One for all: balm-mask for hair

The balm-mask for hair is useful to everyone – you must admit, it is very convenient when instead of two bottles you can buy one, without impoverishing hair care at all. Let’s talk about what it is and how to use it.

Balm and hair mask: what’s the difference?

It just seems that the balm and mask are interchangeable products. Yes, they are applied to clean, wet hair after you have rinsed out the shampoo, both products soften the strands and make combing easier afterwards. However, these tools have different functions.

Let’s figure out what is the difference between a balm and a hair mask.

  • The balm is used every time after shampooing to close the cuticle scales and thereby prevent dryness and stiffness of the hair. The formula is usually enriched with moisturizing and softening ingredients, but they only work on the surface. The composition is kept on the hair for literally 1-2 minutes – and washed off.

  • A hair mask, unlike a balm, is an intensive care product that is saturated with nourishing, structural and regenerating components. It is applied 1-2 times a week and aged on the hair longer than a balm, sometimes up to 20 minutes (depending on the specific product).

It turns out that the question of which is better – a balm or a hair mask, is not entirely correct, since these products have different purposes and a different principle of action. Both are essential for proper hair care. However, if you find yourself in a situation where you need to choose one thing – a mask or a balm, you should still give preference to the balm, since it simply needs to be used after each shampoo, this is the main care product. The mask is an addition, albeit a very important one.

However, there is such a hybrid product as a balm-mask. We’ll talk about him.

But first, we offer you to answer the questions of our test and find out what ingredients your hair needs.

What is a balm-mask for hair?

Knowing the difference between a mask and a hair balm, it is easy to guess what a mask balm is. This is a two-in-one tool that combines the properties of both products, that is:

  • closes the cuticle, the scales of which lift the cleansing components of the shampoo;

  • contains restoring and nourishing components for intensive hair care – proteins, amino acids, oils, hydrating agents;

  • produced for hair of different types with the appropriate composition and purpose;

  • It is used both as a conditioner and as an intensive care.

How to choose a balm-mask for hair?

Balm-mask is chosen according to the type and condition of the hair. Usually the manufacturer indicates the main properties of the product, its distinctive features and what kind of hair it is addressed to:

  • moisturizing – universal, suitable for normal as well as thin hair, usually contains hydrating agents and light oils;

  • nourishing – addressed to dry, coarse hair, has a rich oily composition;

  • restoring – necessary for damaged, porous, brittle, and also prone to hair loss; its composition, saturated with oils, may also include proteins;

  • for colored hair – intensively moisturizes, contains plant extracts and oils that help preserve the brightness of the color.

The best balms-masks for hair

We at Healthy-Food are very respectful of mask balms and present their best, in our opinion, samples.

Hair mask Fructis, Superfood “Macadamia. Smoothing” for dry and unruly hair, Garnier

This tool is excellent both as a balm and as a mask: it softens and detangles the hair in minutes, and if you hold it longer, the strands become like silk. Try it if your hair lacks discipline and shine – natural oils of macadamia, almond, jojoba will do the trick. And no silicone!

Conditioner for shine and transformation of dull and lifeless hair Dercos Nutrients Vitamin, Vichy

The formula with acai berries and aloe vera gives hair not only softness, but also a mirror shine. It does not contain any silicones or parabens and is applied in just one minute!

Mask 3-in-1 for hair volume Fructis SuperFood “Watermelon”, Garnier

Fine hair will definitely benefit from this product – it helps them gain volume, become bouncy and at the same time hydrated without weighing them down.

Hair mask 3-in-1 Fructis Superfood “Papaya. Recovery, Garnier

If your hair is regularly exposed to chemical and thermal treatments, you should pay attention to this formula with extracts of papaya, amla and coconut oil – the product will soften, nourish and moisturize hair during each application.

Mask for hair in need of moisture and softness, Fructis Superfood “Aloe. Hydration, Garnier

Due to the aloe in the composition, this mask perfectly moisturizes the strands without weighing them down, especially if you leave it on your hair for at least 3 minutes.

Mask for very dry hair Fructis Superfood “Banana. Nutrition, Garnier

If your hair is thirsty and is about to turn into straw, they just need this banana cocktail with oils of olive, sunflower, shea and coconut, which quickly brings strands to life.

Express mask with a complex of prokeratin, reconstructing the surface of the hair, Vichy

Formula with coconut oil, prokeratin and vitamin B5 is a good choice for those whose hair is in urgent need of nutrition, restoration, hydration.

How to use a balm-mask for hair?

  1. Wash your hair with a shampoo selected according to the type of scalp.

  2. Apply a balm-mask along the entire length of the hair, stepping back a little from the roots.

  3. Distribute evenly through hair.

  4. Hold the composition for 30-60 seconds if using it as a balm.

  5. Leave on hair for 3-5 minutes as a mask.

  6. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

The exposure time of the product as a mask may vary, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Summary results

Are balms and masks the same thing?

Balm and mask are different products, balm is basic care, and mask is additional. One is used after every hair wash, the other once a week. 

Can the balm be used as a mask and vice versa?

It is possible, but only if we are talking about such a tool as a balm-mask. 

How to choose a balm-mask?

Focus on information from the manufacturer of cosmetics, but first adequately assess the condition of your hair. 

How to use a balm-mask?

There are two ways to use the balm-mask, keeping it on the hair for a minute or longer. 

Leave a Reply