Q&A for How to Apply a Hair Mask

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Question

What is a keratin hair mask?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

A keratin mask is one that contains keratin protein, the protein that your hair is made of. It will strengthen your hair.

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Question

Do I put a hair mask on wet or dry hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

A mask should go on freshly-washed, damp hair. It won't absorb properly on dry hair or soaking wet hair.

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Question

When should I do a hair treatment?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

After washing your hair is the best time to do a treatment. A weekend morning when you have time to let it process is ideal.

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Question

How do you use hair serum?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Hair serum is generally applied to the hair before styling. You should select one appropriate for your hair type, warm it in your hands to make it easier to apply, and run it through the ends.

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Question

Can I use it in my natural hair? I was using relaxer before, but now it's been 4 months since I last relaxed it.

Community Answer

Yes, you can, but it still needs constant care, like washing, applying hair ointment, and combing.

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Question

Do I shampoo after applying argan oil to hair?

Community Answer

Yes, after 20 minutes to allow the oil time to absorb. Make sure to wash afterward with an organic shampoo.

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Question

I'm applying an egg and curd mask, but the smell of the egg is very bad. Can I shampoo and condition my hair after the mask?

Community Answer

Yes, make sure to wash the mask out very thoroughly so the smell doesn't stay.

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Question

Should I rinse the mask with water only, or should I use shampoo and water after applying it?

Misterlm

Community Answer

Rinse the mask thoroughly with water to remove most of the product. If it contains oils or heavy ingredients, you may use a mild shampoo for a full cleanse and rinse with water again to ensure no residue is left.

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Question

Should I wash out the hair mask or keep it on overnight?

Misterlm

Community Answer

Most masks should be washed out after 10-30 minutes, but some hydrating masks can be left on overnight for deep conditioning. Check the instructions on your specific mask.

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Question

What causes a dry scalp despite moisturizing my hair?

Misterlm

Community Answer

A dry scalp can be caused by dehydration, overuse of hair products, hot water, or an underlying skin condition like eczema. If the problem persists, it's best to consult with a dermatologist.

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Question

Is it okay to use a hot towel over a plastic shower cap?

Misterlm

Community Answer

Yes, using a hot towel over a plastic shower cap is a good way to enhance the absorption of the hair mask by providing heat.

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Question

Should I apply shampoo after using a hair mask?

Misterlm

Community Answer

It depends on the type of mask. If you're using a hydrating mask, you may not need to shampoo afterward. However, if it's a protein or keratin mask, consider rinsing with water and applying conditioner to seal in moisture. Always follow the instructions on the mask.

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Question

Should I use a conditioner after rinsing out a hair mask?

Misterlm

Community Answer

It depends on the hair mask you're using. Some masks are conditioning enough on their own, but if you feel like your hair needs extra moisture or softness, you can apply a conditioner afterward. If your hair is particularly dry or damaged, a light conditioner might help seal the moisture in.

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Question

Should I use a hot wet towel or a hot dry towel around the shower cap?

Misterlm

Community Answer

A hot wet towel works better! After applying the mask and covering your hair with a shower cap, wrapping a hot wet towel around it creates a warm, humid environment, which allows the mask to penetrate more deeply into the hair shaft.

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Question

Should I apply a hair mask to the ends of my hair?

Misterlm

Community Answer

Yes, the ends of your hair are usually the driest and most damaged part, so it’s important to apply the hair mask there. Focus on the mid-lengths to ends while applying, but be careful not to over-apply to the scalp unless it's a scalp-targeting treatment.

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Question

Should I wash my hair before applying the mask?

Misterlm

Community Answer

Yes, it's best to wash your hair before applying a hair mask to remove dirt, oil, or styling products, allowing the mask to penetrate more effectively. Make sure your hair is damp (not soaking wet) before applying the mask.

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Question

Can I use conditioner after using a hair mask?

Jethya Perera

Community Answer

You should always shampoo before masking but then condition your hair after applying a hair mask. The shampoo will open up your hair cuticles, allowing your strands to receive more goodness from the mask. Then, your conditioner, as well as the rinse that comes after it, will ensure that you remove any product residue that could weigh your hair down.

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