How To Use A Hair Mask The Right Way - L'Oréal Paris

If you’re dealing with damaged, dry, or dehydrated hair, your regular conditioner might not be enough to give your strands the moisture and nourishment they need. That’s when knowing how to use a hair mask and choosing the right one for your hair can come in handy. As with any haircare product, the right application technique is a must for reaping the full benefits of your chosen formula: Overnight hair masks have different usage instructions than rinse-out versions, and vice versa. If you want to give your strands some TLC but aren’t sure where to start, keep reading.

Ahead, we’ll explain how to put on a hair mask and answer some common masking-related questions (like: how often should you use a hair mask?) to help you get the most out of your haircare routine. We’re also sharing our favorite hair masks to address different haircare concerns. Find them below.

What is a Hair Mask and What Does it Do?

A hair mask is a type of deep conditioning treatment designed to improve the look and feel of your hair. What does a hair mask do? It’s normally applied to your strands after shampooing to help target specific concerns that your regular conditioner may be unable to address. Damage, dryness, and dullness are just a few common woes that a hair mask can help remedy.

Deep conditioning vs. regular conditioner

A regular conditioner is your hair’s everyday support system—lightweight, fast-acting, and perfect for smoothing, detangling, and adding a touch of shine after shampooing. It works on the surface to seal the cuticle, making your strands look and feel softer and easier to manage.

Deep conditioning, on the other hand, is a targeted treatment. Think of it as rehab for dry, overprocessed, or damaged hair. These formulas go beyond the surface, delivering intense hydration and nourishment that penetrates the hair shaft. Richer and more concentrated, deep conditioners like hair masks are left on for 5 to 30 minutes, depending on your hair’s needs.

Pay attention to your hair. If it feels dry or looks frizzy, you can tell if it needs more than the basics. A hair mask can give it the reset it craves.

Key benefits of a hair mask

Incorporating a hair mask into your weekly routine can visibly transform your hair, how it looks, and feels. Here’s what it delivers:

• Intense hydrationHair masks deeply moisturize dry strands, leaving them soft, smooth, and easier to manage. Ideal for thick, curly, or color-treated hair that tends to feel rough or brittle.
• Damage repair & strengthening Hair can weaken over time due to heat styling, color, or environmental stress. A hair mask helps strengthen from root to tip, reducing breakage and split ends.
• Frizz control & lasting shineRich conditioning smooths the hair’s surface, helping tame flyaways and reduce frizz. The result? A sleek, polished finish with noticeable shine.
• Protection from heat & stylingHair masks add a protective layer that cushions strands during blow-drying or flat-ironing, making them less prone to heat damage.

How To Apply a Hair Mask

Now, on to the how-to. Below, we’re sharing a step-by-step guide on how to put on a hair mask to give your strands the care and attention they deserve.

Step 1. Wash your hair

The first order of business on your hair masking journey is washing your hair. If your chosen mask is part of a complete haircare system, we suggest using the corresponding shampoo to help you get the best possible results from the range. If not, try a sulfate-free shampoo suitable for all hair types, like the L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Glossing Shampoo, which thoroughly cleanses hair without stripping it. You can also pick up a shampoo based on your hair type and concerns.