
How often should you use protein treatments for hair?
How We Tested
Meet the Experts
Best Overall: K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
$29 AMAZON
Why We Love It: K18’s TikTok-famous hair mask is a Vogue editor favorite that works in just four minutes to repair damaged strands with a blend of peptides and proteins. Celebrity colorist Travis Olgetree swears by it for its noticeably transformative results. Fellow celebrity colorist Aura Friedman agrees, adding that this pick keeps hair shinier and more manageable with regular use. “The formula of this mask is essentially the molecular copy of the 18 peptides that make up keratin. It also lowers the pH of the hair, which keeps the cuticles tight and maintains both color molecules and moisture. The result is hair that’s shinier and more manageable,” Friedman previously told Vogue.
Editor’s Experience: “This is one of my all-time favorite deep conditioning treatments, and it’s been a regular part of my hair-care routine for the past year and a half. I have very high porosity hair, I use heat tools often, and I’ve experimented with color for years. I’m now loyal to my natural color, but I can’t seem to put down my Dyson AirWrap. This lightweight mask makes my hair feel soft to the touch and protected from heat. Plus, I love that it’s a leave-in, because I hate having to wait in the shower for a traditional hair mask to work.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
Key Ingredients: K18Peptide, hydrolyzed wheat protein, wheat starch
Type: Leave-in mask
Texture: Lightweight lotion
How to Use:Skip the conditioner. After shampooing, apply it to freshly washed hair. Wait four minutes before brushing, drying, or styling. No rinsing needed!
More to Know: Cruelty-free, sulfate-free, safe for color-treated hair.
Size: 0.5 oz, 1.7 oz.
Love It / Leave It:
– Lightweight, repairs damaged hair.
– A little goes a long way—using more than a dime-sized amount may weigh hair down.
– Fast-acting leave-in treatment.
Best with Biotin: Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask.
Save to wishlist.
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask
$39 NORDSTROM | $39 AMAZON
Why We Love It: Celebrity hairstylist Bridget Brager calls this protein-rich hair mask “a great deep-conditioning mask that locks in moisture and boosts shine.” It’s free of sulfates, silicones, and parabens, and works to repair damage on all hair types and textures. The formula includes rosehip oil, algae extract, almond oil, biotin, and B vitamins to nourish strands and add shine. “This popular product gives you the best of both worlds—strengthening proteins and rich moisturizers,” celebrity hairstylist Davey Matthew told Vogue. “It’s a great choice for anyone looking to improve and maintain their hair’s health.”
Editor’s Experience: “If anyone asks me for a reliable hair mask, this is the first one I recommend. True to its name, it hydrates and repairs all hair types. There’s no reason not to love it.” —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping editor.
Key Ingredients: Rosehip oil, algae extract, almond oil, biotin, avocado oil, hydrolyzed corn and soy protein.
Type: Rinse-out hair mask.
Texture: Rich cream.
How to Use: Apply to freshly shampooed hair from mid-lengths to ends. Leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse. Repeat weekly.
More to Know: Cruelty-free, sulfate-free, color-safe.
Size: 2 oz, 8 oz, 12 oz, 32 oz.
Love It / Leave It:
– Strengthens, boosts shine, clean ingredients.
– Might be too heavy for fine hair types.
– Naturally-derived ingredients.
Best for Fine Hair: Ouai Treatment Mask for Fine and Medium Hair.
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Ouai Treatment Mask for Fine and Medium Hair
$38 AMAZON
Why We Love It: Fine hair needs extra care, especially from products that won’t weigh it down. Ouai’s mask does exactly that. “This is a trusted product you can turn to when you need quick results,” hairstylist Justin Toves-Vincilione told Vogue. He says the ingredient list is amazing. “It quickly penetrates hair strands, delivering shea butter, tamarind seed extract, and hydrolyzed keratin.”
Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed keratin, panthenol, shea butter, coconut water, ginger-root extract.
Type: Rinse-out hair mask.
Texture: Creamy.
How to Use: After shampooing, remove excess water from your hair. Apply a quarter-sized amount from ends to mid-lengths. Rinse with cool water after five minutes.
More to Know: Cruelty-free, color-safe, reef-safe.
Size: 8 oz.
Love It / Leave It:
– Deeply nourishing formula.
– Not for all hair types—those with thick hair should try Ouai’s Thick Hair Treatment Mask instead.
– Lightweight feel that won’t weigh down fine hair.
Best Affordable: Elizavecca Milky Piggy CER-100 Collagen Ceramide Coating Protein Treatment.
