How Often Should I Use a Hair Mask? Here’s What to Know

Hair mask connoisseurs and those new to these customisable treatments may both be wondering the same thing, how many times a week should you use a hair mask? And what are the best hair masks? For most people, using a hair mask once a week to every other week is usually the right frequency, but your lifestyle habits and hair type might change this. Let’s look at the benefits of hair masks, how often to use them and how to pinpoint a formula and routine that works for you.

Why Are Hair Masks Important?

Hair masks are concentrated treatments that are applied to your hair to boost its health and support concerns such as dryness, excessive oiliness, damage, dullness and dehydration. They’re more potent and often thicker than conditioners, making them a must-have for your haircare toolkit. Hair masks are also a great at-home treatment when you’re between salon appointments but your hair needs extra care.

How to Apply a Hair Mask

It’s relatively simple to apply a hair mask, but each formula may have slightly different instructions and time recommendations. Often the routines are fairly similar, but as a tip, be sure to always follow the guidance on your mask’s packaging. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide for using Davines’ The Renaissance Circle mask to give you a good idea of the process.

First, wash and condition your hair with your favourite shampoo and conditioner.
Rinse well to make sure all of the shampoo and conditioner are out.
Then, towel dry your hair lightly.
Open your maskand apply it all over your hair. Use a comb to help spread it evenly from roots to ends.
Leave it on for 10 minutes.
Rinse out the mask, ensuring that the formula is fully cleansed from your hair.
Dry and style!

How Often to Use a Hair Mask Based on Your Hair Type

The best hair mask is one that addresses your top concerns and works wonders with your hair type. Your hair type can offer you helpful hints as to how often you should use a hair mask. The texture of your hair, the level of oil you usually experience and the kinds of salon or colour treatments you have are factors worth thinking about. Every person is unique, but here are some good rules of thumb to follow based on a few common hair types and concerns:

For fine hair:If you have finer hair, it’s best to use a mask every other week to maintain balance without weighing it down. If you color or process your hair, you can increase this to once a week for added nourishment.

For curly and coily hair:Curls and coils are all different, but we recommend applying a mask every three shampoos. If you process your hair or find it’s oilier or more damaged than usual, you can use masks more often (around once a week).

For oily hair: Oily hair often benefits from purifying masks. To avoid adding extra oil and causing more build-up, use a mask twice a month. You can change the frequency depending on how your hair responds and based on any salon treatments you receive.

For damaged or processed hair: Damaged hair may need hair masks more often to help heal dryness, dullness and breakage. Start with using a nourishing or reparative maskweekly, then adjust the cadence depending on your hair type.

The Dos and Don'ts of Using a Hair Mask:-

Do choose a hair mask that caters to your hair type or concern.

Do ask your Colorist if you need a mask before or after your color service

Do keep your hair mask in for the recommended time it suggests.

Do shampoo, condition and towel-dry your hair beforehand to boost the effectiveness of the mask.

Do consider multi-masking, which involves layering two or more mask formulas for a treatment tailored to your hair type.

Don’t use a hair mask every day as this can cause residue or greasiness.

Don’t just apply your hair mask on the top layer of your hair. Lift your strands to make sure you get as much coverage as possible.

Don’t apply hair masks to fully dried hair unless the packaging specifically says so.

Debunking Hair Mask Myths

Have a few more questions about hair masks? Here are answers to some of the most common queries and a few debunked hair myths.

Can you use a hair mask every day?

You shouldn’t use a hair mask every day, as it is possible to overdo it! Whilst they are made to nourish hair, moderation is key to ensure you’re getting all the benefits without weighing down your hair with too much product. That’s why it’s best to stick to a cadence of once a week to every other week or work with a professional to determine a routine that works with your hair type.

Will low-quality hair masks cause damage?

Hair masks with lower-quality ingredients can be harsh on your hair, so it’s better to seek out masks with healthy, nourishing formulas. The wrong chemicals and ingredients can dry out and dull your hair, so be sure to find masks that are masks that are enriched with hydrating, high-quality ingredients to keep your hair healthy, shiny, and nourished.

Can you use a hair mask on dry hair?

It’s best to use hair masks on damp hair. Hair that’s fully dried can’t soak up the formula as well. It’s best to shampoo, condition and gently towel-dry your hair before using a mask. The only exceptions are masks that call for application to dried hair, like The Restless Circle, which serves as a pre-shampoo treatment.