Should hair masks be left for long periods?

Should hair masks be left for long periods?

Leaving the mask on the hair for some time is an effective way to deeply nourish it, but what about the benefits of leaving it on the hair overnight? Is it real and can all hair types benefit from it?

When the hair is tired, dry or lacking in vitality, the need becomes urgent to use products that meet its requirements in the field of nourishment and hydration. Among the basics in this field, we mention the use of a mask that suits the type of hair once a week and is left on it for the period mentioned on its packaging, but some of us leave this mask on the hair overnight under the pretext of making the most of its properties, so what do hair care experts think of this step?

Experts prefer this step when the hair needs special care in terms of nourishment and hydration. They recommend wrapping hair after applying the mask with nylon paper or a plastic shower cap to enhance its effect. Applying the mask in this case is done on wet hair, and after squeezing it to remove excess water from it. It is recommended to mix the mask with a few drops of nourishing oil, which may be almond oil or castor oil, provided that the mixture is applied along the hair and its ends, while staying away from the roots. The next morning, hair is washed and conditioner applied as usual. This mask can be applied once a week, but the most important thing is that it is always applied to wet hair, as water is the first moisturizer for hair. This step can also be applied to thin hair when it suffers from dryness or loss of vitality.

Between the moisturizing mask and the oil bath:

Some may ask: Is the effect of applying the mask on the hair different from the effect of applying the oil bath on it, especially since the latter is considered a magic recipe for moisturizing hair and enhancing its softness and shine? Hair care experts stress the importance of applying an oil bath to dry and lifeless hair, but they do not recommend leaving the oil on it overnight. They encourage adding a few drops of any hair care oil to a home mask to boost its action. Experts also recommend that hair should not be exposed to sunlight while applying an oil bath to avoid damaging its fibers.

To moisturize hair during the night:

Regular care is the main way to solve the problem of hair dryness and loss of vitality in the summer. Experts recommend adopting one of these two steps:

• Using a nourishing and moisturizing serum for the hair. A little of it is rubbed between the palms of the hands and then passed along the length of the dry hair to its ends. After that, the hair is brushed if it is soft and wavy, and the fingers are passed between its tufts in the case of curly hair. After that, the hair can be wrapped up and covered with a head cover when sleeping to avoid soiling the pillow cover, provided that the hair is washed the next morning.

• Using a conditioner and applying it along the tufts of wet hair to its ends, leaving it overnight after covering the hair with a cover to avoid soiling the pillow, then washing the hair as usual the next morning, which surprisingly enhances its vitality and shine.

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