Hair mask before or after shampoo
In the past few months, I have tried 13 different hair masks. Here’s what I found out:
Use a hair masque after shampooing. Not before.
If the instructions for the hair mask do not state otherwise, applying the hair mask to clean and dampen hair after shampooing will increase the product’s effectiveness.
After shampooing, use a hair mask.
Professional hair stylists deep clean the hair before applying keratin and color treatments.
This makes the hair more receptive and ready for treatment, resulting in better results lasting longer.
Surfactants increase the negative charge in hair and cause the cuticles to soften and lift a little when you shampoo.
Human hair has a natural negative charge.
Shampoos contain negatively charged surfactants and are designed to remove dirt, oil, and other positive charges.
When you lather, the double negative causes the cuticles to swell and lift slightly. This allows the detergents to clean between.
This is why a conditioner should be used immediately after shampooing to smooth the cuticles down and settle the hair. The cuticles remain open without conditioner, which can cause frizz and tangles.
If you use a hair masque, ensure your hair is still damp from a recent shampoo. The gaps on the hair surface allow moisture and nutrients to penetrate.
They work similarly to conditioners. They neutralize the negative charge from shampoos and return the cuticles to their original state.
Do you need to use conditioner after a hair mask?
The following three factors will determine whether you should apply a conditioner to your hair after using a hair mask:
- What type of hair mask are you using?
- Does the show have enough acidity?
- Your hair condition
Types of Hair Masks
Hair masks that are intensively hydrating and contain small particles can help keep hair moisturized for longer. Applying a conditioner right after the show can cause hygral exhaustion in the hair.
Hygral fatigue is the result of swelling and unswelling. This can cause the cuticles’ moisture retention to be compromised.
You can use a conditioner if your hair mask is light, and the instructions say to follow up with one.
The state of your hair
You can use a hair masque if your hair is porous. Hair masks are like conditioners that have been supercharged, nourishing hair 5X better while providing slip to detangle.
Fine hair
Using a hair mask on fine hair will be too heavy and intense. Use a hair conditioner OR a mask for fine hair.
Use them separately.
Coarse, Thick, and Dry Hair
A revitalizing masque is the best product for thick, dry hair. It softens rough hair and makes it easier to style and manage.
The CHI Luxury Black Seed Oil Revitalizing Mask is a great product that clearly states you should use conditioning after to get the best results.
Most people who have reviewed this product agree. After using this hair mask, conditioning your hair will double its effectiveness and leave it super soft and glossy.
Color-Treated hair
You can use a hair mask followed by a conditioner on colored hair to maintain the hair color intensity.
Most masques for colored hair combine both benefits.
The color conditioning mask is what it’s called.
Why not try the Oribe color conditioning mask with cuticle-enriching cuticles instead?
Oribe Color Masque
What’s better, a hair mask or conditioner?
Yes. Hair masks are more potent than regular conditioners and contain ingredients broken down into smaller pieces so they can penetrate deeper into hair shafts.
These products are more robust, more intense, and provide better moisture. They can also heal hair damage.
A conditioner is a simple counterbalance for shampoo. It neutralizes negative charges and restores pH after washing.
