The modern style of living does not leave us with much time in hand to pamper our skin can hair the way we would like to. Long commutes to work, and even longer working hours, take a toll on hair health. The magic hair care product that will help fight the buildup and environmental damage is the mask.
Hair masks are the hidden arsenal in hair care kits that restore softness, strength, and shine to the damaged hair. But even the best of the hair masks can fall short or worse cause the hair to become limp and dull – if not used correctly.
Hair care products might seem like an easy solution for combating hydration, damage repair or just improving hair health, but mistakes in applying them only means ineffectiveness. In this blog, we look at some of most common hair masks mistakes and how to fix them for salon-level results at home.
Skipping the pre-mask shampoo
Mistake: Using hair masks on dirty, unclean hair.
Fix: Wash your hair with a clarifying or a gentle shampoo (depending on the buildup on the hair). Clean hair will open up the cuticles and make the strands more receptive of the benefits of the hair mask.
Applying hair masks to soaking wet hair
Mistake: The product will just slide off wet hair and not be effective at all.
Fix: Towel dry your hair with an absorbent towel so that it is just damp before you start applying the hair care products. It will make them more effective.
Using the masks on the scalp (when you shouldn’t)
Mistake: These hair care products are thick in natures and applying them on the scalp will lead to more buildup, greasiness, and even clogged follicles leading to hair loss.
Fix: If you want a mask for scalp, opt for natural masks containing tea trill oil or aloe vera to smooth the scalp. For hair masks, Start applying the hair mask from the middle of the length to the ends, working your way to the areas that are the driest or most damaged.
Leaving it too long or too short
Mistake: Not reading the instructions on the mask labels and not following them.
Fix: Stick to the time-frame written on the label (it is usually 5-10 minutes). Leaving it for too long, will not give you any extra benefits and washing it off too quicky will not give it enough time to work its benefits.
If you want the best results, following the recommended time. For instance, the k18 hair mask for damaged hair works in just four minutes and the number of pumps needed is clearly mentioned for maximum nourishment without causing building in hair.
Not sealing the benefits
Mistake: Not using the serum or conditioner before styling or blow drying.
Fix: Rinse the mask with cool water to seal the cuticles and then apply a leave-in conditioner or hair serum to seal the hydration and benefits of the masks. Combining the hair care products only increases the effectiveness of washing-mask-conditioning routine.
Not detangling before application
Mistake: Masking tangled hair makes it difficult to reach every strand and wasted products.
Fix: Use a wide toothed comb or your fingers to detangle the hair before masking. This ensures even distribution of the hair care products.
Ignoring ingredient compatibility
Mistake: Blindly picking up any of the hair care products off the product shelf without being aware of your hair needs.
Fix: Choose a hair mask based on your hair’s needs. For example, if you have coarse or brittle hair a protein mask is an ideal choice, or if you are looking for deep hydration, ingredients such as coconut oil or shea butter will help you. Natural hair masks with banana, honey or avocado are also good for DIY care.
Conclusion
Hair care products like masks are a simple way to turn the lifeless strands in to soft, and glossy mane – only when used correctly. Take a step back to understand your hair needs, and then select the right mask or serum or shampoo or conditioner.
By avoiding the common mistakes for hair masks, with little care and right technique, you can make you hair care routine far more effective.