How to use a hair mask

How to use a hair mask: wash your hair, squeeze out the water, work the mask through the lengths and ends, wait five to ten minutes, and rinse it all out. It takes the place of conditioner on that wash day. Below are the steps in order, the mistakes that make a mask feel heavy, and what to put on afterwards.

What a hair mask is for

A hair mask is a richer, thicker conditioner that stays on longer. A review of hair cosmetics in the International Journal of Trichology describes deep conditioners as having more concentrated ingredients, or simply a thicker texture, than everyday rinse-out conditioners. The aim is the same: less friction, easier combing, less frizz.

Our Keratin Hair Mask is a rich weekly mask with hydrolyzed keratin and organic shea butter. Dry hair feels soft and looks smooth and shiny afterwards. It is made for dry ends and dull-looking hair.

How to use a hair mask, step by step

1. Shampoo. Work the shampoo into your scalp and let it rinse through the lengths. Dermatologists advise shampooing the scalp instead of scrubbing the whole length.
2. Squeeze out the water. Press the lengths gently in your hands. Hair should be damp, not dripping.
3. Apply generously from mid-lengths to ends. Start at the tips and work up to about ear level.
4. Spread it evenly. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Be gentle; wet hair is delicate.
5. Leave on for 5 to 10 minutes. Finish the rest of your shower while it sits.
6. Rinse well. Keep rinsing until the hair no longer feels slippery with product.
7. Skip conditioner. On mask day, the mask is your conditioner.

How often should you use a hair mask?

Weekly, or as needed. Ours is directed for once a week after shampooing, with your regular conditioner on the other wash days. If your ends feel dry and catch in the comb, keep to weekly. If your hair feels soft already, use it less often.

More is not better. The mask is directed weekly, not for every wash.

Where to apply it, and where not to

Keep the mask on the mid-lengths and ends, off the roots. That is how ours is directed. The American Academy of Dermatology gives the same rule for conditioner on fine or straight hair: ends only. If your hair is dry or curly, the Academy says conditioner can go along the whole length.

What to do after a hair mask

1. Blot with a towel. Wrap and press. Do not rub.
2. Add a light leave-in if you want one. Our Keratin Hair Mist is a no-rinse mist to comb through damp hair after the mask, for easy detangling and shine.
3. Comb from the ends up with a wide-tooth comb.
4. Dry on low or medium heat, or let it air-dry.

Our guide on how to use leave-in conditioner spray has the full method.

Where a mask fits on wash day

The pre-wash steps are covered in rosemary oil for hair and how to exfoliate your scalp. For the mask against your everyday conditioner, see hair mask vs conditioner.

What is in our Keratin Hair Mask

Hydrolyzed keratin helps lengths look smoother, and hydrolyzed wheat protein leaves them feeling softer. Organic shea butter conditions dry ends, with organic coconut, avocado, evening primrose and sweet almond oils. It is COSMOS Natural certified by Ecocert Greenlife, 98% natural origin and 12% organic, with no parabens and no silicones, at pH 3.4 to 3.7. The jar is 5.75 fl oz (170 mL).

Honest notes. It is not vegan, because the keratin comes from sheep wool; it is cruelty-free. It contains wheat protein and sweet almond and coconut oils, so check the full ingredient list if you have a wheat or nut allergy. And it is scented: white floral and tuberose.

Not sure a rich mask suits your hair? The Keratin Hair Mask sample is a 0.17 fl oz (5 mL) sachet of the same formula, enough to test it on one wash day before you choose the jar.

Frequently asked questions

What does a hair mask do, and how do you apply it?

It is a richer conditioner that leaves dry hair feeling softer and looking smoother. Apply it to clean, damp hair from mid-lengths to ends, leave it for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse well.

What should you do after a hair mask?

Rinse well, blot with a towel, then comb gently from the ends up. You can add a light leave-in mist on damp hair before styling. You do not need conditioner as well.

Can I put a hair mask on my roots?

It is better not to. Ours goes on mid-lengths and ends only. It rinses out after 5 to 10 minutes and leaves a natural finish.

How often should I use a hair mask?

Once a week, or as needed, after shampooing. Use your regular conditioner on other wash days.

Do you use a hair mask before or after shampoo?

After. A mask goes on clean, damp hair. Pre-wash oils and scalp scrubs are the steps that go on before shampoo.

Should hair be wet or dry for a hair mask?

Damp. Squeeze out the extra water after shampooing, then apply the mask.

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. Tips for healthy hair. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/hair/healthy-hair-tips
American Academy of Dermatology. How to stop damaging your hair. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/insider/stop-damage
Product details are taken from the exokiss product pages. This article is general information, not medical advice.