Blake Lively has finally revealed the secret behind her signature messy-chic hairstyle – and that is that she skipped a usual step in her shower routine.
After launching her own haircare line earlier this month, the star of the controversial new film ‘It Ends With Us’ revealed that she doesn’t use conditioner and instead applies a hair mask.
Lively, 37, stressed to Vogue that she doesn’t know “anyone” in the entertainment industry who uses conditioner, and customers will recognize this in her new Blake Brown product line, which no longer contains conditioner.
“People think hair masks are more of a specialty product or a one-time treatment,” the former “Gossip Girl” star recently told the outlet.
“But I use it every time, just like I use conditioner,” she added.
Blake Lively, 37, recently revealed the secrets behind her signature messy-elegant hair look
Lively said she doesn’t use conditioner and instead uses a hair mask on her strands
The “It Ends With Us” actress recently launched her own hair care line, Blake Brown, which doesn’t include a conditioner, just a hair mask.
Although Lively claims the ultimate key to her long, full locks is swapping conditioner for a hair mask, the question is, is this really healthy for your locks?
According to several hairdressers, using a hair mask every day is not exactly the best practice.
“Using a mask instead of a conditioner is not necessarily healthy for your hair,” Arizona-based hairstylist Melissa Gordon of Hainsworth & Company Salon told DailyMail.com.
The stylist elaborated further, explaining that conditioner and hair masks are very similar products, with masks being the thicker and “strengthen” version of conditioner.
However, the fact that hair masks have these benefits does not necessarily mean that the hair will remain healthy.
“If the mask is a repairing or protein-enriched mask, you actually run the risk of overloading your hair with protein, making it brittle and at risk,” Gordon continued, pointing out that masks can be very “thick and heavy,” which isn’t always ideal for different hair types.
“Regular use of a high-quality conditioner in the shower is absolutely essential for the health of your hair,” says Gordon.
Gina Rivera, hair artist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites, echoed Gordon’s sentiments to DailyMail.com, explaining that too much moisture in the hair can actually dry out strands.
FEMAIL asked hairdressers Melissa Gordon (left) and Gina Rivera (right) whether using a hair mask instead of conditioner is healthy for your hair.
“Using a mask instead of conditioner is not necessarily healthy for your hair,” Gordon told DailyMail.com about Lively’s method.
Lively, who was seen in Brooklyn in 2008 during her Gossip Girl days, was always admired for her luscious blonde locks
“Too much of anything can have a negative impact on hair,” Rivera said. “Your hair can only absorb so much, which can lead to product waste.”
“Daily conditioners are usually lighter and are great for finer hair that tangles easily.”
To find out what is right for you and your hair, she recommends consulting your hairdresser to develop a care regimen.
While you may not want to replace your regular conditioner with a hair mask every day, that doesn’t mean they aren’t a good tool to use every now and then – Gordon says they can be “extremely useful” when used correctly.
They can reduce breakage in color-treated hair, add shine to your hair thanks to smoother cuticles and even prevent some frizz, says Courtney Gerics, lead hair colorist at LRN Beauty in New York City.
How often you should apply a hair mask to your hair per week or month depends on your hair type.
“For example, someone with curly or coarse hair is naturally less hydrated than someone with fine hair, so using a mask more often would definitely benefit that person,” Gerics told DailyMail.com.
“If you have fine hair and use a mask regularly, your hair can become oily and greasy,” she says.
Rivera said that too much moisture in the hair can actually dry out the hair strands (symbol image).
Lively, above with her husband Ryan Reynolds, told Vogue that she “doesn’t know anyone” who uses conditioner in the entertainment industry
Blake rose to fame when she starred in the hit series Gossip Girl from 2007 to 2012. She then starred in films such as The Town (2010), Green Lantern (2011) and The Shallows (2016); seen in 2014
“If you have fine curls, using a mask too often can leave your hair feeling weighed down.”
At her salon, Gordon recommends that her clients use a hair mask once or twice a month.
Once you have found the right mask for your hair type, you can follow a few tips to ensure that your hair also reaps all the benefits.
Gerics recommends combing the hair with a wide-toothed comb while the product is working to distribute the mask evenly throughout each strand.
Expert Courtney Gerics also took part in the debate
She likes to use the $46 No. 002 comb from viral brand Crown Affair, which can also help detangle curly hair.
If you want to rinse your hair, Gerics says you should always use cold water, as this closes the cuticle, gives your hair extreme shine and reduces frizz.
You can use the same comb to brush out your freshly rinsed hair or use a wet brush.
Finally, it is important that you prime your hair before styling, especially if it is colored or treated with keratin.
The head hairdresser recommends the $32 Smoothing Cream from the AIIR brand.
“It helps lock in moisture from the mask and protects your hair from heat styling,” Gerics said.
So if you’re still tempted to buy Blake Lively’s new hair care range, just make sure you have a matching conditioner to go with the shampoo – and save the hair mask for a special occasion.
