How To Use a Hair Mask For Softer, Silkier Strands

If you’re dealing with damaged, dry, or dehydrated hair, your regular conditioner might not be enough to give your strands the moisture and nourishment they need. That’s when knowing how to use a hair mask—and how to choose the right one for your hair—can come in handy. As with any haircare product, the right application technique is a must for reaping the full benefits of your chosen formula: Overnight hair masks have different usage instructions than rinse-out versions, and vice versa. If you’re looking to give your strands some TLC but aren’t sure where to start, keep reading. Ahead, we’ll explain how to put on a hair mask and answer some common masking-related questions (like: how often should you use a hair mask?) to help you get the most out of your haircare routine. We’re also sharing a few of our favorite hair masks to address different haircare concerns. Find the 411, below.

What Is a Hair Mask?

A hair mask is a type of deep conditioning treatment designed to improve the look and feel of your hair. It’s normally applied to your strands after shampooing to help target specific concerns that your regular conditioner may be unable to address. Damage, dryness, and dullness are just a few common woes that a hair mask can help remedy.

You might wonder how a hair mask differs from a conditioner. Simply put, think of a hair mask as a more intensive version of a regular conditioner. Generally, hair masks contain more concentrated ingredients and are meant to be left on the hair longer than conditioners. Additionally, hair masks tend to be thicker than conditioners and are designed to be used weekly rather than daily.

How To Apply a Hair Mask

Now, on to the how-to. Below, we’re sharing a step-by-step guide on how to put on a hair mask to give your strands the care and attention they deserve.

Step 1. Wash your hair

The first order of business on your hair masking journey is washing your hair. If your chosen mask is part of a complete haircare system, we suggest using the corresponding shampoo to help you get the best possible results from the range. If not, try a sulfate-free shampoo suitable for all hair types, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Simply Clean Shampoo with Essential Oil, which thoroughly cleanses hair without stripping it. You can also pick up a shampoo based on your hair type and concerns.

Step 2. Wring out excess moisture

Once you’ve washed your hair, use your hands to squeeze out excess moisture or use a microfiber towel to gently dry your hair. It’s important that your hair isn’t soaking wet when you apply your mask, as the water can dilute the product or cause it to drip off (rather than sit in) your hair.

Step 3. Apply your hair mask

Next, apply a generous amount of your chosen mask from the mid-lengths to the ends of your hair, avoiding the roots unless the instruction label indicates otherwise. The exact amount of product needed will vary based on your hair length and density, so use the directions on the packaging as a guide rather than a strict rule. If you have thick or curly hair, consider sectioning your strands into four segments to ensure your mask evenly coats your strands.

Step 4. Let it sit for the allotted time

Some hair masks require up to twenty minutes (perhaps even longer) to work their magic. As always, be sure to follow the directions on the mask’s packaging. Washing out a hair mask before the allotted time means your hair may not fully receive the mask’s nourishing benefits. On the flip side, leaving a hair mask on for too long can make your mane limp, greasy, or even stained (if you opt for a toning mask).

Step 5. Rinse with lukewarm water

Thoroughly rinse your hair mask using cool or lukewarm water after the suggested time is up. To prevent your lengths from looking or feeling greasy, keep rinsing your hair until the slick, slippery texture of your mask disappears. Once out of the shower, wrap your hair in a microfiber towel then let it air dry or blow-dry it (with a heat protectant, of course).

3 Of Our Best Hair Masks To Try

Hair masks can help improve the look and feel of your mane, but it’s essential to choose the right formula for your hair type, texture, and needs. You can choose from purple-tinged formulas to address brassiness, reparative treatments to manage damage, or creamy, hydrating hair masks to restore moisture. For some shopping inspo, you can’t go wrong with three of our best hair masks, ahead.

L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Power Restore Multi-Use Treatment

If you’re on the hunt for the best mask for dry, damaged hair, consider the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Power Restore Multi-Use Treatment. It’s formulated with caring ingredients and 91 grams of a protein-infused Repair Concentrate. What we love most about this product is its versatility: When you’re not applying it as a hair mask, you can use the formula as a co-wash to help boost hair’s resistance or as a strengthening leave-in treatment.

L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Simply Clean Elastic Fiber Masque

To rehydrate color-treated hair without dulling its hue, opt for a dedicated hair mask that nourishes your locks while protecting your color. We’re partial to the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Simply Clean Elastic Fiber Masque. The innovative cream-to-fiber formula envelops hair in essential moisture for renewed softness and shine.

L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Anti Brass Purple Mask Treatment

If you’re a bleached or natural blonde, consider snagging the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Anti Brass Purple Mask Treatment. This violet-tinted mask helps neutralize yellow tones that can occur in lightened hair while deeply nourishing bleached strands. Five minutes are all you need to reap its benefits. (It’s suitable for gray and silver hair, too).

How To Use a Hair Mask: Frequently Asked Questions

Now that you’re clued in on how to apply a hair mask, we’ve compiled a list of common queries about the masking process. Below, find answers to more specific questions that you may have about correctly applying a hair mask.

Should you apply a hair mask on wet or dry hair?

You should typically apply a hair mask to damp or wet hair. Wet hair is porous, meaning it’s in the best state to absorb the nutrients of the mask. As mentioned earlier, try to avoid applying a mask to soaking wet hair, as the excess water might dilute the product.

As with any rule, though, there are exceptions—and in this case, it comes in the form of oil masks. In many cases, oil-based masks can be applied to dry hair. Water and oil repel, so an oil-based mask likely won’t penetrate the hair shaft well if your strands are wet. Ultimately, it’s best to follow the directions on the mask you choose.

How often should you use a hair mask?

How often you use a hair mask generally depends on your hair type, its condition, and the type of mask you're using (so be sure to read the label!). With that said, a good rule of thumb is to observe how your hair responds to your mask and then adjust your usage accordingly. If your hair starts to feel heavy or appear greasy, you might be using the deep conditioning treatment too regularly. If your hair remains dry and brittle, on the other hand, you might need to increase the frequency or try a more hydrating hair mask.

Do you shampoo after a hair mask?

Unless your mask is a pre-shampoo treatment (which is meant to be applied to hair before washing it), you should typically apply a hair mask after shampooing your hair. The reason is twofold: For one, thoroughly cleansing your hair helps eliminate buildup or other impurities that can prevent your mask from properly absorbing. For another, wet hair is more porous, giving your mask a better chance of penetrating the hair fiber.

Do you use a hair mask or conditioner first?

In most cases, you should use a hair mask before conditioner. The former aims to give your hair extra moisture, repair, or conditioning beyond what your regular conditioner can provide. As for the latter, it helps seal everything in and gives your hair added softness, shine, and manageability. It’s worth noting that there are instances where a heavier mask is intended to replace your conditioner, and doubling up on products can backfire by weighing your hair down. Read your mask’s label to gauge whether or not you should skip the subsequent conditioning step.

Can you leave a hair mask on overnight?

As long as the product indicates that it’s a leave-in or overnight treatment, you can wear a hair mask while you sleep. These types of formulas are designed to be left on for extended periods of time without weighing down your hair. Often, moisturizing and hydrating treatments can work well as overnight hair masks, while reparative masks (like those infused with proteins) can leave hair feeling flat if left in too long. Check your hair mask’s directions and ingredient labels to understand how (and when) to use it.

Next Up: How To Properly Layer Products In Your Haircare Routine