Should I Try One of These Hair Masks I Keep Hearing About?
One of the newest trends taking the hair industry by storm is hair masks.
You’ve probably heard (and maybe even tried) facial masks, used to give skin a deep conditioning of sorts to help remove excess product residue and blackheads, minimize large pores and deliver a boost of softness and nourishment.
Now, a number of new product lines to hit the market recently promise many of the same types of benefits for your hair.
Many advertisements for hair masks promise to help repair split ends, rid hair of excess product residue, and deliver deep moisture. They claim to be a “reboot” of sorts for your hair, reversing damage and reintroducing shine and manageability—though some studies have pointed out that, once a strand of hair has been split, it’s impossible to reverse.
Many hair experts say, the trick to getting the most value and benefit out of a hair mask is to know your hair type, and select the right formula for you, much as you do with shampoo.
Repair Masks – This type of hair mask is made for people with overprocessed hair—such as those who regularly use hair dryers and thermal irons---and an excess buildup of products like dye/color, mousse and hair spray. “These masks should be used once a week instead of your regular conditioner,” advises hair stylist Mora Naieem of Cutting Edge By Mora. “Leave it on your hair for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing.”
Hydration Masks – This type of hair mask is perfect for people with light- to medium-textured hair. “Textured hair tends to be naturally dry,” Naieem explains. “Especially with color, highlights or thermal iron use, people with textured hair need to hydrate their hair regularly.” Naieem recommends using a hydration mask in place of your regular conditioner around two to four times per month, and leaving it on your hair for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing.
Smoothing/Intense Hydration Masks – People with medium to thick textured hair can benefit from hair masks with smoothing or intense hydration properties. “They are great for clients who need more hydration due to naturally being dry, or are even super-dry due to coloring, highlights, or frequent thermal iron use,” Naieem explains. These masks are also beneficial for people with thick, curly or frizzy hair. Naieem recommends using one of these hair masks in place of your regular conditioner once a week, leaving it on your hair for 10 to 20 minutes before rinsing.
Weightless Masks – Weightless masks are best for people with very fine, textured hair that could be dry due to coloring, highlights, or frequent use of thermal irons. Once or twice a month, put one of these masks on your hair instead of your regular conditioner, and leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing, Naieem advises.
What are some of Cutting Edge By Mora's favorite hair masks products?
"I love all of the Moroccan Oil masks," says Naieem, such as this Restorative Hair Mask, available at a wide variety of stores such as Nordstrom, Wal-Mart and Sephora, and online from retailers like Amazon and Jet.com.
"I also really love the It's A 10 Silk Express hair mask," she adds, which is available at stores like Wal-Mart, Target and Ulta Beauty.
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Could your hair use some expert help? Call or text Cutting Edge By Mora at (571) 249-6962 with your name and desired service to request an appointment.
Cutting Edge By Mora is located at 3000 N. 10th St., Suite C, in Arlington, Virginia in the Clarendon Metro area.
