If you're dealing with damaged, dry, or dehydrated hair, your regular conditioner may not be enough to provide the moisture and nourishment your hair needs. Knowing how to use it—and how to choose the right conditioner for your hair—can help.
What is hair conditioner?
A hair treatment is a type of deep conditioning treatment designed to improve the look and feel of your hair. It is typically applied to your hair after shampooing to help address specific issues that your regular conditioner may not be able to address. Damage, dryness, and dullness are just some of the common issues that a hair treatment can help correct.
You may be wondering how a hair treatment differs from a conditioner. Simply put, think of a hair treatment as a more concentrated version of your regular conditioner. Generally, hair treatments contain more concentrated ingredients and are meant to stay in your hair longer than conditioners. Additionally, hair treatments tend to be thicker than conditioners and are designed to be used weekly rather than daily.
How to apply hair conditioner
Step 1. Wash your hair
]The first step in your hair mask journey is to wash your hair. If your chosen mask is part of a complete hair care system, we recommend using the corresponding shampoo to help you get the best possible results from the product line. You may want to consider the Nubea Susteinia Moisturizing / Volumizing / Damage Repair Shampoo Sets for the best hair care results.
Step 2. Squeeze out excess water
After shampooing, gently squeeze out excess water with your hands or use a microfiber towel to dry your hair. It’s important that your hair isn’t too wet when you apply the mask, as water can dilute the product or cause it to run (rather than sit) in your hair.
Step 3. Apply hair conditioner
Next, apply a generous amount of your chosen treatment from mid-length to ends, avoiding the roots unless the label notes otherwise. The exact amount of product you need will vary depending on the length and density of your hair, so use the instructions on the packaging as a guide rather than following strict rules. If you have thick or curly hair, consider dividing your hair into four sections to ensure even coverage.
Step 4. Leave for the specified time.
Some hair masks take up to twenty minutes (or even longer) to work. As always, be sure to follow the instructions on your mask's packaging. Washing out your mask before the allotted time means your hair may not get the full nourishing benefits of the mask. On the other hand, leaving the mask on for too long can leave your hair feeling limp and greasy.
Step 5. Rinse with warm water
Rinse the conditioner out with cool or lukewarm water after the recommended time has elapsed. To avoid leaving hair feeling dirty or greasy, continue rinsing until the shine of the conditioner disappears. After showering, wrap hair in a microfiber towel and let it air dry or blow dry (remember to use a heat protectant).
Frequently asked questions about using hair conditioner
Should you apply hair conditioner on wet or dry hair?
Generally, you should apply a hair mask to damp or wet hair. Wet hair is very porous, meaning it is in the best state to absorb the nutrients from the mask. As mentioned earlier, try to avoid applying the mask to hair that is too wet, as excess water can dilute the product. However, as with any rule, there are exceptions, and in this case, it comes in the form of an oil-based mask. In many cases, an oil-based mask can be applied to dry hair. Water and oil repel each other, so an oil-based mask may not penetrate the hair shaft as well if your hair is wet. Ultimately, it is best to follow the instructions on the mask you choose.
How often should you apply hair conditioner?
How often you use a deep conditioning treatment will depend on your hair type, hair condition, and the type of treatment you’re using (so be sure to read the label!). With that said, a good rule of thumb is to observe how your hair reacts to the treatment and then adjust your usage accordingly. If your hair starts to feel heavy or greasy, you may be using deep conditioning products too often. On the other hand, if your hair is still dry and brittle, you may need to increase the frequency or try a more moisturizing treatment.
Do you wash your hair after applying a hair mask?
Unless your mask is a pre-shampoo treatment (meant to be applied to your hair before washing), you should generally apply a hair mask after shampooing. There are two reasons for this: First, thoroughly washing your hair helps remove any residue or other impurities that might prevent your conditioner from absorbing properly. Second, wet hair is more porous, giving your conditioner a better chance to penetrate your hair.
Do you use hair mask or conditioner first?
In most cases, you should use a hair mask before using conditioner. The first purpose is to provide extra moisture, repair, or nourishment beyond what your regular conditioner can provide. The second purpose is to help seal in the hair and make it softer, shinier, and more manageable. Be aware that there are cases where you use a heavier mask in place of conditioner, and doubling up on the product can be counterproductive because it weighs down your hair. Read the mask label to see if you should skip the next step.
Can I leave a hair mask on overnight?
As long as the product says it's an overnight product, you can sleep in a hair mask. These types of formulas are designed to last for a long time without damaging your hair. Typically, moisturizing and hydrating treatments can be effective when left on overnight, while restorative treatments (like those containing protein) can cause your hair to fall out if left on too long. Check the instructions and ingredient labels on your hair mask to understand how (and when) to use it.