Let’s be real, most people only use
hair masks to fix their severely dry locks or over-processed colored strands. This
deep-conditioning treatment
is like a last resort when it comes to at-home hair care, especially if
you’re nervous about what your stylist might do with those split ends.
Hair masks
are just as beneficial, if not more so, than regular conditioners.
Unlike a typical conditioner that rests on the surface of a strand, a
hair mask works its way inside the hair cuticle. While the products
boast repairing hair damage, regular application of a hair mask can
“impart shine, help with manageability and work to nourish the cuticle,”
according to Joel Warren, master colorist and co-founder of
Warren-Tricomi salons.
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If you’ve ever
wondered about the type of hair mask you should be using or whether
you’re even applying it correctly, HuffPost Style interviewed four
experts and got the answers to your most pressing questions. Here’s the
lowdown.
Once your hair has split, repairing with a hair mask is impossible.
This is actually a common misconception, Marie Robinson Salon colorist and Wella Professionals ambassador
Mark Debolt
told us. “These masks act like a Band-Aid to smooth and mend frayed
ends. The only true remedy for split ends is a haircut appointment,”
said Debolt.
However, British celebrity hairstylist
Mark Hill
noted that using a mask regularly will disguise the damage by packing
hair strands with moisture to make them feel thicker and stronger. He
added, “It won’t cure them, but it will help prevent any more damage.”
In order to know your hair mask needs, you must know your hair type.
For dry or
wavy/curly hair that tends to frizz,
Warren recommended masks that are intensely moisturizing. For thinner
or flatter hair types, this pro suggested looking to masks with proteins
to add strength.
People who have oily hair usually do not need a conditioning treatment unless their hair is badly damaged, according to
Rachel Carter,
a stylist at Dyer & Posta salon in Kennesaw, Georgia. They should
use a wash-in/wash-out treatment since a hair mask can cause the hair to
become oilier.
Even though there are different hair masks for different hair types and textures, you should really read the ingredients label.
Debolt’s favorite hair masks are comprised of unique combinations of oils like
almond oil
(very hydrating but lightweight and great for finer hair types), jojoba
oil (best for fragile, dry ends and highlighted hair) and
panthenol (derived from Vitamin B5 that binds with water molecules to moisturize dehydrated hair).
Hill said he also favors
argan oil for its nourishing and moisturizing properties that leave hair healthy, smooth and shiny, as well as these three ingredients:
Wheat proteins — aids penetration and helps prevent breakage; great for any hair type and particularly finer textures.
Keravis — increases the strength of the hair and protects from heat; best for damaged hair due to heat styling tools.
Bamboo/fern extract — gives structure and strength to the hair; those with fine hair will benefit the most.
Hair masks made of henna work wonders for restoring moisture naturally, but beware of build-up.
“There are
several benefits to using henna hair masks,” said Warren. “First, the
plant produces a natural, temporary ingredient from its leaf called
lawsone, which binds with proteins and helps to seal the cuticle and
prevent split ends. Henna also has cooling and conditioning properties
that soothe the scalp and prevent itchiness and dandruff, while
intensely nourishing the hair.”
However, Debolt
told us we shouldn’t get too entranced by the subtle glimmer of tint
henna imparts because an accumulation of henna can handicap a colorist’s
ability to add highlights.
Do-it-yourself hair masks really work but it depends on the concoction.
“
Hair masks
are all about moisture,” explained Warren. “There are plenty of
ingredients found in your kitchen that can be applied to the hair to
hydrate it, such as yogurt, mayonnaise, honey and olive oil.”
Carter advised
us to make sure to completely shampoo your homemade mask out when you
are finished. Nobody wants to sleep on messy sheets or pillows.
To get optimal results, this is how you should apply hair masks:
First, shampoo
as you normally would. “The warm water opens up the cuticles on your
hair. This allows the mask to penetrate into the hair’s structure (a
regular conditioner only tends to sit on the outside of your hair),”
said Hill.
Then towel-dry
hair and choose the best hair mask for your needs. Spread the product
evenly onto locks, from roots to ends, and comb through with your
fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Carter’s pro tip: those with flat and fine
hair types should apply masks to the ends to avoid weighing the hair
down.
For maximum
benefits, Warren recommends leaving hair masks on for 20-30 minutes and
covering your head with a warm towel. If hair is extremely damaged, try
leaving it on overnight. To remove, rinse with cool water and
re-shampoo/condition.
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