What is a hair mask? Benefits, tips and more.

A hair mask is a treatment that deeply conditions the hair. Depending on its formula and focus, it can help repair and moisturize the hair, taming frizz and enhancing shine. A hair mask is not the same thing as a conditioner. It’s thicker in texture, generally more hydrating, and not necessarily used after every shampoo.

A hair mask is generally applied to damp (but not soaking wet) hair, and left in for a certain amount of time, based on the specific product instructions, and then rinse. Some hair masks get left in for a couple of minutes, while some are overnight hair masks. If conditioning is part of your routine, condition after rinsing out the mask.

How often to apply

This depends on your hair, but thinking about applying a hair mask a couple of times a week is a good place to start.

How to apply

Apply to damp, towel-dried hair, using enough to coat your strands, distributing evenly from lengths to ends. Leave in for the indicated time, and rinse thoroughly. If conditioning is part of your routine, condition after rinsing out the hair mask.

The experience of applying a hair mask at home vs. at the salon will require the same steps, it is the quality of the product that will likely differ. A salon will offer a professional-grade product like the Metal Detox mask for all hair types. Concentrated with Glicoamine, a molecule small enough to track and neutralize metal inside the fiber, the Metal Detox mask is deeply hydrating, anti-breakage hair mask for all hair types.

It is the pro choice for extreme hair rescue. As part of the full Metal Detox routine, this hydrating hair mask strengthens with 97% less breakage¹ and deeply nourishes the hair for up to 100 hours¹. Its anti-breakage efficacy is even proven (via instrumental tests) under extreme conditions such as after 2 repetitive bleaches, after more than 3 colorations, after 8000 brush strokes and after 96 passes of 230ºC heat styling.

¹ Instrumental test with MDX mask

A hair mask, whether a hair mask for dry hair, an overnight hair mask, or another treatment, can be a very powerful thing. However, you want to make sure you’re using the right treatment for your hair, and that you’re using it properly. We’ve rounded up some our best hair mask do’s and don’ts for you, vetted by professionals.

Do use the right hair mask

Choose a hair mask that’s right for your hair type and condition – is your hair fine, or dry, or colored? These are questions to ask before selecting the treatment.

Do apply it correctly

Make sure to follow product instructions for hair mask application, but it generally goes as follows: apply to damp hair, leave in, rinse out.

Don’t apply to dry hair

Hair masks get applied to damp hair, not dry hair. Applying a hair mask to dry hair will be a bit messy and ineffective.

Don’t go overboard

Dose your hair mask properly. You want just enough to cover your strands from root to tip, but you don’t want to apply too much of the treatment.

When it comes to hair masks, these treatments can be a really integral part of your deep-conditioning hair care habits, the perfect complement to your regular routine. The right product can really transform your hair – providing deep protection and hydration. Be sure to approach the world of hair masks with the information you need, about your own hair, as well as about the treatment itself, to use them to your advantage.