Hair masks

What are

Hair masks are cosmetic emulsions specifically formulated for application on the scalp and hair (over their entire length). These are conditioning agents capable of imparting greater shine, combability, antistaticity and volume to dull, wasted or colored hair.

Like face masks and cosmetic treatments in general, even hair masks can be made in a thousand different ways: their composition is carefully chosen based on the disorder to be improved and the type of scalp on which they will act.

How they act

First of all it is good to dispel a very recurring doubt: the hair mask is not a substitute for the balm; the mask, in fact, requires a certain amount of laying time and has a more intense nourishing or beneficial effect than a simple hair conditioner.

Hair masks are mainly made to nourish and restructure the hair in depth, giving it volume and strength. For this purpose, many masks are particularly suitable during the summer because the sun's rays, the salt water of the sea, the chlorine of the pool and the humidity undermine the health of the foliage.

Nourishing and restructuring hair masks are therefore formulated with substances capable of repairing the hair structure, making it visibly more voluminous and strong.

Ideal requirements

What are the requirements that an ideal hair mask should possess?

As mentioned, hair masks are formulated with the aim of restoring tone and vitality to hair afflicted by the most varied problems (dry, brittle, dull, greasy hair, etc.).

Therefore, ideal hair masks should meet the following requirements:

Donate volume and shine;
Improve combability;
Do not weigh down the hair following the application;
Do not obstruct, irritate and / or damage the scalp (hence the importance of always using only quality products);
Protect the hair color (natural or artificial);
Exercise an anti-frizz action for curly hair;
Give support and body to straight hair;
Nourish, moisturize and protect dry and damaged hair;
Combat the typical greasy effect of oily hair, lightening it and giving it new shine.

Of course, there is no single hair mask that has all these characteristics, but there are numerous types of masks suitable for each type of hair, specifically formulated to treat the various disorders that can affect the hair.

Types of Hair Masks

There are many types of hair masks currently available on the market and able to satisfy the most diverse consumer needs. The main types of "shock" cosmetic treatments and their indications are listed below.

Nourishing hair masks

Nourishing action hair masks are recommended for dry, damaged and visibly weakened hair, saltiness and other irritating agents. Olive oil is an ingredient often present in the recipe of nourishing hair masks.

Masks for restructuring hair

This type of hair masks find indication in the treatment of fine hair that tends to break. Restructuring hair masks, often formulated with keratin, are normally enriched with essential oils, jojoba oil or avocadodone extract with vitaminising properties.

Mask for oily hair

As shown by their name, these hair masks are indicated for the treatment of oily hair: the extracts of nettle, birch, ivy, black tea and juniper are particularly useful for this purpose, as they have purifying and astringent properties.

Masks for dry hair

They are indicated for the treatment of dry hair: a similar cosmetic preparation can contain moisturizing, protective and nourishing active ingredients. After the mask, it is recommended to spray a specific oil on the tips.

DIY masks for egg and lemon hair are an ancient remedy against dry hair, still in vogue (especially among women).

Masks for colored hair

With repeated washing, dyed hair tends to lose its "artificial" tone. The masks for colored hair (which do not dye the hair) restore brilliance and radiance to the hair.

Ultra smooth hair masks

Ultra smoothing hair masks help make slightly wavy, frizzy hair softer and smoother. The fold with the hair dryer is however essential to promote and promote the smoothing effect of the product.

Mode of use

Although the types of hair masks are very many, the method of application remains almost always the same.

Most masks - especially professional ones or those bought in specialist shops - should be applied after shampooing.

So let's see the main steps necessary to apply a hair mask of this type:

First of all, before applying the mask, the hair must be carefully washed (we recommend the use of specific shampoos for your hair type) and, subsequently, just as thoroughly rinsed.
After washing, you can proceed with the application of the mask on hair that is still damp and previously buffered (not rubbed) with a towel. Normally, it is advisable to apply a quantity of product (mask) equal to a walnut on the hair; however, the recommended dose is subjective because it depends on the length of the hair. It is recommended, however, not to exceed the quantity of product to avoid weighing down the hair unnecessarily. The mask can be applied in two ways: with the help of a special brush, or with the hands. In any case, to facilitate the even distribution of the mask on the hair, we recommend using a wide-toothed comb.

To enhance the effect of the mask, it is recommended to collect the hair in a warm and moistened towel. As an alternative to the towel, it is possible to wrap the hair on transparent film to make the penetration of the functional substances inside the hair even easier.

After spreading scalp and mask hair, the product must rest for a few minutes, in order to allow the functional active ingredients contained in the cosmetic to slowly penetrate the hair. The shutter speed may vary depending on the type of mask used. In general, this time varies from 5 to 20 minutes.
After the set time has elapsed, the hair and scalp must be thoroughly rinsed with lukewarm water, taking care to remove any remaining product.
After the rinsing, it is possible to proceed with the normal drying and styling.

