Everything You Need to Know About Using a Hair Mask

What is a hair mask? 

You’ve probably heard of, or perhaps tried, a face mask. Just as a face mask works to nourish and hydrate your skin, a hair mask works in a similar way to boost the condition and health of your hair. Hair masks may also be referred to as deep conditioning treatments or intensive hair conditioners. What makes them different to instant conditioners is that the ingredients are usually more concentrated, and the mask is left on your hair for longer — anywhere from 20 minutes to several hours.

Many types of hair masks can be made at home from ingredients you may already have in your kitchen, like bananas, honey, or even egg yolk. Or, if you don’t want to fuss with making one yourself, there are many types of pre-made hair masks you can buy at the store.

What are the benefits of a hair mask? 

There are many benefits to using a hair mask, and the advantages vary depending on the ingredients and your hair type. Generally speaking, the benefits of using a hair mask include:

• shinier, softer hair
• added moisture
• reduced hair breakage and damage
• less frizz
• a healthier scalp
• stronger hair
• less environmental and product damage

What ingredients work well in a hair mask? 

Hair masks run the gamut when it comes to ingredients that can give your hair some TLC. The ingredients that may work best for you will depend on your hair type and the condition of your hair and scalp.

Here are some of the most popular ingredients to look for in a store-bought mask or to experiment with when making your own:

• Bananas. If you want to reduce frizz, bananas are a good ingredient to include in a hair mask. The silica in bananas may also help make your hair softer and shinier. According to a 2011 study, bananas also have antimicrobial properties. This may help reduce dryness and dandruff.
• Eggs. The nutrients in egg yolks, including vitamins A and E, biotin, and folate, may help promote hair growth, while the protein in egg whites may help strengthen your hair.
• Avocado oil. The minerals in avocado oil, such as folic acid, iron, and magnesium, may help seal the hair cuticle. This can help make your hair more resistant to damage and breakage.
• Honey. Honey is considered a humectant, which means it can help your hair pull in and retain more moisture. It can also stimulate the growth of skin cells, which may help promote stronger hair follicles.
• Coconut oil. Due to its low molecular weight, coconut oil can penetrate the hair shaft for deep conditioning. This can help reduce dryness and frizz. Research from 2015 has also shown that coconut oil can reduce protein loss when used on the hair.
• Olive oil. Want intense moisture? Olive oil contains squalene, which is produced naturally by the body but declines as we age. Squalene is essential for moisturized hair and skin.
• Aloe vera. If you want to calm and soothe your scalp, consider a hair mask with aloe vera, which has anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains vitamins C, E, and B-12, folic acid, and choline, which may help strengthen and nourish your hair.

Hair masks can help moisturize and nourish your hair. They’re especially beneficial for dry, damaged, or frizzy hair. Some hair masks may even improve the health of your scalp and boost the strength of your hair. Unlike instant conditioners that only stay on your hair for a few minutes, hair masks remain on your hair for at least 20 minutes. Some masks can stay on your hair for several hours, depending on your hair type and the ingredients. Source