Can a Hair Mask Fix Damaged Hair?

Hair masks are among the most frequently recommended remedies for hair problems. They are widely praised for making hair smoother, shinier, and easier to manage. And in addition to those benefits, they are also touted as a viable hair damage remedy. But can they really fix damaged hair? That’s what we’ll explore in this article. Let’s get right into it! 

Hair Masks Can Fix Some Hair Damage

Hair masks have some real benefits for damaged hair, but they are very targeted. Though some may think that they’re a cure-all for every type of hair damage, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Hair masks that contain protein can repair early hair damage, like weakness or brittleness. They can also remedy dryness by injecting your hair with moisture or sealing existing moisture within the hair shaft.

However, other hair problems, like severe split ends, widespread breakage, or hair loss, will need more than just a hair mask every so often. In these cases, you might need any of the following:

  • A haircut to get rid of split ends.

  • A scalp treatment or hair loss medication to treat hair loss.

  • A change in your hair styling routine to stave off breakage.

And the list goes on and on – hair masks cannot fix everything.

How to Use Hair Masks for Mild to Moderate Hair Damage

How you’ll use a hair mask depends on the specific hair mask you’re thinking about using. But, in most cases, you’ll be instructed to do the following:

  1. Wash your hair with your regular shampoo or a clarifying shampoo (if you have a lot of product buildup).

  2. Towel dry your hair until it’s no longer dripping.

  3. Part your hair into 2 to 4 sections. Two sections will be sufficient for type 1 and type 2 hair. Four sections work best for type 3 and type 4 hair.

  4. Smooth the hair mask onto your hair, focusing mainly on the ends, which are the most fragile. If you have trouble with root volume, don’t apply the hair mask to your roots.

  5. Wait for at least 5 minutes. Some hair masks can be left on for an hour or more – check your label to be sure.

  6. Rinse the mask out. Use lukewarm to cold water to rinse the hair mask out of your hair. Be sure not to leave any of the hair mask behind. Sometimes, you’ll need to shampoo after rinsing, depending on the ingredients in the mask. For instance, an onion-based hair mask will require a shampoo session afterward.

When to Reach Out for Professional Help

Reaching out for professional help is not always necessary in the case of hair damage. There are several things you can do at home to remedy hair damage or hair loss. In addition to using a hair mask every week or two, they include:

  • Increasing your hair’s moisture levels with moisturizers and leave-in conditioner.

  • Doing a deep scalp cleanse to unclog your follicles.

  • Staying away from heat-styling tools and tight braids to give your hair a break.

  • Incorporating a sealing oil for high-porosity hair (jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, castor oil).

  • Using a penetrating oil for low-porosity hair (coconut oil, olive oil, argan oil).

So, there you have it – hair masks can improve hair damage. But severe hair damage will probably need a multi-pronged remedy, where hair masks are just a part of your efforts. We hope that you found all the information you were looking for, and we wish you the best with your hair!

 

Author: Andrea Reyes

Andrea is a mother, wife, writer, and natural hair enthusiast of 15 years. Currently on her natural hair journey, she’s been trying countless products and techniques to understand and embrace her natural hair. She is the creator of NaturallyTextured.com, a new website featuring informative articles that share tips, tricks, and techniques aimed to help others learn to love their hair through proper hair care. She writes with the hope of making hair care easier to understand and implement.