Do You Use A Hair Mask Before Or After Shampooing? Easy Hair Mask Guide

Imagine if there was a way to revitalize and transform damaged, dry, frizzy locks. Well, say hello to hair masks! If you’re new to the world of hair masks, or you just want a refresher on this magical hair care product, you’re in luck. We’re answering common hair mask questions, like do you use a hair mask before or after shampooing? Plus, we share our fool-proof step-by-step hair mask guide to help you get dreamy, luscious locks. 

Girl figuring out Do You Use A Hair Mask Before Or After Shampooing

What Is A Hair Mask?

Chances are, you’ve heard of or tried a face mask at least once. They come in varying formulas, each that work to nourish and tend to different skin concerns. Well, hair masks are similar, except they work to repair, nourish and infuse nutrients into your hair.

The difference between hair masks and conditioners is that hair masks have more concentrated ingredients and are left on the hair for longer. Conditioners stay on the surface of your locks, whereas hair masks dive deep into the cuticle to repair strands from the inside out.

Hair masks are typically left on the hair for 15-30 minutes. But they can be left on for several hours or even overnight in some cases.

What Are The Benefits Of Hair Masks?

The superhero of the hair care world has a variety of benefits for your hair. Seriously, what can’t hair masks do? Once you reap the benefits of hair masks, you won’t be able to live without them. 

Repairs Damaged Locks

Since hair masks penetrate deep into the hair cuticle, they have the ability to repair and strengthen damaged locks. That doesn’t mean you should only use hair masks if your hair is damaged. Hair masks can also be preventative by working to repair broken strands before the problem gets worse. Think of hair masks like your hair’s very own multivitamin!

Deep Hydration

Say bye-bye to dehydrated, frizzy looks as hair masks work wonders hydrating and deeply moisturizing thirsty stands. Hair masks are packed full of concentrated oils and nutrients that get to work restoring moisture levels for frizz-free, hydrated hair.

Adds Softness And Shine

What is the result of hydrated, stronger, and healthier hair? Shiner, fuller, smoother, and more vibrant-looking tresses. Who doesn’t want that?

Keeps Colored Hair Vibrant

We all know coloring your hair can be extremely damaging. But luckily, there are hair masks that are formulated to combat the damage done by coloring and bleaching. These color-specific hair masks restore damaged stands while combating unwanted brassy tones. 

Photo showing Navy hair care vs Olaplex, which is more effective?

What Type Of Hair Mask Do I Need?

The type of hair mask you choose will depend on which hair issue you’d like to tackle. Do you want to combat frizz, repair damaged locks, or add shine? Here’s what we recommend for each hair concern. 

Damaged Hair

Olaplex Hair Perfector No 3 Repairing Treatment

Calling everyone with damaged hair! You NEED to add this Olaplex Hair Perfector to your hair care routine. It reduces breakage by strengthening the hair structure on a molecular level resulting in visibly healthier tresses. 

Colored Hair

Davines Minu Hair Mask

This cult-fave hair care line is bringing the goods with their Minu Hair Mask for colored hair. Their unique ingredient, Salina Capers works to illuminate, regenerate to extend the life of the color. The result? Brighter, silkier, colored locks!

Dry/Frizzy Hair

Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask 

A tried and true favorite, we love the Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Hair mask for dry tresses. It’s packed with nourishing ingredients like B-vitamins, natural oils, algae, and biotin to restore dehydrated locks. Plus, it is 98% naturally derived! 

Curly Hair

SheaMoisture Hair Masque for Dry Curls Coconut & Hibiscus Hair Mask

This delicious hair mask combines shea butter, Neem oil, and coconut oil to bring shine and definition to your curls. Plus, it provides deep hydration and moisture while defending against frizzy hair to ensure your curls are bouncy and shiny every time. 

So, should you apply your hair mask before or after shampooing to get the best results?

Do You Use A Hair Mask Before Or After Shampooing?

To get the most out of your treatment, always apply your hair mask after shampooing

Shampooing lifts excess oil, dirt, and impurities from the hair cuticle to get it ready to reap the benefits of your hair mask.

Because shampoo opens up your hair cuticle to receive nutrients from the mask, you must condition your hair post mask. Conditioning removes any excess buildup that could weigh your locks down.

So to recap. Shampoo first, followed by your mask, then finish up with your conditioner and a thorough rinse. Hello, shiny healthy hair!

How To Use Your Hair Mask

Here’s our easy step-by-step guide to applying your hair mask for the best results. 

  1. Wash your hair with your fave shampoo to get it ready for your mask. 
  2. Use your microfiber towel to remove excess water. You want your hair to be damp, not dripping wet.
  3. Apply your hair mask by massaging the product to the length of your locks in a downward motion. You want to avoid applying the mask to your scalp. If you have thick hair, it may help to do this in sections. 
  4. Now you get to sit back and relax while your hair mask gets to work. Follow the recommended wait time on the back of your hair mask packaging for optimum efficiency. 
  5. Once the times up, thoroughly rinse your hair with lukewarm water and follow with your conditioner to remove any hair mask build-up. 
  6. Let your hair air dry, then get ready to show off your shiny, healthy locks!

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