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Treat Your Winter Tresses With the Ultimate Deep Conditioning Hair Masks

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As women, we put our hair through a lot. From chemical processes, like bleaching and keratin straightening, to the daily heat exposure that comes with our love of blowdryers and curling irons, our hair habits can have a big impact on health of our locks. If your hair is feeling — and looking — worse for the wear, it may be time to treat yourself to the best hair mask for your strands. 

What is a hair mask? 

Like a good face mask does for the skin, deep-conditioning hair masks are meant to refresh, rejuvenate, and fortify your mane. These masks go far beyond what your favorite conditioners can do, as they’re much richer. Ideal for those with dry, damaged, and color-treated strands, these products are designed to be intensely hydrating, using a rich blend of oils, moisturizers, and strengthening aids — like keratin and collagen — to pamper and transform your coif.

How to Use a Hair Mask 

Here are six steps on how to properly use a hair mask to reap the most benefits for your tresses. 

Wash your hair. Hair masks are meant to nourish the hair, but they can’t properly do that if they have to break through a layer of dirt and grime. In general, hair masks should be used after your shampoo and in place of your conditioner, so always start the process with a clean head of damp hair. 

Apply liberally and cautiously. The biggest mistake people make with hair masks is how much they apply and where they apply it. You should always start with less (most masks recommend starting with a dollop-sized amount) and add more if you notice your hair soaking up the product, so you don’t end up weighing your strands down. As for where you should be applying, stay away from your roots and focus on your ends — this is where most of the damage accumulates. 

Comb the mask through your hair. While you want to concentrate a hair mask from mid-shaft to ends when applying, you still want to make sure it treats your whole head. This is where your trusty comb comes in. To properly saturate your hair and scalp, comb your hair from top to bottom while you’re still in the shower to evenly distribute the product. By combing it into the area around the roots instead of slathering it on directly, you’ll apply the perfect amount for avoiding any possible greasiness that might otherwise occur. 

Pin it and wait. Once you’ve got the mask on, it’s time to kick back. Clip your hair away from your face and let the product work its magic. Follow your mask’s directions and leave it on for the recommended amount of time (usually five to 15 minutes). 

Rinse, protect, and style. Once the time is up, it’s time to rinse out your mask. From there, you can style as usual. Be sure to apply a heat protectant, like a great serum, to the hair before styling, however, especially if hot tools are involved. 

Stick to a weekly regimen. Like skincare and exercise, routine use is what makes a deep conditioning hair mask effective, especially if your hair is damaged or exposed to dry, harsh weather. Thankfully, because these masks are so highly-concentrated, a once a week application will do. 

Best Hair Masks

An essential part of every hair care routine, hair masks help give your hair the love it deserves. Keep scrolling to shop Woman’s World’s picks for the best deep conditioning hair masks that will transform your hair today.

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