An essential part of a hair care routine, to be performed once or twice a week, the hair mask is nonetheless subject to many misconceptions. Through this article, we aim to help you separate fact from fiction.
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Hair Mask: The Common Misconceptions.
Summary
- A hair mask should always be applied after shampoo and conditioner
- The hair mask should only be applied to wet hair
- The hair mask is applied in a generous amount
- The hair mask weighs down fine hair
- The hair mask can replace the post-shampooing process
- Discover our Biomimetic Ceramides 0.3% + Avocado Oil Repairing Hair Mask on the Typology website
Published June 1, 2022,
updated on October 31, 2024,
by
Sandrine, Scientific Editor
—
4 min read
A hair mask should always be applied after shampoo and conditioner.
Not necessarily. The mask is used according to needs, no more than once to twice a week to avoid weighing down the hair. Moreover, some masks are applied before shampooing, for instance those intended for oily and/or irritated scalps, presenting dandruff. In these cases, hair masks are applied before washing the hair, on dry hair and at the roots, to cleanse or purify the scalp. Furthermore, there are also nourishing night masks that are applied to the lengths and are to be rinsed off in the morning.
The hair mask should only be applied to wet hair.
False. There is a plethora of different formulas and galenic preparations. Some hair masks are applied to dry hair and require rinsing a few minutes later. Others can even be left on overnight before being rinsed off the next morning.
Note: Generally, masks to be used after hair cleansing are never applied to soaking wet hair. It is recommended to wring them out so that the treatment does not tend to escape along the hair shafts.
The hair mask is applied in a generous amount.
Not always! It depends on the recommendations of the skincare product being used. A large amount of product is not always necessary to enjoy its benefits. Nowadays, masks are often formulated with active ingredient-rich formulas. Therefore, as a general rule, a few dollops are sufficient (never more than 4!), depending on the thickness of your hair, to achieve the desired effect.
The hair mask weighs down fine hair.
Fine hair is characterised by a lack of volume, and indeed, some hair masks can have a weighty effect. Therefore, it is essential to favour treatments tailored to their specificities, containing plant proteins or vitamins such as biotin, which stimulates the production of essential amino acids like keratin, one of the main constituents of hair. If you have fine hair, apply the mask only to the mid-lengths and ends, adhering to a not very long application time of two to three minutes.
The hair mask can replace the post-shampooing process.
False. These two products are complementary treatments with distinctly different roles. The conditioner is primarily there to facilitate detangling, although it can also enhance the benefits of the shampoo. It is not as active as a hair mask which penetrates the hair fibres more deeply. Generally, the conditioner is applied first, followed by the mask for a moment of intense nourishment.
Discover our Biomimetic Ceramides 0.3% + Avocado Oil Repairing Hair Mask on the Typology website
Composed of 98% natural origin ingredients, this mask deeply nourishes and repairs the hair fibre thanks to the synergy of 3 natural actives:
Biomimetic ceramides act like a cement to restructure the fibre and fill in the hair's scales.
Mango butter repairs and prevents the occurrence of split ends, and limits breakage.
Avocado oil strengthens the roots and stimulates growth.
This mask is suitable for all hair types but is particularly recommended for dry, damaged and brittle hair. For these concerns, we advise using it in conjunction with the nourishing shampoo with the biolipid complex.
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