On your head: how to apply a hair mask

A hair mask can transform curls – smooth, moisturize, protect, add shine. The main condition is to apply it correctly. How to do this, we will tell you right now.

How to use a hair mask: how to use

How many, when buying cosmetics, read the instructions for it? Of course not. “Well, why, the right word, this is not some kind of technical device. Squeezed out, applied, waited until it was absorbed, washed off … “That’s right, but details are important to obtain the optimal result. Where to apply, what movements, how long to hold… Our experts tell you how to use a hair mask correctly.

But first, let’s decide which mask suits you? Our test will help you find out.

How often to use

“The quality and appearance of hair can deteriorate for a variety of reasons,” says dermatocosmetologist, trichologist Maria Nevskaya. The same shine and styling products increase the sensitivity of the strands. But if you apply a mask 1-2 times a week, that is, intensively nourish and moisturize the strands, then you can preserve the beauty and healthy appearance of your hair for a long time.

How to determine how many times (1 or 2 per week) to use a hair mask? Maria says it depends on how often you wash your hair – daily or once every couple of days, and advises you to follow this scheme: after each shampooing, use a balm or conditioner, and apply a mask every third time before applying the balm.

Where and how to apply

There is no consensus among experts on this matter. For example, expert-creator Garnier Evgeny Sedoy believes that it is more correct to apply the mask on very wet hair: “So it will be more evenly distributed over the curls, and the water will serve as a “conductor” that will deliver the active substances to their destination.”

Maria Nevskaya convinced that the mask should be applied to slightly damp hair: “Water and care should not compete for space in the cuticle. Otherwise, the curls will not absorb a sufficient amount of active substances and they will simply remain on the surface.

In her opinion, the best way to apply a mask is this:

  • wash curls with shampoo;

  • squeeze and pat dry with a towel;

  • apply a mask;

  • leave it for the time specified in the instructions;

  • rinse with water.

Where to apply the hair mask (along the length or also on the roots and scalp) is better to “coordinate” with the instructions on the package. Keep in mind that some masks (oil or night) are applied to dry hair before shampooing – carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you apply a mask 1-2 times a week, you can preserve the beauty and healthy appearance of your hair for a long time.

How much to keep

Usually this is also written on the packaging.
  • Oil masks use on dry hair and hold up to 10-15 minutes (home masks – 30-60 minutes at all).

  • Toning (those that care for dyed hair and allow you to slightly adjust the color) are applied exclusively with gloves – on wet hair wrung out with a towel from two to ten minutes.

  • Fabric (charming hats with a useful composition) are used immediately after washing on wet hair. How long to keep a hair mask depends on the specific product. Usually – from two to ten minutes.

  • Night masks rubbed before going to bed at the ends of the strands and, as the name implies, left overnight. However, there are night remedies that are used along the entire length of the hair and even rubbed into the scalp. How to apply a night hair mask, it is better to read on the package.

What extra care does your hair need? Find out by taking this quiz.

Is it possible to apply a mask on dry hair

In our opinion, it is better if the hair is slightly damp. However, it all depends on the purpose of a particular product. For example, oil formulations in combination with water will not work to their fullest, they are best applied to dry hair. And yes, the hair must be clean, otherwise the active ingredients will not be able to get to the cuticle due to pollution.

Do I need to wash off the hair mask with shampoo

How and with what to wash off the hair mask depends on what type of mask you are using.

  • Masks, which we usually apply after shampoo, are washed off with water.

  • Oil masks – with shampoo, like any other of those that are intended to be applied to dry hair before shampooing. Moreover, after the oil mask, most likely, you will have to wash your hair twice, once may not be enough.

  • Toning – only with water, otherwise there will be no tinting effect.

  • Night, especially if they are intended for the ends of the hair, as a rule, do not rinse at all, unless otherwise indicated on the package.

In general, it is better to clarify the method of application in the instructions that come with the tool – this is how you use the product’s capabilities to the maximum.