Finally, remember that there are some ultra-fast-acting hair masks. These masks do not necessarily require a precise shutter speed and can be rinsed immediately after application.

The method of use described above is valid for most hair masks that can be purchased in perfumery, in specialized shops and in the most supplied supermarkets.

As for the DIY hair masks, however, the subject changes. In fact, these homemade preparations - prepared for example with egg, yogurt, lemon juice and essential extracts - should be applied before shampooing.

Key points

The hair mask ...

NOT a conditioner.
Requires to be distributed over the entire length of the hair.
It must also be massaged on the scalp.
Requires a certain shutter speed.
It must be completely rinsed out of the hair.

Hair masks online

Available on Amazon

An illuminating mask with keratin, argan oil and sun filter is available online, to untangle, soften and nourish the hair, making it silky, shiny and vital without weighing it down. Ideal for repairing hair damaged by dyes, plates and aggressive treatments, this mask eliminates frizz and leaves a delicate and pleasant fragrance on the hair.

For an effective action, it is advisable to apply to wet hair on lengths and ends, leave on 3-5 minutes and finally rinse.

Buyable online

Alternatively, you can buy a restructuring mask dedicated to fragile, damaged and easily broken hair. The product is ideal for strengthening and helping repair damage caused by heat and chemicals. It is not excessively foaming, favors the combability of the hair and counteracts frizz.

For a correct application, it is sufficient to spread the product from half length up to the ends, leave to work for 3-5 minutes then rinse. It is advisable to use the mask once a week as an intensive repairer.

Frequency of use

Masks made for normal hair can be applied once a week or every other week. On the other hand, damaged or sun-damaged hair, artificial UV lamps or dyes may require more frequent application, even 2-3 times a week.

Hair and Diet Masks

Even if you regularly apply hair masks, you can't expect to show off a healthy, shiny and strong hair when you follow a completely senseless diet. Binge eating, junk food and a low-protein diet do nothing but negatively affect the health of the hair: in these cases, not even a prestigious mask can work miracles. To have healthy hair it is not enough to heal it from the outside: a healthy and balanced diet is the basis for having healthy and strong hair. So go ahead for fruits and vegetables rich in natural antioxidants, minerals and trace elements, and - in the right proportions - legumes, meat and fish: we briefly recall that a lack of protein can weaken the hair, making it more prone to breakage and fall.

Here, then, that following a balanced and balanced diet, the hair mask can fully exercise its "repairing" effect. How to prepare it comfortably at home adapting it to your hair type? The answer in the next article.

Myths to dispel

There are many myths to debunk about hair masks. These urban legends, completely unfounded, often lead consumers to consider similar products completely useless, or even harmful to their hair.

In truth, if the hair mask is chosen according to the characteristics of one's hair and if it is used appropriately, the benefits deriving from it are real and appreciable.

So let's see some of the main myths to debunk linked to these cosmetic products.

The hair mask replaces the conditioner

This myth is certainly to be dispelled. In fact, balm and hair mask do not replace one another as they are completely different products.

The balm, in fact, must be used after each shampoo to soften and untangle the hair and it must be rinsed immediately after application.

Hair masks, on the other hand, are a shock treatment that must be carried out to nourish, repair and protect hair with various types of problems.

For best results, the mask must be left on overnight

This belief is completely false. In fact, hair masks must be left in place only for the time necessary, which is usually specified by the same manufacturer depending on the type of mask and the ingredients used.

Therefore, leaving the hair mask on all night is not able to increase its effectiveness.

For more beautiful hair the mask must be applied after each shampoo

Another myth to dispel, at least in part. Hair masks represent a shock treatment to be performed when hair feels the need.

However, people with very dry and brittle hair may need to apply the mask after each shampoo, especially when the hair is particularly damaged.

On the other hand, for other people, the constant application of hair masks could lead to counterproductive results, such as weight loss.

Other products

In addition to hair masks there are other products that can be used to obtain brighter, more nourished and protected hair. Among these, we mention the leave-in products and the wraps with vegetable oils and butters.

wraps

The wraps with vegetable oils and butters (olive oil, castor oil, shea butter, etc.) are very useful for treating dry and brittle hair and, in particular, for restoring tone and vitality to damaged tips.

As for the DIY masks, even the wraps must be performed before shampooing.

Leave-in products

Leave-in products are hair cosmetics designed to be applied and not rinsed. The purpose of this particular type of product is the same as that of hair masks: to give shine and provide protection.

The classic example of a leave-in product is given by the sprays and the thermo-protective creams that must be applied over the entire length of the hair just before proceeding with the drying and the eventual use of plates or irons.

Leave-in products must be applied - like most hair masks - immediately after shampooing (ie on wet hair), but do not require rinsing.