(Giveaway & Reviews) Hair Masques/Masks: What in The World Are They And Are They Effective?
I remember when I was little how some of the things my mom did to beautify herself simply disturbed me. She seriously put a bunch of gooey green stuff on her face and let it harden into a crusty mess that she had to peel off her skin? Yuck. And what about hot oils for hair? Was that some form of torture?
Yep, that was my youthful mind. But now that I’ve blossomed into a beauty fanatic, ready to take on even the most odd of beautification methods (ok, well not all of them, but some), I realize the importance of self maintenance and know that some of the most important beautification processes may sound a bit funny. Take hair masques: To my child self, masques were something best reserved for Halloween. To my beauty-obsessed adult self, hair masques make a lot more sense.
But even so, many women are a bit confused about what a hair masque actually is, what purpose it serves, and whether or not it actually works. Well, my baffled friends, BeautyStat wanted to clear up any masque misconceptions you may be harboring, so we consulted two top hair experts— Master Colorist and mizu new york’s newest Resident Artist Vasken Demirjian and nationally acclaimed hairstylist Jeffrey Lyle of the Jeffrey Lyle Salon, and to talk all things hair masques. We’ve got the goods for you, darlings, so sit back, grab a drink, and get ready to indulge in a little self-pampering.
What in the world is a hair masque and why is it so important?
Think about your skin and its needs. It gets pretty dry due to weather, heat, and other factors, right? So you treat it with a lotion or cream to restore it. Well, hair works in the same way, according to both Lyle and Demirjian.
“Due to daily aggressors, (such as blow drying, environmental factors, etc.), we need to replace moisture that gets removed from the hair. Masques keep hair shiny, healthy, and strong,” Lyle says.
Hair might just need a bit more attention than your skin, Demirjian says: “Generally hair tends to be more porous than our skin, so our hair, in fact, requires more moisture, particularly in winter months when cold weather contributes further to the dryness of our hair. We need excellent masques to keep our hair protected and moist at all times of the year.”
Long story short? Hair masques help keep your hair looking healthy and beautiful.
What makes a masque different than a conditioner or a shampoo?
When you’re comparing a masque to a conditioner or shampoo, Demirjian says, it’s all a matter of product concentration. And when it comes down to it, it’s just about as simple as comparing a Band-Aid to triage. One (conditioners and shampoos) takes care of immediate damage and the other (masques) handle the long-term recovery.
“Imagine each hair strand is like a windowpane, and the cuticle (protective layer of each hair strand) is like the shutter on the window. Based on this analogy, damaged hair, regardless of the season and reason, is like a windowpane with its shutters open all the time,” Demirjian says. “A great conditioning masque will penetrate and coat the cuticle, and close them so that the hair strand is fortified and strengthened. Essentially, it restores the protective ability of each hair strand, giving our hair the much needed moisture and restore the luster, shine and integrity.”
The bottom line? Masques penetrate deeper into the hair, and conditioners wash right out.
How often should I apply a hair masque?
As with skincare, no two hair types are alike. And that means that you have to switch up your hair care routine based on the type of locks you’ve got and their condition, Lyle says. “It depends on the condition of the hair and how much you wash it. I always suggest using a hair masque once a week. Someone who has very dry hair should apply a masque twice a week.”
What kind of masque is best for my hair type?
There are various masques for different types of hair, and just about every hair product line has its own version of a masque, Lyle says. So to help you navigate the wide world of masques, he recommends asking your stylist which one is right for you. After all, “sometimes we think our hair is in better/worse condition than it actually is.
What’s the bottom line here?
Whether you’re a masque-aholic or a novice, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to these fantastic little hair nurturers. You might not think that you really need a masque, or you might not ever use them, but you might be missing out on a lot if that’s the case.
“Keep in mind that healthy hair is always easier to style because it always looks good, no matter what. Just because you don’t color or blow-dry your hair, doesn’t mean you don’t need to use a masque,” Lyle says.
Demirjian adds: “My formula of beautiful hair is not a secret. We should all know that ‘Beautiful hair unequivocally is healthy hair,’ which will singlehandedly prove the point that masques are most essential to our hair care regiment.”
Our Masque Picks
Oribe’s Signature Moisture Masque, $59, Barneys New York
It’s official: We’re obsessed with this masque. After massaging it into our hair, leaving it in for about 10 minutes, and rinsing, it left our locks soft, shiny, and defined. We could actually see the difference as soon as our hair started drying. Let the love affair begin, darlings.
Kérastase Masquintense, $60, http://www.kerastase-usa.com/
Both Lyle and Demirjian swear by this masque from the brand’s Nutritive series. Available for fine or thick hair, the masque restores vitality and shine from roots to ends, providing weightless nutrition.
Lush’s Jasmin & Henna Fluff Eaze, $20.95, Lush stores
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, this vegan henna treatment is just what the doctor ordered. Loaded with emollient oils (think almond oil, Brazil nut oil and hemp oil), this treatment adds shine and controls fluffiness.
In celebration of his new role as mizu new york’s newest Resident Artist, Vasken Demirjian, is offering one lucky reader a free restoring deep conditioning treatment. We know you all want to counteract that post-winter damage, so leave a comment below telling us your thoughts on hair masques and be entered to win.
And don’t forget to check out our Best of Spring/Summer Hairstyles and Ombre Color Streaming posts.
- Chrissy Callahan
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BeautyStat frequently receives products for review but its opinions and reviews are completely unbiased and not sponsored. Should there ever be a sponsored post, we will ensure that this is displayed clearly in the post heading. Samples are certainly welcome for consideration but do not guarantee reviews.
sounds great…..would love to try.
