Hair Masks
Hair masks: hydrating, colour and scalp masks
Discover the holy grail of hair care and give your hair back its strength and dazzling shine! Whether you're suffering from frizzy, unruly and dry hair or lifeless, oily hair, nourishing masks packed with active ingredients, vitamins, plant butters and oils will leave it strengthened and soft again. Read our tips on how to choose and use the right hair mask to make you fall in love with your tresses at first touch.
Why use a hair mask?
The sun, hard water, wind, rain or frost and frequent colouring and heat styling do not do our hair quality any favours. Intensive restorative care is provided by high-quality hair masks that:
- provide hair an intensive deep nourishment and smooth its structure,
- make it easier to detangle the hair,
- protects hair from damage caused by harsh elements,
- reduce breakage and split ends and strengthen the hair down to the ends,
- supply the hair with everything it needs for faster regeneration and growth,
- leave hair more resistant, shinier, healthier and perfectly hydrated,
- available for all hair types and easy to use.
Conditioner, balm or hair mask - what is the difference between them?
- Hair conditioner is suitable for daily use and acts exclusively on the surface of the hair. Its primary function is to seal in hair flakes after washing, make detangling easier and maintain the hair in a good condition, shiny and supple, without dandruff or dry ends.
- Hair balm goes deep into the hair, where it targets specific problems such as breakage or dryness. In addition, it promotes soothing of the scalp. You can use hair balms several times a week.
- A hair mask penetrates deep into the hair shaft and contains the highest concentration of nourishing ingredients aimed at addressing specific problems. In addition, it has an accumulative effect, so the use of a mask is sufficient once or twice a week so that the hair is not "oversaturated" with protective substances.
Which mask will be best for your hair?
Wondering which is the best mask for hair? Put simply, it's one that gives your hair exactly what it needs. Whether your tresses are coloured, often heat-stressed, lack shine, too fine or full of curls, start with a simple hair elasticity test to indicate the composition of your hair and make it easier to choose a hair mask.
Hair Elasticity Test
Take a fallen hair and wet it, then catch it between your thumb and forefinger and slowly pull on the hair. What is the elasticity of your hair?
- Normal elasticity - the hair fibre stretches to a length of about 4 cm and then returns to its original size. The hair has a balanced ratio of protein and hydration and is healthy.
- Low elasticity - the hair cannot be stretched and breaks easily, so it is therefore dry hair that needs a good dose of hydration. Hair without enough hydration is prone to damage, split ends and breakage.
- High elasticity - the hair stretches easily but does not return to its original size. Thus, the hair is too hydrated and lacks protein. Excessive hydration puts a lot of strain on the hair, making it look limp and without volume. In this case, a protein hair mask is a suitable solution.
Types of Hair Masks
Are you primarily concerned with hair problems or is your scalp also out of balance? Hair masks can be divided into two main categories according to their use:
- Scalp mask: effectively cares for the scalp, relieves itching and irritation and reduces sebum production.
- Hair mask: apply only to the length of the hair, not on the scalp, so that it is not too heavy and does not become unnecessarily greasy. Most hair masks fall into this category.
Types of Hair Masks According to Hair Damage
Masks contain a variety of natural essential oils and nourishing ingredients that target a specific hair problem and hair type. This makes it easier to identify which type of mask is right for you.
- Masks for normal hair help to maintain the hair in good condition and sufficiently hydrated, while protecting it from external influences.
- A hydrating hair mask is ideal for dry, damaged and dull hair. The hydrating ingredients contained in a dry hair mask, usually include luxurious vegetable oils such as cocoa butter, argan oil, shea butter as well as marula oil, which contribute to better detangling and prevent frizz during the day. In addition, if you suffer from an itchy scalp and flaking skin, a dry scalp mask containing hyaluronic acid, for example, will help improve its condition.
- A protein hair mask gives hair shape, strength and firmness. It is suitable mainly for fine and weak hair or curly and wavy hair that lacks sufficient protein. A hair mask with protein usually contains amino acids, collagen, keratin, peptides, or rice, soy and oat proteins.
- A regenerating hair mask is designed for brittle and damaged hair to deeply regenerate it. A mask for damaged hair contains regenerative ingredients such as coconut, soy or safflower and goat's milk.
- A mask for split ends usually contains substances to heal the ends and protect against further breakage. An example is a hair mask with keratin, which is the natural building block of hair and supports strengthening of the hair along its entire length.
- A mask for oily hair is designed to target the problems associated with both an oily scalp and oily hair. The nurturing ingredients in an oily hair mask help to reduce sebum production and gently cleanse the hair and scalp. These are mainly activated charcoal masks, clay masks and mud masks.
- Masks for fine hair are light, non-greasy masks that don't weigh the hair down, so it doesn't look even more greasy. A fine hair mask will boost volume and strengthen the hair along its entire length. It should contain both proteins and vitamins, such as vitamin B3.
- Masks for curly hair promote waviness and give both wild waves and curls shape and a brilliant shine. These are usually either protein masks or hydrating masks, depending on what the hair lacks for a healthy curl.
- Anti-dandruff masks take care of a sensitive scalp, which is gently relieved of scabs and dandruff and reduce any potential oiliness of the hair. At the same time, they provide sufficient hydration to the hair from root to tip.
- Masks for coloured hair promote the staying power and intensity of your hair colour while keeping it hydrated, shiny and protecting it from further damage. Whether you prefer to colour your hair at home or in a salon, a coloured hair mask should become a regular part of your hair routine to prevent damage and frizz.
