From the heat of a flat iron to the icy winds of winter, our hair endures abuse that often leaves it dry, brittle, or lifeless. Hair masks are the perfect solution to add bounce and health to hair, but which mask should you use, how often, and for how long? Are DIY masks as good as store-bought products? And how can you be sure a mask won’t leave your hair greasy or weighed down?

Hair masks are not a new phenomenon or a fad. As far back as ancient Egypt, women used coconut and olive oil to deeply condition and nourish their hair. Of course today we have a host of options to choose from, but the basics of good hair care have not changed for hundreds of years. What woman doesn’t want to have hair with body and shine.

It is important to note, however, that hair masks are not “one size fits all”—the more you know, the more successful yours will be.

To make the most of this restorative and nourishing treatment, we created a list of our top fifteen hair mask tips. If you are looking for a hair care line that will work in concert with whatever method of hair mask you choose we recommend HAIRFINITY Strengthening Amino Masque treatment. Whether you want to repair damage or boost growth, knowing how to choose the right mask and how to use hair mask properly will make all the difference.

 

 

1) CHOOSE THE RIGHT MASK FOR YOUR HAIR TYPE.

While all hair types will benefit from extra moisturizing, you should be certain that the mask you choose is right for your hair type. Here are a few suggestions for multiple hair types.

Colored hair: Deep moisturizing is needed to preserve color and maintain a healthy glow. Concentrate on the ends of the hair, which dry out most quickly. If you do not have a mask specifically for color-treated hair, a dry hair mask will also work well.

Fine hair: Thin or fine hair can easily be weighed down and end up limp but that doesn’t mean it can’t benefit from extra hydration, especially if it’s dry or frizzy. Focus the hair mask on the mid-lengths and ends of the hair and don’t leave the mask on for more than two or three minutes.

Frizzy or dry hair: Keratin based masks offer the most long-lasting moisture for these hair types. Leave the mask on for at least ten minutes for ideal penetration.

Curly hair: Curly hair has a reputation as one of the most difficult hair types to manage. Masks with avocado, coconut, or argan oil can help to tame and smooth wild curls.

Oily hair: Clay’s absorbent properties make it the best choice to keep greasy or oily hair voluminous and shiny.

 

2) A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY.

More product does not equal more benefits. To avoid greasy hair, make sure to stick to the amount specified in the mask instructions or in the DIY recipe. Sometimes this may only be a few tablespoons and those with short or fine hair may need even less than suggested.

3) USE A HAIR MASK ONCE A WEEK.

Whether you notice signs of dryness and damage or not, many factors negatively affect your hair’s health every day. Stress, diet, changes in weather, airplane travel, air-conditioning, styling products, medications, and hormonal fluctuations can all rob your hair of precious moisture and nutrients. A weekly mask is one of your best defenses against these subtle attacks on your hair.

4) APPLY OIL-BASED MASKS ON DRY HAIR FOR MAXIMUM EFFECT.

Since water repels oil, you will get the most benefits from an oil-based mask if it is applied to dry hair. This method will take a bit longer (at least 20 minutes), but the results will be worth it. In contrast, water-based masks should be applied to wet hair. In both cases, hair should be washed first using a gentle shampoo.

5) DIY HAIR MASKS CAN SAVE YOU MONEY.

Good haircare doesn’t have to be expensive. There are tons of DIY hair mask recipes for every type of hair or hair problem, and many of the ingredients may already be in your fridge or cupboards. Bananas, eggs, avocados, honey, coconut and olive oil are just some of the natural ingredients that can benefit your tresses. (Note that when using eggs always rinse with cool water to avoid “cooking” the egg in your hair.) Because hair lengths and thicknesses vary, you may need to adjust the amounts of the ingredients to find a recipe that’s perfect for you but, once you do, you’ll have an easy and affordable hair mask right in your own kitchen.

 

6) FOCUS ON THE ENDS OF YOUR HAIR.

Whether using a hair mask or simply conditioning regularly, the ends of your hair are the most delicate and brittle and so require the most attention. Weekly use of a hair mask, with a focus on the ends of your hair, will help to keep moisture in and prevent breakage. And while nothing can repair split ends, there are some steps you can take between weekly treatments to minimize their occurrence. Using a wide-toothed comb on wet hair and regularly trimming your hair are two easy steps to protect your fragile hair ends and keep your hair growing strong.

7) READ THE DIRECTIONS.

If you choose a store-bought hair mask, take some time to read the label and directions before you buy or apply. Though the product may be advertised as a mask, it may actually be a daily deep conditioner. Do you have the time to spend deep-conditioning your hair every day? As well, some masks only need to stay on a few minutes while others require thirty minutes or more to go to work. Consider your schedule and choose the mask that works best with your lifestyle.

8) CRANK UP THE HEAT.

