People everywhere use hair masks on a regular basis. However, not everyone actually knows how to use them. In fact, many people are confused by the application process — but more specifically, people wonder, “How soon after a hair mask do you apply conditioner?”

Let’s quickly explain what a hair mask is, how it functions, and whether or not conditioner is a good idea after a hair mask in order to respond to this question.

What is a Hair Mask?

A hair mask is a deep conditioning treatment that helps to restore moisture, shine, and softness to your hair. Hair masks are usually made with natural ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter and are left on the hair between 5 and 20 minutes at a time.

A hair mask can reduce frizz, improve shine and softness, and repair damage, among other things. A hair mask can hydrate and revitalize hair that is feeling a little lifeless or dry. Additionally, a good hair mask can do wonders to repair damaged hair from over-processing or heat styling, bringing it back to its former splendor.

What is a Hair Conditioner?

A hair conditioner is a common conditioning product that works to smooth out your hair shafts, hydrate it again, and lessen frizz. Your hair won’t break or become sun-damaged thanks to it. A hair conditioner is lightweight, making it simple to apply to your hair. A conditioner is typically used immediately following a hair wash. It is left for a few minutes so that it goes deeper into your hair and makes it soft and manageable. Retaining the sebum that your hair loses after a hair wash is one of the most crucial functions of a conditioner. Conditioner creates synthetic sebum oil and maintains the proper balance of natural oils.

A hair mask is usually made of nourishing oils, multiple moisturizing and conditioning agents like glycerol, propylene glycol, panthenol,erithritol, sodium PCA, amino acids, plant oils, minerals, etc. You can choose to make your own hair conditioner at home with natural ingredients such as eggs, lemon juice, banana, coconut oil, honey, amongst others.

How Does a Hair Mask Work?

Hair masks work by penetrating the hair shaft and infusing it with moisture, vitamins, and other nutrients. The ability of the mask’s small molecules to enter the hair shaft’s cuticle, which is the outermost layer, and deposit their beneficial properties there, enables this. In contrast to typical conditioners, which should be rinsed out after use, hair masks are intended to be applied for a prolonged period of time to allow the nutrients to completely penetrate the hair shaft.

Read Also: How Often Should I Use a Hair Mask – Different Hair Types

Not all hair masks are created equal, however.

Your particular needs will determine the type of hair mask you choose. For instance, if you want to add shine, pick an oil-rich mask. Find a mask with keratin or protein if you’re trying to repair damage. A hydrating mask loaded with moisture-rich ingredients like shea butter or aloe vera is the best choice if you’re experiencing dryness.

Read More: Can You Leave A Hair Mask On Overnight – Expert Suggestion

Do You Use Conditioner After a Hair Mask?

So, after applying a hair mask, should you use a typical conditioner? The reply is that it depends on your particular requirements. If you have dry or damaged hair, following a hair mask with a regular conditioner can help to lock in moisture and maintain the health of your strands. Using a regular conditioner after a mask, on the other hand, can weigh down and make your hair look greasy if you have fine or oily hair.

That being said, the answer to this question can also vary depending on the type of hair mask being used.

It is not necessary to apply conditioner after a mask that is highly hydrating, such as a deep conditioning treatment. The mask’s task of hydrating the hair will have already been completed. Using conditioner afterwards can help to seal in the benefits, though, if the mask is more concerned with mending damage or increasing shine.

In general, it is best to consult the instructions on the hair mask packaging to see what is recommended. You can make sure that your hair receives the nutrients and moisture it needs to look its best by adhering to these recommendations.

What Are the Key Differences Between a Hair Mask & a Hair Conditioner?

	Hair Mask	Hair Conditioner
Purpose	Hair mask is formulated with natural oils and nourishing ingredients to nourish dry and damaged hair	Liquid hair conditioner moisturizes your hair and shields it from further harm. While shampoo dries out the sebum oil, a conditioner produces synthetic sebum oil to hydrate your locks
How To Use?	Use a shampoo on your hair and thoroughly rinse it. Before applying the mask, towel-dry your hair. 20 to 30 minutes after applying the mask, rinse it off. You can use a conditioner after the mask. You can either shampoo before or after a mask, depending on the type, as it helps to lock the benefits of the mask into your hair strands. Pay close attention to the instructions.	Apply a small amount of conditioner to your hair strands after shampooing your hair. Do not apply the conditioner on your scalp. Be sure to apply the conditioner to your hair from root to tip. Leave it for two to five minutes and then rinse off
When To Use?	You can use a hair mask if your hair has become extremely dry after using a heating tool or chemical product to style it.	Typically, a conditioner is applied to hair after shampooing it. But a lot of people use conditioner first, then shampoo. Reverse washing is the term used for this method. Another method is co-washing, where you can wash your hair only with a conditioner and completely omit the shampoo. Both the methods are for those with extremely dry and textured hair
Frequency of Usage	A hair mask can be used once or twice per week. However, always adhere to the product’s instructions if you’re using a hydrating treatment mask. Usually, treatment masks are instructed to be applied once a week	Every time you use shampoo to wash your hair, you can follow it up with a conditioner. It is ideal to apply conditioner thrice a week. However, regular applications won’t be harmful. If you notice greasiness after you apply conditioner, reduce the frequency
Duration of the process	For the desired effect, a hair mask must be applied for a considerable amount of time. Ingredients are typically more concentrated in it. It must be left on your hair for at least 15-20 minutes. However, depending on your hair type and ingredients, some masks need to be left on your hair for several hours	Conditioners don’t require much time. In actuality, its advantages are immediate. You can leave the conditioner on your hair just for two to five minutes for best results
Who Can Use?	People with dry and damaged hair are the most benefited by a hair mask. But, if you have oily hair, a mask might add greasiness to your hair	Everyone can use conditioners. People with dry hair should use it after every hair wash and oily haired people would want to use it within a limit
Pros	Give your hair moisture and nourishment. A hair mask is extremely beneficial with dry and dull hair as it helps to reduce hair breakage and damage. Also, it boosts the strengthen of your hair and gives you a healthier scalp	Hair management is made simple by conditioner. Your hair becomes softer and shinier, which enhances its texture. Most importantly, the benefits are instant
Cons	A hair mask usually contain more oil which is good for dry hair.	Strong chemicals like sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate are found in some conditioners. They may irritate your skin and make your hair prone to damage.

Does Your Hair Need Both Masks and Conditioners?

Yes. Your hair needs both a mask and a conditioner to achieve its health. A conditioner would make your hair shafts smooth and reduce frizziness and a hair mask would boost the strength and growth of your hair strands. You can, however, omit a hair conditioner or mask if you have a specific concern after using one of the two. Otherwise, using a hair mask and conditioner will help you keep your hair healthy.

Wrapping Up

You can put your faith in a hair mask to hydrate and safeguard the health of your hair if you have hair that is dry, damaged, and dull. A hair mask contains ingredients that are intended to revitalize and repair your hair strands. Consequently, it would assist you in restoring the health and condition of your hair. After washing your hair, you can deep condition your hair by applying a conditioner on a regular basis. In summary, you can use either a hair mask or a hair conditioner, depending on your hair type and needs. Besides, follow a proper hair care regimen to achieve healthy and beautiful hair.