Everything You Need to Know About Using a Hair Mask

What is a hair mask?

You’ve likely heard of — or tried — a face mask. Much like a face mask hydrates and nourishes your skin, a hair mask performs a similar role to improve the condition and health of your hair.

Hair masks are also called deep conditioning treatments or intensive conditioners for hair.

What sets them apart from regular conditioners is that their formulations are usually more concentrated, and they are left on the hair for longer periods — anywhere from 20 minutes up to several hours.

Many hair masks can be prepared at home using pantry staples such as bananas, honey, or egg yolks. If you prefer not to mix your own, there are numerous commercial hair masks available to purchase.

In this piece, we’ll examine the perks of hair masks, how to use them properly, and which types may be best for different hair needs.

What are the benefits of a hair mask?

Hair masks offer a range of benefits that vary according to ingredients and your hair’s characteristics. Broadly, advantages of using a hair mask include:

• shinier, softer strands
• increased hydration
• reduced breakage and damage
• less frizz
• a healthier scalp
• stronger hair
• reduced damage from environmental factors and styling products

What ingredients work well in a hair mask?

Hair masks can include a wide variety of components that give hair extra care. Which ingredients suit you best depends on your hair type and the state of your hair and scalp.

Below are some commonly used ingredients to seek in store-bought masks or to try when crafting your own:

• Bananas. To combat frizz, bananas are a helpful addition. The silica in bananas may also contribute to softer, glossier hair. Bananas may have antimicrobial properties, which can assist in reducing dryness and flaking.
• Eggs. Nutrients in egg yolks — such as vitamins A and E, biotin, and folate — may encourage healthier growth, while the protein in egg whites can help fortify hair strands.
• Avocado oil. Minerals found in avocado oil, including folic acid, iron, and magnesium, may help seal the hair cuticle, making strands less prone to breakage and damage.
• Honey. As a humectant, honey helps hair attract and hold moisture. It can also stimulate the scalp, potentially supporting more robust hair follicles.
• Coconut oil. With its low molecular weight, coconut oil can penetrate the hair shaft for deep conditioning, helping to reduce dryness and frizz. Research has shown coconut oil can decrease protein loss when applied to hair.
• Olive oil. For intensive hydration, olive oil contains squalene, a compound the body produces naturally but decreases with age. Squalene helps keep hair and skin moisturized.
• Aloe vera. If your goal is to soothe an irritated scalp, aloe vera is a good choice due to its anti-inflammatory qualities. It also provides vitamins C, E, and B12, folic acid, and choline, which can nourish and strengthen hair.

Hair mask recipe ideas

Creating your own hair mask is straightforward and can be enjoyable. If you’re new to hair masks, try several recipes and ingredients until you discover the one that works best for your hair.

You’ll know a mask is right when your hair feels soft and hydrated without appearing greasy or limp.

To begin, try one of these simple yet effective DIY hair mask formulas. Adjust the ingredient amounts depending on your hair length.

For frizzy or damaged hair

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. organic raw honey
• 1 tbsp. organic coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Warm the honey and coconut oil together in a small saucepan, stirring until combined.
2. Let the blend cool, then apply it to your hair.
3. Leave on for 40 minutes, then shampoo and condition as usual.

For dry hair or dandruff

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 2 tbsp. aloe vera gel
• 1 tsp. coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Puree the three ingredients, then smooth onto wet or dry hair from roots to ends.
2. Allow it to sit for 30 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.

For fine, thinning hair

Ingredients:

• 2 egg whites
• 2 tbsp. coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Whisk the egg whites and oil until combined.
2. Apply from roots to tips on damp hair, and let sit for 20 minutes.
3. Shampoo with cool water — important for egg-based masks to avoid cooking the egg in your hair.

Ready-made hair masks

If you don’t have the time to make a DIY mask or prefer convenience, many ready-made masks are available at beauty stores, pharmacies, or online.

When selecting a commercial mask, opt for formulas with natural oils, butters, and plant extracts and minimal preservatives or harsh chemicals.

How to apply a hair mask

Most masks deliver the best results when applied to clean, towel-dried hair that remains slightly damp.

However, for masks that are mainly oil-based (such as coconut or olive oil), it can be preferable to apply them to dry hair. Because oil and water repel each other, some experts suggest dry hair may absorb oil more effectively than wet hair.

When you’re ready to apply a hair mask, follow these steps:

1. Protect your clothes by draping an old towel over your shoulders or wearing an old shirt.
2. If you have long or thick hair, sectioning with clips can make application easier.
3. Apply the mask with your fingers or use a small brush to distribute the mixture along the hair.
4. For dry hair, start near the scalp and work toward the ends. After covering the ends, you can return to gently treat the scalp.
5. If targeting dandruff, begin application at the scalp.
6. For oily hair, start at mid-length and apply toward the ends.
7. After applying, run a wide-tooth comb through your hair to distribute the mask evenly.
8. Cover with a shower cap or plastic wrap, then wrap a towel around your head. This prevents dripping and adds warmth, which can enhance ingredient absorption.
9. Leave the mask on for at least 20 to 30 minutes. Depending on the formulation, some masks can remain for several hours or overnight.
10. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm or cool water. Avoid hot water; cooler water helps close the hair cuticle and preserve moisture.
11. It may take two or more rinses to fully remove the mask. After rinsing, apply styling products and air-dry or heat-style as desired.
12. Use a hair mask once a week for dry, frizzy, or damaged hair. If your hair is oilier, aim for every couple of weeks.

The bottom line

Hair masks are effective at hydrating and nourishing hair, particularly if it’s dry, damaged, or prone to frizz. Some masks can also support scalp health and strengthen strands.

Unlike quick conditioners that sit on the hair for only a few minutes, hair masks remain on the hair for at least 20 minutes, and some can be left on for several hours depending on your hair type and the ingredients.

There are many DIY hair mask options you can make with ingredients like coconut oil, eggs, honey, or bananas.

If you choose a commercial mask, select one suited to your hair type that contains as few synthetic preservatives and harsh chemicals as possible.