So maybe you left the hair dye in just a little too long, or maybe it’s mid-winter and the cold water has sucked both the life and the moisture out of your hair. Either way, it’s time for a hair mask to replenish the nutrients and give your hair the attention it deserves. But with all of the choices on the shelves (and the possibilities in your pantry), what’s a girl to do? Look no further; here are the hair mask dos and don’ts!
1. DON’T: Proclaim Cream Cholesterol
During one of my many visits to Sally Beauty Supplies, I asked a salesperson her recommendation for a hair mask. She pointed me to this huge 32 oz. tub of cream cholesterol, and I figured at $4 a tub, why not? The label states that it softens and moisturizes dry and brittle hair, yet my experience with it has been less than stellar. I followed the directions, yet once I toweled off, my hair didn’t feel any better. It actually felt drier! I could barely run a brush through it, it was that bad. Therefore, I label the Proclaim Cream Cholesterol a DON’T.
Tip: Rinse masks out in cool water, as it closes the cuticles of your hair and seals in the moisture.
2. DO: L’Oreal Total Repair Extreme Split Ends Fixer
I managed to try this through the best person in my life, AKA my mom. She saw this and thought of me (not sure if that’s cute or an insult to my damaged hair). I gave it a try and I was so glad I did. It is more of a leave-in treatment, but it works wonders. The serum doesn’t leave your hair feeling greasy or heavy, but you can definitely tell the difference between your ends before and after. It smoothes the frayed ends and promotes shine, leaving your hair both looking and feeling healthier. It also has a 4.5 star rating on Amazon, which I fully agree with. All in all, this product was a DO.
Tip: Start with a small amount and add a little at a time, since too much product can leave your hair feeling limp and weighed down.
3. DO: Daily Defense 3 Minute Leave-In Treatment
Confession time: this hair mask actually comes from Dollarama. So you know it’s inexpensive, but is it worth it? Honestly, yes. This mask not only smells great, but makes your hair feel softer as well as less dry and brittle. I recommend focusing on the ends of your hair and working some upwards to prevent your roots from becoming weighted down. I actually have 3 tubs of this at home just because I like it that much and, why not, it’s not expensive and makes my hair feel much better than it did before. So, the Daily Defense Treatment is, again, a hair DO.
Tip: Hair masks can be left in for longer lengths of time. Just put your hair in a bun and wrap it in a towel.
4. DON’T: Coconut Milk Hair Mask
Coconut oil is all the rage these days, but what about coconut milk? Said to have the same moisturizing properties, a coconut milk hair mask is supposed to repair dry hair. The instructions are to leave a bowl of coconut milk to harden in the fridge for a night, then apply to dry hair, leaving in for 20 minutes. I tried this and didn’t find any difference than using regular conditioner. It’s better than no conditioner for sure, but it’s nothing special. Coconut milk can be found in a grocery store for $3-5, with only enough for one mask. So, save your money and use your favourite conditioner instead. Coconut milk as a hair mask is a DON’T, as in don’t bother.
Tip: Allowing a hair mask to sit in your hair while you shower is a great idea, because the heat helps to open up your hair cuticles and allows the mask to penetrate deeper.
You now have a few ideas for hair masks, as well as tips and tricks to make your chosen treatment work even better. A hair treatment can really give your hair life and restore moisture; you just need to find the right one!