Everyone loves the way their hair looks and feels after a good, high-quality hair mask – so much so that it’s tempting to use it every day. But using a hair mask daily can have adverse effects. Who’d have thought?
With that in mind, you’re likely wondering how often you can and should use your hair mask. And honestly? Your type of hair determines the frequency. Fine, thin, and oily locks should limit to once a week or every other week, while damaged and dry manes or thick, curly locks can benefit from twice-weekly treatments.
If you’re wondering what the “magic number” is for hair mask application, you’ve come to the right place. This article shares all the must-know info you need to use your hair mask properly and achieve the best benefits.
Go get your fave hair mask and let’s talk about how often you should apply it!
Contents
How Often Should You Do a Hair Mask?
Most hair masks say to use their product once a week on your hair. That’s great and all, and it will work for the majority of hair types. So, if all else fails and you’re unsure how often to use your hair mask, you can go with the “once a week” rule and be just fine.
However, if you want to get the best results from your hair mask, you should use it as often as your hair type demands.
To ensure you’re using it correctly, let’s take a closer look at hair types and how often to use a hair mask based on your mane.
1. Fine/Thin/Oily Hair (Once a Week, Every Other Week)
If you have fine or thin hair, the last thing you want to do is to weigh it down with product. That said, you should restrict using hair masks to once a week or every other week. This will allow your hair to reap the benefits without getting weighed down, leaving you with flawless locks.
For oily manes, it’s generally the same idea. Hair masks are meant to moisturize. If you already have greasy strands, you don’t want to overdo it. The product will build up, and you’ll be left with way too much moisture, leading to a mane that feels, well, disgusting.
Tip: Always make sure you’re using a hair mask designed for your specific hair type. This will reduce the chances of ending up with weighed-down locks or overly hydrated strands that feel icky.
2. Healthy Hair (Once a Week)
If the “hair gods” have shined their light on your hair, we’re jealous. Congratulations, you’ve been blessed with envious tresses. Don’t ruin it by overdoing it with the hair masks! Instead, give your strands a boost in the gloss and smooth department with a weekly hair mask treatment.
3. Dry/Damaged Hair (Once or Twice a Week, Sometimes Three Times)
One of the main reasons why people choose to use hair masks is that their locks are in bad shape. They’re either struggling with damaged hair (common after hair coloring or perming treatments) or have naturally dry strands.
Regardless of what’s causing your hair to be dry and damaged, it’s hair masks to the rescue. And you should use it once or twice a week for the best results (or three times if your hair is in need of some serious restoration).
As your hair starts to repair, you can cut it down to once a week.
4. Curly/Thick Hair (Once or Twice a Week)
Curly and thick hair needs a little more help – even if it’s in great shape. For one, it can be difficult for curly strands to absorb product. Secondly, it can be hard to slather the product onto thicker strands, and you might end up missing some areas. Oops!
If you have curly or thick hair, it’s best to rev up treatments to twice a week – although once a week can do the trick, too. Really, it depends on how your hair feels and what you think is best for your mane.
FAQs
Pretty interesting stuff, isn’t it? But if you’re not ready to depart from this article just yet, I have added a few additional questions you might want to check out.
Is hair mask good for everyday use?
Although it might be tempting to use a hair mask every single day, it’s not a good move for your locks. Overuse of hair masks can lead to buildup and weighed-down strands. Not only that, but it can become over-hydrated, leading to fragile strands. Who knew?
Do you use a hair mask before or after shampooing?
You should always use a hair mask after shampooing. This will get rid of any leftover product, dirt, grime, and grease allowing the hair mask to penetrate your hair follicles correctly. By the way, if you didn’t know already, hair masks work best on wet hair, so you should use them in the shower.
Can hair masks damage hair?
Hair masks are meant to repair hair – not damage it. Yet, if you use it way too much, you can end up damaging your locks. How so? Well, there are a couple of ways. Excess hair mask usage can cause oily hair to become greasier, and fine and thin manes can become weighed down. Even the healthiest strands can become over-hydrated, which can lead to strands that are fragile and weak. Needless to say, limit the use of your hair mask!
Hair Masks Should Be Used According to Your Hair Type
While hair masks can generally be used once a week (by most hair types), those with fine, thin, or oily hair should consider limiting use to every other week. Those with thick, curly, dry, or damaged strands can go up to twice a week. Severely damaged strands can benefit from treatments three times per week until it’s repaired, then cut down to once a week.
How often do you apply a hair mask to your mane? What type of hair do you have? Do you have tips for hair mask application?
