Ever questioned how long hair masks should stay on your hair? or the reason you ought to use a hair mask at all? It somewhat depends on the kind of therapy you’re receiving.
For at least 20 to 30 minutes, you can wear the hair mask. Some masks can be worn for several hours or even overnight, depending on the ingredients.
How to Use a Hair Mask
Here are three simple instructions for applying a hair mask.
- Before using a conditioner and shampoo, apply a hair mask. The exception is oil treatments which you need to shampoo out of your hair and then condition.
- Focus your mask primarily on your hair’s ends. The ends of your hair need the help the most. Midlengths and ends of your hair should receive the treatment.
- Comb your treatment through. After applying your mask to the ends of your hair, use a wide tooth comb to distribute the product through your hair. After the allotted time has passed, rinse it off and then use conditioner.
How Long Should You Leave Hair Treatments on Your Hair?
So how long should you leave your mask on your hair? It’s crucial to follow the directions on the bottle, but if they’re not clear, refer to my quick guide to hair masks.
Protein Treatments
10 minutes
- Be careful when using protein treatments if your hair is colored or damaged. Follow the instructions on the product though as a general rule, never leave them on longer than 10 minutes.
- When applying protein treatments to dry or damaged hair, set a timer and pay attention to it. Protein treatments used too often can further damage hair by making it brittle. (Read More: How Often Should I Use a Hair Mask – Different Hair Types)
- After shampooing but before conditioning, apply protein treatments to your hair.
- Only once a week or once every two weeks is advised for protein treatments.
Hydrating Treatments
5-20 minutes, or even longer
- You can apply moisturizing treatments to your hair at any time. You stop receiving the benefits of the products after a certain period of time.
- Spend 5 to 20 minutes using hydrating treatments. Do adhere to the product’s instructions for precise timings.
- After shampooing your hair but before conditioning it, apply hydrating treatments.
- You can perform additional treatments for an additional hour or over night, but you won’t reap nearly as many advantages. Also Read: Can You Leave A Hair Mask On Overnight – Expert Suggestions
Coconut Oil
30 minutes or overnight
- Prior to washing your hair, you can use coconut oil as a treatment. At least 10 minutes should be spent with coconut oil on your hair. If you leave the oil on for longer—say, 20 to 30 minutes—you’ll get better results.
- Apply the oil to your hair, concentrating on the ends. Additionally, it works well for head massages.
- You can also apply an oil treatment to your hair overnight and wash it in the morning. This is more practical; just be sure to cover your pillow with a towel!
Olaplex
10 minutes minimum but the longer, the better
- Olaplex is a bond restorer that is applied during colour treatments though there is a take-home treatment. Contrary to what I initially believed, this is not a conditioning procedure.).
- At least 10 minutes should pass while the treatment is on your hair. Ideally, you should leave it on for at least 30 minutes.
- Towel-dried, clean hair should be treated with Olaplex. As you have to leave it on so long, I usually get out of the shower and let it work, then hop back in to rinse it off and apply conditioner.
How to Apply a Hair Mask
The majority of hair masks perform their best when applied to clean, towel-dried hair while it’s still damp.
It might be best to apply a hair mask to dry hair if it is primarily made of oil, such as coconut or olive oil. Some hair care professionals think that dry hair is better able to absorb oil than wet hair because oil has the ability to repel water.
Once the hair mask is ready to apply, follow these steps:
- To protect your clothing, drape an old towel over your shoulders or wear an old T-shirt.
- Using hair clips to create sections in long or thick hair may be beneficial.
- Using your fingers or a small paintbrush, dab the hair mask mixture onto your hair to apply it.
- If your hair is dry, start applying the hair mask near your scalp and work your way down. You can go back and gently apply the mask to your scalp after working it into the ends of your hair.
- Starting at your scalp is where you should begin if you’re specifically using the mask to treat dandruff.
- Apply the hair mask starting at mid-shaft and working your way to the ends if your hair is oily.
- After you’ve finished applying the mask, comb your hair with a wide-tooth comb to help make sure it’s distributed evenly.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap. Then, cover your head with a towel. This prevents the mask from dripping and adds some heat, which can aid in the ingredients’ absorption into your hair.
- At least 20 to 30 minutes should pass with the mask on. Some masks may need to be worn for several hours or even overnight, depending on the ingredients.
- Use cool or lukewarm water to thoroughly rinse. Cooler water can help seal the hair cuticle and help your hair retain more moisture, so avoid using hot water.
- You can add products and air-dry or heat-style your hair as usual after rinsing the mask out—it might take two or more rinses to fully remove it.
- Once per week, you can use a hair ask on damaged, frizzy, or dry hair. Try using one every few weeks if your hair tends to be oilier.
What Are the Benefits of a Hair Mask?
The advantages of using a hair mask differ depending on the ingredients and the type of hair you have. Generally speaking, the benefits of using a hair mask include:
- Shinier, softer hair
- Added moisture
- Reduced hair breakage and damage
- Less frizz
- A healthier scalp
- Stronger hair
- Less environmental and product damage
The Bottom Line
Hair masks can help hydrate and nourish your hair. They’re especially helpful for frizzy, damaged, or dry hair. Some hair masks may even strengthen your hair and enhance the health of your scalp.
Hair masks leave your hair on for at least 20 minutes, as opposed to instant conditioners, which only stay on your hair for a short while. Depending on the ingredients in the mask and the type of hair you have, some can stay on your hair for several hours.
Using organic ingredients like coconut oil, eggs, honey, or bananas, you can create a variety of DIY hair masks at home.
If you purchase a ready-made mask, try to find one that is as chemical and preservative-free as possible and is well suited to your hair type.