- Thanks to their high vitamin content, masks for ageing hair contribute to the regeneration and softening of the hair, promote its elasticity and suppleness.
Our tip: You can also beautify and nourish your hair from the inside with high-quality vitamins for hair containing zinc and vitamins A, B C, D and E.
Composition of hair masks - biotin, keratin, caffeine or bull gland?
Is lifeless hair troubling you? Rely on the power of special active ingredients that are considered natural treasures and quickly return your locks to shape!
- Argan oil, also known as "Moroccan gold", promotes shine and strength of the hair, which also protects against fraying and breakage. An argan hair mask has a beneficial effect on the scalp, where it soothes and nourishes.
- Keratin found in popular restorative keratin masks strengthens the hair structure and improves its overall quality. In addition, a keratin hair mask prevents split ends and straightens the hair fibre slightly.
- In addition to its soothing effects, aloe vera has a high content of vitamins A, C and vitamin E, which support the regeneration of weakened and damaged hair. An aloe vera hair mask helps to stimulate, circulate and nourish the roots of the hair.
- Bull glands are well known for being a high source of zinc. A hair mask from bull glands protects hair from oxidative stress and promotes healthy hair. Today, however, masks made with bull's glands are generally no longer produced, having been replaced by more effective and gentler substances, such as bamboo extract.
- Sea buckthorn oil promotes the re-strengthening of hair, which also helps protect against the effects of heat treatment. A sea buckthorn mask for damaged hair hydrates deeply and leaves the hair fibre pleasantly soft.
- Caffeine is a popular ingredient in hair cosmetics for both men and women. Similar to caffeine shampoos, the caffeine hair mask contributes to hair regeneration, balances the pH of the skin, stimulates hair growth and helps reduce hair loss.
- Biotin or provitamin B7 promotes the formation of collagen, restores hair elasticity and helps to strengthen the hair fibre.
- Coconut oil has a high ability to hydrate even very dry hair, and in addition to antioxidants, it also contains vitamin E, which hydrates, regenerates and prevents fraying. A coconut hair mask is suitable as a mask for very damaged hair, which also acts as prevention against hair breakage and split ends.
Special Hair Masks
Natural, rinse-free or tinted. Are you familiar with special types of hair masks? Now, let us introduce them.
Natural Hair Masks
Natural hair masks do not contain any chemicals such as silicones or mineral oils, but only ingredients that are of natural origin that gently care for your hair.
Rinse-Free Hair Masks
It is a hair mask that you apply to your hair and do not rinse off with water. To save time, you can use the mask immediately after washing your hair, comb it through and let it dry, or apply it to dry hair between each wash.
Colouring Hair Masks
The colour hair mask with colourants is available in many colour shades to suit your needs. A hair colouring mask deeply regenerates your hair and at the same time either revives and renews your hair colour, dyes blonde hair with colour or also re-colours the hair in the interval between hair colouring.
Purple Hair Masks
The purple or also silver mask for blonde hair works as a toner, using purple pigments to help neutralise yellowish highlights on ice blonde hair. You will enjoy the benefits of this nourishing mask for blonde hair with purple pigments even if you have grey hair, helping you to neutralise unwanted shades caused by hair oxidation and enjoy beautiful platinum shades.
Overnight Hair Masks
A night hair mask, also called an overnight mask, is a great way to add beauty to damaged hair while you sleep. The mask is applied before bedtime, usually on dry hair (as directed). In the morning, simply wash it off and enjoy soft and nourished hair again. Some types of night masks are also rinse-free, so be sure to read the instructions on the product packaging carefully before applying.
Hair Length Growth Masks
Hair growth masks usually intensively care for the ends of the hair, which they heal and nourish, while strengthening the hair along the entire length. A hair mask for faster hair growth actively prevents excessive cutting of hair, which allows hair to grow freely to length.
Multi-Purpose Hair Masks
They simply serve several purposes - not only to deeply nourish the hair after washing, but also to massage the scalp or smooth dry hair. Just refer to the information on the product packaging.
Professional Hair Masks
They are highly effective masks from professional brands of hair cosmetics, which are used in hairdressing salons.
How to use hair masks?
Do you want to use a hair mask to its full potential? Read how to use the hair mask correctly:
How to apply hair masks?
- Apply the hair mask to washed hair that you have dried lightly with a towel. Water left in the hair can dilute the active ingredients and reduce the overall effectiveness of the mask.
- According to directions on the packaging, apply the mask only to the lengths and ends of the hair. In the case of a scalp mask, apply it to the skin as well.
How much of the mask should you apply?
- The amount of mask depends on the thickness and length of your hair.
- A large amount of product will not increase the overall effect, plus you'll have more work rinsing the mask out of your hair.
How long should you leave the hair mask on?
- The recommended duration can always be found on the product packaging.
- It is generally recommended to leave the mask on for at least 10 minutes. Rinse hair thoroughly afterwards.
How often should you use a hair mask?
- It depends on what level of regeneration your hair requires.
- In general, it is recommended to use the mask once or twice a week at most.
Our tip: Did you know that you can increase the effect of the hair mask by applying heat? Just wrap your hair in cling wrap or a towel while the mask is on. You can also use a hair dryer to slightly warm up the hair in the wrap.
Allow your hair to shine once again! At Notino we have hair products for you that will give your hair strength, shine and volume as if by magic. Take care of your curly hair with special products to support the shape of your curls, protect your hair from harmful rays with hair protection products against the sun, or try gentle heat styling with flat irons and hair dryers with an ioniser!