How to properly apply a hair mask?

The hair mask is a rich treatment, concentrated in active ingredients. It will have an influence on the quality and beauty of the hair. It provides a complementary action to shampoos and conditioners.

There exist two categories of hair mask:

• Those designed for lengths, suitable for all hair types. They are particularly recommended for curly, frizzy and damaged hair. Normal hair can also benefit from this treatment in order to maintain their health.

• Those intended for the scalp, are more specific to a hair-related issue. For instance, there are sebum-regulating and purifying masks for oily hair, and soothing masks for irritated scalps.

Hair masks can be applied in various ways:

• Before shampooing : masks intended for oily and/or irritated scalps are appliedbefore shampooing. In these instances, they are applied before washing the hair, on dry hair and at the roots, to cleanse or purify the scalp. The duration of application varies depending on the mask but it is generally 30 minutes. In the case where the hair is very damaged and brittle (due to exposure to UV rays, chlorine, sea water or even hair colouring), the repairing masks intended for the lengths are highly recommended before shampooing. This step allows for an intense repairing treatment to be delivered to the hair. The mask should be applied on dry and dirty hair for a duration of at least 30 minutes or even overnight to allow the active ingredients to penetrate the hair fibre (a longer application time is preferred).

• After shampooing : although applying a mask before shampooing has many virtues, applying a mask to the lengths after shampooing is more common. The shampoo cleanses the hair by removing impurities while providing some benefits (hydration, nutrition...) which are light and superficial. The conditioner is mainly there to facilitate detangling, even though it can also enhance the benefits of the shampoo. However, these two products are not as active as a hair mask which penetrates the hair fibres more deeply. After washing your hair with shampoo, your hair cuticles are open and ready to receive the active ingredients of a hair mask. Thoroughly towel-dry your hair and apply the hair mask from the top of the hair to the ends. Leave the mask on for between 5 and 10 minutes. Once the ten minutes have passed, rinse thoroughly.

For very dry and damaged hair (curly, frizzy), a hair mask can be used up to 2 times per week. Otherwise, to avoid weighing down the hair, favour 1 application per week.

Please note : if you have normal hair, 1 application every two weeks will suffice.