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Actress Blake Lively shared that she doesn’t use a hair conditioner, and that the secret behind her luscious locks is a hair mask. Should you stop using a hair conditioner and go for a hair mask instead?
Hollywood actress Blake Lively is not only in news for the success of her latest movie “It Ends With Us”, but also for her surprising hair care routine. While we all have heard of the importance of using a hair conditioner, the “Gossip Girl” admitted to not using it. She relies on another hair care product for maintaining her tresses. In a new interview, she said she uses shampoo followed by a hair mask. This approach to hair care highlights an alternative way of moisturising and treating the hair without relying on a typical conditioner. Does that mean you should skip a hair conditioner just like Blake Lively?
Blake Lively on her hair care routine
In a new interview with Vogue, the actress said, “I don’t know anyone who uses conditioner in my industry.” She says that it’s not that people working in the entertainment industry are “gifted with better hair”, and adds, “We are using a different hair system than the process promoted to the mass market.” She went on to share, “Your hair needs two things, strength and moisture.” And shampoo and hair masks provide strength and moisture to her long locks.
According to dermatologist Dr Vijay Singhal, “By using a hair mask instead of a conditioner, Blake Lively might be opting for a more intensive treatment that takes care of specific hair concerns, such as dryness or damage.”
Should you skip hair conditioner?
Hair conditioner is a crucial product in hair care, designed to improve the texture and manageability of hair. Conditioner can help to decrease friction, minimise frizz and detangle the hair, as per a 2015 research published in the International Journal of Trichology.
“It works by moisturising the hair strands, reducing static electricity, and enhancing smoothness,” says the expert.
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The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends to use conditioner after washing your hair unless you use a “2-in-1” shampoo, which cleans and conditions tresses.
But leaving out a conditioner and using a hair mask can be beneficial in certain situations. “Hair masks are usually more concentrated than regular conditioners and provide intense hydration along with nourishment,” says Dr Singhal.
While conditioners are designed for regular use, hair masks are often used weekly or bi-weekly, delivering deep treatment. Using a hair mask instead of conditioner could work well for those with hair that needs extra care, such as chemically treated or very dry hair.
Hair mask vs conditioner
There are some differences and similarities between these two popular hair care products:
1. Ingredients
Hair conditioner typically contains lighter ingredients such as fatty alcohols, silicones, and emollients that smooth the hair surface and provide light hydration. Some conditioners also include proteins and vitamins, but these are usually in lower concentrations. Hair masks contain more concentrated ingredients, including richer oils (e.g., argan, and coconut), butters (e.g., shea butter), proteins (e.g., keratin, collagen), and sometimes even specialised ingredients like hyaluronic acid or peptides. These ingredients penetrate deeper into the hair shaft to repair, strengthen, and deeply hydrate the hair.
2. Hair types
Hair conditioner is suitable for all hair types, with specific formulations available for different needs like volumising for fine hair, and moisturising for dry hair. A hair mask is beneficial for hair types that require intensive care, such as dry, damaged, or chemically treated hair. However, there are masks tailored for various hair types, including fine hair that needs volume without being weighed down.
3. Functions
Hair conditioner mostly focuses on smoothing the hair cuticle, making hair more manageable, reducing frizz, and adding shine. It works as a protective barrier against external elements. “Hair mask goes beyond the superficial layer, aiming to repair, restore, and rejuvenate the hair from within,” says the expert. Masks target deeper issues such as split ends, breakage, and extreme dryness, offering more intensive care.
4. Usage
Hair conditioner is used after every wash, and is applied from mid-lengths to ends and then rinsed out after a few minutes. Hair mask is used less frequently, typically once a week. You need to apply it to damp hair, leave it on for a longer period like 15 minutes or more and then rinse thoroughly.
What is the best hair care ritual?
“The best hair care ritual varies depending on individual hair types and concerns,” says the expert. However, a general guideline for maintaining healthy hair includes the following steps –
1. Cleanse
Use a shampoo, which is suitable for your hair type. Focus on cleansing the scalp, which is where most buildup occurs, and let the lather run down the hair shafts.
2. Condition or treat
If your hair is relatively healthy, a regular conditioner applied from mid-length to ends will suffice. “For dry, damaged, or chemically treated hair, incorporate a hair mask into your routine once a week,” suggests the expert. After shampooing, apply the hair mask generously to damp hair, concentrating on the ends. Leave it on for some time before rinsing thoroughly.
3. Detangle
Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to make sure your hair is free from tangles, which usually results from moisture loss and dryness. After detangling hair, you can apply a leave-in conditioner.
4. Moisturise
Apply a leave-in conditioner or hair serum to provide extra moisture and protection. These hair care products are meant seal in moisture, reduce frizz, and also add shine to tresses.
Also, trim your hair to prevent split ends and maintain overall hair health.
Even though your favourite star like Lively skips conditioner, it may not be the best thing for your hair. Ultimately, the key to an effective hair care ritual is consistency and choosing products that address your specific hair concerns.
