What are Hair Masks Used For?
You will have noticed that all major brands of hair products include a full line of hair masks, each with different effects and ingredients that promise to meet the needs of all types of manes. However, there is also our lifetime-friend conditioner, and with so many choices, we aren't sure whether they have the same effects or what is the best choice to take care of our hair.
In this OneHowTo article, then, we will clarify what are hair masks used for, which conditions they are recommended for and how often you should use them. Keep reading!
How do hair masks benefit your hair?
First, it is important to clarify that hair masks and conditioner are not the same product. Masks are used to repair, moisturize and nourish the hair in depth, helping to fight common hair conditions like dryness, dullness or faded color if you have dyed hair, all the while protecting every strand against the damage caused by daily brushing, tying your hair up, using unsuitable products, a hairdryer, etc.
To our hair, a good hair mask is the same as a day at the spa. It is the perfect solution to give your hair the different nutrients it may need in a much deeper way than conditioner would. This is why it is important to choose a product that really targets the particular needs of your hair if you want to notice its benefits.
Differences between masks and conditioner
As we have already explained, conditioner and hair masks are not the same product. Conditioner is used for everyday washing and it is used to smooth the hair and make it easier to comb afterwards, in addition to giving it shine. In addition, depending on the product you buy, conditioner can also provide the nutrients that help hydrate hair color or protect the color itself, but its impact is somewhat superficial; it doesn't work as well as a hair mask.
This product should be part of your everyday hair care routine to help you to keep your hair in good condition, but it doesn't have the same repairing ability.
How often should you use hair mask?
To achieve the effect you want and to enhance the hair's nutrition and beauty, it is important to know exactly how often you should apply hair mask.
If your hair is dry, damaged or lacking in moisture, this product should be applied 2 or 3 times a week to ensure its results. Once you notice that the hair has begun to recover, start applying the hair mask once a week - on the other days, use the conditioner.
How to apply hair mask
- Always apply the hair mask after rinsing out all the shampoo.
- Use only a small amount and spread it out to cover from the middle of the hair down to the tips.
- Spread it well throughout your hair avoiding the roots to prevent your hair from looking greasy or flat.
- Leave on for as long as recommended according to the directions on the packaging; don't leave it any longer because it doesn't guarantee that its properties will be more effective.
- Remove with warm or cool water.
Options for homemade hair masks
So far we have discussed using shop-bought masks; however, there are many options for homemade masks made with moisturizing and nourishing natural ingredients for fantastic-looking hair.
In these cases it is recommended to apply this type of preparations once a week and leave on for 15-20 minutes to let it penetrate deep into the hair. The options are numerous, but at OneHowTo we can recommend some of the most popular. Take a look:
Now that you know what are hair masks used for, try them out and tell us about your experience in the comments section!
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