Hair mask is a hair hydration product that promotes hair fiber regeneration and reconstruction of the entire hair.
The continuous use of a hair mask is a strong ally for the hair to promote hair hydration. Either way: beautiful, hydrated hair never goes out of style. In fact, in addition to making you more beautiful, clean, silky hair attracts everyone’s attention and promotes well-being.
In short, hydration masks contain ingredients that treat hair literally from the inside out. In other words, it aims to maintain moisture (water) in the hair, thus preventing dry hair, split ends and frizz. As a result, it becomes softer and shinier.
In principle, hydration masks are recommended for those people who leave their hair exposed for a long time to the sun, straighteners, dryers, chemical procedures, among others that severely damage the entire hair structure.
However, for a better result, you need to choose the right product for your hair, among the countless options on the market.
If what you want is to leave your hair healthy, beautiful and hydrated, keep reading this content and you will understand hair masks and how to use them in the best way!
Everything you need to know about hair mask
First of all, it is important to understand the main aspects of hair masks to be able to choose the best product for your hair.
What actually is a hair mask?
A hair mask is a cosmetic for hair whose main functions are hydration and protection, acting on the cortex of the hair (the innermost part of it).
After using shampoo and conditioner, apply the mask to damp hair and let it act for at least 3 minutes. Remember not to go over the roots. After washing, you will have healthy, nourished and stunning hair.
What is the hair mask made of?
Generally, a hair mask contains water, moisturizing compounds, vegetable proteins and solidifying agents so that it can have the consistency it has.
However, there are some components that help treat hair, called humectants (oils, butters, etc.), namely:
- Argan Oil — Deeply moisturizes the hair, as it is rich in vitamins, fatty acids and minerals;
- Honey — Has antimicrobial power, vitamins, minerals and antioxidant agents;
- Green tea — This component is rich in minerals, vitamins, amino acids, folic acid, vitamin B and has antioxidant power;
- Coconut oil — Very powerful moisturizing agent with several nutrients, deeply hydrating the hair;
- Coconut water — Just like coconut oil, it has several components, including vitamin C, omega 3 and antioxidant properties;
- Shea butter — Essential minerals, acids, moisturizer and oils;
- Avocado oil — Rich in vitamin E, Lecithin, potassium, fatty acids and chlorophyll, avocado oil brings a lot of shine and strength to your hair.
Advantages and disadvantages of using a hair mask
Your strands are exposed every day to the most varied situations, causing them to absorb multiple external agents that cause various damages to your hair. Therefore, the masks are rich in repairing, moisturizing and regenerative agents that work to nourish the hair.
First of all, after using the hair mask, the strength of each strand is remarkable. In addition to extra strength, an intense shine takes over the hair, with a smooth and silky texture.
In the same way that the hair mask hydrates, it also protects, for example, against the effects of sunlight.
Despite numerous advantages, the hair mask also has some disadvantages, for example, it can leave the hair oily if used too much and it is also possible for an allergic reaction to occur, as hair and masks are super sensitive.
What is the functionality of the mask on hair?
Like other products, the hair mask promotes hydration of the hair. On the other hand, it also helps in the regeneration of hair fiber and the reconstruction of the entire hair. However, it can also bring other benefits, depending on the type of mask you choose for your hair, also respecting your hair type.
While it has become so important among women’s hair products, brands are moving in the same direction and providing affordable products for the population. The cost-benefit is found in large pots that hold 1kg of products.
Difference between hair mask and conditioner
While conditioners bring shine to the hair, leaving it softer, the hair mask rebuilds the strands, providing a deeper and more complete treatment.
How to apply a hair mask?
First of all, it is worth remembering that masks are used for treatment. Therefore, it cannot be applied every time you wash, it is recommended that you use it twice a week, or according to your hair schedule. If you don’t know what one is, click here and make yours now!
First, wash your hair with shampoo and then remove all the water from your hair so you can move on to the next step. Once this is done, apply the hair mask with your hands evenly along the length of the hair, avoiding contact with the scalp (unless the mask is designed to care for the scalp).
While the product penetrates your hair, use a brush or comb to untangle any unruly parts.
Leave it to act on your hair according to what the product requires, normally between 3 and 15 minutes. We recommend putting on a thermal cap to enhance hydration.
Once this is done, rinse your hair in a way that removes all the product from your hair.
The ideal type of hair mask for each hair type
For dry and damaged hair
Oils, butters and antioxidants rich in nutritive repair agents, nourishing and protecting the hair.
For dyed hair
This type of mask contains active agents that promote color durability.
For fine and fragile hair
While they nourish and hydrate the hair, they also strengthen the strands, reducing frizz.
For thick hair
These masks deeply hydrate the strands and combat frizz.
For curly hair
These define the curls, giving shine and the most beautiful shape to the strands.
For oily hair
Masks that regulate excess sebum on the scalp.
For straight hair
They contain straightening components in their compositions, leaving hair lighter and silkier.
3 mistakes you can’t make when putting mask on your hair
1. Do not apply the mask to your scalp
As mentioned above, like any other cream, it is not good to apply it to the scalp, unless the mask is suitable for that purpose. Putting hydration products directly on the roots can help with dandruff and increase oiliness.
2. Pick up the product with your hands
Using your fingers to pick up the product directly from the jar can cause the cream to lose its effectiveness. It turns out that our hands have bacteria and fungi that can spread throughout the pot and contaminate your cream. The ideal is to use a spoon or spatula for application.
3. Failing to massage the hair during application
Simply applying the product to your hair does not guarantee absorption into the hair. It is necessary to massage strand by strand for a good result.
Did you like this content? So you will learn even more with this one: Hair growth – 10 tips to strengthen it and make it grow faster.
Source: Drogaria Santo Remédio, Cosmetics Catalog, Guide 55.
Featured image: Woman
Images: Women’s Area, Jack Cosméticos, Uol Viva Bem, Tua Saúde, Tua Saúde, Vix, Beleza e Saúde, Things de Preta and Pinterest.
