What is the Difference Between a Hair Mask and Conditioner?
Wondering about the differences between hair mask and conditioner? It's okay. Many people get confused between these two, especially when planning to add any of these products to their hair care routine.
Although these products have a slightly similar texture, they vary greatly in use case, application time, and overall impact on your hair.
Thus, we have a quick guide to clear all your confusion and help you build a better hair care routine that improves your overall hair game.
So, without delay, let’s untangle the differences!
Difference between hair mask and conditioner - Quick verdict
Before we take you to a detailed explainer, here's a quick overview of the difference between a hair mask and a conditioner.
| Aspect | Hair mask | Hair conditioner |
| Purpose of using | Nourish and repair overall hair texture | Hydrate and make your hair manageable |
| Usage duration | 20 minutes or more | 2 to 5 Minutes |
| Frequency of usage | Once or twice a week | Every time you shampoo your hair |
| Application area | Mid lengths to ends | Mid lengths to ends |
| Hair type | Available for all hair types | Available for all hair types |
| DIY options | Dozens of options are available | Dozens of options are available |
What is a hair mask?
Like a face mask, a hair mask is a thick, specialized formula that contains beneficial ingredients like natural oils, proteins, and humectants to improve your hair texture.
The thick blend of these ingredients reaches deep layers of your hair and helps in deep conditioning them. From improving damage to enhancing shine, hair masks like Morocco Golden Mask can help you improve overall hair health.
Moreover, the good news is that hair masks come in various formulas to target different hair concerns. Thus, you can choose what suits your hair type or try making a DIY mask at home.
Regarding leave-in time, typically, most hair masks are recommended between 20 to 30 minutes. However, always check product instructions or take expert advice before concluding.
Order to use hair mask
In case you are wondering how to incorporate a hair mask into your hair care routine, here’s a brief step-by-step guide with its pros and cons.
- Wash your hair thoroughly using shampoo and squeeze out extra water.
- Apply a hair mask on damp hair, focusing on mid-lengths and ends.
- Let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes or the product's recommended time.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly, removing all the mask
- Apply lightweight conditioner if needed.
Pros:
- Deep conditioning
- Long-lasting results
Cons:
- Time-consuming
What is a hair conditioner?
As the name suggests, hair conditioner is a conditioning agent that adds a new layer of moisture to your hair. This hair care product includes conditioning ingredients like nourishing oils, minerals, amino acids, etc, to lock moisture and bring optimal results.
Hair conditioners offer instant results by reducing frizziness and enhancing the shine of your hair. Moreover, conditioner is shampoo’s best friend. Thus, you can use it every time after you shampoo your hair without worrying about over-conditioning it.
Like a hair mask, you can create a DIY hair conditioner at home or buy any formulated hair conditioner based on your hair needs. On top of this, hair conditioners like Marroco Golden Conditioner have only 3 to 5 minutes of leave in time. As a result, it doesn't consume much time and offers the best results.
Order to use hair conditioner
As you know what hair conditioner is, here is a brief guide to using it with its pros and cons:
- Wash your hair with shampoo and rinse it thoroughly.
- Squeeze extra water and towel dry the hair.
- Apply conditioner evenly on your damp hair and leave it for the recommended time.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly to remove excess conditioner.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Adds moisture and shine
Cons:
- Temporary effects
PS: All the above content is for information purposes. The order of use and results of hair masks and conditioners may vary based on products, salon, and your hair’s condition.
Conclusion: Difference between hair mask and conditioner
Hair masks and conditioners are complimentary hair care products. Typically, most people use hair conditioner every time they shampoo their hair, while it's recommended to use a hair mask once or twice a week. Here are the key differences between hair masks and conditioners:
- Hair masks require up to 30 minutes, while hair conditioner requires 3 to 5 minutes.
- Hair masks offer long-lasting and intensive results compared to conditioners.
- It's healthy to use a conditioner regularly. Overusing hair masks may weigh down your hair.
Although you can use both hair care products at home, read instructions properly or take expert advice before trying them.
FAQ
- Should I use a hair mask instead of a hair conditioner?
Hair masks and conditioners are complementary, not replacement. Conditioners are healthy for frequent use, while hair masks are typically used once or twice a week, and overuse can weigh down your hair.
- Do hair masks work?
Hair masks work in various ways for your hair. You can feel instant results like increased shine and manageability. However, the results further vary based on your hair’s condition.
- How long should I leave the conditioner in my hair?
The leave-in time for conditioner varies based on the product you use. Typically, you can leave the conditioner for 2 to 3 minutes.
