At least once a week we all need to take the time to apply a good hair treatment to help repair, nourish and enhance our hair. It doesn't matter what type of hair you have, there is a hair mask just for your hair concern. You could want to add shine to your hair, replenish moisture, repair your hair after a chemical treatment or protect your hair color from fading. The good news is there is no need to go to a salon in order to have a hair treatment anymore. All the salon treatments are easy enough to use at home with the same success at a fraction of the cost, all you really need to do is understand how to apply a hair mask like the pros do at the salon.
The first step when applying a hair mask is to wash your hair. Shampoo your hair as you would normally. Once you have washed your hair your next step is to towel dry your hair really well. You never want to apply a hair mask (or conditioner) to very wet hair. The reason for this is that the excess water in your hair will simply keep the mask from being thoroughly absorbed. Water does help your hair absorb conditioner, but not when it is soaking wet. This is why at the salon, even before they apply conditioner they do strain most of the water from your hair.
Once your hair is towel dried, you can go ahead and apply your hair mask from roots to ends. After having applied the mask, grab a wide toothed comb and run it through your hair to make sure the hair mask is dispersed evenly throughout your hair. Never use a thin toothed comb as it may pull your hair and cause damage. A wide toothed comb will go through your hair more easily and not cause pulling or breakage.
Once you have combed the hair mask through your hair, leave it on for at least 15 minutes. If you have the time, 30 minutes is optimal. This allows the mask to truly be absorbed into your hair shaft. If you want to get even more creative, simply put a shower cap on your hair and apply heat with your blow dryer. Heat also helps with absorption and adding shine and smoothness to your hair.
After 15-30 minutes you simply wash off the hair mask and voila! Your hair will truly be transformed. One of our favorite hair masks is Davines Nounou Hair Mask. This formula is made for those with bleached hair but works well for all types of hair. This is a shine enhancing, moisturizing and replenishing mask that simply leaves your hair full of shine, soft to the touch and beautiful. It is a must try for anyone that wants brilliant and smooth strands.
Next time you want to revive your hair, skip the salon visit and try the techniques above for a salon quality hair treatment. Knowing how to apply a hair mask is simple and will make a huge difference in your hair daily appearance.