The Best Hair Masks For Damaged Hair
Conditioners are great for keeping your hair soft and tangle-free. But most people don’t realize there is something better than conditioners when hair becomes a too dry or damaged to be managed by conditioners. Hair masks are the special ops of conditioners—they’re ready and able to take on the toughest cases of hair damage. Here is everything you need to know about choosing and using hair masks for damaged hair.
Why Use a Hair Mask Instead Of, Say, Simple Castor Oil?
A DIY hair mask like castor oil may seem like a good natural option for a hair treatment mask, but unless you’re a bit of a chemist, it can be messy, and a bit hit or miss. On the other hand, selecting a hair mask that has been formulated and tested by hair chemistry pros removes the variables. Just read the instructions and follow the directions for the correct application amount, technique, timing and removal protocol. No fuss, no muss—just softer, rejuvenated hair!
How Do Hair Masks Repair Damaged Hair?
Hair masks contain higher concentrations of specific, reparative ingredients, like vitamins, oils or natural-origin ingredients. What’s more, they’re thicker in consistency than regular conditioners, so they adhere more easily to the hair, giving them time to penetrate more deeply into the hair surface and filling in the gaps and nicks that develop in the surfaces of damaged hair. That means that even after rinsing, enough of the “good stuff” remains to keep on treating your hair.
6 Tips for Hair Mask Mastery
To make the most of your hair mask, here are some tips:
1. Choose the right formula for your hair type. A mask for color-treated hair will coddle your hue and prolong the life and vibrancy of your hair color or highlights, for example. If your hair is fine, you want to be sure you’re using a product that won’t weigh your hair down. Or, be sure to choose a formula that is rich enough if your hair is thick and coarse.
2. Use masks regularly. Lots of people purchase a hair mask, use it once or twice and then forget about it. Regular use—say once or twice a week—will maintain your hair health, so be sure your mask stays in your regular hair care rotation.
3. Don’t skimp on processing time. Let the mask do its job by leaving it on for the full, recommended processing time—usually anywhere from two to 20 minutes. You really can’t overdo it—the longer you let the hair mask penetrate, the softer your hair will be when you rinse it out.
4. Comb the mask through your hair. Even distribution is critical, so after applying your mask, comb your hair with a wide-tooth comb to be sure it’s working from roots to tips.
5. Add heat. Heat—whether from a dryer, the sun or the heat of your body when you wrap your head in a towel—will enhance a mask’s effectiveness.
6. Start at the bottom. The ends of your hair are older, and therefore much drier than the fresh growth on top. So, concentrate your mask application on the tips, where your hair tends to be the most damaged. This will also help avoid creating greasiness on your scalp if you happen to have oilier hair.
There’s a Hair Mask For Everyone—Here Are 5 To Choose From
If you need a quick fix—Total Results Miracle Creator 60 Second Hair Mask
We know we said masks need time to penetrate your damaged hair deeply, but the reality is, you don’t always have time for a lengthy hair treatment. This single-application pack will heal your hair on the double—in just 60 seconds! That’s because it’s packed with concentrated ingredients that instantly add nourishment and moisture to any hair that’s in dire need of recovery!
If your hair is color-treated—
Not only does colored hair require extra moisture and TLC, but also it can also benefit from ingredients that maintain hair color depth, tone and shine. Use this formula several times a week, and let it process for three-to-five minutes. It promises to cradle each strand with 360 degrees of nourishment, and leave hair silky, shiny and vibrant.
If your hair is super coarse or unmanageable—
Sometimes coarse hair needs a little extra. This rich hair mask formula does the trick—it’s designed to bathe hair in shea, cupuacu and murumuru butters, plus rich coconut oil, while you sleep. Apply it to damp hair before bed, then twist, braid or wrap depending on your desired end look. When the sun comes up, untwist and leave it in, or rinse it out and style.
If you prefer natural-origin ingredients—
The last thing stressed-out, sensitized hair needs is a lot of artificial chemicals. This hair mask gets the job done gently and naturally, with natural-origin ingredients like honeycomb and kaolin clay to deeply condition and rebuild strength. It’s free of silicones, parabens and artificial colorants, so it’s as good for the planet as it is for your damaged hair.
If your hair is madly thirsty—
Even healthy hair can get dry at certain times of the year, and a mask is the best way to replenish your hair’s moisture. This perennial best-selling hair mask, inspired by the moisture retention properties of the aloe plant, gives thirsty strands a boost of moisture to restore shine and suppleness and maintain moisture balance. It’s ideal for controlling winter static and flyaway hairs!
