What do hair masks do?
When your hair looks dull, feels dry or is not as smooth and shiny as you’d like it to be, a hair mask is the best remedy. This intensive conditioner is designed to nourish and moisturize hair and repair damage. Hair masks are available for a range of hair types and needs.
You can buy ready-to-use hair masks or make them yourself at home. Whichever option you choose, you’ll need to choose the right mask for your hair.
Who needs hair masks?
Hair masks are most beneficial for people with dry or damaged hair. They are moisture-rich and can sink into the follicle to nourish hair damaged by heat or hair dye. Other people prefer to use these products preventively to keep their hair smooth and shiny. Unless your hair is greasy, you can use a hair mask.
Hair mask benefits
Hair masks have multiple positive effects on your hair. They include:
Hair masks leave your hair softer and shiner
Using hair masks can moisturize dry hair
Some hair masks can mask the appearance of split ends and reduce breakage
Your hair may be stronger and your scalp healthier after using a hair mask
By moisturizing hair, masks can reduce frizz and stray hairs
How to use a hair mask
Hair masks are straightforward to use but require more time than you’d usually spend washing your hair. Start by shampooing your hair as usual. This removes dirt and grease that might get in the way of the mask, thoroughly soaking into the shaft of the hair. Shampooing also opens up the hair cuticles so the mask can penetrate better.
Then, squeeze your hair after rinsing out the shampoo, but don’t dry it. Now apply the mask to your hair, making sure to comb it into the strands with your fingers so you don’t miss any sections. If your hair is often limp or you want extra volume, avoid the roots, starting around midway down the length of the hair.
Wait around 20-30 minutes for the hair mask to work its magic. If your hair is dried, you can leave your hair mask on overnight. You may want to use a hair tie to put your hair up and out of the way while you wait. After the designated amount of time, rinse out the mask and dry your hair as usual.
Moisturizing hair mask ingredients
If you want to make your hair mask, there are a few nourishing ingredients you should include. You can also look out for these ingredients in store-bought hair masks.
Olive oil
Olive oil is an excellent natural moisturizer and is excellent for homemade masks as it’s readily available in practically any grocery store. In fact, you probably already have some in your kitchen. It contains squalene, also naturally produced by our bodies to moisturize our skin and hair, so it’s great for hair masks.
Avocado oil
While any oil can help moisturize hair, avocado oil is rich in nutrients like folic acid, iron and magnesium, which can help boost your hair health.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a favorite among people who make their hair masks and other beauty products since it’s solid or semisolid at room temperature, making it less messy to work with. It’s also one of the best oils for penetrating the hair shaft due to its low molecular weight.
Shea butter
Fat extracted from the shea nut tree — also known as shea butter — is another common ingredient in hair masks due to its excellent moisturizing properties. Like coconut oil, it’s solid at room temperature and easy to handle.
Aloe vera
Anti-inflammatory aloe vera is a quality hair mask ingredient for anyone with a dry or itchy scalp. It’s easy to find aloe vera gel to add to homemade hair masks.
Banana
Bananas contain silica, which helps make hair softer and shinier. It’s rarely found in commercial hair masks, but it’s easy to mash or blend into a homemade hair mask.
The best hair masks
Pureology Hydrate Superfood Treatment Hair Mask
This mask is designed to hydrate and soften hair and contains a range of moisturizing ingredients, including avocado oil and coconut oil. It’s a good choice for dry, color-treated hair.
Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino and Avocado Hair Mask for Curly Hair
Made for people with curly hair, this mask nourishes, hydrates and improves curl definition.
Coco & Eve Like a Virgin Hair Masque
Its impressive moisturizing properties make this mask excellent for anyone struggling with dry hair. It helps treat split ends and smooth any unwanted frizziness.
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