Do you have dry hair, damaged hair, color-treated, or permed hair? A Hair Mask is going to be a game-changer for you. We have just the right tips for you – read on!

After the last blog about the aftercare of hair post-bleaching and post-dyeing, we have received many comments from our readers who tell us that they make the same mistakes when using hair masks. This week, the Iles Formula Journal is going to elaborate more on how to use Hair Masks correctly.

Applying Hair Masks is an excellent way to repair your damaged hair instantly yet economically. With a good hair mask, you don’t even need to book into a salon, you can simply do the deep conditioning treatment at home by yourself. However, doing so in the wrong steps can make a huge difference in the results.

Hair by Iles Formula founder Wendy Iles using Iles Formula Spa Pack

What are Hair Masks?

Are Hair Masks the same as regular conditioners? The answer is definitely NO.

The difference between hair masks and conditioners lies not only in the difference of the time that the product stays on your hair but also the functionalities.

There are two main functions of Hair Conditioners, one is to help the hair heal; another is to close the cuticles of the hair to create a smooth texture and prevent damage from the outside.

While a Hair Mask is only designed to nourish damaged hair, the ingredients and functions are different, and they should be formulated specifically to achieve a targeted and higher performance on hair nourishing and hair hydration than a normal conditioner.

As you become more and more knowledgeable on products, ingredients, and their functions, you may begin to realize that you can’t really replace hair masks with hair conditioners as they perform different functions, and that it doesn’t make sense to apply any nutritious product on your hair when the pores or cuticles of your hair have been fully closed already. It’s just like for the face: you will not apply facial serum or toner after applying facial lotion/creams on your face. Always remember that the appropriate time to use a hair mask is after shampooing and before conditioning. Clean, nourish, repair THEN seal.

 

Photo from firstbotany.com

How to use Hair Masks for a deep conditioning treatment?

1. The correct steps of using a hair mask

A lot of us are prone to making the common mistake of putting on a hair mask after conditioning, which may have made you think that your hair mask wasn’t effective. Now, you should judge the effectiveness of your hair mask after using it in the correct steps.

Shampoo --> Deep conditioning treatment - Hair mask --> Conditioner

You should always use hair masks after your hair is clean and damp, so your hair can absorb most of the nutrients from the mask.

Tip 1: Remember only towel-dry your hair until there’s no water dripping from your hair because your hair only opens when it’s wet. However, note that excessive water on your hair will dilute the hair mask and make it less effective.

Tip 2: Keep your hair mask away from water. Be careful that you do not drip any excess water into your hair mask while using it, as this would contaminate your hair mask and make it go off easily.

2. Wait for a sufficient time

After putting on a hair mask, you can wrap your hair with a shower cap or hot towel and wait around 15 minutes to allow your hair to fully absorb the nutritious ingredients.

3. Use tepid water to rinse out the hair mask and hair conditioner

Hot water opens the hair cuticles rapidly and your new hair color may seep out. What you want is to lock the nutrients of the hair mask into your hair, as you don’t want to waste your time, effort, and money on the hair mask, right? So be good and rinse the hair mask out with tepid water for the best results.

4. Conditioning after using a hair mask

Afterward, remember to apply a hair conditioner to seal the nutrients in by closing down the hair cuticle. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes and rinse it out with tepid water again afterward.

We recommend that you use the sulfate-free, paraben-free, and cruelty-free Iles Formula Conditioner. The Iles Formula Conditioner, unlike most conditioners on the market, is an Haute performance conditioner that INSTANTLY repairs your hair as it truly seals shut the outer hair cuticles, ensuring that all the nutrients the mask delivers are sealed within your hair follicles for the fastest, most effective results. This allows the mask to do the nurturing and the conditioner to seal in the benefits of the mask after. This conditioner as powerful as it is will not coat the hair with unwanted proteins or keratin and it will never weigh the hair down.

5. Keep it as a regular routine

A regular routine can help you manage the health of your hair: hair masks can be used once weekly for those needing more TLC, or fortnightly to even once a month if you are simply maintaining the health of your hair.

 

Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

To sum up the step of using a hair mask, these are the detailed steps below.

Shampoo --> Rinse and Towel-dry your hair until no water is dripping --> Deep conditioning treatment - Hair mask --> let it sit for around 15 minutes --> Rinse it with tepid water --> Conditioner --> Rinse it with tepid water

What are the best ingredients for a Hair Mask?

 

 

Hair by our founder Wendy Iles using the Iles Formula Spa Pack to deliver soft sumptuous curls.

 

1. VITAMIN E for hair

Vitamin E is one of the best ingredients for hair as it has natural antioxidant effects that could help to maintain hair growth and can help promote a healthy scalp.

2. VITAMINE B5 for hair

Vitamin B5 is great for hair care as it can deeply penetrate the hair to deliver unparalleled moisture to hair strands. It also increases pliability, preventing breakage. What you get is smooth silky strands and weightless volume for that full, bouncy look.

3. PANTHENOL for hair

What is panthenol in hair products? How does it help care for hair? Panthenol works by improving hair elasticity, reducing breakage. It also helps your hair retain moisture and is great at detangling unruly curls!

4. Oils for hair

Oils are known to be great for hair care and hair growth, such as argan oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, and macroloba seed oil. However, as mentioned in the previous blog, prevent blonde from turning yellow, beware when using argan oil as it can cause an ashy toned hair color as well as blonde hair to turn yellow and brassy. Coconut oil and Macroloba seed oil are safe and beneficial choices for all hair types. Macroloba seed oil can impart gloss and a soft smoothness to the hair.

If you are looking for a hair mask to rescue and treat your damaged hair immediately, the Iles Formula Hair Mask is an ideal Hair Mask for you, as it strengthens and nourishes ALL hair types.

 

Iles Formula Haute Performance Hair Mask

Not only does it contain all the above ingredients as well as Tucuma Seed Butter which is full of fatty acids to protect and moisturize every hair type, but these selected raw ingredients are also extracted with high technology that optimizes the ingredients for their best performance.

 

The production process of our hair mask takes much longer and at a higher cost than other hair products on the market for that high-exacting standard of hi-tech optimization, and that makes sure that Iles Formula Haute Performance Hair Mask rescues dead hair more efficiently and effectively than other products on the market.

Last but not least, it contains all our favorite features and brand promise: No allergens, paraben-free, and color-safe for all you health-conscious beauty queens. What more can you ask for?

Check out more reviews of our products now.

Remember the correct steps of using the hair mask and tips above for the best results – get yourself a #selflove gift for beautiful hair now!