No matter what type of hair you have, it's nearly impossible to avoid damaging it somehow — whether from chemicals, heat styling, or too-tight ponytails. Thankfully, many of the best hair masks for split ends are just a click away; use one in place of your conditioner on a weekly basis, and your hair will be healthy again in no time. As for which formula is right for you? That depends on your hair type.
For starters, shopping for split end-repairing masks is a lot like shopping for conditioner. If you have thick or curly hair, you'll do best to choose a mask with shea butter or ultra-nourishing oils (like jojoba, argan, and coconut). On the other hand, if your hair is fine, thin, or straight, you'll do better with lightweight moisture-restorers (like collagen, keratin, and ceramides); These ingredients are effective at treating damage, but won't cause your hair to become extra oily.
It's also important to note that while you can't technically heal an already damaged strand, the right product can smooth the follicle so that it looks shiny and feels softer to the touch. Also — and this is the number one reason to start using a reparative treatment ASAP — a mask with the right conditioners and additives can actually protect your hair from future damage. Stronger, healthier hair means that over time, your ends will be less susceptible to splitting, so whether you're currently dealing with damage or not, using a conditioning mask on occasion is a wise idea.