Ten minutes, half an hour, all night under a cap: you hear all sorts about hair masks. The real routine is much shorter.
Short answer: Five minutes is enough. Apply a mask from mid-lengths to ends on washed, squeezed-out hair, leave it on for the time stated on the pack and rinse. Leaving it on longer does not make it more effective and can weigh your hair down. Use it once a week, instead of conditioner.
In short
- Leave it on for five minutes, unless the pack says otherwise.
- Once a week, instead of that day’s conditioner.
- From mid-lengths to ends, on squeezed-out hair so it does not get diluted.
How to apply it
- Wash with shampoo and squeeze the water out well.
- Spread the mask from mid-lengths to ends.
- Comb through with your fingers so it reaches the full length.
- Wait five minutes and rinse with plenty of water.
Why longer is not better
The fibre absorbs what it can in the first few minutes. After that, the product just sits on the surface and your hair feels heavy. On fine hair, too much time or too much product leaves it limp. More details in the guide to the keratin mask.
How long, depending on the product
| Product | Where | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Conditioner | Mid-lengths to ends | One to three minutes |
| Rinse-out mask | Mid-lengths to ends | As stated on the pack; usually about five minutes |
| Pre-wash oil (rosemary, for example) | Scalp | Thirty minutes to overnight, then shampoo |
| Leave-in mist or cream | Lengths, on damp hair | Not rinsed out |
For rosemary oil, see the guide on how often to use it and how long to leave it.
Does heat help?
Some masks say to use a warm towel or a thermal cap. If the pack does not say so, there is no need: on squeezed-out hair and spread evenly, the mask works just as well. What does make a difference is not applying it to dripping-wet hair, because it gets diluted.
Which Nitiel product fits
MASK REPAIR is Nitiel’s intensive keratin mask, for hair that is dry, coloured or damaged by straighteners. Five minutes, once a week; the 170 ml jar lasts about three months. It is ECOCERT COSMOS Natural certified and is not vegan.
Sources and references
- Hair Cosmetics: An Overview. M. F. R. Gavazzoni Dias, International Journal of Trichology (2015). Scientific review of surfactants, silicones, conditioners and protein hydrolysates in hair care.
- Tips for healthy hair. American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Dermatologists’ guidance on how often to wash depending on the scalp and where to apply shampoo and conditioner.
Frequently asked questions
Can you sleep with the mask on?
There is no need and we do not recommend it with a rinse-out mask: it is formulated to work in minutes.
Mask and conditioner on the same day?
It is not necessary. On mask day, skip the conditioner.
Does a hair mask go on before or after shampoo?
After. Apply it to freshly washed, squeezed-out hair from mid-lengths to ends, then rinse. On that day it replaces conditioner.
How often should you use a hair mask?
Once a week. If your hair is very dry or damaged by colouring or straighteners, you can use it twice a week.