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Cer-100 Collagen Coating Protein Treatment
$7 AMAZON
Why We Love It: Elizavecca’s protein-rich treatment was the first K-beauty hair product Michelle Lee, K-Beauty World CMO and former Allure EIC, tried. “The herbal extracts work with silk amino acids to relieve stress and stimulate the scalp, improving hair elasticity and softness,” Lee told Vogue in our Korean hair masks guide. Plus, a mix of collagen, glycerin, and five types of protein helps hydrate and seal damaged hair cuticles—all at a very affordable price. $7? What a deal!
Editor’s Experience: “As my coworkers know, I hate spending money on hair care, so most of the shampoos and conditioners I use come from my fellow beauty editors.”At Vogue, my colleagues love it too. But the one thing I’m happy to spend on is the Elizavecca hair treatment. Luckily, it’s also very affordable and leaves your hair super soft and tangle-free. I love the whole Elizavecca line, and I use their collagen spray on my hair afterward—I’m convinced that’s why my hair grows so fast. You can find it almost anywhere these days (thank goodness!). —Irene Kim, production and editorial associate
Key Ingredients: Dimethicone, glycerin, hydrolyzed silk, hydrolyzed collagen, hydrolyzed keratin, oat kernel extract, hydrolyzed wheat protein, hydrolyzed soy protein, hydrolyzed corn protein
Type: Rinse-out treatment
Texture: Lotion
How to Use: Apply to clean, towel-dried hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Let it sit for 5–20 minutes, then rinse out.
More to Know: Free from sulfates, parabens, and mineral oils
Size: 50 ml
Love It
– Deeply reparative and hydrating formula
– Affordable price point
Leave It
– Not for those who prefer vegan products—this contains silk and gelatin
Best for High-Shine: Color Wow Money Masque
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Color Wow Money Masque
$45 on Amazon
Why We Love It: If there’s one thing celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton is known for, it’s ultra-shiny hair—and you can spot those luminous locks on his famous clients, from Christina Aguilera to Kim Kardashian. His collaboration with Color Wow created a mask that maximizes shine with a unique texture. Unlike other deep-conditioning masks, this one has a light, gel-like feel that won’t weigh hair down. A powerful blend of blue sea kale, kelp, algae, and a hydrolyzed vegetable protein complex works together to nourish even the most chemically treated hair. “This mask is a great option if your hair feels dull,” hairstylist Raven Hurtado told Vogue. “It adds shine, strengthens hair, and helps moisturize a dry, flaky scalp. It also works on all hair types to create healthy, shiny hair.”
Editor’s Experience: “I’m a big fan of Color Wow’s shine-boosting products, from the heat protectant to this mask—they all help create an at-home gloss effect. This was a long-time favorite of mine when my hair was longer, thanks to the instant shine it gives. I especially love its gel-like texture, which doesn’t feel heavy when applied. And yes, I like it enough to break my rule of hating to wait for rinse-out hair masks to set.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
Key Ingredients: Blue sea kale, sea kelp, algae, hydrolyzed vegetable protein complex
Type: Rinse-out hair mask
Texture: Whipped gel-cream
How to Use: Apply generously to freshly shampooed hair from mid-lengths to ends. Comb through to distribute evenly, and let it sit for 5–20 minutes before rinsing.
More to Know: Color-safe, cruelty-free
Size: 7.5 oz
Love It
– Works on all hair types
– Lightweight and deeply hydrating
Leave It
– Large tub can be slippery in the shower
Best with Keratin: Unove Deep Damage Repair Hair Mask
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Unove Deep Damage Treatment
$26 on Amazon
Why We Love It: Unove’s Deep Damage Treatment is a K-hair product that Lee and Chung Park highlight as a favorite in Seoul. Now, it’s becoming more popular on Western beauty shelves. This treatment mask contains a concentrated blend of keratin, hydrolyzed plant-based proteins, and conditioning ingredients to smooth and seal the cuticles of damaged strands.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, tocopheryl acetate, hydrolyzed silk, silk amino acids, hydrolyzed keratin, olive fruit oil, sunflower seed oil, hydrolyzed corn protein, hydrolyzed wheat protein, hydrolyzed soy protein
Type: Rinse-out treatment
Texture: Rich gel-cream
How to Use: Apply a quarter-sized amount to freshly washed, towel-dried hair. Avoid the scalp and focus only on the mid-lengths and ends. Rinse thoroughly after 1–3 minutes.
