A hair mask is an essential step in your hair care routine. But with so many masks available, it's easy to feel overwhelmed! Don't worry, Colorful Black is here to help you find the perfect mask for your curly and coily hair. Choosing the right hair mask is all about observation. Take the time to study your hair: is it truly dry? Does it need a protein boost? How does it react to deep conditioning treatments? We'll save you time by giving you the keys to choosing the right mask for your curly hair.
Which hair mask is best for naturally curly hair?
Even if your curly or kinky hair is natural, meaning it hasn't been chemically treated (no straightening or coloring), your weekly hair care routine should include shampooing followed by a hair mask . You can add a conditioner before the mask if your hair needs a little extra nourishment or hydration, but this is optional if your hair is healthy.
On healthy hair, a hair mask helps the hair fiber maintain optimal hydration throughout the week. A hair mask is the foundation of your routine, allowing subsequent treatments to work at their best because it has already addressed your hair's essential needs. More concentrated in active ingredients than a conditioner, a mask penetrates the hair fiber more deeply to soften, nourish (in the case of a protein mask), and smooth.
So, even on healthy hair, with excellent elasticity, radiant shine, and strong fibers, remember to apply a good moisturizing mask once a week and a protein mask once a month ! To save time, opt for a mask that combines hydration and repair:
Pay attention to the following signs to choose the right hair mask:
- Limp hair that stretches without breaking : excess hydration, rebalance your routine with a protein intake.
- Brittle, fragile hair : protein deficiency, consider repairing and nourishing it.
- Dry, dull hair with frizz : lack of hydration, opt for a deep hydrating mask.
“The protein mask is the filler that will fill the hole in a wall, and the moisturizing mask is the paint that follows to smooth the wall.”
Anna, Colorful Black
My hair is straightened or colored, which mask should I choose?
Pay attention to the following signs to choose the right hair mask:
- Limp hair that stretches without breaking : excess hydration, rebalance your routine with a protein intake.
- Brittle, fragile hair : protein deficiency, consider repairing and nourishing it.
- Dry, dull hair with frizz : lack of hydration, opt for a deep hydrating mask.
“The protein mask is the filler that will fill the hole in a wall, and the moisturizing mask is the paint that follows to smooth the wall.”
Anna, Colorful Black
My hair is straightened or colored, which mask should I choose?
Relaxed or colored hair is weakened. Don't panic, it's not inevitable! You can easily care for your relaxed hair with our star product of the day: the hair mask!
Essential in a natural hair care routine, it becomes indispensable for chemically treated hair. Relaxing and coloring treatments damage the hair fiber structure and reduce its keratin content, making it more vulnerable to external aggressors. Relaxed or colored hair that doesn't regularly benefit from a hair mask is prone to breakage, split ends, and dehydration. In this case, arm yourself with your best ally: the protein mask.
Indeed, a protein hair mask replenishes the protein deficiency caused by chemical treatments. This is why protein treatments are often referred to as "repairing" masks. By sealing the gaps in the hair fiber, the protein mask strengthens it, leaving your hair shiny and smooth.
To maintain the strength of your relaxed or colored hair, a protein hair mask is recommended twice a month . To rebalance your hair's pH, follow the protein treatment with a moisturizing mask. Why is it necessary to increase the frequency of protein masks for damaged hair? Because keratin, the protein that makes up 95% of our hair, does not regenerate. Our mission, should we choose to accept it, is therefore to compensate for this deficiency by pampering our hair as much as it needs!
How to distinguish a protein mask from a moisturizing mask?
You've determined your hair's needs, and that's a great start! But now that you're ready, you might feel a little overwhelmed by all the products available. We've put together this short guide to help you find your way around easily.
Observe the product name
To identify a protein mask, look for the terms “repairing” or “nourishing.” These properties only apply to masks containing a protein that can be absorbed by the hair fiber. Nourishing and repairing means providing the hair with a lipid and protein element that helps restore its structure, giving it a smooth and strong appearance.
Hydrating masks are named as such and are easy to spot. You can look for the terms "moisture" or "hydration" for products from brands originating in English-speaking countries.
Read the product composition
All the ingredients of the hair masks available in the Colorful Black shop are listed directly on the product page. Understanding the ingredient list gives you all the information you need to choose a product that's perfectly suited to you!
Repairing masks contain so-called "hydrolyzed" proteins that can penetrate the hair fiber deeply. These plant-based proteins are used in hair masks for curly and frizzy hair. You can easily identify them under the following names:
- Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed
- Hydrolyzed protein
- TEA-cocoyl hydrolyzed
- Protein
- Cocoyl hydrolyzed
Moisturizing masks contain emollients, which soften and smooth the hair. Remember that only water has the power to truly hydrate hair! Hair hydration is primarily ensured by the water you drink. A moisturizing hair mask actually works to maintain your hair's natural moisture. The first ingredient in a moisturizing mask is, unsurprisingly, water! It is generally followed by a fatty alcohol (the emollient).
Next, look for these ingredients to confirm that it is indeed a moisturizing mask (non-exhaustive list):
- Cetearyl Alcohol
- Aloe Vera
- Coconut Oil
- Glyceryl stearate
- Isopropyl
- Palmitate
Please note : these ingredients are for informational purposes only. A moisturizing or protein hair mask may not contain all of the ingredients listed.
Choosing a hair mask is easy when you have the right information! Colorful Black is here to help and guide you in creating a routine perfectly suited to your needs. If you'd like, check out our personalized coaching offers with Anna for one-on-one advice.
