Hair masks are a hot new trend in the hair care industry, but many people aren’t sure what they’re used for or how to use them. In this blog post, I will talk about what a hair mask is and why you should use one.
The goal of a hair mask is to give your hair some extra TLC by moisturizing it from the inside out. This will help promote healthy growth and prevent dryness that can lead to breakage.
It’s also essential that you know when exactly you may need one – don’t fret, we’ll discuss that too 😁! So, without further ado, let’s get into the good stuff.
What is a hair mask used for?
A hair mask is a product you apply to your hair and leave it in overnight or for at least 30 minutes. The best time to use this treatment would be when you have nothing going on, so plan accordingly!
There are many different masks out there, but the most popular ones contain coconut oil because coconut oil penetrates deep into the hair follicle.
How to make a hair mask
Now, if you’re asking yourself what’s in this magical concoction known as hair masks – don’t worry about getting caught up in ingredients because I’ve got you covered there too!
The most prevalent ingredient in hair masks is coconut oil which penetrates deep into the follicle and coats every strand of hair from root to tip, giving them a healthy shine and lustre while preventing dryness.
Other common ingredients include natural oils such as argan oil, olive oil, shea butter, banana extracts (for extra shine), honey (to promote growth) and more. These masks usually have a creamy, paste-like consistency.
Overnight hair mask recipes
Aloe vera gel mask
If you have been reading my blog for a while, you know I am obsessed with natural gels. Aloe vera is one of my favourites, even though I don’t know how to grow my Aloe plant yet 😄.
To make this mask, you’ll need some aloe gel, greek yoghurt and coconut oil. When making simple hair masks like this, you can get away with just eyeballing your ingredients.
If you want more moisture and curl definition, then add more Aloe vera gel. If you’re going to strengthen your hair, then go with more greek yoghurt and coconut oil. Make sure to use it all up in one go or freeze the excess to preserve.
Fenugreek mask recipe
This is another excellent natural gel that works wonders for the hair. No cap 🧢!
Full disclosure, the smell might be a little off-putting, but it goes away once you rinse the hair mask. To make this mask, you’ll need 2 – 3 tablespoons of fenugreek seed. Don’t be tempted to add more. Fenugreek seed swells, and it would become up to 3 times bigger.
Add a ½ cup of water to the seeds and soak overnight. Blend and strain to separate the pulp from the gel. If you are feeling a little extra, you can add some honey and oils. It works well on its own.
Apply to clean damp hair and rinse within 45 minutes – 1 hour.
Henna hair mask
Henna has been used for years as a dye. It is also really good at strengthening weak and brittle hair. Henna is one of the messiest hair masks I have made because it stains everything it touches, but it can be worth the effort when you have excessive hair breakage.
To make the mask, you’ll need 2 – 3 tablespoons of henna powder, depending on the length of your hair. Make a very thick paste with water and leave it on the countertop for at least 6 hours so the dye releases.
Add some coconut milk and mix before applying to clean damp hair.
Avocado hair mask
This hair mask is trendy and for a good reason too! Avocados contain loads of biotin that is excellent for promoting hair growth. It is also suitable for moisturizing and taming frizzy hair.
You’ll need ½ a ripe avocado, a tablespoon of honey and some aloe vera juice. Blend all the ingredients and apply to clean damp hair. Rinse off after 1 hour and moisturize and style your hair as usual.
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When should you use a hair mask?
Masks should not be used every day because this can lead to over-moisturizing and cause your strands to become limp or oily rather than healthy!
It would be best to use a mask no more than once a week and at least once a month. If you have dry, damaged hair, then it would be wise to cut off the ends. Using a mask on highly damaged hair isn’t going to reverse the damage.
Benefits of a hair mask
So now you know why you need one of these babies in your life but what’s even more important is how it works its magic inside our lovely locks.
Hair masks typically contain ingredients that help increase blood flow which helps promote growth by nourishing follicles with fatty acids and vitamins from within.
These types of masks also tend to have an intense moisturizing effect, so they make detangling your hair very easy, which in turn leads to less breakage and more length.
How to use a hair mask
So, if you’re wondering how to use a hair mask like a pro – don’t worry! It’s straightforward, and I’m going to walk you through it step by step to make your experience as seamless as possible.
The first thing you need to do is wash your hair with shampoo, leave this in for about two minutes while massaging the scalp (this exfoliates dead skin cells), rinse thoroughly, then apply conditioner all over your locks from root to tip. Leave this on for at least 30 seconds before rinsing again.
Now here comes the fun part: applying our mask of choice! Make sure to wear a shirt that you don’t mind if it gets messy. Also, make sure your hair is clean and damp so the mask can penetrate your hair strands.
A pro tip is to apply to your hair in small sections, making sure to coat each strand of hair. Cover your hair with a shower cap for 30 minutes to one hour.
Rinse off the mask with water and immediately moisturize your hair.
Key takeaway
Now that you know why hair masks are essential for healthy locks, when to use one, what’s inside them and how to apply them – go out there and get shopping!
There is nothing better than the feeling of leaving your house with wholly refreshed locks, so don’t wait another day! Whether it’s an excellent deep conditioner or an intense overnight mask – these recipes will all give you beautiful results every single time.
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