Hair Mask vs Conditioner. If you’re looking to have your best hair days ever, you’ll need to stay on top of your haircare routine. Between shampoo, serums, leave-ins, and oils, finding the perfect setup may seem overwhelming at first.
But you also need to use hair masks and conditioners to achieve silky smooth hair. They are essential to getting your dream results. In most cases, you’ll want to add both.
Hair conditioners keep your strands moisturised, while masks provide more intense, weekly treatment to your tresses. Conditioners work on the surface of your strands, while masks penetrate deep to repair and rehabilitate your hair.
We’ll cover everything about hair masks vs conditioners. Plus show you how to use hair masks and conditioner when washing your hair, how to choose the right product while shopping, and more.
We’ll help you sort through the terminology to ensure you know the differences between a hair mask vs deep conditioner, or leave-in.
Once you’ve learned the ins and outs, you’ll want to add both of these helpful products to your arsenal. Here at My Haircare & Beauty, you can find hundreds of hair conditioners and hair masks from salon-quality brands, curated by our team of beauty experts.
Our innovative beauty solutions and top-shelf customer service are why thousands of Australians have trusted us since 2008.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us with questions, whether it’s about hair mask vs leave-in conditioner, the best shampoo and conditioner for blonde hair, or styling tips for your next big event.
What’s the Difference Between Hair Mask and Conditioner?
When determining the difference between hair mask and conditioner, it’s best to look at each product individually.
Once you can discern the nuances that separate a hair mask vs conditioner, including how they compare to leave-ins and deep conditioners, you’ll understand how to use them in your routine.
Overview of Hair Masks
The first half of the hair mask vs conditioner comparison is your ticket to healthy, happy hair. Hair masks penetrate deep into your tresses to add hydration, restore colour, and give you that much-desired bounce.
You’ll often hear hair mask vs deep conditioner used interchangeably due to the intense, penetrating effects of their formulas.
The ingredients list on most hair masks is an A-list of helpful compounds, including oils, proteins, butters, and vitamins. They help replenish the structure lost from everyday styling, environmental changes, and heat tools.
Hair masks are specialised for specific problems. Some formulas excel at eliminating frizz, like the Hi Pro Pac Intense Treatment No-Frizz Masque, while others revitalise your dye like L’Oreal’s Vitamino Colour Masque.
Most hair masks will help with several hair problems at once, though, so don’t feel like you’re missing out if your exact issue isn’t listed on the tin.
Hair masks usually work by soaking into your scalp over time. It’s why you’ll also often hear hair mask vs leave-in conditioner referring to the same product. But generally, leave-ins can be any level of intensity, while hair masks are usually a deeper revitalisation.
Hair masks are usually used once a week or every few days. While some can be used daily, using too much product may overwhelm your natural scalp oils.
Overview of Hair Conditioner
The other half of the hair mask vs conditioner comparison is your daily driver for gorgeous hair. Often, conditioner is billed as the sidekick to shampoo, but it’s equally vital to your hair care regimen. Conditioner adds moisture back to your hair, eliminating frizz and coating your strands with a silky-smooth finish.
It acts as a translucent layer, protecting your tresses from UV rays, heat styling, and other forms of damage.
Leave-in conditioners and deep conditioners, as forms of hair masks, are more intense versions of this product. So, while they all share a name, your standard hair conditioner will have a different feel.
Most conditioners are lightweight and meant only for the ends and mid-lengths of your hair, rather than the entire strand. This makes them suitable for daily use, as your hair will feel light and won’t have a greasy feel.
When comparing conditioner vs shampoo, the former is the product that helps restore your hair, while the latter washes away dirt and oily particles. While they form a potent 1-2 punch, you still need other intensive products for long-term hair health.
Hair Mask vs Conditioner: Which Should You Use?
Now that you can distinguish hair masks vs deep conditioners and standard conditioners from leave-ins, which one should you use in your routine?
The answer will depend on your exact hair needs. Taking the time to evaluate your situation will also help you figure out how to choose hair conditioner while shopping, so take your time researching!
Based on Hair Type
Among the most crucial things to consider when learning how to use hair masks and conditioners is your personal hair type.
Fine hair can be bolstered by volumising masks and light conditioners. You usually want to keep your product in the middle of the shaft and the ends. Bondi Boost’s Miracle Mask is a great choice.
Thick hair typically needs extra moisture as each strand fights for hydration. Color Wow’s Money Masque and the Milkshake Moisture & More Trio’s conditioner are suitable options. You want to use conditioners and masks more frequently to keep your hair moisturised.
Porosity refers to your hair’s tendency to retain moisture. Low porosity hair repels moisture, so you want a lightweight conditioner with ingredients like honey or glycerin. High-porosity hair retains moisture and can create frizz, so choose protein-rich masks to counteract it, like the Keune Care Confident Curl Mask.
Hair textures are generally secondary to density and porosity when selecting products, but there are some specifically designed for curly or coily hair. Those with tighter textures will want to use masks more frequently, often twice a week.
You can also “co-wash”, swapping out your shampoo for conditioner to keep your hair hydrated.
Based on Hair Concerns
One of the primary motivations for learning how to differentiate hair masks vs conditioners is to finally solve those frustrating hair issues you’ve been dealing with.
Damaged hair can be repaired with conditioners that use bond-building ingredients, such as the Redken All Soft Conditioner, which contains amino acids and avocado oil. Most high-quality hair masks will also help with damaged hair due to their deep penetration.
