How to mask your hair the right way: A step-by-step guide

While we’re all trying to find some semblance of order and attempting to maintain normalcy while we work from home, paying heed to your beauty routine seems like one of the few things you can do. You’ve heard us extoll the benefits of using a hair mask twice a week to maintain the health of your hair, but finding the time to do so can often be hard to come by. It’s time to make use of the additional hours you now have on your hands and do the things you’ve been putting off, like giving your hair the care it deserves. 

Finding the right hair mask comes down to understanding what your hair needs. If you have coloured hair, your strands crave hydration along with a formula that maintains colour vibrancy. If your hair is fine, make sure you use a lightweight formula made specifically for your hair type. For a thick mane, anti-frizz and dryness are possibly your biggest concerns. If you have curly hair, pick a mask that’s formulated for you so that you’re left with shiny, bouncy curls after the treatment. If your hair has undergone multiple colour and chemical treatments, it needs a formula that can repair the damage. Here’s our step-by-step guide to masking your hair right, to get the most out of this haircare step.

The ideal hair wash routine

The way your skincare only works well if your skin is clean to begin with, your hair needs to be thoroughly cleansed as well for your mask to do its job. Here’s a quick refresher on how to wash your hair well.

1. 1

   It’s best to use lukewarm water when washing your hair as very hot water can dehydrate and sensitise your scalp, while adding to frizz and weakening your strands. Use warm or cold water to start with and wet your hair well from root to tip.

2. 2

   Then, massage your shampoo thoroughly into your scalp, promoting blood circulation and run it through your lengths, just enough to cleanse it of dirt, grime and styling products. Keep your shampoo on for two-three minutes before rinsing to allow it to work well.

3. 3

   Once you’re done rinsing, make sure you drain all water from your mane before moving on to masking. This is to ensure that your mask latches on to the strands as opposed to getting diluted and dripping in your shower area. You can also towel dry it for a few seconds if you’d like.

How to use a hair mask best

Read the instructions

First, read the instructions on the jar or tube of the hair mask to understand how long you should keep it on your strands. It’s always best to understand what is recommended by the formulators of the product—for every beauty product, in that case—even if it may seem basic.

Start with damp strands

Once your hair is damp enough after shampooing it, divide your hair into two-four parts depending on its thickness. Unless the product says otherwise, a hair mask only goes on your lengths, not your scalp. Ensure that you coat your entire length, especially focusing towards the ends where the dull, damaged hair lies. 

Set a timer

Most hair masks are meant to be left on for 5-15 minutes—make sure you follow the instructions for the mask you’re using at the time. If you’re using a hair and scalp mask, apply the mask to your roots as well, but maintain a light layer so your pores aren’t overwhelmed by a heavy formula.

Don't multitask

While it may seem odd to stay in your shower for that duration, doing nothing, that’s the way it’s supposed to be. Unfortunately, a lot of people prefer using this time to wash the rest of their body. Even though this system works perfectly for most, if you’re someone battling with back acne or sensitive skin on your back, this may not be the best idea. When you eventually wash your mask off, the product slides down your body and if you’re prone to body acne, it can lead to breakouts when the skin isn’t washed off with soap after.

Rinse well

Once the mask has stayed on your strands for the required duration, use cold water to completely rinse it off your hair. Using cold water helps to reduce frizz in your hair and stay smooth once it dries. Make sure you wash thoroughly to get all of the product off and are left with soft, clean hair. 

Protect your hair from breakage

A popular misconception about using hair masks is that people often find that their hair falls a lot more while rinsing it. The truth is, hair masks and conditioners detangle your hair while smoothening them out. When your hair is dry, it has strands through it that have naturally detached from your scalp, which is a daily reality for everyone. This is why, when it comes in contact with a smoothening agent, the loose hair starts to fall off. Once you’re out of the shower, towel dry your hair and let it air dry indoors to avoid sun damage. In fact, avoid sitting in an air conditioned room right after, at least till your hair dries and you can tie it up, since the cold blast of air can also weaken your strands.

Also read:

How to blow-dry your hair at home in 6 easy steps

10 hair products that will save you the trip to the blow-dry bar

The best way to oil your hair to get the most out of the soothing ritual