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, manageability, antistaticity and volume to dull, damaged, greasy hair. or colored.
How they work
First of all it is good to dispel a very recurring doubt: the hair mask is not a substitute for conditioner; the mask, in fact, requires a certain time to apply and has a much more intense nourishing or beneficial action 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 swimming pool and the humidity undermine the health of the foliage.
The nourishing and restructuring masks for hair are therefore formulated with substances capable of repairing the structure of the hair, 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, the ideal hair masks should possess the following requirements:
- Give volume and shine;
- Improve combability;
- Do not weigh hair down after application;
- Do not occlude, irritate and / or damage the scalp (hence the importance of always using only quality products);
- Protect the hair color (whether 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 possesses all these characteristics, but there are numerous types of masks suitable for each type of hair, specifically formulated to treat the various ailments that can affect the hair.
Types of Hair Masks
There are numerous types of hair masks currently available on the market and able to satisfy the most disparate needs of consumers. The main types of "shock" cosmetic treatments and their respective indications are listed below.
Nourishing hair masks
The nourishing hair masks are indicated for dry, damaged and visibly weakened hair from the sun, salt and other irritants. Olive oil is an ingredient often found in the recipe for nourishing hair masks.
Restructuring hair masks
This type of hair masks are indicated 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 avocado extract with vitaminizing properties.
Mask for oily hair
As can be seen from their very name, these hair masks are indicated in 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.
Dry hair masks
They are indicated for the treatment of dry hair: such a cosmetic preparation may contain moisturizing, protective and nourishing active ingredients. After the mask, it is recommended to spray a specific oil on the tips.
DIY egg and lemon hair masks are an ancient remedy for dry hair, still in vogue (especially among women).
Masks for colored hair
With repeated washes, dyed hair tends to lose its "artificial" shade. The masks for colored hair (which do not dye the hair) restore shine and brightness to the hair.
Ultra smoothing hair masks
Ultra-smoothing hair masks help make slightly wavy, frizzy hair softer and smoother. The styling with the hair dryer is however essential to favor and promote the smoothing effect of the product.
How to use
Although the types of hair masks are many, the method of application almost always remains the same.
Most masks - especially professional ones or those bought in specialized stores - 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 thoroughly washed (we recommend the use of specific shampoos for your hair type) and then just as thoroughly rinsed.
- After washing, it is possible to proceed with the application of the mask on hair that is still damp and previously towel-dried (not rubbed) with a towel. Normally, it is advisable to apply on the hair a quantity of product (mask) equal to a walnut; way, the recommended dose is subjective since it depends on the length of the hair. It is recommended, however, not to exceed the quantities of product to avoid unnecessarily weighting the hair. The mask can be applied in two ways: with the help of a special brush, or with your hands. In any case, to facilitate the uniform distribution of the mask on the hair, it is recommended to use a wide-toothed comb.
- After having covered the scalp and hair with a mask, 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 exposure time has elapsed, the hair and scalp must be thoroughly rinsed with warm water, taking care to remove any residue of the product.
- After rinsing, you can proceed with normal drying and styling.
Finally, remember that there are some ultra-fast action hair masks. These masks do not necessarily require a precise shutter speed and can be rinsed off immediately after application.
The method of use described above is valid for most of the hair masks that can be purchased in perfumery, in specialized shops and in the most well-stocked supermarkets.
As for the do-it-yourself hair masks, however, the situation changes. In fact, these homemade preparations - prepared for example with egg, yogurt, lemon juice and essential extracts - must be applied before shampooing.
Key points
The hair mask ...- It is NOT a conditioner.
- It needs to be distributed over the entire length of the hair.
- It must also be massaged into the scalp.
- It requires a certain shutter speed.
- It must be rinsed completely from the hair.
Hair masks online
An illuminating mask with keratin, argan oil and sunscreen is available online, to detangle, soften and nourish the hair, making it silky, shiny and vital without weighing it down. Ideal for repairing hair damaged by dyes, straighteners and aggressive treatments, this mask eliminates frizz and leaves a delicate and pleasant fragrance on the hair.
For effective action, it is advisable to apply to wet hair along the lengths and ends, leave on for 3-5 minutes and then rinse.
Alternatively, you can buy a restructuring mask dedicated to brittle, damaged and easily broken hair. The product is ideal for strengthening and helping to repair damage caused by heat and chemicals. It is not excessively foaming, promotes combability of the hair and counteracts the frizz effect.
For a correct application, it is sufficient to spread the product from mid-length to the ends, leave to act for 3-5 minutes then rinse. It is advisable to use the mask once a week as an intensive restorative treatment.
Frequency of use
Masks made for normal hair can be applied once a week or every two. Hair damaged and damaged by the sun, artificial UV lamps or dyes may require a more frequent application, even 2-3 times a week.
Hair and Diet Masks
Even if you regularly apply hair masks, you cannot expect to show off a healthy, shiny and strong hair when you follow a "completely senseless diet. Binge eating, junk foods and a low-protein diet do nothing but burden negatively on the health of the hair: in these cases, not even a prestigious mask can work miracles. To have hair in good health it is not enough to restore it from the outside: a healthy and balanced diet is the basis for having healthy and strong hair. So green light for fruits and vegetables rich in natural antioxidants, minerals and trace elements, and - in the right proportions - legumes, meat and fish: let's briefly remember that a lack of proteins can weaken the hair, making it more prone to breakage and fall.
Here, then, that by following a balanced and balanced diet, the hair mask can fully exert 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 so many myths to dispel about hair masks. These urban legends, completely unfounded, often lead consumers to believe similar products completely useless, or even harmful to their hair.
In truth, if the hair mask is chosen according to the characteristics of your hair and if it is used appropriately, the resulting benefits are real and appreciable.
So let's see some of the main myths to dispel related to these cosmetic products.
The hair mask replaces the conditioner
This myth is certainly to be dispelled. In fact, conditioner and hair mask do not replace each other as they are completely different products.
The conditioner, in fact, must be used after each shampoo to soften and detangle the hair and 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 should be left on overnight
This belief is completely false. Hair masks, in fact, must be left on only for the time necessary which is usually specified by the manufacturer itself depending on the type of mask and the ingredients used.
Leaving the hair mask on all night is therefore not able to increase its effectiveness.
For more beautiful hair the mask should be applied after each shampoo
Another myth to dispel, at least in part. Hair masks represent a shock treatment to be carried out when the hair feels the need.
However, people with very dry and brittle hair may need to apply the mask after each shampoo, especially during periods when the hair is particularly damaged.
On the contrary, for other people, the constant application of hair masks could lead to counterproductive results, such as the weighting of the hair.
Other products
In addition to hair masks, there are other products that can be used in order to obtain brighter, nourished and protected hair. These include leave-in products and packs with vegetable oils and butters.
Wraps
Wraps with vegetable oils and butters (olive oil, castor oil, shea butter, etc.) are very useful for the treatment of dry and brittle hair and, in particular, to restore tone and vitality to damaged ends.
As with do-it-yourself masks, wraps must also be done 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 for hair masks: to give shine and provide protection.
The classic example of a leave-in product is given by sprays and creams with a thermo-protective action that must be applied over the entire length of the hair just before proceeding with drying and the possible use of plates or irons.
Leave-in products must be applied - like most hair masks - immediately after shampooing (therefore on damp hair), but they do not need to be rinsed.
Read also: DIY hair masks »
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