More to Know: Cruelty-free, paraben-free, phthalates-free
Size: 7.5 oz
Love It
– High-protein content helps repair and smooth damaged hair
Leave It
– Contains silicones, which may cause buildupFights frizz and damage.
Best Bio-Identical Keratin: Virtue Restorative Treatment Mask
Virtue Restorative Treatment Mask – $34 at BLUEMERCURY
Why We Love It: Like all Virtue products, this mask features their signature ingredient: Alpha Keratin 60ku, a bio-identical keratin that helps fill in cracks in the hair cuticle. This rich treatment mask moisturizes, repairs, and boosts shine. Board-certified dermatologist Kristina Collins approves of the formula, noting that regular use promotes healthier, stronger hair over time. It’s especially good for colored or chemically treated hair.
Key Ingredients: Alpha Keratin 60ku, brown algae extract, baobab seed oil, plant-based protein, artichoke leaf extract
Type: Rinse-out hair mask
Texture: Thick cream
How to Use: After shampooing, apply the product evenly through your hair. Leave it on for two to three minutes, then rinse. The brand recommends using it once a week.
More to Know: Sulfate-free, color-safe, keratin-safe
Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz
Love It: Provides intense hydration for medium to thick hair types and works on all hair textures.
Leave It: Some people find the scent too strong.
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Best for Coily Hair: Cécred Reconstructing Treatment Mask
Cécred Reconstructing Treatment Mask – $44 at CÉCRED
Why We Love It: Clinically proven to repair damaged hair while boosting shine and strength, Cécred’s formula is powered by its patent-pending Bioactive Keratin Ferment. It’s infused with scalp-nourishing antioxidants like vitamin E and a carefully chosen blend of oils. This helps seal split cuticles, leaving hair noticeably smoother, stronger, and more radiant. Toves-Vincilione recommends this for weakened curls and coils. “Many people go through periods of limp, lifeless hair from heat damage, relaxer damage, protein overload, or lightening. Cécred made this mask to get in there and get the job done, with noticeable results after just one use,” he previously told Vogue.
Editor’s Experience: “Beyoncé… Miss Tina… what did you put in this hair mask? Cécred’s Reconstructing formula is honestly incredible. Right after using it, my hair feels stronger. Because it quickly transforms damaged strands, it’s my go-to after braids or sew-ins when my hair really needs some TLC.” —K.M.
Key Ingredients: Bioactive keratin ferment, hydrolyzed rice, sea buckthorn oil, squalane
Type: Rinse-out hair mask
Texture: Thick cream
How to Use: After shampooing, apply the product evenly through your hair. Leave it on for up to 20 minutes, then rinse.
More to Know: Cruelty-free, color-safe
Sizes: 2.5 oz, 10 oz
Love It: Great for softening curls and coils, and boosts shine and curl resilience.
Leave It: Not suitable for fine or straight hair.
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Best for Over-Processed Hair: Healingbird Revive Protein Treatment
Healingbird Revive Protein Treatment – $30 at OLIVE YOUNG
Why We Love It: Another K-beauty pick highly recommended by Chung Park is Healingbird’s protein treatment. It’s especially good for anyone with heavily chemically processed hair. As explained in our guide to the best Korean hair masks, this treatment “simply out-proteins the competition.” That’s thanks to a blend of 30 proteins, 20 amino acids, and keratin making up 5% of the formula. It’s both conditioning and reparative. Chung Park noted that proteins from rice, corn, soy, potato, silk, and milk “target different layers of damage at the same time.”
Key Ingredients: Amino acid blend, protein blend, hydrolyzed keratin, hydrolyzed silk, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, hydrolyzed corn protein, hydrolyzed soy protein, hydrolyzed rice protein, argan oil, milk protein extract, hydrolyzed potato protein
Type: Rinse-out treatment
Texture: Buttery
How to Use: Apply to towel-dried, clean hair. Leave on for 3–10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
More to Know: Vegan, cruelty-free, sulfate-free, silicone-free
Size: 200 ml
Love It: Deeply nourishing formula.
Leave It: (No specific downside listed.)Thick textures can sometimes clog packaging.
This formula is packed with protein, amino acids, and keratin.
Everything You Need to Know
What are protein treatments for hair?
First, it helps to understand what hair actually is. “Hair strands are made of protein. Once they grow out of the hair follicle, they become like a fine fabric,” trichologist Bridgette Hill previously told Vogue. That’s where protein treatments come in. Made with ingredients like soy protein, keratin, wheat protein, and collagen, these treatments repair hair by mending the amino acid bonds that make up the hair’s keratin structure—think of it like filling potholes in a road. The result is healthier, stronger, and noticeably smoother hair.
