Box braids are one of my favorite protective hairstyles. They're low-maintenance, give me tremendous length, and offer a much-needed break from using heat tools on my delicate natural hair. I'd say

these stylish plaits are an all-around win, except that after a couple of months of carefree living, my strands are left in serious need of help in the thickness department. That's where hair masks come in to save the day.

These handy pots of nutrient-dense goodness are a catchall for any hair problem you might be experiencing that's causing your tresses to appear more thin than you'd like. My post-braid thinness is mainly perpetuated by the overuse of clarifying shampoo, which I have to use for a few days to get my hair clear of product and scalp debris. Not to mention the weeks of routine hair shedding that's finally free to fall—a process I can only imagine is akin to that of a husky losing his winter coat. Yes, it’s that intense.

So you get it—hair masks are an absolute must for getting my hair back to its thick, lively self after it's been braided, but they can also help thicken up hair that's suffering from dehydration, over-styling and more. Here, you'll find 15 of the best masks out there to help you achieve the thick hair of your dreams. Happy scrolling!