Important points
Blake Lively launched a hair care line that features shampoos, hair masks, and other styling products, but no traditional conditioner. Experts say that although conditioners and hair masks contain similar ingredients, they both serve different purposes and hair care needs. Experts recommend understanding your hair type, scalp condition, and specific concerns before deciding which products to use.
Blake Lively recently launched her new hair care line, Blake Brown, which features a variety of shampoos, hair masks, and other styling products. However, this collection currently does not include traditional hair conditioners.
“I switched to a shampoo and mask only system 20 years ago and never looked back,” Lively said in a message via Target. “I treat my hair with clean, thoughtful, memorable scented luxury hair care, and now I’m sharing it with you.”
In an interview with Vogue, Lively said, “Hair needs two things: strength and moisture.” Using a hair system that includes a shampoo and a hair mask can effectively help hydrate and strengthen, Lively explained.
Blake Lively has objectively great hair. But is that all worth following her advice?Here’s what the experts say.
Conditioner vs. Hair Mask
After using shampoo, it is common to use hair conditioner. Dr. Lisa Rose, a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, Texas, says shampoo strips away sebum, your hair’s natural moisturizer, so you should use conditioner to replenish the moisture in your hair follicles. told Berrywell in an email.
According to Rose, the conditioner has lighter ingredients and a higher consistency, which helps coat the hair and make it more manageable.
“The positive charge of the surfactants in your conditioner is attracted to the negative charge of your hair,” she said. This allows the conditioner to deposit and smooth the cuticle on the hair shaft, increasing the “manageability, shine and detangling” of the hair.
Hair masks, on the other hand, contain richer, more powerful and concentrated ingredients such as natural oils, butters, proteins and vitamins, says Jennifer Kollab, a New York-based hairstylist and hair color specialist. told Berrywell via email. Designed to penetrate deeper into the hair shaft for more intensive nourishment, repair and deeper conditioning compared to regular conditioners. Usually more expensive than conditioner.
Additionally, hair masks are used infrequently, typically once a week, and require long application times of 10 to 30 minutes, Korab said.
“These masks need to be left on your hair for a long time to effectively penetrate and address certain issues like severe dryness, damage, and frizz,” she said.
Are hair masks and conditioners really different?
Although some of the ingredients in hair masks and conditioners overlap, each serves a different purpose and is used in specific situations, says Dr. ReTress, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of hair care products for women’s hair loss. Founder Dr. Candice Spann said. Email is fine.
For example, masks usually contain high concentrations of active ingredients that help repair and strengthen damaged hair. Many conditioners are lightweight and intended for daily use to keep your hair manageable.
Korab added that the conditioner moisturizes, detangles, and smoothes hair after each shampoo, making it easier to manage and style. It’s also an easy solution to quickly restore moisture after training, regularly maintain hair health, adapt to different climates while traveling, and when you don’t have time for long or intensive treatments. It’s also perfect for doing things.
According to Korab, hair masks are great for dealing with severely dry or damaged hair, especially after frequent use of heat styling tools or chemicals, and they can restore moisture and repair damage after coloring. Also perfect for.
“It’s great for frizzy or unmanageable hair, transitions between seasons when hair is exposed to harsh conditions, and as part of preventive care to maintain hair health,” she says.
While both products have their benefits, Korab says it’s important to note that using too much conditioner can cause product buildup, making your hair heavy and oily. Also, conditioner alone may not be enough for severely damaged or dry hair. Naturally textured hair, in particular, can benefit from hair masks as it tends to dry out more easily. Korab says a weekly hair mask can provide deep hydration, but conditioner is a good option as well.
Applying a hair mask more than once a week can lead to overuse. The result is over-conditioning of the hair, which can make it soft and oily.
Do I really need these products?
According to Korab, whether to use a conditioner or a hair mask largely depends on your individual hair type and specific needs. Conditioners are usually beneficial for most hair types as they provide daily hydration, detangling, and smoothing. However, those with fine or oily hair may need to use a lighter formula to avoid stickiness.
Hair masks are especially beneficial for people whose hair is dry, damaged, or chemically treated, but may not be necessary for people with healthy hair, Korab added.
“While stylists find these products essential, many people can maintain healthy hair with a simpler routine that includes basic shampoo and conditioning,” says Korab.
Before trying a new product or giving up on one, Korab recommends getting to know your hair type and scalp condition. If you don’t have a stylist to help you with that, pay attention to how different products treat your hair and scalp. The scalp should not feel itchy or dandruff after treatment. If so, it means that the ingredient may be irritating your scalp.
Spann recommends checking the ingredients in both product types carefully. Avoid fragrances, sulfates, and harsh chemicals that can make your hair lose its shine or look dull.
Does scalp health affect hair health?
The scalp is often overlooked, but keeping it healthy is essential to maintaining the overall health of your hair.
“A healthy scalp provides the perfect environment for hair growth and helps prevent problems like dandruff and hair loss,” says Korab.
To maintain a healthy scalp, she recommends washing regularly with a gentle sulfate-free shampoo appropriate for your scalp type and avoiding overwashing to preserve natural oils. . You can also gently massage your scalp to increase blood circulation and promote relaxation.
If you have a dry scalp, use a lightweight moisturizer and avoid heavy products that can clog your pores. Use lukewarm rather than boiling water to prevent dryness, and protect your scalp from sunburn and pollution by wearing a hat.
Essentials for a correct hair cleansing routine
Spann says a good basic hair cleansing routine includes shampoos and conditioners that are free of harsh ingredients like sulfates, parabens, and silicones, which can cause scalp irritation and reduce hair’s natural oil content. Contains.
Depending on your individual hair type preferences, it’s usually enough to wash your hair with shampoo two to three times a week, Korab says. Conditions the hair from the middle to the ends.
“It’s important to rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove any product residue. Hot water can strip away natural oils, while cold water helps seal the hair cuticle for shine,” says Colab. he said.
She also advises patting your hair dry with a towel to prevent damage. Minimize the use of hot tools and hair dryers whenever possible.
what this means for you
Traditional hair conditioners and hair masks each have their own unique benefits. Experts recommend learning about your hair type and specific needs before choosing one or the other. This allows you to choose the product that best suits your hair care requirements.