What to Look for in a Protein Hair Treatment
When shopping for a protein hair treatment, it’s important to consider a few things—from the type of product to its texture. Here’s what the experts recommend:
Ingredients: Along with protein-rich formulas, Ogletree suggests looking for nourishing ingredients that boost overall repair. Think restorative oils like argan and jojoba, or humectants like glycerin. And most importantly, always avoid silicones and sulfates—these harsh ingredients can strip your hair.
Texture: Ogletree offers a simple rule: the texture of your protein hair product should match your natural hair texture. “Thicker masks tend to be more hydrating and better for coarse or dry hair, while lighter, creamier masks are ideal for finer hair or hair that’s prone to buildup,” he previously told Vogue. He also notes that you shouldn’t assume a product works for all hair types unless it clearly says so.
Concern: When choosing the right protein treatment, experts say it all depends on your hair goals. For long-term repair and strength, a weekly protein-rich mask can help rebuild damaged strands from within. But if you want instant smoothness and shine, a fast-acting serum or oil might be a better fit—it coats the hair shaft for a sleek, polished finish. It’s all about picking a formula that matches what your hair needs right now.
How often should you use protein treatments for hair?
If you want to add protein treatments to your hair routine, follow the product instructions carefully and consider your hair’s condition. When it comes to bond-repairing protein treatments, more isn’t always better. As Caspara explained, using these products too often “can cause protein overload, leaving hair dry, dull, flat, and lifeless.”
While protein treatments can greatly improve hair health over time, Caspara advises cutting back once your hair starts to feel restored. This helps maintain balance and prevents overdoing it.
How We Tested
When we test and review a product, we take a well-rounded approach to give you the best recommendations. First, we rely on Vogue’s wide network of experts—trichologists, professional hairstylists, and beauty industry veterans—to learn which products stand out and which ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We combine their expertise with our editorial best practices to create the thoughtful selections you see on our site.
For protein hair treatments, we chose the best based on ingredients, texture, application, usage, and the hair concerns they address. To do this, we tested each formula ourselves, and we also used expert advice and reviewer insights to decide which ones we would recommend to you.
Meet the Experts
Bridget Brager is a celebrity hairstylist and groomer whose clients include Allison Williams, Maude Apatow, and Kiernan Shipka.
Shab Caspara is a New York City-based trichologist and founder of the hair-care platform Leona.
Kristina Collins, MD, FAAD.Bridgette Hill is a certified trichologist based in New York City. Raven Hurtado is a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. Travis Ogletree is a colorist from Los Angeles and the founder of Treehouse Studio. Davey Matthew is a celebrity hairstylist based in New York City, whose clients include Kate Hudson, Avantika, and Phoebe Tonkin. Justin Toves-Vincilione is a professional hairstylist based in Los Angeles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs based on the topic the 9 best protein treatments to make your hair stronger and shinier
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 What exactly is a protein treatment for hair
A protein treatment is a deep conditioner that adds protein to your hair It helps fill in weak spots in the hair shaft to make strands stronger less breakable and shinier
2 How is a protein treatment different from a regular deep conditioner
A regular deep conditioner focuses on moisture and softness A protein treatment focuses on strength and structure Think of it as building the bones of your hair while a regular conditioner adds the water
3 How often should I use a protein treatment
It depends on your hair type Fine or damaged hair might need it once a week Healthy or thick hair might only need it once a month Overuse can make hair stiff so start slow
4 Will a protein treatment make my hair feel hard or crunchy
Only if you use too much or leave it on too long The goal is balance If your hair feels stiff after a treatment follow it up with a good moisturizing conditioner
5 Do I need to use heat for a protein treatment to work
Not always but gentle heat helps the protein penetrate deeper Many treatments work fine at room temperature if you leave them on a bit longer
AdvancedLevel Questions
6 What are the signs that my hair actually needs protein instead of moisture
Your hair needs protein if it feels mushy or gummy when wet stretches like elastic and snaps or has lots of breakage and split ends If your hair feels dry or brittle it usually needs moisture instead
7 Can protein treatments cause hair loss or damage
No not directly But overusing protein without enough moisture can lead to protein overload making hair stiff and brittle which can cause breakage Always balance protein with moisture
8 What are the key ingredients I should look for in the 9 best treatments
Look for