Nearly everyone could benefit from the occasional hair mask, but if you have really dry or damaged hair, then you might want to consider using one regularly to help promote rehydration and growth. 

A hair mask is also an excellent way to protect your hair through seasonal changes. Whether you live in or are visiting an area that’s warm and muggy or a place with crisp, dry or staticky air, a good mask has you covered.

But with so many masks on the market, and even more, you can make at home, how do you go about picking the right one for you? 

Let’s take a closer look so we can answer some of your questions and help you choose the best possible hair mask.

Hair mask tips

Know your hair

If you struggle with oily hair on a daily basis, then you certainly don’t want to use an oily mask that’s designed to treat dry hair. This may seem obvious, but it’s not always that clear. 

What if your hair is fine and dry? You want to moisturize and strengthen your hair, but you don’t want something that will weigh it down and make it look stringy.

This is why it’s important to understand your hair type, so you can find the kind of treatment that will be most beneficial. Considering your end goal will also help you pick the right mask.

All masks are different

We touched a little on this above, but just like your hair, it’s also important to know your mask type. Every mask is unique. Each is designed to do something specific with different ingredients, wait times, procedure instructions and more. 

When you’re picking a hair mask, you not only need to consider what you want it to do but also how you want it to do that. It’s important to take into account how much time you’re willing to put in, how often you’re looking to use it, what ingredients you feel comfortable with, etc.

In the shower or your sleep

Before using a hair mask, it’s important to first read the directions. Some are designed for wet hair in the shower that you wash out after a few minutes—just like your conditioner. Others are made for dry hair and can be done overnight and then rinsed out in the morning. 

Just make sure you know what the mask you’re using is designed for. You want to get the most out of your mask, but some of them don’t perform well when left on too long.

Finish with shampoo and conditioner

Hair masks are not meant to be a replacement for your regular shampoo or conditioner. They need to be thoroughly rinsed when you’re done, and then followed up with your favorite conditioner.

Store-bought or homemade are okay

There are a lot of fantastic masks on the market and of course, we are really fond of the Hair La Vie Masque as a first-line defense against dry, lifeless hair. 

But if you don’t want to commit to buying a mask, you can always make one right at home. We suggest giving the DIY Volumizing Sea Salt Hair Mask a try to see how you like the results.

Final thoughts

Hair masks have a lot of benefits and can be like a spa day for your hair. The best thing about masks is that they’re very easy to incorporate into your regular routine.

Remember, every mask is different, so it’s important to always read the label and instructions carefully. This way you know what you’re getting and it’s exactly what you want. Understanding your hair will help you make the right selection.

Everyone can benefit from a hair mask once in a while. Some of us might need to consider adding a mask to our weekly routine while others just need the added protection every once in a while. No matter which category you fall into, give it a try—we promise you’ll be thrilled with the soft, silky results.