Conditioners and masks have an important role to play when it comes to keeping your hair in tip-top condition, says Sarah Gubbins. But what’s the difference between the two? And why do we need both?
“Put simply, when shampooing every day or other day a conditioner should be used while a hair mask is used just once or twice a week,” explains Sarah.
Hair conditioners…
Treat the hair surface, smoothing down cuticles that are raised by shampooing to make hair shinier and less tangled. They are rinsed out very quickly after being applied, most doing the job in 30 seconds. Conditioner should be used every time you shampoo your hair and combed through. Allowing all product to rinse easily from the hair.
Hair masks…
These are much richer and more nutritious. They are designed to penetrate and deep treat the hair and are left on for longer than conditioners. Because the hair absorbs the concentrated goodness in the mask, the results last longer. This is ideal for those of us who shampoo just once or twice per week, keeping it moisturised longer. They will strengthen and nourish your hair, treat damage and make it softer, shinier and bouncier
Types of hair mask
There are different types of hair mask so it can be a bit confusing if you’re trying to choose the best one for you so I do suggest you chat with your stylist and ask for their recommendation, says Sarah.
Hair that is frequently coloured, bleached or styled with heated tools is more likely to need one of the richer masks like Keratin Restore Mask by System Professional. This also goes for coarser hair, curly hair and afro hair that are more likely to become dehydrated.
On the other hand, fine hair, or hair that isn’t coloured, or heat styled very often would benefit from a lighter mask treatment. I often suggest my clients try Olaplex no.8 Moisture Mask.
But do ask your stylist for their recommendation at your next appointment or pop into the salon for some professional advice.
Getting the best from hair masks
Hair masks do take longer to work, most masks taking 10 minutes, this allows the product time to go deeper and deliver more moisture.
Always check the directions for use on each product as they do vary:
- Generally, apply non-oil-based masks to wet or damp hair which is porous meaning it absorbs the nutrients better. But don’t apply the mask to soaking wet hair as too much water will dilute it. Pat the excess water off with a towel then apply the mask. However, masks with oil in are best applied to dry hair (this is because water repels oil).
- Check if your mask should be applied before shampooing or afterwards. Then make sure you evenly coat your hair and apply enough product.
- Don’t guess how long to leave it on for – follow the instructions. Too short and the mask won’t work to its full potential. While too long can lead to hair that looks oily and limp.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water (unless the instructions say otherwise).
“A hair mask is an intensive treatment so there is no need to use one every time you wash your hair. Weekly or less frequently might be good for you,” explains Sarah.
We’ve a wide range of conditioners and hair masks for every hair type so pop in for a consultation and we can advise on which ones will suit your hair and your lifestyle and how often to use them.
In This Busy Month Ahead
We would love to extend our best wishes to all and to thank you for your continued custom, we really hope to see you all again in the new year.
In January we will resume our offer of 10% off Nioxin’s Dermabrasion Treatment which is a fantastic reset, anti-aging scalp dermabrasion treatment to help regenerate and revitalise scalp skin through exfoliation, acting like a scalp facial. This scalp dermabrasion also helps accelerate skin surface regeneration. Each treatment includes a blowdry! This offer will be available for the month of January only and can be booked over the phone or online, discount will be applied upon payment in the salon basecolourandco.ie/booking/
As always, we are happy to carry out a free consultation and make recommendations. Call 061337455 to book your complimentary colour consultation. And, of course, we’ll also make sure you’re safe with an allergy alert test!
