Hair mask: what does it do and how often should you use it?
A hair mask is a concentrated treatment that you leave on longer than a conditioner. It makes dry or damaged hair softer, smoother and easier to comb, and adds shine. Use it once or twice a week instead of your conditioner, on towel-dried hair, and leave it on for five to twenty minutes before rinsing.
What's the difference between a hair mask and a conditioner?
| Conditioner | Hair mask | |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Light | Richer and thicker |
| Leave-on time | One to two minutes | Five to twenty minutes |
| How often | After every wash | Once or twice a week |
| Purpose | Detangling and smoothing | Intensive nourishing or strengthening |
A conditioner seals your hair again after washing, so it's easier to comb. A mask goes a step further: it contains more conditioning ingredients and gets more time to sink in. You'll find every mask in the hair masks collection.
Which hair mask do you need: moisture or protein?
That depends on how your hair feels. If it feels dry, rough and dull, it needs moisture: a mask with oils and butters. If it feels limp, overly stretchy or breaks easily, for example after bleaching, it needs protein: a mask with keratin or other proteins. Too much protein actually makes hair stiff, so alternate if you're unsure.
Which hair mask suits dry hair?
Dry hair needs a rich mask that holds on to moisture. The Coconut & Shea Hair Mask by Organic Shop is packed with shea butter and coconut butter and makes dry hair softer and less frizzy.
Want something that also makes your lengths more supple? The Argan Oil Hydrating Hair Mask by XHC is a good choice. It combines argan oil with proteins and keratin, and helps make dry hair easier to comb.
Which hair mask suits damaged or bleached hair?
Hair that's coloured, bleached or often heat-styled usually needs both moisture and strength. The Premium Touch Hair Mask by Shiseido Fino is a Japanese classic with royal jelly, Lipidure and PCA. It makes damaged hair soft and smooth, and you only need a little.
If your hair is truly broken from bleaching or chemical treatments, the Leave-in Molecular Repair Mask by K18 is a different kind of mask. You don't rinse it out: apply it to washed, towel-dried hair and then style as usual. It works with peptides and makes your hair softer and more resilient.
Which hair mask do you use for curls?
Curls are naturally drier and break more easily. A protein mask gives them support, so they hold their shape better. The Curl Support Hair Mask by Curly Secret is that kind of protein mask for weak and damaged hair. Use it every other week and alternate with a moisture mask. Following the curly girl method? Then always check the ingredient list.
How do you use a hair mask?
Wash your hair with shampoo and squeeze out the excess water with a towel. Apply the mask to your lengths and ends, not your scalp, and comb it through with a wide-tooth comb. Leave it on for five to twenty minutes; with a warm towel or shower cap around it, it absorbs better. Then rinse thoroughly. You won't need a conditioner after that. For extra shine, put a few drops of oil on your ends once your hair is dry; read more in what is hair oil good for.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you use a hair mask?
Once or twice a week. Very dry or damaged hair can take more, fine hair often less.
Can you leave a hair mask on overnight?
You can with masks based on oils and butters, but leaving it on longer than recommended usually adds little. Don't leave protein masks on longer than the packaging says.
Do you apply a hair mask to wet or dry hair?
To towel-dried hair. If your hair is too wet, the water dilutes the mask and it slides off.
Does a hair mask help against frizz?
Yes, a moisture mask smooths your hair, so it frizzes less. Find out where frizz comes from and what else helps in frizzy hair: where it comes from.
Can you use a hair mask instead of conditioner?
Yes, on the days you use a mask, skip the conditioner.