If your hair is dry, damaged, or thinning, your hair could probably use a little TLC in the form of a hair treatment mask.  

Used on a regular basis, hair masks can improve the health of your hair by providing a concentrated amount of nourishment to hair that has suffered damage from things like too much hair coloring, chemical treatments, or heat styling tools.

However, in order to get the most out of your hair mask, there is more involved than just slapping on a ton of products and praying for the best.  In fact, the effectiveness of your hair mask relies on factors like how long you leave it on and how often you use it.

Before we dive in with our tips on getting the most out of your hair mask treatment, it’s important to make sure to apply masks to clean, damp hair.  Even the best hair mask in the world won’t be effective if it can’t penetrate through the hair.  So make sure you start fresh to get the best results!

Applying Your Hair Mask to Dry Hair

Yes, we know this sounds crazy.  However, hair care experts believe that if you’re using a hair mask made primarily of oil, like argan oil or coconut oil, it may be best to apply the mask to dry hair.  The logic is because oil repels water, dry hair is better able to absorb the oils from your hair mask than wet hair.

Sleep on It - Using Your Hair Mask at Night

We know the thought of sleeping on wet hair sounds like a recipe for insomnia but some hair care experts swear by sleeping with your hair mask on.  The logic here is that sleeping with your hair mask on ensures that the treatment penetrates into the hair to provide the best deep conditioning benefits.

When using this treatment method, we recommend using a good shower or treatment cap over your hair to ensure your hair mask doesn’t get all over your pillow.  Doing this will also provide some heat to ensure that the nourishing benefits of your hair mask absorb deep into the hair shaft.

Other Tips for Effective Hair Mask Application

• Divide hair into sections with hair clips when applying hair masks to long or thick hair to ensure that you don’t miss a single strand. 

• Use a paintbrush or your fingers to apply the hair mask onto your hair.

• If you have dry hair, we recommend starting near the scalp and working your way towards the ends. 

• If you have dandruff, you’ll want to start applying the hair mask on your scalp.

• If you have oily hair, we suggest applying the hair mask mid-shaft and working your way toward the ends, avoiding the scalp and roots which can weigh the hair down.   

• When applying your hair mask, we recommend using a wide-tooth comb to ensure the product is evenly spread throughout the hair.   

• Leave hair masks on for a minimum of 20-30 minutes.

• Rinse the hair mask out with cool or warm water, not hot water.  The reason is cooler water will help seal the hair cuticle and help your tresses retain more moisture.  

• If your hair is dry, frizzy, or damaged, apply a hair mask once a week. If your hair is oilier, apply a hair mask every couple of weeks.  

By incorporating a good quality hair mask and utilizing our hair mask application tips in your hair care routine, you can help boost the health of your hair and scalp in a little as 30 minutes a week.  

Not sure what hair mask is best for your hair?  Read our blog post on “Choosing the Right Hair Mask for Your Hair,” to find your perfect hair mask match today!