Picture this: you’ve shampooed and conditioned your hair consistently every week. But something still feels missing. Your hair still looks lackluster. One easy solution you may want to try is a hair mask.

What Is a Hair Mask?

A hair mask is a concentrated type of conditioner. It works much like the typical conditioner you grab at the drugstore, but it is a more potent formulation.

You leave it on your hair longer than an instant conditioner. While you only need about three minutes for a conditioner to work, you need around 30 minutes or more for your hair to absorb the hair mask.

Depending on hair needs, hair masks can have different active ingredients. Among the most popular ones include:

Coconut oil 

Coconut oil has low molecular weight, which makes it easy to penetrate hair shafts to reduce damage and dryness. 

Honey 

Honey is a natural humectant, which keeps moisture locked in inside the scalp and hair follicles.

Eggs 

They are high in nutrients and protein, including vitamins A and E, and biotin, an important nutrient that supports hair growth. 

Aloe Vera 

This plant is known for its anti-inflammation properties, which can soothe an irritated scalp.

Argan oil 

Argan oil is another moisturizing ingredient that can benefit the scalp and hair. Aside from vitamin E and fatty acids that condition your hair, it can protect your hair from damage caused by the sun, constant washing, and styling.

Why Use a Hair Mask?

Using a hair mask is an excellent way to give your hair a deep conditioning treatment. With it, you can infuse your hair with nutrients and moisture, which helps repair damage and keep your hair healthy. 

Take note that a hair mask is not going to be the total repair miracle that your hair will ever need. After all, your diet, stress levels, hair manipulation (e.g., hair brushing, braiding, extensions), coloring, and overall hair hygiene play a role on how your hair stays healthy. But a hair mask is one tool that deeply conditions and prevents excessive damage. 

Here are several benefits of using a hair mask:

• repairs damage
• revitalizes scalp
• infuses scalp and hair with nutrients
• helps reduce frizz
• helps give softer, shinier hair

There are many different hair masks available on the market, so finding one that suits your hair type is important.

How Often a Hair Mask Is Used

You can figure out how often you should use a hair mask depending on your hair type, level of damage you want to address, and your budget. Hair masks can be used once a week, twice a month, or once a month. 

If you have a trusted hair care specialist who can give you a hair mask treatment regularly, that would be the best option to maintain your hair’s volume and shine. 

Of course, you can also use a hair mask at home—just be sure to follow the instructions on the packet. Some formulas can be left overnight, while others should be washed after an hour or so.

What Type of Hair Mask to Buy

There are different hair mask options depending on what hair type you have. Here are the ingredients to consider if you are deciding on which one suits your mane:

Dry hair: Look for a hair mask that is rich in moisture. Ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, and hyaluronic acid can ease the dryness.

Damaged hair: If your hair is dull, full of split ends, and generally lackluster, look for damage-repairing ingredients such as keratin or argan oil.

Frizzy hair: Frizzy hair can benefit from ingredients that tame the volume. Some key things to look for are shea butter, bananas, and coconut oil. 

Oily hair: Ingredients like clay or charcoal control the overproduction of oil in the scalp. Also look for a hair mask that has aloe vera to maintain balanced hydration.

How to Use a Hair Mask

You can refer to the product’s instructions on how to use the hair mask. Generally, you’d want to start with clean, shampooed hair, which is free of debris. 

Apply the hair mask on damp hair, starting from near the scalp (or directly on the scalp if it’s specified), going down to the hair tips. 

It’s best to section the hair. Use a small brush to dab the formula on the hair and leave it on the hair for as long as advised on the packaging. 

Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water because your hair follicles won’t seal in the ingredients. Towel-dry your hair and you’re set to add more products, or style it as usual.  

Start Using a Hair Mask Today

Hair masks can benefit all types of hair, because it helps moisturize and restore scalp and follicle health. Check out our luxe hair mask options and see which one works for you.