What is the difference between conditioner and hair mask?

Hair care is very important in beauty and personal hygiene. In this regard, hair conditioner and hair mask are two widely used products that are used to improve the condition of beauty, health, shine and softness of hair. Although both products are designed to care, strengthen and prevent hair damage, the methods, effects and applications of these two products are different.

Definition of damageThe Hair

It is said to change parts of the hair structure that cause hair strands to weaken. If your hair is too dry and does not receive the necessary proteins and vitamins, it cannot cope with environmental stress and starts to break. Damaged hair becomes brittle, which results in frizz and unhealthy hair.

Using excessive heat during hair styling with tools such as hair dryers also destroys the hair's natural protective layer. Continuing to damage the hair in the long term can lead to thinning, thinning or even baldness.

soft TheWhat is a hair conditioner?

Hair conditioner is a product designed to soften and detangle hair after shampooing. After covering the hair with a thin layer of conditioner, the hair cuticle is smooth; Friction between the hair is reduced and it becomes easier to comb. Cuticle is one of the three structural layers of each hair strand; These three layers from inside to outside include medulla, cortex and cuticle.

Typically, conditioners use ingredients such as silicones, oils, and proteins to hydrate and protect hair from damage. Silicone is an ingredient used in shampoos and other hair care products and is popular with consumers because of the softness it gives to hair. Silicones have blocking properties and their main function is to create a physical and shiny coating on the surface of the hair cuticle to prevent the penetration of water, pollution and other external factors into the hair tissue.

What is a hair mask?

Hair mask is a more intensive treatment for deep hydration and repair of hair. Hair masks contain thicker ingredients than conditioners and usually need to be left on the hair for a longer period of time. By penetrating the hair shaft and intensely hydrating the hair, they transfer nutrients and repair substances to the hair structure and prevent hair frizz.

Hair masks may contain other ingredients such as vegetable and natural oils, proteins, as well as stronger ingredients such as keratin, collagen or amino acids. All types of hair masks consist of ingredients such as vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, argan oil, unsaturated fatty acids, omega 3, omega 6, omega 9, keratin and other useful ingredients. Therefore, for healthy or damaged hair, using a hair mask will always be beneficial.

Is the hair mask better or soft?The doer

Hair mask and conditioner are both important products in hair care routine; But they have differences, which we will examine below the main and key differences between the two.

Ingredient

The hair mask contains compounds with a higher concentration than the conditioner; So it works more effectively in repairing and nourishing damaged hair.

Duration of use

Hair masks usually need to stay on the hair for a longer time (something like 10 to 30 minutes). While softeners can be washed off after 1-2 minutes.

Amount of use

Hair mask should be used less than conditioner. Hair masks are usually used once a week or once every two weeks; While conditioners can be used every time you wash your hair.

Target

Conditioners are used to detangle, soften and straighten hair; While hair masks are used for deep hydration and repair of damaged hair. Hair mask is more suitable for dry, colored and frizzy hair.

How to use

The softener should be used on the stem and tips of the hair; Because applying it on the roots of the hair causes the strands to become heavy and as a result hair loss. While hair masks cover the hair from root to tip.

Types of softeners

There are different types of hair conditioners, each of which caters to different needs and preferences. Some common types of emollients include:

SoftenerThein the bathroom

this type Conditioners are used after shampoo and should be rinsed out completely after a few minutes.

SoftenerTheOutside the bathroom

this type Since conditioners do not need to be rinsed off, they are used outside the shower to add softness and shine to dry hair and remain on the hair throughout the day.

SoftenerTheRestorative: There are softeners that penetrate deep into the hair and have more hydration and repair power.

softThe doers Biphasic

These types of conditioners clean and condition the hair at the same time.

Consider your hair type, lifestyle, and specific needs to determine which conditioner works best for you.

Types of hair masks

There are different types of hair mask that depending on your hair needs and specific problems you have, you should choose the right hair mask for you and use it according to the instructions on the package. Here are some types of hair masks:

Mask wetThe doer

This type of hair mask nourishes the hair and returns the necessary moisture to them. For dry, damaged and frizzy hair, a moisturizing mask is a great choice.

Keratin and strengthening mask Thedoer

This type of mask strengthens the hair and prevents it from becoming brittle and damaged. Keratin mask is very suitable for weak and fragile hair.

Volume maskThe the giver

If your hair is thin and limp, a volumizing mask can help. This type of hair mask gives hair volume, thickness and shape.

Protective mask

If your hair is dyed or damaged by the use of chemicals, a protective mask can prevent chemicals and their damage to your hair and keep it in ideal condition.

Anti-dandruff mask

This type of hair mask helps to control dandruff, dry scalp and scalp. If you have dandruff problem, anti-dandruff mask is the best option.

Soft and shiny maskThedoer

This type of mask gives the hair softness, softness and shine. For dry, dull and frizzy hair, a soft and shining mask is a great option.