Colour-treated hair benefits from intensive treatments and sulphate-free conditioners. Davines Nounou Hair Mask is a solid example of a colour-friendly product.
If you’re dealing with dryness or frizz, you’ll want to boost hydration with moisturising oils, such as the Muk Spa Argan Oil Repair Conditioner. And if you encounter dandruff or scalp issues, opt for lightweight products with clean ingredients, like the Paul Mitchell Clean Beauty Scalp Therapy Conditioner.
Seasonal and Lifestyle Factors
You’ll also want to compare hair masks vs deep conditioners depending on the time of year and your typical hair habits.
In the summertime, you’ll deal with UV rays, saltwater, and chlorine. Products like Alfaparf Semi Di Lino Sunshin After-Sun Treatment will wash out salt and chlorine residue.
In the winter, your hair is prone to breakage, so you may want to switch to a conditioner with more oils and proteins, like the ELEVEN Miracle Hair Treatment, to keep your strands strong.
If you’re frequently in the gym, it’s a good idea to add a leave-in conditioner before or after your workouts to help protect your hair from sweat.
Can You Use a Hair Mask AND Conditioner for the Best of Both Worlds?
We haven’t chosen one side or the other in the debate over hair masks vs hair conditioners. That’s because most haircare routines require both!
Conditioners are your daily protectors and can be used every time you wash your hair. You can even use dry conditioners if you’re trying to keep a blowout going.
Hair masks are TLC for your strands, flushing them with proteins, vitamins, and oils that keep your hair shiny and strong.
But do you use conditioner after a hair mask, or before? And how do you mix the two in your routine? Let’s dive into that in the next section.
How to Use Hair Mask and Conditioner Together
Understanding how to use these two products will be the difference maker between jaw-dropping strands and dull tresses.
Do You Use Conditioner After a Hair Mask or Before?
First things first–when do you use each product? Do you use conditioner after a hair mask or before?
For most hair masks, use them after shampooing your hair, but before applying conditioner. This is because washing your hair with shampoo opens up the cuticle, allowing the proteins and oils in your mask to penetrate at a molecular level.
You’ll then finish off with the conditioner, leaving that protective layer on your hair as you go about your day.
You might prefer to use a leave-in instead of waiting 30 minutes or more in the shower with a mask – try to find a routine that works for your lifestyle.
Using Conditioner Correctly
Proper application is essential when using conditioner. Most conditioners should be applied from the mid-length to the ends, avoiding the scalp. Conditioner on your scalp can weigh your hair down and make it greasy.
However, if your hair is dry or you’re managing dandruff, it’s also preferable to use conditioner on the roots of your hair.
Use around a 50-cent coin-sized amount of conditioner, adjusting based on the thickness of your hair. Try to leave your conditioner in for at least 1 or 2 minutes, but you can let it sit for longer as you shower.
Water temperature matters too – use lukewarm water to rinse your conditioner and lock in the moisture.
Using Hair Mask Correctly
Hair masks come in all shapes and sizes, and their instructions can vary accordingly.
Before applying a mask, you’ll need to shampoo your hair. You can let your hair dry until it’s damp to create a smooth canvas.
Some masks are left on for 10 minutes, others for 5, and some for 30 minutes or more. There are even some that you can leave in overnight with a shower cap or bonnet.
Unlike standard conditioner, many hair masks are heat-activated. You can wrap your hair in a warm towel or use a hair dryer to get the best results.
Make sure you’re using your mask as directed, either weekly or every other week.
Choosing the Right Hair Essentials
Remember to choose the right products for your hair goals. Sulphate-free conditioners for colour-treated hair, protein-heavy formulas for brittle hair, and hydrating masks for dry or textured hair.
The quality of your products matters more than anything, so choose carefully.
Get Both at My Haircare & Beauty to Bring Out the Full Potential of Your Hair!
If you treat your hair with salon-quality products, you’ll get stunning results. The best place to find premium hair conditioners and masks is at My Haircare & Beauty!
Since 2008, we’ve curated over 200 renowned brands from top salons and local hidden gems. Our conditioners and masks are sorted by hair concerns and types, making the shopping experience a breeze for you. Some of our categories to help you start shopping include:
What truly sets us apart is our white glove customer support. We’ll work with you to address your hair care needs and provide expert guidance. Whether you want to find the best shampoo and conditioner for hair loss or need us to explain what those chemicals on an ingredient list mean, we’ve got you covered.
We also offer free shipping on orders over $50, a 130-day return policy, and free samples to make the journey simple.
Wrapping Up Our Hair Mask vs Leave-in Conditioner Comparison
Conditioner and hair masks are closely linked. Masks are deep therapy that repairs and restores hair, while conditioner is your daily defender, warding off UV and heat damage.
Both are essential if you want shiny and smooth hair that turns heads.
While there is some overlap, shopping for conditioners and masks is easy when you find the right retailer. For Australians everywhere, that’s our store here at My Haircare & Beauty!
Our team of professionals has the know-how to provide you with personalised recommendations based on your hair concerns. Visit our online store and chat with our team to find the perfect additions for your hair care regimen!
Mel
Mel is a former Hair Stylist with over a decade of industry experience.
She enjoys writing about all aspects of the hair & beauty world including, trends, new products & best-sellers.