Masks are having a moment, from your face to your feet, there is a treatment mask for every scenario and hair is no different. Hair masks are good for your hair and scalp as well as being a great way to inject a dose of hydration whilst working to repair and condition your locks.
Introducing a hair mask at least once a week is highly beneficial to the health, appearance, and texture of hair but the frequency may need to be adjusted accordingly to suit your hair type and condition. There are no false promises here, hair masks do work so get to pampering your locks and reveal a seriously great, healthy head of hair!
Benefits of hair masks
Most would associate what hair masks do with rehydration, this is of course a key benefit of using a mask but there is more to it than just simply hydrating your hair. Here are some further advantages:
- Restores shine
- Protects hair
- Repairs damaged hair
- Strengthens
- Smooths
- Aids scalp health
- Reduces frizz
Can you use a hair mask daily?
Knowing what great results can be achieved when using hair masks, it is tempting to want to apply one every day, however this type of treatment is most effective with a more sporadic usage than daily. There is a limit to how much moisture hair can hold and using a mask too often could overload it, weighing it down and causing a flatness to your tresses.
Hair masks for hair types
When it comes to using a hair mask, the frequency and product you choose will be dependent on the type and condition of your hair; however, once a week is a good starting point. Some hair types, such as thick or damaged hair, will require more regular application of hair masks to reap the benefits whereas fine or greasy hair will need less. Use the following guide to identify what will work best for you when it comes to hair masking.
Thick Hair
Thick locks are the only hair type where there is little danger of over-hydrating. Dryness and frizz are common complaints of those with thick tresses and this type of hair is also far more prone to some serious knots. Applying a hair mask 2-3 times a week will help to combat dryness and tangles with a regular injection of moisture whilst also helping to tame frizz.
Fine Hair
When you have fine or thin hair, the main danger is using products that will weigh your locks down leaving it looking majorly flat, but this doesn’t mean this hair type won’t benefit from a mask.
Using a mask weekly will provide flat hair with a dose of the same health benefits that other hair types gain but won’t impact on volume. Try to use a mask formulated to support fine hair as these are less likely to weigh your tresses down. If you still find your fine hair is suffering with flatness, then switch to mask applications 2-3 times a month.
Afro Hair
One to two times a week is an ideal frequency for afro hair. Those with afro hair tend to suffer with dryness as the natural helix shape of afro hair makes it harder for moisture to travel down the shaft. Regular application of a hair mask will help to protect, grow and strengthen strands to avoid breakages and maintain a soft and shiny condition to hair.
Curly Hair
Curly hair has a similar helix shape to afro hair, which again makes it harder for the lengths of hair to gain hydration. Introducing a weekly hair mask to curly locks will hydrate the hair cuticle without weighing your curls down.
Dry Hair
Hair masks are renowned for their hydration qualities, so it comes as no surprise that if you have dry locks, using a mask will be a great solution to restoring moisture whilst also strengthening dehydrated hair strands. Introduce a mask, such as our highly restorative Babassu Oil Treatment Masque, twice weekly until the condition of your hair is restored upon which you can revert to weekly application.
Damaged Hair
Damaged hair requires serious attention so use a hair mask 3 times a week to help repair broken hair as well as strengthen your locks from the roots to the ends. Also consider introducing hair damage repair products that contain oils, such as Black Seed Hair Oil, which doubles up as a treatment and mask in one. Topical application of this product, post-wash, can help support the work of a hair mask as it helps to strengthen hair follicles and nourish ends to prevent breakages whilst also strengthening the hair shaft.
Greasy Hair
For those with greasy hair, the use of a mask can be an off-putting thought as the wrong hair product, or overuse in general, can be part of the problem however don’t let this steer you away from using masks. Applying a targeted hair mask once a week, designed specifically for oily hair, can help control excessive sebum production which is what causes greasy hair. Look for aloe vera in the ingredients list as this is great at helping to control the scalp’s sebum production.
How to apply a hair mask?
Hair masks respond best to being used on clean, wet hair. Applying a mask to dry hair is not recommended as wet hair is more porous which leaves it in a more appropriate state to absorb the mask. For similar reasons, you should also avoid using a hair mask on dirty hair. Clean, wet hair is best for hair mask application as this is the most effective state for the mask to penetrate the hair and scalp.
Step by step: hair mask application
Follow the steps below for hair mask success:
- Determine your hair needs
By identifying your hair texture, type, and any concerns, you are better equipped to select the best treatment for your locks.
- Shampoo hair
Clean hair is an important factor when using a hair mask as your locks are naturally more porous when wet and therefore more receptive to any benefits the treatment will provide. Applying a mask to oily or dirty hair can adversely affect its efficiency so use a deep cleansing shampoo such as hair detangling shampoo to rid your hair of grime and build-up.
- Apply the mask
Before applying your chosen mask, be sure to gently squeeze excess water out of your freshly shampooed locks as too much water can dilute the mask. Apply the mask evenly all over and be sure to apply enough product.
- Wait it out
Whichever mask you have selected will specify the amount of time you need to leave it on for but generally it is for between 10-20 minutes. It is highly important to follow the directions of your specific mask as if you shorten the time that it should be on for it may not work as effectively. You can also leave a hair mask on for too long which can leave hair looking greasy and flat.
- Rinse
Once the specified time is up, rinse the hair mask out thoroughly and style your locks as usual. Repeat this treatment on a weekly basis dependent on your hair type and concerns.
Should you use conditioner and a hair mask?
Use of both a conditioner and a hair mask, again, comes down to your hair type and condition. A hair mask is designed to penetrate the hair follicles more deeply than a rinse-out conditioner and these products have different roles to play in your hair care routine.
Those with fine hair will not want to apply a hair mask and a conditioner as this will cause a moisture overload and leave rather deflated, bounce-less hair but for those with thick or overly damaged hair, you’ll want all the moisture you can get!
Takeaway
Hair masks have an important role to play in your hair care routine, from moisture boosts to repairing damage and restoring shine, the benefits are clear for all to see. Using a mask at least once a week will positively impact the health and condition of your locks but be sure to select the one that is best suited to your hair type!