Sulfate-free hair mask

Sulfate is a chemical commonly used in shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks. However, in high-quality products, sulfates are not used. Sulfate-free hair mask can help the hair to maintain the necessary moisture and prevent dryness and damage to the hair.

Finally, based on your needs and hair condition, choose the right hair mask and apply it to your hair according to the instructions on the package.

5 ways to prepareThethe maskThe homemade hair

You may be wondering if a homemade hair mask is good for your hair or not. No need to worry; Because the homemade hair mask can help nourish and moisturize your hair as well as your scalp. In the following, we have told you 5 methods of preparing homemade hair masks:

Avocado, honey and olive oil hair mask

Honey in the hair mask helps to hydrate the scalp and dry hair, and with the combination of avocado and olive oil, it will meet the needs of your hair. Honey, avocado and olive oil hair mask helps to hydrate and strengthen the hair as much as possible.

Green tea and apple cider vinegar hair mask

Green tea reduces the production of dandruff. Apple cider vinegar also fights against dryness. Combining these two ingredients and applying them to your hair will bring you the results you are looking for.

Egg white and lemon hair mask

The egg white in the hair mask fights dandruff and cleanses the scalp of excess oil. Combined with lemon, which helps eliminate frizz and nourishes hair, you have a hair mask that will give your hair new life.

Castor oil hair mask

Castor oil helps to grow and nourish hair and can be used alone as a hair mask. Surely, after using this homemade mask, you will have well-strengthened and hydrated hair.

Benefits of hair mask after and in the shower

Hair masks are divided into two main categories: hair masks that require rinsing and hair masks that do not require rinsing. Rinsing masks are more concentrated and have a cream-like texture and are used in the bathroom. These masks penetrate into the layers of hair along with water, moisturize and strengthen the cuticles. Hair masks are used without rinsing, after bathing and on wet and damp hair. As the name suggests, they do not need to be washed and rinsed after use and create a protective layer on the hair that protects them from heat and air pollution. Also, these masks prevent hair from frizzing and give them more shape and volume.

Simultaneous use of conditioner and hair mask

The simultaneous use of conditioner and hair mask as a supplement is actually an ideal combination. Each of these products has special features and benefits that can facilitate the improvement and optimization of hair condition by using them at the same time. The hair softener, with its special formulation, makes the hair soft and smooth and makes the hair shiny. Also, conditioners protect the hair and prevent hair strands from becoming dry and brittle. Hair mask, as a strengthening product, in addition to hydration, strengthens and nourishes hair. The mask has the task of restoring and regenerating the hair and improves the health and strength of the hair; Also, the hair mask gives shine and volume to the hair.

By using conditioner and hair mask at the same time, you can use both products. First, soften and smooth the hair by using a hair conditioner, and then strengthen and nourish them by applying a hair mask. This method makes the hair gain more shine, softness and strength at the same time. If you want to use conditioner and mask at the same time, you should first leave the mask on your hair for 10 to 15 minutes, then use the conditioner after rinsing the mask from your hair. The reason for this arrangement is that if you use the conditioner first, the hair cuticles will be closed and it will be difficult for the hair mask to work.

The order of using a hair mask and conditioner

According to your understanding of the difference between hair mask and conditioner, you can follow the order below to use these two products at the same time:

1. Washing hair

Before using both products, wash the hair thoroughly to remove any contamination and ingredients from the previous products. Use a suitable shampoo for your hair type to wash your hair and then rinse your hair completely.

2. Using a hair mask

After washing, apply the hair mask on the hair. Apply the product from the root to the tip of the hair. The specified duration for each mask is written on it, so follow the duration accordingly. The mask strengthens and nourishes the hair and facilitates the improvement of hair health.

3. Rinse the hair mask

After the required time has passed (usually between 10 and 15 minutes), rinse the hair mask completely. Use warm or lukewarm water to rinse the mask completely from the hair.

4. Using softener

After rinsing the hair mask, apply conditioner to the hair. Distribute the conditioner evenly on the hair and massage the head. The softener gives softness, shine and appearance to the hair.

5. Softening rinse

After the required time (about 1-2 minutes), rinse the softener completely.

6. Hair drying

After the shower, dry the hair naturally with a clean towel. Use a hair dryer with low heat so as not to damage the hair.

In this order, first strengthen and nourish the hair by using a hair mask, and then give it softness and shine by using a conditioner. It is recommended to use the hair mask less than the conditioner, because the hair mask affects the depth of the hair and using it excessively has a negative effect on the health of the hair.

In short, although hair mask and conditioner serve different purposes, both are important hair care products. If your hair is dry, damaged, or colored, using a hair mask may be a better option for deep repair and nourishment. If your hair is relatively healthy and you are looking for a product to soften and detangle, conditioner is more suitable.