Difference between Hair Conditioner and Hair Mask
Key Difference: Hair conditioners and hair mask are both hair care products. A hair conditioner is generally used to provide the moisture to the hair. They make hair look smooth and shiny. A hair mask works the same way as a facial mask works. There are numerous types of hair masks for treating discolored hair, oily scalp and dandruff, etc. Generally, hair conditioners are kept for one or two minutes after applying it. On the other hand, a mask is kept for a longer time for at least fifteen minutes.
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Hair conditioner is a very popular hair care product which is used for moisturizing the hair. They are becoming an integral part of one’s daily regime as they help hair in looking smooth and shiny. There are numerous types of hair conditioners focusing on different aspects; however most of them are used as moisturizers. Conditioners may also use such ingredients which make them work as reconstructors, acidifiers, detangles, glossers, etc.
Moisturizing contents contain compounds like humectants which help in retaining moisture into the hair. It is very important to choose the right hair conditioner for the hair; a wrong selection may not show good results for hair. Some of the commonly used ingredients for conditioners are proteins, water, trace amounts of compounds like glycerin, oils from herbs and fruits, silicon oils like dimethicone are generally added as they help in hair softening.
Generally, conditioners are acidic as this acidic nature is responsible for making cuticles smooth and shiny. Overall, one can say that conditioners aim to improve the texture of hair.
A hair mask is quiet similar to conditioner as a hair mask is also designed to improve the condition of the hair. This may be done by focusing on either or combination of these aspects – repair damage, adds moisturizer, strengthen the hair, etc. The ingredients of a hair mask vary depending on the main purpose. Hair Mask is essentialy a type of hair treatment.
Generally, conditioners are used more regularly than hair masks. A mask is often advised for a deep nourishment of hair. A coconut and cream hair mask is good for dry and frizzy hair. Hair treatments are usually very expensive, and therefore people also choose homemade hair masks. However, Ready-made masks are also easily available in the market. A hair mask can also be referred to as a deep conditioning treatment. Hair conditioners are advised to be applied after washing hair, whereas hair masks are applied before shampooing.
Comparison between Hair Conditioner and Hair Mask:
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Hair Conditioner |
Hair Mask |
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Definition |
A hair conditioner is generally used to provide the moisture to the hair. They make hair look smooth and shiny |
A hair mask works the same way as a facial mask works. There are numerous types of hair masks for treating discolored hair, oily scalp and dandruff, etc. |
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Kept for |
One or two minutes |
Atleast for fifteen minutes or more depending upon the type of hair mask |
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Frequency |
Generally, more regularly |
Comparatively less regularly |
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Examples |
Matrix Biolage Ultra-hydrating conditioner, Cetus Keratin hair conditioner |
Biocare Hair Mask Garlic, Oriflame Milk and Honey Gold Hair Mask |
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How to apply |
Conditioner can be applied by starting from the roots and gradually moving towards the ends. It should be left for a few minutes and then it needs to be rinsed thoroughly. |
It is often advised to thoroughly coat all the hair with a face mask mixture. It is also advised to to use a shower cap during the application as it prevents dripping. After fifteen to twenty minutes, rinse thoroughly. |
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Example of a home made conditioner/mask |
Avocado Deep Conditioner Ingredients - 1/2 mashed ripe avocado 1/2 tsp olive oil 3 drops lavender or rosemary essential oil |
Coconut Oil and Honey Hair Mask Ingredients - 1 tbsp. Organic Coconut Oil 1 tbsp. Organic Raw Honey
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Use |
Conditioning must be done after shampooing as it assists in the replacement of the moisture |
Hair masks are need to be applied before washing hair |
Image Courtesy: makeupgeek.com, manlycurls.com
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Comments
jass
Thu, 02/15/2018 - 21:27
hair masks are applied to roots. But most of the sites mention that conditioners should be applied from mid section of hair downwards, and not on the roots or scalp. can you clarify this
shalini
Tue, 11/11/2014 - 10:57
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