Conditioners and Masks

What is the difference between a conditioner and a mask?

A conditioner is applied just after washing and smooths the surface of the hair, called the cuticle. It detangles, softens and reduces static in 1 to 2 minutes of leave-on time. Its texture is light: you can use it with every shampoo, even on fine hair.

A hair mask is more concentrated in oils, butters or proteins. It is left on for 5 to 10 minutes to nourish the hair more intensively. Once or twice a week is enough for most heads of hair.

The two products are not mutually exclusive: conditioner is used at every wash, and the mask replaces it once a week. On very dry or coily hair, the mask can be used at every wash, as a deep treatment. Some masks can also be applied before shampooing, on dry hair: this is the pre-shampoo treatment, which goes on before the wash.

There are also hybrid formats. Schwarzkopf’s Gliss detangling milk is sprayed on and not rinsed out. The K18 Leave-In is applied to towel-dried hair, without rinsing, and is left on for 4 minutes, according to the brand. Garnier Hair Food masks can be used as you prefer, as a conditioner, as a mask or as a leave-in treatment.

How do you choose your conditioners and masks?

For dry hair that feels rough, choose a nourishing formula, rich in oils or shea butter. The Kérastase Nutritive range and Moroccanoil masks, made with argan oil, are designed for it. Their melting textures spread easily on thick or curly lengths.

For hair that feels worn by bleaching or heat, look for a more intensive care product. Olaplex No. 5 is a conditioner from a bond-care range, designed for use at every wash, according to the brand. The Metal Detox mask from L’Oréal Professionnel is designed for coloured or lightened hair. Both products are applied after the shampoo from the same range, for a matching routine.

Next, look at the ingredients list. Proteins, such as keratin or silk, are used in care for hair that feels worn, though in excess they can leave hair feeling rough. Moisturising agents, such as glycerine or aloe vera, suit hair that lacks water. Alternating a protein mask with a nourishing mask keeps a good balance.

For fine hair that goes flat quickly, prefer a light conditioner, applied to the ends only. The Pantene and Garnier Hair Food ranges offer simple formulas for everyday care. Remember to match your treatment to your wash: our shampoos often come in the same range.

How do you apply a conditioner or a mask?

First squeeze the water out of your hair by hand: hair full of water dilutes the product. Spread a walnut-sized amount over the lengths and ends, staying a few centimetres away from the roots so as not to make them greasy. On long hair, divide your hair into four sections to cover each part well.

Detangle while the product is on, with a wide-tooth comb, starting at the ends and working up. Under a warm towel, the gentle heat helps the mask to work in. Then rinse with lukewarm water, until the hair no longer feels slippery like soap under your fingers.

For quick detangling every day, a spray milk such as Gliss is sprayed on towel-dried hair and not rinsed out. It avoids pulling on knots, especially on children with long hair. Keep the mask for your weekly care session, when you have ten minutes to spare.

On very dry ends, a product applied after the shower extends the effect of the mask until the next wash: our leave-in treatments and our hair oils play this role. The whole routine can be found in our hair care range.