Heat speeds up chemical reactions and helps products bond to the cuticles of your hair. Many ingredients in conditioners also become more liquid with heating. This may improve their ability to diffuse through the cuticle. There are a few options to supercharge your hair mask treatment using heat.

Hot towel: Once the mask is on, put on a plastic shower cap and ensure all hair is tucked inside. Next, wrap your head in a hot towel and leave on for the duration of the treatment.

Heat the mask: Depending on the ingredients you use, you can heat the hair mask before it is applied. This works well with oil-based masks, but you should use a hot water bath to heat the product instead of the microwave.

Blow-dry: You can use your blow-dryer to heat up the mask once it’s applied. It’s best to move the heat evenly across your head and not to allow the hair to get too hot.

Heated cap: There are a few products on the market that are, essentially, heated shower caps. These are designed to be heated in the microwave before placing them on your head. Always read the instructions before use and do not overheat.

9) SHAMPOO AND CONDITION YOUR HAIR AFTER YOU ARE FINISHED.

It is always recommended that you shampoo and condition your hair normally after every hair mask. This ensures that all of the product is removed and that your hair is left silky and smooth. Shampooing is particularly important with oil-based masks such as olive oil or coconut oil, which can leave your hair greasy if not removed. And, of course, remember to rinse any egg masks with cool water to avoid “cooking” the egg. Always follow up your mask treatment with a shampoo and conditioner that will be gentle on your hair and help your hair maintain moisture and shine. Try a gentle hair care line such as HAIRFINITY Haircare with an aloe vera-based formula and no harsh ingredients.

10) SLEEP IN YOUR HAIR MASK.

If you’re pressed for time or if you want to boost the effectiveness of your hair mask, leave it in overnight. To prevent a mess or to keep the product from drying out, wrap hair in a plastic shower cap or plastic wrap. After you’ve wrapped your hair, you can cover your head with a winter cap (toque), or wrap it in a towel, or cover your pillow with a towel, just to make sure there’s no mess in the morning. Your body heat, combined with the extended time the product is left on, enhances the mask. Rinse out the mask in the morning, then shampoo and condition as you normally would. Enjoy waking up to luxuriously soft hair.

11) BENEFITS IN THREE MINUTES OR LESS.

Not all hair masks require a lot of time. If you’re in a hurry but still want to reap the benefits of healthy hair, there are masks that do the job in two or three minutes. Apply the mask in the shower and then let it sit on your hair while you shave—talk about multitasking! Look for a fast-acting product or recipe if you want to squeeze great looking (and feeling) hair into your busy routine.

12) COMB THE MASK THROUGH YOUR HAIR.

Pick up a wide-toothed comb before you apply your hair mask. (Always use a wide-toothed comb only for combing wet hair). Once the mask is applied, comb your hair thoroughly to make sure the mask coats every strand, and then let it sit.

13) AVOCADO HELPS THICKEN YOUR HAIR.

Avocado is a powerhouse of vitamins A, D, E and B6, it’s also high in proteins, amino acids, magnesium, folic acid, copper and iron. The oils in avocados are one of the few that can penetrate the cuticle and actually moisturize hair. With all these powerful nutrients, avocado masks are a very good choice for not only thicker but also healthy longer hair. Make sure to choose soft, ripe avocados they’re easier to mash—if ripe avocados are not easily available—you can also find recipes that call for avocado oil.

14) HAIR MASKS CAN HELP FIGHT DANDRUFF.

Regular use of a hair mask with natural oils or other healing ingredients is an excellent way to moisturize the scalp and prevent dryness and dandruff. Look for dandruff treatment hair masks with healing ingredients such as oatmeal, lemon, yogurt, hibiscus, honey, and banana.

15) USE A MASK BEFORE AND AFTER COLORING TO PREVENT FADING.

To prepare and protect your hair, you should start using a mask at least two weeks before you plan to have your hair colored. After coloring, you will want to retain as much moisture as possible. A weekly hair mask can help keep your color vibrant and lustrous. You should also use a color-safe, sulfate-free shampoo and a quality conditioner.

If you’ve spent the time and money to have your hair professionally colored, make sure you use a hair mask weekly to protect your investment!

It’s never too late for strong, beautiful hair. There is a mask out there for everyone, no matter if your hair is baby fine, loaded with curls, chemically treated, brittle and dry, or weighed down by oil. You don’t need to spend a lot of time or money to enjoy smooth, healthy locks, they can range from a reparative treatment to a quick pick-me-up. You can find a hair mask to fit your schedule and budget. Your ideal hair mask treatment may be waiting in your kitchen right now! For more tips and tricks on how to keep your hair looking its absolute best visit hairfinity.com.

Hairfinity is transforming the hair of women all over the world with a unique blend of vitamins, nutrients, and our exclusive Capilsana™ Complex. Hairfinity customers have reported improved manageability and overall appearance. Order Hairfinity Hair Vitamins today.