6 Hair Masks You Need To Incorporate Into Your Hair Care Regimen

Consistently dealing with damaged, dry or dehydrated hair? No, no it’s not because mercury is in retrograde, you just need a good haircare routine. And we get it it’s like whatever you do, how much ever you try, dry and brittle hair makes it feel like an in vain attempt to make it all appear alright. And sometimes your regular conditioner is just not enough to give your mane the moisture and nourishment it seriously needs. Here’s exactly where the use of a hair mask steps in. Acting as the superhero here, a hair mask can restore your hair to its softest and shiniest self.

Well, obviously to get the most out of your hair mask product, knowing how to use it and how to choose the one for you is of the utmost importance. Different hair masks have different instructions for example, overnight masks are used differently from rinse-out ones. If you’re looking to give your hair some extra love but aren’t sure where to start, fret not! We’ll break down how to apply a hair mask and answer common questions like how often you should use one. Plus, we’ll share some of our top picks for hair masks. Keep reading to get all the tea you need to amp up your haircare game!

What Is A Hair Mask?

Hair masks are literally like a supercharged conditioner meant to give your hair some extra love. Generally applied after you are done with the shampoo step of hairwashing, a hair mask helps you tackle issues that a regular conditioner might miss, like damage, dryness, or dullness.

So, how’s a hair mask different from a regular conditioner? Well, a hair mask is just an intense version of a conditioner. It’s packed with condensed ingredients and needs to stay on your hair a bit longer. Hair masks are also more dense than conditioners and are usually used once a week instead of every day.

How To Apply Hair Mask Correctly

Here’s a step-by-step on masking your hair accurately, to get the best results from this haircare step:

Cleanse Your Hair

You know just how you start your skincare once you've made sure your skin is clean; similarly, your hair must be properly cleaned before you mask it up. Once that's out of the way, check the instructions on your hair mask jar/tube to know how long you can keep it on your hair. Because it is usually basic, it is always worth following the recommendations of the manufacturer.

Apply On Damp Hair

Your hair should be damp post-shampooing. Section your hair into two to four parts depending on how thick it is. Apply to hair lengths only, avoiding the scalp if not instructed otherwise. Place more emphasis on coating the ends since that's the most damaged part of your hair.

Set A Timer

Most hair masks are designed to be left on anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes, so set a timer to keep track. Also, if using a mask that can be used on both the hair and scalp, make sure to apply it to your roots, too, but use a light layer in order not to clog pores.

Do Not Multitask

As boring as it might get, sitting in the shower and waiting for the mask to work its magic, but that is how it is most effectively done. If you have problems like back acne, don't wash the rest of the body at this time, since leftovers from the mask can provoke your acne.

Rinse Thoroughly

When it is time, rinse off the mask with cold water. Cold water helps to reduce frizz, as it also helps to keep hair smooth. Be cautious with the product in your hair; rinse well so that your hair has no speck of the hair mask left. This will result in your hair being soft and clean.

How To Match Your Hair Type With The Ideal Hair Mask

Finding the perfect hair mask has everything to do with what your hair needs. If you have coloured hair, then find one that will hydrate your colour to make it really pop. If you have fine hair, then opt for lightweight versions that are prepared for your hair type. If you have thick hair, you're going to want something that can help with frizz and dryness. Curly hair loves a mask that amplifies shine and bounce. And if the colour and chemical treatment have really overdosed your hair, then choose a mask for repairing the damage.

The Benefits Of Using A Hair Mask

From softening hair to adding shine, to the health of your hair, the hair mask is literally a life saviour for your hair. Here are a few more reasons why a hair mask deserves a spot in your haircare routine:

1. Intense Hydration: Hair masks include various nourishing ingredients such as oils, butter, and proteins that deeply penetrate the hair pores, thus providing great moisturisation. This helps combat dryness and frizz, leaving your hair softer and smoother.
2. Hair Strengthening: Many hair masks will contain amino acids and proteins that strengthen the structure of the hair, making it less prone to breakage and, hence stronger. This is quite helpful for people who have damaged or are suffering from post-coloured hair impairment.
3. Adds Lustre: Regular use of hair masks can enhance your hair's natural shine by smoothing the cuticle layer. There are ingredients within certain hair masks, like avocado and mayonnaise, that give an extra boost in shine by locking in the moisture within the hair and adding an extra coating layer.
4. Improves Elasticity: Hydrated and well-nourished hair is more elastic, and tends not to break easily. It is very important to keep healthy, long hair.
5. Repairs Damage: Hair masks are quite efficient and work well in treating damage caused by heat styling, chemical treatments, and environmental elements. They rebuild and strengthen your hair from within.
6. Scalp Health: A few masks aim to solve scalp issues by maintaining the pH level, reducing dandruff and promoting a healthier scalp environment, which is important for healthy hair.Adding a hair mask to your haircare routine might just be what you need to improve the look and feel of your hair, thus making it worth including in your hair care.

