Actress Blake Lively revealed that she doesn’t use conditioner and that the secret to her luscious locks is a hair mask. Should you skip using conditioner and use a hair mask instead?
Hollywood actress Blake Lively is making headlines not only because of the success of her latest movie, It Ends With Us, but also because of her surprising hair care routine. Although we’ve all heard about the importance of hair conditioner, the “Gossip Girl” admitted to not using one. She relies on another hair care product to care for her locks. In a new interview, she said she uses shampoo and then follows it up with a hair mask. This approach to hair care shows an alternative way to moisturize and treat hair without resorting to a typical conditioner. Does this mean you should skip hair conditioner like Blake Lively?
Blake Lively on her hair care routine
In a new interview with Vogue, the actress said, “I don’t know anyone in my industry who uses conditioner.” She says it’s not that people who work in entertainment are “blessed with better hair,” adding, “We use a different hair system than the process that’s advertised in the mass market.” She went on to share, “Your hair needs two things: strength and moisture.” And shampoo and hair masks add strength and moisture to her long locks.
According to dermatologist Dr. Vijay Singhal, “By using a hair mask instead of a conditioner, Blake Lively may be opting for a more intensive treatment that addresses specific hair concerns like dryness or damage.”
Should you avoid hair conditioner?
Conditioner is an important hair care product designed to improve the texture and manageability of hair. According to a 2015 study published in the International Journal of Trichology, conditioner can help reduce friction, minimize frizz, and detangle hair.
“It works by moisturizing the hair strands, reducing static electricity and improving smoothness,” says the expert.
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The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends using conditioner after washing your hair unless you are using a “2-in-1” shampoo that cleanses and conditions the hair.
However, in certain situations, it may be a good idea to skip conditioner and use a hair mask instead. “Hair masks are usually more concentrated than regular conditioners and provide nutrients as well as intensive moisture,” says Dr. Singhal.
While conditioners are intended for regular use, hair masks are often used weekly or bi-weekly and provide a deep treatment. Using a hair mask instead of a conditioner can work well for those whose hair needs special 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 conditioners typically contain lighter ingredients such as fatty alcohols, silicones and emollients that smooth the hair surface and provide light moisture. Some conditioners also contain proteins and vitamins, but these are usually present in lower concentrations. Hair masks contain more concentrated ingredients, including richer oils (e.g. argan and coconut oil), butters (e.g. shea butter), proteins (e.g. keratin, collagen) and sometimes even special ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or peptides. These ingredients penetrate deeper into the hair shaft to repair, strengthen and deeply hydrate the hair.
2. Hair types
Hair conditioners are suitable for all hair types. There are specific formulas for different needs, such as volume for fine hair and moisture for dry hair. A hair mask is suitable for hair types that need intensive care, such as dry, damaged or chemically treated hair. However, there are masks tailored to different hair types, including fine hair that needs volume without being weighed down.
3. Functions
Hair conditioners mainly smooth the hair cuticle, make the hair easier to style, reduce frizz and add shine. They act as a protective barrier against external influences. “Hair masks go beyond the superficial layer and aim to repair, restore and rejuvenate the hair from the inside out,” says the expert. Masks target deeper problems such as split ends, breakage and extreme dryness and offer more intensive care.
4. Use
Hair conditioner is used after each hair wash and is applied from roots to ends and rinsed out after a few minutes. Hair masks are used less frequently, usually once a week. You need to apply them to damp hair, leave them on for a longer period of time, about 15 minutes or more, and then rinse thoroughly.
What is the best hair care ritual?
“The best hair care routine varies depending on individual hair type and concerns,” says the expert. However, a general guideline for maintaining healthy hair includes the following steps –
1. Clean
Use a shampoo that is suitable for your hair type. Focus on cleaning the scalp, as this is where most buildup occurs, and allow the lather to run down the hair shafts.
2. Condition or treat
If your hair is relatively healthy, a normal conditioner from the roots to the tips is enough. “If your hair is dry, damaged or has been chemically treated, you should include a hair mask in your care routine once a week,” advises the expert. After washing your hair, apply the mask generously to damp hair, concentrating on the tips. Leave the mask on for a while and then rinse it out thoroughly.
3. Unravel
Use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers to ensure your hair is free of tangles, which usually occur due to moisture loss and dryness. After detangling your hair, you can apply a leave-in conditioner.
4. Moisturizer
Apply a leave-in conditioner or hair serum to provide extra moisture and protection. These hair care products are designed to lock in moisture, reduce frizz, and also add shine to the hair.
Also, trim your hair to prevent split ends and maintain overall hair health.
Even if your favorite celebrity, like Lively, skips conditioner, it may not be the best thing for your hair. Ultimately, the key to an effective hair care routine is consistency and choosing products that address your specific hair concerns.
