What Are Hair Masks Supposed to Do?
Hair masks are one of the most misunderstood hair product types of all. If you’ve been hearing about hair masks but don’t know exactly what they’re supposed to do, you’re not alone. But if you want healthy, thriving hair, you need to know about your hair product options and which ones might be a good fit for your hair regimen. In this article, we’ll tell you exactly what hair masks are supposed to do so you can decide whether you need to add a hair mask to your hair product rotation.
What is a Hair Mask?
For those who don’t know, a hair mask is sort of like a conditioner, but it’s much more potent and beneficial to the hair. It’s ultra-nourishing and contains hair-loving ingredients that can tackle some of the most difficult hair issues. Most of them contain some combination of moisturizers, proteins, minerals, and vitamins.
You can purchase commercially produced hair masks that you’ll use straight out of the jar. Alternatively, you could go with a DIY hair mask that you mix up at home using ingredients tailored to your unique hair type and issues. Think ingredients like oils, bananas, honey, and shea butter.
What Hair Masks Are Supposed to Do
Now that you have a general understanding of what hair masks are, let’s get into what hair masks are supposed to do.
Condition your hair.
When you think of conditioning, you probably think of a rinse-out conditioner. It helps to replenish the moisture your hair loses after a shampooing session.
Hair masks contain a high concentration of hair-loving ingredients (vitamins, minerals, etc.) that nourish the hair on a much deeper level than conditioner does. And when you put on a processing cap or add heat as your hair mask sits on your hair, you enhance the absorption of the mask and maximize its conditioning benefits.
Repair the hair.
Hair masks are heavy-duty hair treatments that can repair damage incurred through wear and tear from the environment, repeated styling, heat treatments, and more. The ones that are most likely to have this effect contain protein, the essential building block of hair.
With your hair in better structural shape, your chances of retaining length increase exponentially.
Remedy dryness.
If you deal with hair dryness on a regular basis, then you know how difficult it can be to remedy. Due to their hydrating ingredients, hair masks can quickly increase your hair’s moisture levels. After just one hair mask treatment, you may notice that your hair is softer to the touch and easier to manage.
As a result, you’ll have less frizz and split ends, and your mane will be much shinier and better looking overall.
Soothe an irritated scalp.
Though not every hair mask is designed to be used on the scalp, there are hair masks out there that contain ingredients that reduce scalp irritation and even improve your dandruff symptoms. Hair masks designed to be used for this purpose contain scalp-purifying and nourishing ingredients like fenugreek, apple cider vinegar, and aloe vera.
Not All Hair Masks are Created Equal
It’s important to know that not all hair masks are created equal. Some will be better for your hair than others, and every head of hair is different. So, you may need to try multiple to find the right pre-made hair mask or hair mask recipe for you.
So, there you have it - hair masks can do a whole lot for your hair. That’s why so many people have made them a part of their hair care product stash. We hope that you found all the information you were looking for in this article, 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.