How To Use A Hair Mask + 4 Benefits Of Using It

The Definition Of A Hair Mask

A hair mask is a deep conditioning treatment designed to heal hair damage. It is made from a host of natural ingredients and lipids present in high concentrations. Each of these ingredients has its own properties and is picked based on your hair needs. 

You can use a hair mask as frequently as needed. For best results, we recommend using a hair mask at least once a week. 

While you can find these products at any drugstore, you can create your own mask at home that perfectly suits your requirements. Such a hair mask also offers certain benefits.

Benefits Of A Hair Mask

1. Does Not Weigh Your Hair Down

Hair masks contain several natural oils and other rich ingredients but are not heavy. These products are specially designed to condition your shaft without leaving any residue. A hair mask smoothens your hair and boosts its shine.  

2. Replenishes Dry Hair Strands

A hair mask can rehydrate your dry tresses. It gives your locks a healthy dose of moisture and acts as a conditioner. It also offers electrolytes, minerals, and vitamins to frizzy hair and seals hydration. 

3. Helps Maintain Hair Color

Hair color could be damaging. It can strip hair moisture and leave it feeling rough and dry. You can prevent this by applying a hair mask to color-treated hair at least once a week. This will allow your shafts to reabsorb the moisture and makes your hair look fresh and fabulous.

4. Repairs Hair

The nourishing ingredients of a hair mask offer your shaft the required nutrients to strengthen itself. 

The effectiveness of a hair mask is largely determined by the ingredients used to make it. Let us discuss these important ingredients in the next segment. 

What Ingredients Should You Include In Your Hair Mask?

1. Almond Oil

A hair mask should nourish the hair roots as well as the tips. Almond oil may help achieve this. It contains emollients (1). These could rejuvenate the scalp. Almond oil also has anti-inflammatory properties (1). The oil may help treat dandruff, dry scales, and other forms of scalp inflammation.  

2. Banana Seeds

Banana seeds contain various antioxidants (2). These fight against the effects of free radicals and may also slow down hair graying. However, the seeds are not recommended for those with latex allergies,

3. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is rich in proteins that can moisturize, strengthen, and replenish your hair shaft. It hydrates hair and protects the scalp by suppressing various inflammatory responses. It also enhances the scalp barrier function and protects the scalp from outside aggressors. It even may help treat scalp eczema or atopic dermatitis (3)

4. Yogurt

Many individuals have reported positive results after applying a hair mask made of yogurt. The proteins in yogurt may soften and strengthen hair. Yogurt may also fight dandruff. However, more research is warranted in this regard.

You may also include other ingredients like honey, lavender oil, sandalwood oil, olive oil, mayonnaise, jojoba oil, avocado oil, mango butter, keratin, shea butter, aloe vera, and argan oil in your hair mask. These ingredients also possess various moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties.  

Let us now understand how you can make a hair mask to treat different hair issues.

How Do You Make A Hair Mask For Damaged Hair?

Opt for ingredients rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. These protect your hair against free radicals, strengthen your hair strands, and boost hair shine.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of honey 
• 1 tablespoon of almond oil 
• 1 egg
• Half an avocado 

How To Make

1. Mash the avocado with a fork.
2. Add the egg to it and whisk together.
3. Mix in the honey and almond oil.

1. Apply liberally to your hair.
2. Leave it on for 30 minutes and wash with water.

How Do You Make A Hair Mask For Dry, Dandruff-Laden Hair?

While one does not cause the other, people often experience dry hair and an onslaught of dandruff together. A hydrating hair mask will moisturize your hair shafts and exfoliate your scalp, helping eliminate dandruff.

You Will Need

• 4 tablespoons of raw sugar 
• 1 egg 
• 1 tablespoon of honey 
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar 

How To Make 

1. Add the honey, apple cider vinegar, and egg to a bowl. Mix well.
2. Gently stir in the raw sugar until it is dispersed throughout the liquid. Ensure the sugar does not dissolve in the concoction.
3. Leave aside for 30 minutes and apply liberally to the scalp and hair.
4. Leave it on for another 30 minutes and wash with regular water.

You can double or triple the amount of the ingredients to match your hair length. The sugar and vinegar help exfoliate the scalp and get rid of sweat and sebum buildup. Massage the mask into the scalp for 5 minutes for the exfoliating action to take place.

How Do You Make A Hair Mask To Treat Thinning Hair?

Healthy fats and proteins are vital for hair growth and thickness. This mask contains ingredients rich in such nutrients.

You Will Need 

• Half an avocado 
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil 
• ½ a teaspoon of honey 

How To Make

1. Mash the avocado in a bowl and keep it aside.
2. Beat the egg in another bowl.
3. Add the coconut oil and honey to the beaten egg.
4. Add the liquid to the mashed avocado and mix until combined.
5. Apply liberally to your hair and scalp.
6. Leave it on for 30 minutes and wash with regular water.

This mask will give your thin and limp hair the fullness that it needs by giving it a protein coat.

These hair masks target specific issues and help treat them. While the ingredients used in a hair mask are key, you also must know the right method of application.

How Do You Apply A Hair Mask To Your Hair Strands?

1. Start by washing and shampooing your hair with lukewarm water.
2. Squeeze the water out of your hair and gently pat it with a towel to remove the excess moisture.
3. Divide your damp hair into four sections and secure each section in place with a clip.
4. Apply the hair mask to the first section. Start at the tips and work your way up to the roots and the scalp.
5. Repeat this step for the remaining three sections.
6. Let the mask process on your strands for 15 to 20 minutes.
7. Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water and condition it.

To ensure the best results, keep the following pointers in mind.  

Points To Keep In Mind When Using A Hair Mask

• Wash your hair with warm water before applying a hair mask. Warm water will open the cuticles and allows them to absorb the moisture from the hair mask.
• Rinse out your mask with cold water. This will close the hair cuticles and seal in the moisture.
• Do not aggressively rub your hair with a towel, as it may cause static and further damage your strands.
• For optimum results, pick or create a hair mask that specifically suits your hair type and needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you leave a hair mask on too long?

Leaving a hair mask on for too long does not have any added benefits. Therefore, it is safer to leave it on your hair only for the recommended duration.

Can I use a hair mask as a leave-in conditioner?

Using a hair mask as a leave-in conditioner may not yield any benefits. Consult a dermatologist before doing so.

Can I use a hair mask daily?

Using a hair mask daily is not recommended. You may use it once a week to reap its benefits.

Sources

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Annie Jangam

Annie Jangam is a researcher-turned-content writer. She enjoys dissecting complex clinical studies and shuffling through the scientific jargon to make... more