What Are The Benefits Of Hair Masks?

 

You might condition your hair every week or even twice a week so you might think you've got the whole moisture-locking thing covered. But what are the benefits of hair masks, what are they, and why should you use one (and how often)? You've got the questions! We have the answers for you. Let's get started.

What is a hair mask?

A hair mask is a super-powered conditioner. It works much the same as a conditioner but with added benefits, designed to be more intense and more nourishing.

 

Hair masks rehydrate dry hair and help maintain color in colored hair. And the latter is not just synonymous better hair, but it is also essential to keep frizz at bay, as explained in our frizz survival guide (learn more about it here).

 

Hair masks are often formulated with special oils (like almond, Abyssinian, argan, rose, etc), kinds butter (like shea and cocoa), extracts (made from plants), and other nourishing ingredients; these specially formulated ingredients are designed to sink into the hair providing dramatic benefits in a single-use.

 

Why should I use a hair mask?

Since hair masks provide extra nourishment (in addition to your favorite conditioner), hair maks can provide dramatic results in the shine and strength department. Hair masks can repair dryness and stop frizz. Plus, they can prevent further damage.

 

What are the benefits of hair masks?

As stated before, hair masks provide smooth and shiny locks. They can mask damage but not tally repair it (as split ends can only be treated with a haircut), but masks do make your hair thicker (by pumping in moisture) and stronger and stop damage in its tracks, preventing further breakage. Deep conditioning is important year-round, but especially in winter. Hair masks rehydrate dry hair and help maintain color in colored hair. The best benefit, though, is that they are like a mini-home-spa; they can feel like a totally pampering treatment and make your hair look glorious!

 

How often should I use a hair mask?

Hair masks can be used once a week, once a month, or as often as you need. There are different types of hair masks: some are used in the shower or bath and others can be slept in overnight. Make sure you don't sleep in a hair mask that isn't designed to be slept in, though. But you don't need an overnight mask to reap the benefits. Check out our Protein Shake hair mask, which provides a deeply nourishing treatment for your tired hair.

 

 

How do I use a hair mask?

First, shampoo your hair and rinse. Shampoo again and rinse again. It's best to shampoo hair twice. First to remove debris and, second, to cleanse properly but remember not to use too much product. Be sure to rinse your hair well.

Next, condition as usual. You only need to leave your conditioner on about two minutes. Then rinse.

Apply your hair mask and wait three to five minutes for it to start working. You can leave your mask on as long as fifteen to twenty minutes if you want extra benefits or have really dry hair. As a tip, you can use this extra wait-time to wash your face, scrub your body, shave your legs, apply a face mask, etc; do whatever you need to do!

Rinse your hair, making sure to remove excess product. Towel dry your hair (before you dry with a hairdryer) and apply a little Abyssinian oil to the ends.

Voila! Your hair should now look amazing!

 

What type of hair mask should I buy?

There are many masks on the market and even recipes on how to make masks at home. If you're shopping for a mask (and would rather eat your avocados, egg whites, bananas, and honey instead of putting them on your hair), make sure you look for one with quality ingredients that contain natural oils and butters. As with any product, you want to look for one at a mid-price point to ensure you're getting a larger proportion of quality ingredients.