We all know hair masks are good for our hair but most of us have no clue how to properly use them. Do we do them once a week or twice–and what kind should we be using? These are the kinds of questions we're constantly having about them. Believe it or not, there isn't one hard rule or way to use a hair mask. It really all depends on your hair type. So I had a chat with Moroccanoil Global Ambassador Kevin Hughes who gave me some tips on how to hair mask the right way.
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First off: You need to hair mask.
“A hair mask is very important for keeping locks healthy and shiny, because without added hydration the hair can appear dry and dull,” says Hughes.
How often you do it depends on your hair texture.
“In general a mask should be applied once a week–more often if hair is thick or coarse,” says Hughes.
You should be using a specific mask.
Not all masks are for all hair types. “Even if you have finer hair, you should be using a mask to repair dry ends from chemical treatments,” says Hughes. This is especially the case for women who color treat their hair.
If you have fine hair.
Try a light-weight formula, like Moroccanoil Weightless Hydrating Mask ($35). Leave it on for five minutes before rinsing out.
If you have thin AND damaged hair.
There’s this misconception that fine, thin hair can’t get dry. Enough over-processing and heat styling could dyhydate hair, leaving it dry and weak. Look for a treatment that’s going to moisturize, nourish, and repair strands without weighing it down. I love Kerastase Nutritive Masquintense Fine ($63).
If you have thick hair.
You want to go for a treatment that's going to deeply condition hair and fight against long-lasting dryness. Try Kerastase Nutritive Masquintense Thick ($63).
If you have curly or coily hair.
Look for an oil-based treatment that’s going to hydrate curls and boost definition, like SheaMoisture Intensive Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Masque ($13).
If you have dry or chemically treated hair.
You want to look for a treatment that doesn’t just restore hair but that’s made with reparative proteins, like SheaMoisture Resilent Growth Protein Masque ($13).
You need to mask properly.
“First shampoo your hair, rinse it really well, wring out the excess moisture, and towel-dry,” says Hughes. “Apply a generous amount of the mask from mid-length to ends, then up to the roots.” How long you leave it on depends on the treatment. Make sure to check the directions for suggested time.