Tips & Tricks For Using Hair Mask

1. Tame Your Frizz

With so many hair masks out there, it can be tricky to pick the right one. For the best results, choose a hair mask that matches your hair type and concerns along with strengthening moisturising and reviving your hair back to life.

Well, the biggest hair concern for most of us is generally frizz, not to mention how humidity can wreak havoc on our hair, making it frizzy and unmanageable. For the girlies whose biggest hair nemesis is frizz, we got you. We recommend going for The Indalo Macadamia Nuts Anti-Frizz Hair Mask. It makes for a great choice to tame frizz and split ends. Enriched with macadamia nuts and hibiscus, it nourishes your scalp and hair, bringing life back to dry, damaged strands. This mask is packed with vitamins and fatty acids, ensuring your hair stays smooth and healthy all season long.

2. Exfoliate Your Scalp

Constantly putting your hair under the stress of heat styling, hairspray, several gels and serums? Well, your scalp definitely deserves a deep cleanse. While conditioning the ends of your hair is crucial, don't forget your scalp needs some love too. A healthy detox for your scalp starts with an exfoliating scrub.

Going for Thriveco AHA BHA PHA Exfoliating Scalp Scrub can prove to be your scalp’s BFF as it is made from a blend of gentle exfoliants. Formulated to clear and rejuvenate your scalp, this scrub is enriched with AHA, BHA and PHA while it also prevents flaky, itchy and dry scalp. It also gently exfoliates and removes dry skin along with reducing excess oil production from the scalp thus, promoting healthy hair growth.

3. Overnight Hair Mask Has Our Heart

Beauty sleep is as important for your hair as it is for your skin. And sleeping with a hair mask is literally like going to doze off with dry and dull hair and magically wake up with a silky shiny mane. Particularly when you have curly hair, you really do want this dream to come true and therefore, for our curly girlies, we have a special overnight hair mask you desperately need to incorporate into your routines. The Revolution Haircare Restore My Curls Overnight Mask cares, protects and restores your curls. Promising maximum hydration and nourishing your hair, this mask gently conditions your hair without weighing it down.

4. Weekly Requirement

Healthy hair can easily get into a damaged state due to seasonal changes. Specially, during the monsoons, your hair is in an extremely sensitive stage and needs extra care. The moisture in the air can lead to infections, hair fall, and dryness. To keep your hair protected, healthy, and fresh, using a hair mask every week is definitely a good start. A perfect treat for self-pampering every week, the WOW Skin Science Red Onion Black Seed Oil Hair Mask is a blend of natural ingredients that works magic for your hair. Onion extracts contribute to a reduction in breakage, which in turn supports hair growth. Fatty acid-rich Black Seed Oil builds a protective barrier and improves hair texture. Well, if you want a recommendation, go for this: WOW Skin Science Red Onion and Black Seed Hair Mask.

5. A Best Seller

Looking for a smooth, frizz-free hair day? Try Love Beauty & Planet's Argan Oil & Lavender Hair Mask! It tames frizz and leaves your hair silky smooth, thanks to Moroccan argan oil and a calming French lavender scent. Infused with organic coconut oil, this mask nourishes and hydrates your hair without any harmful ingredients—no parabens, phthalates, or dyes. Plus, it's vegan and safe for colour-treated hair! The eco-friendly jar is made from 100% recycled plastic. For the best results, pair it with Love Beauty & Planet's Argan Oil & Lavender Shampoo! Healthy hair and good vibes all around!

6. Intense Repair

Give your hair some serious TLC with the L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Absolut Repair mask. Infused with Gold Quinoa and Wheat Protein, this nourishing mask works wonders to repair and hydrate your hair. It strengthens and softens each strand, leaving your hair feeling silky smooth and deeply moisturized. Time to treat your tresses to the ultimate hair repair boost!

Conclusion

Too much heat styling, colouring your hair, bad weather, and pollution take a toll on your hair, resulting in frizz and dullness. Dry hair causes the cuticle to absorb moisture from the air, swelling each strand and frizzing it up. That’s when the hair masks can be a big help. Depending upon your hair type, your hair needs and the ingredients in your hair mask, these masks can help your hair achieve its silky, shiny and strongest self. So, stop doubting and incorporate this stage into your hair care routine now!

FAQ

1. How often should I use hair mask?

   How often you use a hair mask really depends on your hair type and what it needs. Generally, aiming for once a week is a good rule of thumb. Using it more often than that may actually make it less effective and could even weigh your hair down.

2. Common mistakes to avoid while purchasing hair mask.

   To protect your hair, skip the masks with harsh chemicals. Instead, go for ones with natural ingredients that are free of sulfates and parabens.

3. Can I use hair mask on coloured hair?

   The chemicals in hair dye can take away your hair's natural oils, so proper aftercare is really important. If you skip it, your hair might end up feeling rough, stretchy, and lifeless. Using hair masks can bring back the moisture, leaving your hair soft, shiny, and well-hydrated.

4. Should I apply hair mask before or after shampooing?

   It's actually important to apply hair masks on wet hair right after shampooing. Washing your hair first gets rid of impurities and buildup that could block the mask from fully absorbing into your strands.