How often should you do a hair mask?

If you’re like most people, you probably wash your hair a few times a week. But what about deep-conditioning it?

Just as our skin needs extra hydration and nourishment from time to time, our hair also benefits from regular masks. A good hair mask can repair damage, add shine, and make your hair look and feel healthier overall. But how often should you do a hair mask and what are the benefits? Let’s break it down.

What Is A Hair Mask?

Hair masks are essentially deep conditioners that work to nourish and revitalize your strands. They're usually made with ingredients like hydrating oils, marrow extracts, and other nutrients that penetrate the hair shaft to repair damage and impart shine. Unlike regular conditioners, which just sit on the surface of the hair, hair masks actually work to improve the health of the hair follicle itself.

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How Often Should You Do A Hair Mask?

The frequency with which you should use a hair mask depends on several factors, including your hair type, the condition of your hair, and the type of mask you’re using. 

For example, if you have dry, damaged hair, you may want to use a hydrating mask once or twice a week. If your hair is healthy but you want to add some extra shine, you can get away with using a mask every two weeks or so.

If you’re not sure how often to do a hair mask, start less frequently (once every 2 weeks) and work your way up to more frequent applications. Take note of how your hair feels after each mask and how long it takes for your hair to become less soft and healthy. If you start to do them more frequently and your hair begins to feel heavy and oily, you should take that as a sign to cut back to less frequent applications.

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Types of Hair Masks

When selecting a hair mask, it's important to choose one that is specifically tailored to your needs. For example, if your hair is dry, look for a hydrating mask that includes ingredients like coconut oil or shea butter. To break this down further, let’s take a look at some of the most common types of hair masks.

• Hydrating Masks: Hydrating masks are ideal for people with dry or damaged hair. They help to replenish moisture and restore shine and softness. Look for masks that contain ingredients like olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, or Argan oil. 
• Repairing Masks: Repairing masks are designed to repair damage caused by heat styling, coloring, and other harsh chemicals. If your hair is in need of some serious TLC, this is the type of mask for you. Look for masks that contain keratin or protein—these will help to restructure and strengthen your strands. 
• Volumizing Masks: Volumizing masks are perfect for people with fine or thinning hair. They help to add body and fullness while still keeping your strands hydrated. Ingredients like aloe vera gel, sea salt spray, and rice water can all help to give your hair some extra oomph. 

Hair masks may seem like nothing more than an occasional indulgence, but they can actually be an important part of keeping your strands healthy and strong. The frequency with which you should use a hair mask depends on your hair type, but most people only need to use a hair mask once, maybe twice, per week. When selecting a hair mask, be sure to choose one that is tailored to your specific needs in order to get the most benefits.

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