Ask a Stylist: Hair Masks

​So we all know that hair masks are great and that they are SO beneficial for our hair… but how am I supposed to be using them? Is this like an everyday thing? Is this a one size fits all? Wait, was I supposed to put conditioner in after I rinsed it out? WAS I SUPPOSED TO RINSE IT OUT???

​…If you have ever wondered if you were doing things right, you are not alone! A lovely client recently reached out to her Salon Society stylist after receiving a sample Kérastase hair mask in her online order with very similar questions, which started us thinking about all the FAQs regarding hair masks we get at Salon Society on the regular. Then we took this list to our girl (and Master Hair Artist) Shanna and had her give us the answers!

And now we have created this ultimate hair mask rundown:

How often should you use a hair mask?

Depends how often you wash your hair! If you wash it about once a week, use a mask every other time you wash. If you wash your hair more often, like every day or every other day, use a mask once per week. Also, don't wash your hair every day!
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​Does a hair mask replace conditioner?

It depends on the brand - Oribe recommends using their masks between shampooing and conditioning. Kérastase and Kevin Murphy masks can be used in place of conditioner (according to the schedule mentioned above).

I actually don't use any conditioner at all. I only wash my hair every 10 days and I don't condition it - I use a mask as my conditioner!
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Should you rinse a hair mask out with just water or does it need to be shampooed out?

Nope, just rinse with water! You don't need to re-open your hair cuticle after you have sealed it using a mask.
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Does a hair mask get applied to your whole head of hair or just the mids to ends?

Apply to your whole head, but if you feel like it's getting too heavy, you can just do it from mids to ends. Sometimes it's good for your mask to sit on your scalp.
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If I apply it to my whole head including roots, will a hair mask make my hair greasy?

Depends on the type of mask, but if it feels a bit heavier just rinse it a bit more.
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At what point in your shower routine do you use a hair mask? 
Before everything? After shampoo? After conditioner?

Some masks say to use between shampoo and conditioner, but generally I use my mask in place of my conditioner. But never before the shampoo - you want your hair cuticle opened from the shampoo to let the mask penetrate and then seal.
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​How long do you leave the mask in your hair?

Depends on the mask, but the longer the better! I would say leave it on for minimum 5-10 minutes.
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Do you need to use conditioner after using a hair mask?

Not really!
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What do hair masks do for your hair?

Depends on the mask! Some are for deep conditioning, some for dandruff or flakes, some are for balancing pH levels. You can also have purple masks who's sole purpose is pigment (for blonde hair), or post-bleaching masks to restore moisture to sensitized hair after blonding. Hair masks are basically a deep treatment of whatever benefit they are intended to give.
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​Will a hair mask ruin coloured hair or blonde tones?

Depends on the mask - most will say in their description if they are safe for coloured hair. If you're not sure, you can ask your stylist (send us a DM!) or go with a mask that is specifically made for coloured or blonde hair.
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What are your top three favourite masks?

Hmm my top 3 are... I have more than three! My favourites are:

• [Kerastase] Nutritive Masquintense for Fine Hair
• [Kerastase] Resistance Masque Extensioniste
• [Kerastase] Blond Absolu Masque Cicaextreme
• [Kevin Murphy] Young Again Masque
• [Kevin Murphy] Hydrate Me Masque

​And honestly, we have a lot of masks that are great for different things! Genesis [Masque Reconstituant] is great for postpartum moms or anyone dealing with weakened hair due to changes in hormones, [Discipline Maskeratine or Masque Oléo-Relax] are great for anyone with knotty hair, and Olaplex No. 3 and No. 8 are super hydrating, but not great for oily scalps like mine because they are a bit heavier. 
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There you have it, the answers to all your burning questions about hair masks from our Master Hair Artist and Team Lead, Shanna Watts! Do you have a question about hair masks that we missed? Let us know in the comments or contact the salon or Shanna on Insta. @salonsociety.yqr @shannaatsalonsociety

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