How Do I Use A Hair Mask?

There's an art to using hair masks - unfortunately, many people are at a loss concerning how to use them correctly. To ensure that you're getting the most out of your hair mask, you should follow a few specific steps. Luckily, the steps are straightforward. In this article, we will give you step-by-step instructions on how to use a hair mask.

How to Apply a Hair Mask Step-By-Step

Let's cut right to the chase. Here are the steps you need to follow to get the best results out of your hair mask: 

Prep your Hair

Before you reach for your hair mask, we recommend preparing your hair for the conditioning process. Start with freshly washed hair - for best results, use a deep cleansing shampoo to remove any excess buildup or oils and prime the hair for the hair mask. Do not condition your hair with your regular rinse-out conditioner, as it is unnecessary and can interfere with the absorption of the hair mask. 

After washing your hair, gently dry it. Do this gently by patting your hair with a cotton T-shirt or microfiber towel. Now your hair is ready for the deep-conditioning process! 

Apply Your Hair Mask

Now that your hair has been prepped, it’s time to apply your hair mask. Dispense some of the mask into your hand and begin to apply it to your damp hair. If your hair is super thick or long, you can separate it into sections to make things easier. Make sure that your hair is completely saturated in the hair mask.

If you have oily or fine hair, apply the mask a couple of inches away from your scalp. Doing so will reduce the risk of oily roots, buildup, or weighed-down strands. 

Comb It Through

After applying the mask, comb through your hair gently with a wide-toothed comb. This step is crucial because it helps to distribute the hair mask evenly. 

Put on a Shower Cap and Wait

Put on a plastic processing cap and wait for the amount of time specified on the hair mask packaging. Usually, the instructions will say to leave the hair mask on for 5 to 10 minutes without heat and 30 minutes with heat.  

If you are using a hair mask you made yourself, a general guideline for how long to leave it in is about 10 to 15 minutes. If you want to leave it on longer than that, feel free to do so.

To maximize the absorption of your hair mask, use a blow dryer to add some heat to your hair during the processing time. Be sure not to set the heat on the hairdryer too high. Otherwise, you could end up with heat damage.

Rinse the Hair Mask Out

Now that the hair mask is done processing, hop in the shower and rinse it all out. You're all done! Proceed to style your hair as desired. 

With the information in this article, you’re ready to use your hair mask the right way so you can reap all of the benefits that hair masks are known for!

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.