Everybody longs for vibrant and healthy hair. Whether you wake up in the morning with your locks on point or you need to spend some time styling it; taking care of your hair probably takes up a significant part of your beauty regimen.
We’re sure your bathroom shelves are jam-packed with hair products. However, one such product is indispensable if you want your hair to look nourished and irresistible. You might have guessed already! It’s a hair mask!
You’ve probably used this product more times than you can remember, but are you sure you’re using it properly? Should you use a hair mask before or after shampoo? We’re here to clear your doubts.
What Is a Hair Mask?
Unfortunately, our hair suffers damage constantly. Whether it is the heat exposure, dying it too often, or the elements, sometimes it needs an extra push to heal and regain its former glory. Simply put, it needs a hair treatment. A hair mask acts like an intense conditioner that nourishes your hair from the inside, mitigating this damage.
Hair masks contain ingredients such as natural oils that hydrate and nourish the hair deeper than regular conditioners. This helps both damaged and healthy hair look appealing and healthy after regular and proper use.
How to Use Hair Masks Properly: 3 Tips
Here are 3 tips on how to properly use a hair mask for best results.
1. Using a Hair Mask After Shampoo
Unless it says otherwise on the package, this is the way to go. To get the best results after using a hair mask, your hair should be clean and damp. You want to have your hair cuticles open because the product should penetrate deep into the hair. This won’t happen if your hair is greasy and dry.
Shampoo removes the dirt buildup that prevents the mask from reaching the inside layers of your hair. This allows for the mask nutrients to seep into the hair and provide maximum hydration and nourishment.
2. Using a Hair Mask Before Shampoo
Some hair masks, though, work best when you use them before shampooing. These are the ones that are designed to deeply cleanse the hair and scalp. Over time, your hair and scalp accumulate impurities and product buildup. This reduces the effectiveness of other hair products you use, and it makes your hair look lifeless and thin.
That’s where the pre-shampoo treatment comes in. A pre-shampoo treatment is a hair mask that exfoliates your hair and scalp, removing all the buildup. This will make your hair bounce and shine, and it will help other products get absorbed more efficiently.
3. Using Conditioner After a Hair Mask
After shampooing, your hair cuticles open, making your hair more prone to absorbing conditioner or a hair mask. However, you want these cuticles closed after you’ve finished your hair routine. This is what both masks and conditioners do. But, should you use both?
Well, it depends on the type of your hair and the type of mask you are using. If your hair is dry, and you’ve previously applied a lightweight mask, you can go ahead and use a follow-up conditioner. However, if your hair is more on the greasy side, you might want to skip using conditioner afterward.
Incorporating a hair mask into your weekly hair routine will do wonders for your hair. That’s why it’s important you know how to use it to your advantage.