Guide to Hair Masks, Oils and How to Use Them

Masks, oils and serums are additional steps after shampoo and conditioner, especially useful for dry, coloured or heat-exposed hair. Each has a different role and method of use; incorrect use can make hair heavy or oily.

What Is the Difference Between These Products?

• Hair Mask, or Hair Food: a cream richer than conditioner, applied after shampoo, left for a few minutes and rinsed; once or twice weekly is often enough.
• Leave-In Cream: applied to damp hair after washing without rinsing, helping make combing easier.
• Natural Oils and Oil Treatments: usually applied to the lengths before washing, left for a period, then washed out with shampoo.
• Serum: a very small amount is spread onto the ends to reduce flyaways and add shine; it may contain silicones or lightweight oils.

Hair Food Masks

Apply the mask to lengths and ends after squeezing out excess water, avoiding the scalp if oily. Leave for the stated time and rinse thoroughly. Garnier describes Hair Food masks as having three uses: conditioner, mask or leave-in cream.

• Garnier Ultra Doux Aloe Vera 3-in-1 Hair Food Mask 390 ml— a 3-in-1 aloe vera mask for a light, refreshing feel.
• Garnier Ultra Doux Papaya & Amla 3-in-1 Repair Hair Food 390 ml— a 3-in-1 papaya mask from the Hair Food range.
• Garnier Ultra Doux Banana 3-in-1 Hair Food Mask 390 ml— a 3-in-1 banana mask for dry hair.
• Garnier Ultra Doux Coconut & Macadamia Hair Food 3 in 1 Mask 390 ml— a 3-in-1 coconut and macadamia mask.
• Garnier Ultra Doux Cocoa Butter 3-in-1 Hair Food Mask 390 ml— a mask from Ultra Doux.
• Garnier Ultra Doux Hair Remedy Mask Avocado Shea 340 ml— an avocado oil and shea butter mask for dry hair.
• L'Oreal Elvive Arginine Resist Hair Mask 300 ml— a mask from the Arginine Resist range for weak hair.
• Mielle Rosemary Mint Strengthening Hair Masque 340 g— a rosemary and mint mask from Mielle.

Leave-In Creams

• Garnier Ultra Doux Avocado Oil Leave in Hair Cream 200 ml— an avocado oil cream applied to damp hair without rinsing.
• Exotic 7 Oils Hair Cream 150 ml— a hair cream with a blend of seven oils.

Hair Serums

Start with one or two drops rubbed between the palms, then spread onto the ends, as too much makes hair oily. Some serums can be used on dry hair before bed, depending on pack instructions.

• L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Midnight Dry Hair Serum 100 ml— a night serum for dry hair.
• L'Oreal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Colored Hair Serum 100 ml— an oil serum for coloured hair.
• Exotic Hair Serum Keratin 100 ml— a keratin hair serum.

Natural Oils

Coconut oil is among the most studied oils. A 2003 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Science found that using it before washing reduced protein loss from hair compared with sunflower and mineral oils. Apply oil to lengths and ends, leave for half an hour to a few hours, then shampoo; a second wash may be needed to remove all oil.

• Parachute Pure Coconut Oil 450 ml— pure coconut oil in a 450 ml pack.
• Wadi Al-Nahil Castor Oil 125 ml— castor oil, a thick oil preferably mixed with a lighter oil for easier spreading.
• Wadi Al-Nahil Sweet Almond Oil 125 ml— sweet almond oil, a lightweight oil suitable for blending.
• Wadi Al Nahil Rosemary Hair Oil 125 ml— rosemary oil intended for hair.
• Dabur Vatika Olive Hair Oil 300 ml— an olive hair oil from Dabur Vatika.
• Vatika Naturals Hair Oil Argan 200 ml— an argan hair oil from Vatika.

Oil Treatment

An oil treatment is a creamy product combining oils in an easy-to-spread texture, usually used once weekly. Cover hair after application with a shower cap or warm towel, following the time stated on the pack.

• Schwarzkopf Bonawell Apricot Pro-Vitamin B5 Hot Oil 225 ml— an apricot oil treatment intended for hair treatment.
• Fashkool Garlic Extract Hair Mask 500 ml— a garlic-extract hair product in a 500 ml pack.

Common Mistakes

• Applying large amounts of oil or serum to an oily scalp.
• Applying concentrated essential oils directly to the scalp without dilution.
• Heating oil excessively before application, which may cause burns.
• Relying on oils alone while continuing high-heat styling; reduce heat tools and use the lowest temperature.

Try any new oil on a small skin area first. If you have severe dandruff, inflammation or scalp spots, consult a pharmacist or doctor before applying oils.

Discover more in the Hair Care section, and for coloured hair, the Hair Colour sections.