Differences between hair mask and conditioner

We are all vaguely familiar with the importance of using hair masks and conditioner in our hair care routine, depending on our type of hair. But this is not just because hairdressers say that it is good for our hair, but when we use them we can actually tell and feel the difference in our hair! Can you tell the difference between a hair mask and conditioner though? Each of them has a different specific function, and one does not replace the other. We’re going to tell you about them.

Differences between hair mask and conditioner

When you know what your hair actually needs, e.g. hydration or repair of hair fibres, the first thing to do is to choose the right shampoo. This should always be the first step in our hair care routine, the one responsible for getting rid of any excess grease or other hair products that make our hair look dirty and dull, but it also gets our hair ready for conditioner and hair masks. 

Although these two products are complementary, there are 5 fundamental differences between hair masks and conditioner, take note!

Hair mask

1. Purpose: to deeply hydrate and repair hair (depending on the result we are looking for) and to leave it feeling silky soft. There are a lot of different types of hair masks with different purposes and textures. Unlike conditioner, it is a hair treatment, since its formula is more concentrated and therefore provides our hair with the nutrients it needs and helps to strengthen our hair.
2. Texture: since this is a treatment, it is much denser than conditioner.
3. Aplication: hair masks are used after washing our hair with shampoo and applying conditioner. How do we apply it? From the middle to the ends. We do it like this so that the oils it contains do not make our hair greasy.
4. Duration: the biggest differences between hair mask and conditioner is that hair mask needs to be left on our hair, whereas conditioner does not. The time we need to leave it on will be in the instructions, but this tends to vary between 10 and 15 minutes.
5. Frequency: we should ideally use a hair mask once a week, although this will depend on the type of hair we have and its needs.

Conditioner

• Purpose: to hydrate the outside of our hair and leave it smooth and without knots after washing it properly. Conditioner also protects hair fibres from daily damage and helps to prevent frizziness.
• Texture: there are several different formats nowadays:
  • Rinse-off conditioner: its cream formula is very light to runny.
  • No rinse conditioner: this type is usually in the form of a spray-on product.
• Aplication: we use it after shampooing our hair, and apply it from the middle of the hair to the ends, the same as with hair masks. This is so that we do not make the roots greasy, and ensure it is applied to the driest parts of our hair.
• Duration: conditioner in the form of creams is rinsed off immediately.
• Frequency: since it is very light, it is designed for everyday use after washing your hair.