Hair mask vs conditioner: what is the difference?

Hair mask vs conditioner is a question of strength and time. A conditioner is light and quick, made for every wash. A mask is the same idea turned up: a thicker, richer formula that sits on the hair for several minutes, used weekly when ends feel dry. You need the first; the second is for when the first is not enough.

Hair mask vs conditioner at a glance

What a conditioner does

Shampoo cleans; conditioner puts the slip back. A review of hair cosmetics in the International Journal of Trichology sums up the job: conditioners are used to decrease friction, detangle the hair, minimize frizz and improve combability. The American Academy of Dermatology lists skipping conditioner among the habits that can damage hair, and advises using it after every shampoo.

Our Volume Conditioner is a creamy conditioner with hydrolyzed keratin, nettle and plant oils that leaves hair smooth, easy to comb and full-looking. Squeeze out the extra water after shampooing, apply it to mid-lengths and ends, wait one to two minutes, and rinse well.

What a hair mask does

A mask is a deep conditioner. The same review describes deep conditioners as having more concentrated ingredients, or just a thicker texture. They also stay on longer.

You can see that in our own two formulas. The Keratin Hair Mask and the Volume Conditioner start from the same conditioning base. The mask then adds organic shea butter, hydrolyzed wheat protein and evening primrose oil, and it stays on for 5 to 10 minutes instead of one or two. Dry hair feels soft and looks smooth and shiny afterwards.

For the method, see how to use a hair mask.

When to use which

• Every wash: conditioner. It is the baseline.
• Ends feel dry or catch in the comb: swap in the mask once a week.
• Hair looks dull: a weekly mask.
• Hair goes flat easily: stay with conditioner on the ends only, and use a mask less often, or only on the last few inches.
• Short on time: conditioner. One to two minutes is the whole step.

If your everyday conditioner leaves your hair soft and easy to comb, you may not need a mask at all. That is a fine answer.

Do you use both on the same day?

No. Use one or the other after shampooing. On mask day the mask takes the conditioner's place, so you do not need conditioner on top.

The order on a mask day is shampoo, mask, rinse. On other days it is shampoo, conditioner, rinse.

Where a leave-in fits

A leave-in is the third kind of conditioner. It goes on after you have rinsed, on damp hair, and stays in. Our Keratin Hair Mist is a weightless no-rinse mist for easy detangling and shine, and it works after either the conditioner or the mask. More in how to use leave-in conditioner spray.

Honest notes on ours

All three contain hydrolyzed keratin from sheep wool, so none of them is vegan. They are cruelty-free, and COSMOS Natural certified by Ecocert Greenlife, with no parabens and no silicones.

All three are scented. The conditioner and the mask contain sweet almond and coconut oils, and the mask also contains wheat protein, so read the full ingredient list if you have a nut or wheat allergy.

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of hair conditioner?

Less friction, easier detangling, less frizz and easier combing. Dermatologists advise using conditioner after every shampoo.

Can I leave a hair mask on too long?

Follow the time on the pack. Ours is 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse well. Leaving it on longer is not part of the directions.

How often should you condition your hair?

After every shampoo. Our Volume Conditioner is made for every wash; the Keratin Hair Mask is the weekly step.

In what order should I use shampoo, conditioner and a hair mask?

Shampoo first. Then either conditioner or a mask, not both. On mask day the mask replaces the conditioner. A leave-in mist, if you use one, goes on last, on damp hair.

Can I use a hair mask instead of conditioner every wash?

That is not how ours is directed. It is a rich mask for weekly use, or as needed, with conditioner on the other wash days.

Is a hair mask the same as a deep conditioner?

In practice, yes. Both names describe a richer conditioner that stays on for several minutes before rinsing.

Sources

Gavazzoni Dias MFR. Hair cosmetics: an overview. International Journal of Trichology. 2015;7(1):2-15. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4387693/
American Academy of Dermatology. How to stop damaging your hair. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/insider/stop-damage
American Academy of Dermatology. Tips for healthy hair. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/hair/healthy-hair-tips
Product details are taken from the exokiss product pages. This article is general information, not medical advice.