Your pelvic floor will thank you for this one.

Hair looking dry, brittle, lackluster, or all of the above? Help can come in the form of a reparative hair mask for damaged hair, the best of which can help build back compromised strands and prevent further breakage from occurring. Thanks to a wealth of nutrients found in each formula, they can combat against the damaging effects of sun exposure, pollution, and/or the frequent use of hot tools like blow dryers, curling irons, and hair straighteners.

In a sea of hair masks, it can be difficult to wade through what’s actually worth your coin (and what actually works!). But not to worry, we’ve curated some of the top picks to satisfy just about every hair type and consulted Raven Hurtado, a hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, for tips on choosing the best hair masks for damaged hair. Buh-bye, breakage!

A hairstylist’s top 6 hair masks for damaged hair, at a glance

What to look for in a hair mask for damaged hair

When shopping for reparative hair masks, the most important thing to consider is the ingredients list. “Important ingredients to look for in a hair mask are hydrating ingredients, and if you have curls, a curl enhancement mask,” says Hurtado. Natural butters and oils, like shea, avocado, olive, castor, can help impart moisture, and in turn, reduce the risk of breakage. You may also want to consider an option with ingredients that can repair and protect against damage, such as wheat protein and amino acids. As for which ingredients to avoid? “Sulfates and parabens,” says Hurtado. “Sulfates and parabens can cause dryness and lead to an itchy, irritated scalp.”

As you shop, you’ll also want to consider your hair type. The manufacturer will often indicate whether a specific for one or more hair types, but generally speaking, you may want a formula that’s especially thick and nourishing if you have thick and/or curly hair, whereas people who have fine or thin hair might want a lighter weight option that provides moisturizing nourishment without weighing hair down. Some are also made specifically for chemically treated or colored hair—all of which you will find on the list below.