What is a Hair Mask? Is It Just Another Gimmick?
If you’re like me who have dry and brittle ends, hair masks are a must in your hair routine. It will do wonders to your crown (hair) and it will help with the overall dryness of your hair. But the question is what is a hair mask? do they really work? And how do I apply it to my hair? Journey with me as I break down the benefits that hair masks serve for your hair.
What is a Hair Mask?
According to Garnier, hair masks “are treatments that are formulated with oils, butters and other nourishing ingredients.” Thus, the creamier and thicker texture of hair masks. The sole purpose of a hair mask is to simply hydrate and boost the overall health of your hair.
What do Hair Masks do?
Hydrates your hair
Boosts the hydration of your hair
Repairs damaged hair
Keeps your hair moisturized
Maintains healthy hair
Nourishes your hair
Makes your hair look fuller!
Who needs Hair Masks?
This can range from anyone whose hair breaks easily, to someone who spent hours at the beach dipping their hair into salt water. But here are few other reasons:
Brittle and dry hair
People with thyroid problems
Bleached hair
You take a lot of medications
Curly hair
Long hair
Damaged Hair
Hair that falls out
When you have split ends
When to use a Hair Mask?
Whatever product you bought from the store will tell you how often you should use it, but most hair experts usually say at least once a week if your hair is severely damaged, and 3-4 weeks if your hair is healthy.
DID YOU KNOW?
New hair is on top, and older hair is at the bottom. Therefore, your ends need the most moisture and nourishment.
How to apply a Hair Mask
STEP 1:
Shampoo and rinse your hair thoroughly.
Quick Tip: comb your hair before applying a hair mask, it’ll save you a lot of hassle.
STEP 2:
Now, apply the hair mask and concentrate more on your mid lengths to ends. Then rake the excess mask towards the top section of your hair.
Remember, your scalp doesn’t need the mask as much or at all, since it gets its natural oils from the sebaceous glands.
STEP 3:
Leave on for no longer than 15 minutes.
STEP 4:
Thoroughly rinse the hair mask off.
STEP 5:
Apply conditioner
OR
Don’t apply conditioner. Dry and style your hair as you like.
In my findings, 20% of hair experts say NOT to apply conditioner after, and 80% says you CAN. That is totally up to you, I feel it’s best to experience since everybody has different hair types and hair problems.
FAQs
When should you use a hair mask?
As mentioned earlier you should use a hair mask when your hair is damaged, dry, has split ends, when you’re taking a lot of medications, and even curly hair.
What is the point of hair masks?
Hair masks are to hydrate and improve overall hair health for those whose hair is damaged. Depending on the Hair masks you get, some contain natural oils, butters, and plant extracts to boost the hair's moisture and add nutrients to the hair follicle.
What are the disadvantages of hair masks?
It leaves your hair oily (sometimes) and when it is not rinsed out properly, it could stick to your hair causing your hair to damage and feel heavy and drenched.
Is a hair mask the same as a deep conditioner?
No, hair masks have a richer and thicker formula added into it, whereas deep conditioning is created to pierce through the hair shaft and provide great moisture and nourishment for normal to oily hair.
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