If like me, you’re obsessed with super glossy healthy-looking locks then you need to make sure you are including a mask into your weekly routine. Trust me, if your hair is feeling tired and it’s lacking luster, adding a leave-in conditioner or hair mask into your routine is life-changing. Similar to face masks, hair masks nourish, heal and protect your hair enabling it to truly look its best!
I’ve put together some tips on how to use a hair mask the right way and when to apply alongside some of my tried and tested favourites!
So, what are the benefits of a hair mask?
Hair masks are much stronger than shampoo and conditioner alone and even after one use, you can see a noticeable difference! Many masks are rich in vitamins such as B and E which strengthen hair cells and help to repair dry, damaged skin on your scalp, smooths split ends, and maintain hair growth. If you struggle with frizzy or curly hair like myself, hair masking will become your absolute go too!
How to use a hair mask
Applying a mask is quick and easy to do and shouldn’t add too much extra time to your hair care routine! For longer hair ensure you have some clips to hand as it is best to section your hair when applying your mask. Follow the steps below on how to use a hair mask properly…
Step 1 – Wash
Ensuring you’re working with clean hair is an absolute must. Washing your hair helps to remove excess dirt and oils allowing the mask to work its hardest! If you have already washed your hair the day before you can also add a mask to dry hair, which is what I do sometimes especially if my hair is feeling in need of some hydration.
Step 2 – Application
Always start at the roots and gradually work the mask into your hair. If it’s easier, section off your hair with clips and work through the sections ensuring you work the mask from root to tip. If you struggle with dandruff or a dry scalp, massage the mask right into the scalp. Then comb through your hair with either your fingers or a fine comb.
Step 3 – Wrap it up
I always use a shower cap or a towel to wrap my hair up which helps to lock in the heat which will help with the absorption process. Always check the instructions on your mask for how long to leave it in for but to be honest, the longer you leave it in the better! Sometimes I sleep with mine in or I will busy myself with something else and leave it on as long as possible before rinsing.
Step 4 – Rinse
Once you’re ready ensure to rinse your mask off thoroughly. If you can bear it, use cold water as this helps to seal your hair’s protective outer layer! If you can’t cope with the cold water, use warm, just make sure the water isn’t too hot! Once you have rinsed off all of the masks, dry and style as normal!
How often should you use a hair mask?
This really depends on your own hair type and the condition of your hair. Ideally, you should use it every time you wash your hair but once a week is also okay! Alternating a hydrating product with a leave-in treatment will give you the hair of your dreams in no time!
Some of my favourite hair masks and treatments
ECOOKING Hair Mask – £21
Fast-acting, effective, and moisturising this is the ideal mask to give dry and damaged hair that extra boost it needs. With pro-vitamin B5 it strengthens the hair follicles and improves hair elasticity. It also does the job of both a conditioner and mask, so perfect for those of us who love a versatile product! It also contains aloe vera helping to nourish the hair and scalp.
MONAT Damage Repair Bond Support Masque – £48
A lusciously creamy and deeply conditioning reparative masque that softens strands by 90% while replenishing overworked tresses and instantly bonds hair fibers to replenish, repair, and strengthen hair. The Monat product not makes your hair feel lucius and thick, but it also smells absolutly amazing.
Olaplex No 3 hair perfector – £26
This is an ideal mask if your hair is dry and damaged, expensive but worth every penny! The components strengthen damaged bonds and help to restore shine and texture. This is ideal to use before shampooing.
Use code LFTFDAWN for discount
Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask – £25.45
Super rich and creamy this is the perfect deep-conditioning mask formulated for medium to thick dry hair. Not only does it hydrate and condition it also works to improve the hair’s texture, elasticity and boosts the shine!
Use code LFTFDAWN for more discount.
Freshly Cosmetics Nourish and restore – £18
Silicon-free this nourishing restore hair mask uses the best natural ingredients to nourish, repair, and protect your hair fibre. Including ingredients such as organic argan, macadamia, rosehip, and avocado oils it works to deeply hydrate your hair. It’s suitable for sensitive skin, all hair types and can be applied 2-3 times a week, so great for those who wash their hair more frequently. It also smells absolutely insane!!
K18 Leave-in molecular repair hair mask – £55.00
Clinically proven to reverse hair damage. A vegan, cruelty-free and colour-safe leave-in treatment for all hair types that clinically reverses damage in 4 minutes. The patented peptide technology works to repair damage from bleach, coluor, chemical services & heat – restoring strength, softness, smoothness, and bounce to hair.
Loreal Paris Elvive Dream lengths Long hair mask – £5.99
Super budget friendly hair mask that works to smooth the appearance of long hair. It also works to make split ends less noticeable and deeply moisturize and strengthen your hair. I actually love the whole range including their styling products so if you’re working to a budget definitely check out this range.
Loreal Series Professional Colour mask – £12.60
Designed for colour-treated hair it works to gently eliminate impurities and protect against colour fading. I absolutely love the Loreal Series professional range, a little more expensive than the budget Loreal range but really worth it. Use this mask once a week to promote brighter and more radiant-looking hair.
Use code LFTFDAWN for more discount.
Beauty Editor at The Daily Struggle. Beauty and makeup loving Liverpool girl with a tendency to over share and over spend. Dawn writes everything from skincare reviews to the latest makeup looks.