Actress Blake Lively revealed that she doesn't use hair conditioner, and the secret to her luxurious locks is a hair mask. Should you stop using hair conditioner and switch to a hair mask?
Hollywood actress Blake Lively has been in the news not only for the success of her latest film, It Ends With Us, but also for her amazing hair care routine. While we’ve all heard about the importance of using conditioner, the Gossip Girl star has admitted that she doesn’t use it. She relies on another hair care product to maintain her locks. In a new interview, she revealed that she uses shampoo and then a hair mask. This approach to hair care highlights an alternative way to moisturize and treat your hair without using regular conditioner. Does this mean you should ditch the conditioner like Blake Lively did?
Blake Lively on Her Hair Care Routine
In a new interview FashionThe actress said, “I don’t know anyone in my industry who uses conditioner.” She says it’s not that people in the entertainment industry are “blessed with the best hair,” adding, “We use a different hair care system than what’s being pushed into the mass market.” She continued, “Your hair needs two things: strength and moisture.” And shampoo and hair masks provide strength and moisture to her long locks.
According to a dermatologist Dr. Vijay Singhal“By using a hair mask instead of conditioner, Blake Lively may be opting for a more intensive treatment that addresses specific hair concerns, like dryness or damage.”
Should You Give Up Hair Conditioner?
Hair conditioner is an essential hair care product designed to improve hair texture and manageability. Conditioner can help reduce friction, minimize frizz, and detangle hair, according to a 2015 study published in International Journal of Trichology.
“It moisturizes the hair strands, removes static electricity and makes them smoother,” says the expert.
The American Academy of Dermatological Association recommends using conditioner after washing your hair, unless you're using a 2-in-1 shampoo that cleanses and conditions your locks.
But, having given up the air conditioner and using hair mask can be useful in certain situations. “Hair masks are usually more concentrated than regular conditioners and provide intense hydration and nourishment,” says Dr. Singhal.
While conditioners are meant to be used regularly, hair masks are often used weekly or twice a week, providing deep conditioning. Using a hair mask instead of conditioner can be a good option for those with hair that 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 conditioner typically contains lighter ingredients like fatty alcohols, silicones, and emollients that smooth the hair’s surface and provide lightweight hydration. Some conditioners also contain proteins and vitamins, but these are usually in lower concentrations. Hair masks contain more concentrated ingredients, including richer oils (like argan and coconut), butters (like shea butter), proteins (like keratin, collagen), and sometimes even specialized ingredients like hyaluronic acid or peptides. These ingredients penetrate deeper into the hair shaft to repair, strengthen, and deeply hydrate the hair.
2. Hair types
Hair conditioner is suitable for all hair types, with specific formulas available for different needs, such as adding volume to fine hair and hydrating dry hair. Hair masks are useful for hair types that require intensive care, such as dry, damaged or chemically treated hair. However, there are masks designed for different hair types, including fine hair that needs volume without weighing it down.
3. Functions
Hair conditioner mainly focuses on smoothing the hair cuticle, making hair more manageable, reducing frizzand shine. It works as a protective barrier against external factors. “A hair mask goes beyond the surface layer, aiming to repair, rejuvenate and restore hair from the inside,” says the expert. Masks target deeper issues such as split ends, breakage and excessive dryness, offering more intensive care.
4. Usage
Hair conditioner is used after each wash, applied from mid-lengths to ends and rinsed out after a few minutes. Hair mask is used less frequently, usually once a week. It should be applied to damp hair, left on for a longer period of time, such as 15 minutes or more, and then rinsed out thoroughly.
What is the best hair care ritual?
“The best hair care routine depends on your individual hair type and concerns,” says the expert. However, a general guide to maintaining healthy hair includes the following steps:
1. Cleansing
Use a shampoo that is appropriate for your hair type. Focus on cleansing your scalp, where the most debris accumulates, and let the lather flow down the hair shafts.
2. Condition or treatment
If your hair is relatively healthy, a regular conditioner applied from mid-lengths to ends will be enough. “For dry, damaged or chemically treated hair, include a hair mask in your routine once a week,” advises the expert. After shampooing, apply the mask generously to damp hair, paying special attention to the ends. Leave it on for a while, then rinse thoroughly.
3. Untangling
Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to ensure that your hair is free of tangles, which is usually the result of moisture loss and dryness. After detangling hairYou can apply a leave-in conditioner.
4. Moisturizing
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 add shine to your locks.
Also, trim your hair to prevent split ends and maintain overall hair health.
Even if your favorite star, 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.