all hair types How To Use A Hair Mask For The Best Results

If you’re dealing with severely damaged, dry or dehydrated hair, your regular conditioner might not be enough to give your hair the moisture and nourishment it needs. That’s where you may want to consider adding a hair mask to your regular regimen. 

While you may be familiar with hair masks 一 perhaps you even have one in you hair care routine 一 there’s still a chance you’re not completely versed on how to use a hair mask properly to reap the full benefits of it. So, we’re answering common hair mask questions, plus sharing a step-by-step tutorial on how to apply a hair mask — the right way.  

How Is A Hair Mask Different From A Conditioner? 

Just as face masks work to nourish and hydrate your skin, hair masks can do the same for your strands. While conditioner is meant to hydrate the hair too, hair masks usually contain higher concentrations of potent ingredients and are left on the hair longer for a deep treatment. 

Hair masks can also be used for different purposes besides hydration. They come in clay formulas which work to control oil, purple formulas to address brass, and more.  

Should You Apply A Hair Mask On Wet Or Dry Hair? 

The simple answer is that you should generally apply hair masks to damp or wet hair. Damp hair is clean and porous, meaning that it’s at the best state to absorb the nutrients of the mask. 

However, if you’re using an oil-based mask, like a coconut oil formula, you can apply it to dry hair. Water and oil repel, so an oil-based mask likely won’t penetrate the hair shaft if your strands are wet. Ultimately, it’s best to follow the directions on the mask you choose.  

Should You Use A Hair Mask Before Or After Shampooing? 

Again, this depends on the type of hair mask you’re using and the directions included on the product. But more often than not, shampooing prior to applying a hair mask is best 一 you’ll want clean, porous hair so that the mask can best penetrate the hair and scalp.  

How To Correctly Apply A Hair Mask 

Follow this  step-by guide on how to apply a hair mask to give your locks the love they need.

1. Assess Your Hair’s Needs First 

The whole point of using a hair mask is to address a hair concern you’re dealing with, so make sure you choose your mask based on those needs. If your strands are dry and full of split ends and breakage, choose a hydrating and repairing mask like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm Rinse-Out Mask. It’s formulated with almond oil and a repairing protein concentrate to nourish and repair the hair. 

If you’re noticing brassy tones in your hair and need a concentrated anti-brass treatment, the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Anti Brass Purple Mask Treatment is for you. 

If you’re dealing with dry hair, damaged hair or color-treated hair, opt for the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Signature Masque, Color Care Hair Mask to restore hydration and smoothness and enhance shine while protecting your color.

2. Give Your Hair A Deep Clean 

Before washing your hair, consult the directions on the hair mask to ensure you’re meant to shampoo prior to applying the mask. If you’re using any of the masks we mentioned above, start by thoroughly shampooing your hair. A common hair mask mistake is applying a mask on dirty or oily strands. To avoid this, it’s a good idea to double cleanse to be sure your hair is squeaky clean.  

3. Saturate Your Strands 

To be sure that you get the best results from your hair mask, make sure that you’re evenly coating your hair and applying enough product. It’s also important not to apply the mask on soaking wet hair as too much water will dilute the mask. Ring out your hair and then apply it.  

4. Let The Hair Mask Sit For The Allotted Time

Unlike conditioner, which only needs to be left in for a couple of minutes, some hair masks require that you let them sit in your hair from five to twenty minutes and perhaps even longer. Be sure to follow the instructions on the mask — don’t remix the process.

You don’t want to leave a hair mask on too briefly because it might not work to its full potential. You also don’t want to leave one on for too long. If you’ve ever wondered if you can leave a hair mask on for too long the answer is yes. Overdoing it can lead to hair that looks greasy and limp — no thanks. 

5. Rinse With Lukewarm Water

Unless your hair mask packaging states otherwise, you’ll want to rinse out the formula with lukewarm water after the allotted amount of time, just as you would with conditioner. Allow your hair to dry and repeat the process when your hair is in need of some special treatment. 

Next: Are Bond Strengthening Products Right For Your Hair?

Edited by: Alyssa Kaplan, Photo Credit: Jasmine Burnside