How Often Should You Do A Hair Mask

I’ll be honest, a few years ago, hair masks weren’t something I even thought about, let alone did once a week. But after years of coloring my hair, and all the other environmental factors that can cause damage, it was time to start taking better care of my hair. Adding a hair mask to your hair care repertoire can be one of the best ways to keep your hair healthy and strong. Unlike regular conditioner, hair masks can penetrate the hair shaft deeply and provide reparative treatment. There are a lot of different masks to choose from, and whether you have dry, damaged, frizzy, curly, fine, thick, color treated hair, or anything in between, adding a hair mask into your hair care routine can help nourish your hair and scalp.

In today’s post I’m talking about how often to do a hair mask along with the best hair masks for different hair types. Read on for more.

How Often Should You Do A Hair Mask

How often you should do a hair mask will certainly depend on your hair type and how often you wash your hair, but a general rule of thumb can be a minimum of once a week. I typically wash my hair 2-3 times a week, so I typically do a hair mask once a week. I might do two if I’m doing something on my ends and something on my scalp.

You know your hair best, if it’s dry or damaged, you can probably do a hair mask a few times a week. If your hair is really fine, you might want to keep it to once a week so you don’t weigh your hair down. Make sure to follow the instructions to get optimum results. Most hair masks require that they sit on the hair longer than a conditioner, and need to be applied differently depending on what kind of treatment it is. You can use both a hair mask and condition your hair. Again, pay attention to the label, but typically you wash your hair with shampoo, then apply a hair mask, and then follow with a conditioner. Because I have thick but fine hair, I typically only apply hair masks on the bottom hair shaft to the ends (unless it’s a mask specifically for scalp).

Another good rule of thumb I learned from my hair stylist is for optimum hair health, apply shampoo only to the roots of your hair. As you wash it out it will rinse through to your ends, but overdoing it with shampoo can further dry out your hair. Don’t use water that’s too hot either. It’s not good for your scalp or hair (or your skin either).

Best Hair Masks

Best Hair Masks For Dry, Damaged, or color-treated Hair

Innersense Hydrating Mask

I am a big fan of Innersense hair products including their shampoo and conditioner. Their products are really good for anyone with sensitive scalps and the hydrating hair mask is great for color-treated hair. I think this one is also good for most hair types including thick and fine hair (one reviewer said it was great for her curly hair too). It helps reduce breakage and restore shine.

Briogeo Be Gentle Be Kind

This is one of my favorite masks in the winter months when my hair gets really dry. This hair mask you can use in place of regular conditioner. I typically shampoo and then put this on from mid length to ends and leave on for 5-10 minutes. My hair is always soft and manageable afterwards.

Adwoa Beauty Blue Tansy Reparative Mask

I first discovered this mask at Sephora and admittedly I don’t have curly hair but I love it. It’s very creamy and moisturizing and can be used on color-treated and damaged hair. It helps with detangling, curl definition and shine. It’s also vegan and cruelty free.

Best Hair Masks For Curly Hair

ADwoa Beauty Baomint Deep Conditioning Treatment

A really nice creamy deep conditioning treatment for curly, wavy and textured hair. It’s also soothing for the scalp formulated with peppermint oils. This mask will help add moisture and softness to hair.

Best Hair Masks For Fine Hair

briogeo don’t depair, repair deep conditioning mask

I’m going to go out on a limb and say that this hair mask is pretty good for all hair types. I like it for my fine, color-treated hair, and I know my mom who has very thick, curly hair also loves it. It’s strengthening and adds softness and shine. This one is best if left on a bit longer, for at least 10 minutes.

JVN Deep Moisture Mask

I discovered JVN after I used the brand’s shampoo and conditioner (which is great!). The moisture mask does not disappoint and it’s one of my favorites for my fine hair. It’s good for damaged and color-treated hair and adds shine, moisture and softness after just one use. I also like this one because you can leave it on for as little as 3 minutes.

Best Hair Masks For Scalp

Briogeo Scalp Revival cooling Hydration Mask

If you have an itchy or sensitive scalp this mask is a game changer. I tend to use this more in the winter months when my scalp gets more dry and sensitive. I typically do this mask once every two weeks and leave it on for about 5-10 minutes. It’s made with charcoal to help draw out impurities that can cause build-up, and tea tree oil that helps reduce itching and flakiness.

Playa Healing Hair Mask

I really like this mask from Playa that you can use from scalp to ends. It moisturizes hair and soothes scalp at the same time. It’s made with Kaolin Clay which helps to balance the scalp. It’s also vegan and cruelty free.

Best Hair Masks