Can Hair Masks Really Repair Split Ends? And Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About This Treatment

Let’s be real, most people only use hair masks to fix their severely dry locks or over-processed colored strands. This deep-conditioning treatment is like a last resort when it comes to at-home hair care, especially if you’re nervous about what your stylist might do with those split ends.

Hair masks are just as beneficial, if not more so, than regular conditioners. Unlike a typical conditioner that rests on the surface of a strand, a hair mask works its way inside the hair cuticle. While the products boast repairing hair damage, regular application of a hair mask can “impart shine, help with manageability and work to nourish the cuticle,” according to Joel Warren, master colorist and co-founder of Warren-Tricomi salons.

If you’ve ever wondered about the type of hair mask you should be using or whether you’re even applying it correctly, HuffPost Style interviewed four experts and got the answers to your most pressing questions. Here’s the lowdown.

Once your hair has split, repairing with a hair mask is impossible.

First, shampoo as you normally would. “The warm water opens up the cuticles on your hair. This allows the mask to penetrate into the hair’s structure (a regular conditioner only tends to sit on the outside of your hair),” said Hill.

Then towel-dry hair and choose the best hair mask for your needs. Spread the product evenly onto locks, from roots to ends, and comb through with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Carter’s pro tip: those with flat and fine hair types should apply masks to the ends to avoid weighing the hair down.

For maximum benefits, Warren recommends leaving hair masks on for 20-30 minutes and covering your head with a warm towel. If hair is extremely damaged, try leaving it on overnight. To remove, rinse with cool water and re-shampoo/condition.

In need of hair mask recommendations? Shop the picks below.

The Huffington Post