How to Use a Hair Mask the Right Way

One of our favorite, holy grail hair care products? Hair masks, of course. Seemingly magical, it's as if hair masks have the ability to transform your mane, whether you’re using one to boost your hair color or repair damaged locks. And while you may be familiar with this sworn-by hair product, there’s still a chance you’re not completely versed on how to use one properly. Don’t you want your hair to reap all the benefits? Well, no need to fret, because below we’re answering all your hair mask questions with a step-by-step tutorial on how to use a hair mask—the right way. Read on!

WHAT DOES A HAIR MASK DO FOR YOUR HAIR?

Before we dive into how to use a hair mask, let’s talk a bit about the benefits of using a hair mask in the first place. Like we mentioned, hair masks have different formulas that provide different benefits, just as there are different shampoos, conditioners, and hair treatments to help your specific hair concerns. When looking for your hair mask match, consider what your hair could use a little more of. Moisture? There’s a hair mask for that. Shine? There’s also a hair mask for that! If you need some product recs, consider one of the following hair masks, based on your mane’s needs.

If you have color-treated hair…try the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Repair and Protect Balm, an intensive post-color repair hair treatment that smooths and protects hair color.

If you have dull hair…try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair Remedy Balm, which restores strength and brilliance strand by strand for stronger, shinier hair.

If you have dry hair…try the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Curls Re-Nourish Mask, which hydrates curly hair to reveal bouncy, defined, lustrous curls.

If you have fragile hair…try the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm, a rinse-out hair mask that repairs up to one year of damage, repairing split ends and weakness among other concerns.

If you have brassy hair…try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Shade Reviving Treatment, a salon quality color refreshing mask for blonde, colored hair that instantly neutralizes unwanted brassiness while intensely nourishing over-processed hair.

If you have damaged hair…try the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair Extreme Emergency Recovery Mask, which has a luxurious formula that conditions and instantly penetrates into the fibers, reinforcing and deeply renewing broken fibers of damaged hair for a healthy-looking mane.

HOW TO USE A HAIR MASK

Ready to put one of the above to use? Here’s what to do!

STEP #1: WASH YOUR HAIR

Do you use a hair mask before or after shampooing? After! Think of a hair mask as an intensive conditioner alternative. So, start by applying your favorite shampoo, working it into a lather, then rinsing.

STEP #2: APPLY YOUR HAIR MASK

It’s time to grab your hair mask. You may be wondering, “Do you apply a hair mask to wet or dry hair?” Well, the answer is all dependent on the hair mask you’re using. While some hair masks can be applied to dry hair, typically, you’ll want to apply your mask to wet strands, as your hair can better take in the benefits when wet. Either way, it’s always a good idea to follow the directions on the packaging of your products.

STEP #3: LET IT SIT

Next up: Wait it out! Leave your mask on for the amount of time specified. Some hair masks can be left on overnight in a similar fashion to a leave-in conditioner. Just follow the directions!

STEP #4: RINSE IT OUT

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 a few times a week to show your strands some extra love!

Next up: Get the 4-1-1 on how to use another popular hair care product in our article, How to Use Leave-in Conditioner: A Step-by-Step Guide.