You’ve heard of face masks, but did you know that you can use hair masks, too? If your hair looks dry and dull, a hair mask can liven things up and bring the shine back to your limp locks.

It’s not just about how you look—hair masks help make your hair and scalp healthier. You can even make your own if you don’t want to buy one from the store.

What Is a Hair Mask?

A hair mask is like a deep conditioner, but they do a little extra work. When you use a regular conditioner, you only leave it in your hair for a minute or two before rinsing it out. It makes your hair softer and easier to manage, but it doesn’t do as much for your hair’s long-term health.

With hair masks, you use them less often, but you get more benefits. With most hair types, you only need weekly use to see a difference unless you have badly damaged hair. Hair masks have various ingredients and requirements for how to use them, but when you use them right, you’ll see incredible benefits to your hair and scalp like:
• Moisturized hair and skin
• Softer, less frizzy hair
• More shine
• Less breakage and damage from your environment and product

You can get salon-grade hair masks, but if that’s not your style, you can make them at home, too. You should always try to get hair masks with natural ingredients that make your hair the best it can be.

How Do Hair Masks Work?

Hair masks absorb into your hair to moisturize and strengthen your hair and scalp. But to get all the benefits, you have to apply them right. Follow these simple instructions, and you’ll see all the great things hair masks can offer:

1. Apply the mask to clean, towel-dried hair. If you have long hair, divide it into sections so you don’t miss any.
2. For dry hair, or if you’re treating dandruff, start applying at your scalp and work your way down. For oily hair, start about midway down.
3. After you apply the mask, use a wide-tooth comb to spread it evenly throughout your hair.
4. Cover your hair with plastic wrap and a towel to retain heat and increase absorption.
5. Leave the hair mask on for 20-30 minutes, or longer if the label says you need more time.
6. Rinse with lukewarm or cool water. Cooler water closes your pores, which helps the moisture stay in your scalp for longer-lasting results.

Can You Make Hair Masks at Home?

Before you find out how to make hair masks at home, you should know that they won’t be the same as those you can find in a salon. Salon-grade hair masks usually contain more ingredients. While that alone doesn’t make them better, it can mean they have more beneficial components.

When you get a hair mask from a salon, you’re looking at professional-level stuff. That means that you won’t get a generic recipe. If you have textured hair, you know that hair masks for straight hair can be ineffective at best and, at worst, create more damage.

That doesn’t mean you can’t make your own hair mask. It just means that if you do, you should know which ingredients work for your hair type.

If you decide to make your own hair mask, consider using these ingredients to bring your split ends back to life:
• Bananas
• Honey
• Egg yolk
• Aloe vera
• Coconut oil
• Avocado oil

While some ingredients work best for moisturizing, others control frizz. Use the right ones for their intended purpose if you want the best results for your hair.

One more thing—whether you buy a ready-made hair mask or mix one up yourself, look for natural ingredients. If you see ingredients like parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, and formaldehyde in your hair mask, put it down and find something else to nourish your hair.