How Often Do I Use A Hair Mask?

One of the most frequently asked questions about hair masks is “how often should you use one?” Unfortunately, there is a ton of conflicting information out there on this topic. But we’re here to let you know that the answer depends on several factors. In this article, we'll discuss each of them in detail. 

A General Rule of Thumb

First, we'll tell you the general rule of thumb regarding how often to use a hair mask. In general, you can use your hair mask once or twice per week or as little as once a month. You can space out your hair mask sessions based on how your hair feels and looks.    

Note: Every hair type is different, so just because someone with a similar texture deep conditions their hair once a week or twice a week does not mean that you should do so too.

Color-Treated or Otherwise Processed Hair

Because color-treated hair is more prone to damage than virgin hair, preventing breakage and dryness is always important. To begin with, we recommend using a weekly hair mask if your hair has been processed in any way. If you notice that your hair looks dull or feels weighed down and gummy, use hair masks less frequently (every two weeks to a month). 

Hair with Visible Damage

Those with visibly damaged hair should prioritize hair mask treatments. Use a hair mask every few days until your hair begins to improve. Once your hair is in better condition, you can cut back on hair mask treatments (scale back to once or twice a week). 

Hair Type

Your hair type also influences how often you should use a mask. People with fine hair should only use a hair mask every week or so. Using a hair mask more often could cause the hair to get weighed down and even develop buildup.  

If you have curly hair, you can use a hair mask more often than once per week. This is because curly hair is much more prone to dryness than other hair types. Just make sure that you avoid putting the hair mask on your roots if your curls tend to get weighed down.

Can I Use a Hair Mask Every Day? 

Hypothetically, you can use a hair mask every day. But just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Using a hair mask more than a couple of times per week can cause your hair to feel limp and over-moisturized. If your hair is over-moisturized, it will not only take longer than usual for your hair to dry, but your hair may become difficult to style. Some have even experienced gummy strands that break easily.

Furthermore, using hair masks every day can cause hygral fatigue, which occurs when the hair follicles become damaged from being repeatedly waterlogged. 

We hope that this article has answered all your questions about how often to use hair masks. And we wish you the absolute best with your hair!

Author: Andrea Reyes

Andrea is a mother, wife, writer, and natural hair enthusiast of 15 years. Currently on her natural hair journey, she’s been trying countless products and techniques to understand and embrace her natural hair. She is the creator of NaturallyTextured.com, a new website featuring informative articles that share tips, tricks, and techniques aimed to help others learn to love their hair through proper hair care. She writes with the hope of making hair care easier to understand and implement.