Review of hair masks

We at Healthy-Food have compiled our own rating of likes – these masks do an excellent job of nourishing and restoring, moisturizing and smoothing hair. Try them and tell us about your impressions in the comments!

Rescue mask for long damaged hair with keratin Elseve “Dream Length”, L’Oréal Paris

This tool will quickly help the hair, restore their strength and silkiness. Thanks to vitamin B5, keratin and castor oil in the composition, it restores curls along the entire length, making them soft and smooth.

Elseve Steam Mask, Intensive Repair for Long Damaged Hair with Keratin and Castor Oil, L’Oréal Paris

To restore shine and elasticity to the hair, an active effect is required. Here is the best way to use a hair mask: first apply a balm with vegetable keratin and castor oil to the curls, and then put on a warming cap, which, due to the thermal effect, will enhance the effect of the balm. For everything about everything 10 minutes – and now the hair looks stronger, smoother and shiny.

Elseve Color Expert Mask for Colored or Highlighted Hair, L’Oréal Paris

Anyone who constantly practices coloring or highlighting, this mask is a must. It nourishes and protects curls from aggressive environmental factors, gives hair shine, and color – brightness.

Revitalizing mask for very damaged and split ends Botanic Therapy “Royal Jelly and Propolis”, Garnier

In addition to royal jelly and propolis, the mask contains honey and glycerin. Active ingredients add softness, smoothness and shine to hair, reduce damage and help locks look healthy and shiny.

Mask against hair loss “Castor oil and almonds” Botanic Therapy, Garnier

Its main components – castor oil and almonds – literally bring hair back to life. The mask strengthens the structure of curls, makes them more durable and elastic, adds shine.

Mask of intensive action for hair “Growth in full force” Fructis, Garnier

The task of this mask is to strengthen and nourish the hair, and it does an excellent job of it. The composition includes saving ceramides and apple extract, which together contribute to the restoration of the hair structure, have a nourishing and moisturizing effect.

Mask for thin hair Superfood “Watermelon. Volume, Garnier

It can be used as a mask, as a balm, and as a leave-in hair care. But we at Healthy-Food like this tool more as a mask. In 3 minutes, it gives the hair exactly as many nutrients as it needs to make it look denser, livelier, well-groomed.

Mask for damaged hair Fructis Superfood “Papaya. Recovery, Garnier

Thanks to papaya and amla extracts, sunflower, soybean and coconut oils, as well as glycerin, this mask perfectly nourishes and moisturizes the hair, making it soft and supple.

Express mask with the Prokeratin complex Dercos Kera-Solutions, Vichy

Fills hair microdamages, contributing to their restoration along the entire length. The complex “Prokeratin” contains proteins and coconut oil. In addition, the mask is enriched with vitamin B5. Curls become moisturized, less brittle, more elastic and shiny.

Summary results

Let’s repeat the main thing.

How often to use a hair mask?

Optimal – 1-2 times a week. Dermatocosmetologist, trichologist Maria Nevskaya advises to apply a mask during every third shampoo.

Where to apply the mask – on the hair and / or on the scalp? How often to use a hair mask?

Unlike shampoo, the mask can be evenly distributed over the entire length of the hair – but it is better to check the instructions on the package.

Can it be used on dry hair?

This technique is applicable to masks that are intended to be applied to the hair before washing. Most often, masks are applied to freshly washed hair. However, in our opinion, the strands should not be very wet, they should be wrung out and blotted with a towel.

How long does the mask last on the hair?

It all depends on the mask. Home remedies – 30-60 minutes, oil masks – 10-15 minutes, tinting and fabric – 2-10 minutes, nightly – all night. The most reliable way not to make a mistake in this matter is to read the instructions on the package.

Do I need to wash off the hair mask with shampoo?

Again, depends on the type of mask. Home and oil masks must be washed off with shampoo, the rest with water.

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