Conditioner Vs Hair Mask: What is the Difference?
On a daily basis, your precious hair strands go through a lot, given hectic schedules and the environmental aggressors. Thus, they deserve all your attention and care. Two products that win everyone's hearts when considering the nourishment of the mane have to be conditioners and hair masks. But which one is more effective? What is the difference between the both? When should you use conditioner or hair masks? If you are also struck with these questions, then this comprehensive guide is just for you! Here, we have discussed the difference between conditioner and mask, their features, purpose, usage and more. So, read on to know which is a better hair mask or conditioner for your lovely, gorgeous locks.
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Explore Everything About Hair Conditioners
Hair conditioner, a post-shampoo nourishing product, is used to smoothen hair shafts, making it softer and shinier. Formulated with lubricating components like humectants, oils, glycerol, etc, it helps to reduce the friction between the strands, which makes the detangling process much easier and hence prevents hair breakage. The main function of a conditioner is to replenish the natural oils and protein lost while shampooing the hair.
Learn All About Hair Masks
You can refer to hair masks as deep conditioning treatment which is infused with essential oils and hydrating ingredients. It works wonders for dry, rough hair, prone to damage. Thicker in consistency, it nourishes the mane, facilitating its better health. This hair care product penetrates the internal structure of the hair and is effective in addressing a specific hair concern like dryness, frizziness, etc. You can easily balance the moisture content of the scalp with the optimal utilisation of hair masks, making your hair healthier and happier.
Decoding The Key Differences Between Hair Mask vs Conditioner
Is hair mask and conditioner same? If you are bothered by this question, then have a look at the following factors highlighting the differences between the two.
1. Purpose
The purpose of the application of hair masks is to nourish dry, frizzy hair with the goodness of natural essential oils like argon, rosemary, olive, etc. On the other hand, conditioners are used after washing the hair with a shampoo to replenish the moisture and oil level and also improve the texture of your tresses.
2. Consistency
Made of soothing and nourishing ingredients, hair masks come in a thicker, creamy texture. At the same time, you can find conditioners in liquid form having a much lighter consistency to moisturise and protect the hair from further damage.
3. Usage
For hair masks, you have to first prep your hair by washing it with a shampoo. Squeeze the excess water and then apply the mask evenly on damp hair. Leave the mask for at least 5 minutes as instructed on the packaging to let it show its magical results, and then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
When using a hair conditioner, you have to take a generous amount of the product and apply it only to the mid-lengths and ends. Then, allow it to stay in your hair for a minute before rinsing.
4. Frequency of Use
Experts recommend that hair masks should be applied once or twice a week to achieve the desired mesmerising soft hair. While a conditioner must be used every time you shampoo your hair to rejuvenate dull, brittle hair.
Pro Tip: Be sure not to overuse the mask, or else it can weigh your hair down and make it look greasy.
Should You Use Both Hair Mask & Conditioner?
Yes, absolutely! Being exposed to physical stressors, you must provide the necessary nourishment to your hair. For that purpose, both hair masks and conditioners are beneficial. Using a conditioner will make your tresses smooth, shiny, and soft, and it will also reduce frizziness. At the same time, the application of hair masks once a week will strengthen, hydrate and deeply nourish the hair follicles, making them strong and resilient. So, in order to achieve maximum hair-beneficial features, you must incorporate both these hair care products into your everyday routine.
Top Recommendations to Ensure Healthy & Nourished Hair
If you feel that your hair has lost its natural shine and looks dull and dry, and nothing seems to work, then all you need to try is Dove 10 in 1 Deep Repair Treatment Hair Mask. Enriched with Bio-protein fusion, it will reverse 3 years of damage and replenish the vital nutrients and proteins of the hair in just 5 washes. Also, it is quite effective in managing hair breakage and keeping hair visibly healthy.
Further, if your hair appears frizzy and rough after applying shampoo, then check out Dove Intense Repair Conditioner. It incorporates active keratin ingredients that treat ultra-dry hair, leaving it silky and soft throughout the day.
In a Nutshell
That was all about the hair conditioner vs hair mask. Both these products are equally beneficial for maintaining good condition and health of your mane. They deeply hydrate and nourish the innermost layers, helping you attain luscious locks after every wash. Utilise this guide, see what matches your hair needs the best and shop for it accordingly. So, wait no longer and bring home the secret to achieve the bouncy, shiny, silky hair of your dreams!
FAQs
1. Hair mask vs hair conditioner: What should I use for a dry scalp and hair?
If you have a dry scalp and hair, it is suggested that you use both hair masks and a hair conditioner for effective results. The conditioner will moisturise the mid-length and lower portion of your hair. At the same time, the mask can reduce the dryness of the roots.
2. Can I use conditioner and hair masks on my scalp?
While hair masks can be applied from the roots to the tip, conditioners are just meant for your hair strands. So be sure to use a conditioner on the ends of your hair and not at the top.
3. What type of hair mask should I use for brittle hair?
Experts suggest that you should choose hair masks with deep-conditioning and strengthening ingredients and essential oils that help to make your brittle hair stronger and shinier.
