When should you apply a hair mask?

A rich treatment concentrated in active ingredients, the hair mask is appliedonce or twice a weekand significantly influences the quality and beauty of the hair. It provides acomplementary action to shampoos and conditioners. Indeed, shampoo cleans the hair by removing impurities while providing some benefits (hydration, nutrition...) that remain light and superficial. The conditioner is mainly there to facilitate detangling, even if it can also enhance the benefits of the shampoo. However, these two products are not asactive as a hair mask whichpenetrates the hair fibres more deeply.

For very dry and damaged hair (curly, frizzy or even kinky), a hair mask can be used up to twice a week. Otherwise, to avoid weighing down the hair, opt for a weekly application. However, normal hair can space out hair masks further and perform this type of treatment once every two weeks.

The hair mask can be applied either before or after washing the hair.

• 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 application time varies depending on the mask but 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 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.