How To Use Hair Masks: All You Need To Know
HOW TO
Each person’s hair has specific needs to be cared for, hair masks act as treatments that help hair feel and look healthy, while working to improve strength and structure. Discover the superpowers of hair masks
Hair masks are like an elixir for our hair. Day after day hair is exposed to hair dryers, straighteners, chemical treatments like dyes and bleach, UV rays, summer heat and the cold in winter. Hair masks can help to prevent hair fibre breakage as well as repair damaged and dry hair.
Hair mask or conditioner?
After washing it is important to treat hair with a conditioner or mask. Remember, these are two different products, and the two are not quite interchangeable.
- Conditioner must be used every time you wash hair with shampoo. These two are the perfect couple, the essentials for every wash day!
- Masks, on the other hand, aren't designed for daily use. Thanks to their rich texture and active ingredients that deeply penetrate strands, hair masks perform a more intensive action vs conditioner. To avoid weighing hair down, they are best used regularly but not with every wash.
How to apply a hair mask: step by step
Hair masks are simple to work into any hair care routine as they can replace using conditioner. Here’s how to use a hair mask:
Follows these easy steps:
- Wash your hair and rinse well to remove every trace of shampoo.
- Pat dry hair with a towel to remove the excess water.
- Apply the hair mask on the lengths and ends of your hair, distributing it evenly.
- Leave it on for the advised amount of time, following the instructions on the box as times may vary.
- Rinse well to remove every trace of the mask: leaving it in will not prolong or enhance the effect and may mean hair becomes oily more quickly.
- Dry your hair gently, first by patting with a towel and then using a blow dry at a moderate temperature. When you can, let your hair dry naturally: as well as reducing additional stress on the hair fibre, you will save energy and reduce CO2eq emissions.
MINU Hair Mask
Protection for coloured hair and lightweight hydration for shine and softness
The Spotlight Circle
Illuminating mask to brighten dull strands
How long does the mask have to stay on?
The leave-in time is crucial for the efficacy of hair treatments. Ten minutes is the average, but this may vary: always read the directions for use on the product.
PLENTY OF TIME
If you're in self care mode, you can dabble with every type of mask. We always recommend taking a full spa day at home - alone or with your favourite people - to take care of your personal well-being. Click below to browse our full collection of hair masks.
Shop Hair Masks5 MINUTES FREE
If you're short on timer, choose a quick application mask such as The Quick Fix: suitable for all hair types and most importantly, works in just five minutes! Try it to believe it.
Discover The Quick FixNO TIME
Always on the run? Try The Restless Circle invisible mask! Once applied it turns transparent and no one will notice. That way you can leave the mask on while doing your morning workout, watching a movie or working from home. Then follow with a speedy shower!
Discover The RestlessHow much mask do I have to apply?
Using too much product will not boost results, but may make it harder to rinse out! Put the right amount of mask on based on:
- Your hair length
- The thickness of your hair
- Areas where hair needs the most care
Usually, masks are applied to the lengths and the ends. But there are specific treatments for the scalp too, like The Purity Circle, our bamboo charcoal mask formulated for people with very oily hair, or those who live in polluted areas and wish to help regenerate their scalp.
Why not try hair multi-masking?
Using masks for areas that have different needs, try The Purity Circle on your roots and scalp and layer a restorative mask like The Renaissance Circle on lengths and ends. This will also help prolong the duration of your hair treatments by using them where they are needed most!
The Renaissance Circle
Restore hopeless hair
The Wake-Up Circle
Hair and scalp day after recovery mask
The Purity Circle
Purifying and cleansing scalp treatment
How often should I apply a hair mask?
Generally, speaking you should apply a hair mask twice a month, but the right frequency depends on your hair's needs, the number of times you wash it and the products you use in between. The packaging of Davines masks provides directions for use: we suggest using these as your starting point!
But be sure to follow a hair routine that feels right for you, give yourself time to experiment and “listen” to your hair: when it starts to feel brittle or in need of care, immediately apply a hair mask and even set bi-weekly reminders on your phone. Then, keep track of how things evolve to understand how long the effect of the mask lasts on your hair. It could be a week, or even longer.
If you still have doubts, your Davines hairdresser can help you understand how frequently you should apply the mask. The next time you go to the salon, do not hesitate to ask for advice.