With winter fast approaching, now is an important time to start focusing on rejuvenating your hair. Hair masks are a great product to use to lift up and revive brittle, damaged hair as well as offer added strength to prevent hair fall. You can use a hair mask to nourish everything from colored hair to tight afro curls, each offering benefits specific to your hair type and texture.
Since hair masks are easily available at any nearby drugstore, the number of options is endless. This can make choosing the right drugstore moisturizing hair mask a daunting task. In order to help you out in your purchase, we have prepared this comprehensive buying guide highlighting exactly what to look for to obtain the best drugstore moisturizing hair masks in 2022.
What is a Drugstore Moisturizing Hair Mask?
All drugstore moisturizing hair masks have one common purpose: to provide your hair with all the nutrients it needs to become soft and nourished. Similar to a face mask, a moisturizing hair mask is applied to hair for an extended period of time (sometimes overnight). These hair masks have a consistency similar to conditioner and are usually a blend of natural ingredients like bananas and yogurt along with oils and antioxidants for added benefit.
Types of Drugstore Moisturizing Hair Masks
Drugstore moisturizing hair masks can be divided into 3 types, based on the group of ingredients they contain.
Emollient
Emollient masks contain a large amount of natural oils, making them incredibly nourishing for all types of hair. These types of hair masks are quite greasy in texture and keep moisture and water content of the hair locked in to prevent frizz. The result is detangled, smooth hair that shines.
Humectant
Humectant hair masks are used primarily for moisturizing, perfect for reviving dead hair that has been damaged by heat. This hair mask can also be applied only to ends if you have hair that gets greasy easily.
Protein
Protein hair masks are for the most damaged hair, such as hair that has lost life after being treated with bleach. This type of hair mask works on rebuilding protein such as keratin, regenerating hair structure for a very healthy finish.
Things to Consider When Buying a Drugstore Moisturizing Hair Mask
The number of options when you enter a place in search of the perfect drugstore moisturizing hair mask can be never-ending. At a time like this, deciding what to prioritize can be difficult. To help you out, we have prepared a list of exactly what to keep in mind while purchasing a drugstore moisturizing hair mask to obtain the best results.
Hair type
The biggest factor when deciding what drugstore moisturizing hair mask to buy is your hair type. If you have weak, thin hair it is best to choose a hair mask that contains essential fatty acids along with vitamins and amino acids. Similarly, thicker curly hair requires a lightweight mask with natural ingredients like honey and eggs that will help tame the strands and prevent frizz. If your hair is damaged, you should look for hair masks that provide protein-building such as keratin so the hair can be replenished to a healthy form.
Ingredients
The best drugstore moisturizing hair masks consist of a greater ratio of natural ingredients as opposed to chemical and preservatives. Avoid hair masks that contain ingredients like parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances as they can irritate your scalp. You’ll be better off without them in the long run.
Consistency
Drugstore moisturizing hair masks can have a texture that is anywhere between oily and creamy, with the best ones usually being a combination of both. If you have color-treated hair, you may prefer to buy a moisturizing hair mask that has some tint so that your dyed hair becomes even more vibrant.
How Do I Apply A Drugstore Moisturizing Hair Mask?
It is usually recommended to apply drugstore moisturizing hair masks on slightly damp hair, such as that which has been dried with a towel after showering. However, if your hair mask has a more greasy consistency, you can apply it to fully dry hair as well. Start with sectioning the hair into several sections. You can then use a brush to apply the hair mask starting from the scalp and working your way down to the ends of your hair. Once the mask has been applied all over, you can use a wide-toothed comb to comb through your hair. This will make sure the product has been deposited evenly over every strand of your hair. Finally, you can wrap your hair in a scarf or towel and wait anywhere between 20 minutes to several hours before rinsing off the mask with cool water.
Best Drugstore Moisturizing Hair Mask FAQs
Q. Is it okay to use a drugstore moisturizing hair mask every day?
A. Drugstore moisturizing hair masks are not intended for everyday use. Since these hair masks contain a lot of natural ingredients, applying them to your hair for an extended period of time every day may promote buildup which can cause your hair to weigh down. The ideal frequency for applying moisturizing hair masks is once a week, though it can be even less depending on the health of your hair.
Q. Should you use shampoo when rinsing out a drugstore moisturizing hair mask?
A. Shampoo should be used before applying a hair mask, not after. This is so that any buildup surrounding your hair follicles is removed so the hair mask can really work its way in to repair your hair. When rinsing out a hair mask, you should use cool water. You can then follow up with a hair conditioner at the ends for a more shiny look.
Q. What happens if I leave a drugstore moisturizing hair mask on for too long?
A. Leaving a hair mask on for longer than six or seven hours can create a layer of product around the hair follicles on your scalp, preventing your hair from getting air. In the long run, this can even damage the hair as over-protein use can contribute to hair breakage.