I have really dry brittle hair, so I have to use masques at least once a week just for hydration. I have been using Fekkai, but I would love to try Lush’s hair masque!
i love hair masques! I always use one the day before I dye my hair to jkep it in shape and prevent some damage! I would absolutely LOVE to win a new one!
OMG hope I will win, so I can try this!
After the effects of the cold winter, I am sure my hair could use the assistance of a hair masque. Sign me up!
Just got highlights, so myhair could use some special care! Would love to try this!
OOooohhh, Pick me, pick me!! I wanna win!!
I always love the way my hair feels after a hair mask! My hair could definitely use a mask right now after all of this harsh winter weather!
very interested:)
My hair is over-processed and very dry. I use a moisture mask 1-2 times/week (Neutrogena). My hair would love to try this.
I grew up with a mother who used hair masques, I remember a product called Life, I think, came in a blue bottle and was thik pink product. Then she moved onto a Redken product Amin Pon, again ???. I’ve used hair masques my entire life, my currect favorite is Frederic Fekkai Protein RX, another fav is Alterna’s Caviar Hair Mask. Def difference in the structure, shine and texture of my hair when I don’t use a mask as opposed to when I do. Love hair masques, a beauty must!
I would love to try this!!!!
Im glad this article was written because I think hair masks are an important step in hair care to maintain healthy locks. Im always interested in trying new masks. My current fave is Ojon’s Volumizing mask..it leaves my hair fuller, super soft and untangled, and much healthier and shiny!
I’ve never tried a hair mask–I’m a face mask freak!! My hair needs it I dye it often and now it’s all dull and lifeless from winter!!
kakihararocks@gmail.com
I must admit I’ve never used a masque. Since I’ve been wearing my hair natural the past cpl of years, I’ve been looking 4 ways 2 keep my hair healthier, & repair any damage. If a masque can do this, I would love 2 try it.
I have long curly hair and frizz is my biggest problem. I use Tresemme deep conditioner and leave in as well but I have still to see results. I have tried everything so this would be something I would like to try. Thanks.
I love hair masks! Please count me in.
Call me a “product junkie” if you must but I love trying new things. I’ve tried so many drug store hair masque’s only to be disappointed. I’ve stepped it up a notch and splurged on high end products and felt a difference. I love hair masques and only wish I had unlimited funds to afford to keep my color treated hair as beautiful as the day I walk out of Vasken’s salon.
My hair is need of some TLC to bring back some shine and bounce as i have curly hair, would love to try out this mask.
I work at IN-N-Out & my hair gets really dry from everything I do day to day. Ive been wanting to use a hair masque but I just didnt know which one to use. I WANT TO TRY THIS FOR SURE!!!! Thanks. =)
~ Jordan Watson ~
My hair is dry, coarse, and color treated. I often apply a masque for about 45 minutes to soften up my hair and add shine to it.
My hair has so much static and is color treated. I would like to try a masque. I could use a bit of shine also.
I need this so much! my hair are curly and so dry:(
It’s been so dry, despite the rain, here if I didn’t use a hair mask my hair would feel like straw. Both of the masks featured are terrific and I would love to try either one. Currently I’m using Goldwell Color reflects hair masque. Cheers!
hmmm…never even heard of hair masques before…love to see how it makes my hair feel…I’ve used Lush products before and love them…Kerestase hair products are also wonderful…I’m game to try it.
I love Kerastase products….. ! Hi Vasken….
I would love to try ir and would appreciate winning so much! thanks!
I would love to try it and would appreciate winning so much! thanks!
I am a fan of Beauty Stat on facebook. I shared the contest with 77 friends on Facebook. I would def use hair mask since my hair is real dry and damaged.
I am a subscriber of Beauty Stat via Email
I would LOVE to win this.I am a hair mask freak..right now I use one by Redken. My hair is very delicate and cannot take any sort of products so all I use is shampoo and conditioner and of course a weekly mask. I would love to try something new.
I definitely use hair masks. I believe everyone who is not happy with their hair being to dry or dull should give them a try! The products recommended sound awesome even though I have not try them myself but the BeautyStat team know their products. I have bought some of their recommendations and I love them! Thanks
I have shared on Twitter MadamM03
I love hair masques! especially natural and organic ones. I feel as though their a luxury hair treatment that’s the equivalent of taking my hair to the spa.
Every winter, I battle over-dry, frizzy hair that doesn’t want to do a thing I want it to no matter what conditioner I’ve used. Would love to try a quality hair masque! A restorative deep conditioning could be an answer to a major hair dilema for me.
I would love to try one of these! I do not have a hair “stylist” so I wonder how I could find out what was best for me?
Hi Amanda! To find out what masque works best for you, take stock of your hair type….if your hair seems dry and fried out, you’d probably benefit greatly from a moisturizing masque. If you have curly hair, try a curl-specific masque. Got fine hair? Look for masques that address fine hair issues. Always focus on what works best with your hair rather than what other people say might work well. If you have really thick, curly hair, your hair might not need a masque for fine hair, but would benefit from a curly masque. Hope that helps
Great thoughts here. I’m usually clueless with hair and this clears it all up. I would love to share some masques with my friends!
I love L’occitane’s hair masque! It smells great & makes my hair smell sooo good & soft!
I don’t know anything about hair masques, but I like facial masques, so there’s a large chance that I would enjoy hair masques as well.
I think hair masques are a great idea. It just makes since. We indulge in our skin but not in our hair. My hair just drinks up anything so I can’t wait to try one
My hair is dry and stressed due to years of perming, colouring and blow drying. I NEED this mask.
When using the oribe masque on colored hair- when is the best time to use the masque? A few days before coloring, or a few days after coloring? I was worried that the color might not take as well if I applied the masque a day or two before. Thanks!
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