How to use a hair mask?

Nowadays, almost all hairdressers and hair professionals recommend using a hair mask. But how do you actually use a hair mask? And what is its effect on your hair? The Keune team tells you exactly how to use a hair mask and why it is beneficial for your hair.

You can compare a hair mask to a face mask. Where a face mask nourishes and hydrates your skin, hair masks work in a similar way to boost the condition and health of your hair.

We asked Ewa, our Innovation Leader from the Keune Lab: “Think about conditioner as a daily lightweight cream and a hair mask as a deeply nourishing treatment. Hair masks are formulated to deliver hair conditioning benefits through stronger formulas - more concentrated, thicker, active-rich, and basically left on the hair for longer. Longer time often allows deeper and more effective ingredient penetration. When developing a conditioner, the main performance focus lies on the surface of hair strands. The goal for a cosmetic formulator is to decrease the forces needed to comb the wet hair though to protect the hair against breakage. When developing a mask, the key is to restore hair fibers from the inside out while impacting the outer cuticle layer’s condition. Such formulas revive the hair, align hair fibers, restores healthy shine and softness."

In other words: it gives that extra boost the hair sometimes needs.

The general advice is to use a hair mask once or twice a week. 

It all depends on the condition of your hair. When your hair still feels dry when you use it twice a week, you can upgrade the use to three or four times per week. However, you can also overdo it and then your hair becomes too heavy. This then results in limp and lifeless hair.

Observe how your hair reacts to the hair mask and adjust the usage to that.

You can easily add a hair mask to your washing routine. Use a hair mask instead of your conditioner. After washing, dry your hair with a towel and spread the hair mask on the lengths and ends of your hair. So you apply the mask to towel-dried hair. Do not apply the hair mask on the top of your hair. Let it soak in and then rinse thoroughly. 

Tip: for best results, wrap your hair in a warm towel while you let it soak in.

Keep in mind that not all hair masks are created equally. They are designed to target a specific hair need. Some say you shouldn't use a hair mask with thin or curly hair because a mask will make it too heavy. This depends entirely on the type of hair mask you use and its frequency. For example, with thin or curly hair, it is recommended that you do not use it more often than once a week or every other week. In addition, you also have hair masks specifically for curly hair that preserve and enhance the bouncy effect of the curl. Fine hair benefits from ingredients that fortify and strengthen. When you have colored hair, it is advisable to use a hair mask that preserves the color.

Is it summer or are you about to travel to a sunny destination? Then it is advisable to treat your hair in advance with a hair mask that protects against UV rays. These rays are very damaging to your hair, making it dry. With the influences of chlorinated water or salty seawater, it can also help to use a restorative mask for your hair after your vacations. 

Ask your hairdresser for advice on which hair mask is best for you.