Every girl dreams that her hair remains beautiful and well-groomed. But not everyone is lucky enough to have silky, shiny and naturally thick strands. Therefore, a very important role plays a competent care for curls. But as practice shows, not every woman knows how to properly wash the head: shampoo mask conditioner that should be used in the first place and how to combine these means among themselves. Let's try to understand this issue in more detail, as well as tell you how to correctly apply a mask and balm on the hair and what is better balm or mask for hair.
What is a hair balms?
A conditioner is a product of shallow penetration. It has only a superficial effect on the strands. Its main function is to smooth out the hair scales that have been lifted as a result of shampooing, so that the hair becomes shiny, smooth and supple.
Balm can be used regularly - after each washing of strands, including daily (in the case of daily washing of the head). Additionally, such a remedy can give an antistatic effect. It can also be directed to solve specific problems with strands, including:
- Increased hair density. Thanks to this balm, volume will last longer and hair will stay fresh. It also allows you to reduce the frequency of washing your hair.
- Strengthening of strands. This property reduces hair brittleness - they do not break along the entire length. It also reduces the number of split ends.
In addition, conditioner can also be useful for color preservation. By lowering the cuticle, color pigments remain inside the hair and are not washed out of the hair.
The balm is designed to be applied directly after washing strands on wet hair. It is distributed along the entire length of the strands, stepping back a little from the roots, and leave for 2-3 minutes. Wash off this product should be washed with cool water (hot water contributes to the opening of the hair cuticle).
What is a hair conditioner?
Many people are sure that conditioner and balm are the same thing. But in fact, they are not. Conditioner is first of all the protection of strands. It provides protection from damage (including during drying and combing), helps to glue keratin scales (hair cuticle) and retain moisture and nutrients inside the hair. It makes the curls look shiny and healthy, and also increases their elasticity. Also its advantage is that it has an instant restorative effect and gives an excellent visual effect after use. Thus, what distinguishes a balm from a hair conditioner is its mechanical properties. A balm provides nourishment to the hair and adds volume, while a conditioner acts more as a protection. Also, what makes a balm different from a conditioner is that it is able to provide a deeper effect - nourishment and moisturizing. Its properties can be equated to those of a mask, but it still has less pronounced caring properties.
How to use conditioner? The same way as a balm - it is applied to wet hair, away from the roots for a few minutes, and then rinse with cool water. After using a conditioner, hair is easy to comb, stops electrifying and remains protected from environmental factors. Most of these products have a thermal protection function, so they also help to avoid damage to the curls from hot temperatures during styling.
A conditioner, like a balm, is a basic care product. When combined with the right shampoo, it will keep your hair in great condition.
Hair mask: properties and functions
A mask is a deeper treatment. It can perform different functions - the purpose of the product depends on its composition - including helping to restore strands, providing intensive nourishment or hydration, as well as strengthening or color support. It is difficult to answer what is better mask or balm for hair, as these products can complement each other. A balm is suitable for everyday care, while a mask is suitable for deep nourishment or restoration. Another difference between a mask and a balm is that a balm closes the hair cuticle, while a mask cannot do this.
If you compare products such as a mask and a conditioner, the difference is very big. The conditioner has mainly an external effect, lowering the hair scales and protecting the strands, while the components of the mask penetrate deep into the structure of the locks.
Manufacturers offer a wide range of hair masks, including for different types of strands. These products, as a rule, should be used no more than 1-2 times a week for several months. More frequent or longer application may lead to overdose and dullness of strands.
Many people wonder if a conditioner can be used as a mask. In fact, a balm technically can't have the same effect as a good mask, it only has a short-term effect. Regardless of how long you keep it on your hair, the result will be about the same.
Usually masks are applied after washing the hair. They should be applied to wet strands, and then left for 15-30 minutes. After this time, the product is washed off with cool water. After that, it is recommended to use a balm or conditioner. The scheme of application of the product can be changed taking into account the manufacturer's recommendations.
Mask, conditioner or balm: what to use after all?
So we have understood what is a mask, balm, conditioner, what is the difference between such products. But which of them should be used? To provide strands with a really comprehensive care, you need to have the whole complex of means for caring for them. This is a quality shampoo, a suitable conditioner, a good balm, as well as a hair mask. But after studying such recommendations, many girls are interested in whether you can use conditioner and balm together, and what should be the correct order of their application.
In fact, if you have shampoo, conditioner, balm, mask, and conditioner, the sequence of using them should be as follows:
- First you need to apply the shampoo exclusively to the roots of the hair, shampoo them well and rinse the product;
- Afterwards, you should use a balm - it will fill the strands with moisture and nourishing components;
- Then it's time for the conditioner - it will strengthen the curls and keep all the useful substances inside.
As for whether to apply the hair mask before or after the conditioner, experts recommend using the mask first. It will penetrate deep into the hair structure only if its scales are still open. Therefore, the answer to the question that first a mask or a balm is quite natural. But is it necessary to use a balm after the mask? Of course. Such a remedy will complete the action of the mask and help seal the active components inside the hair.
The answer to the question of what comes first, mask or conditioner, is the same. Conditioner will bring the hair cuticle scales back into place.
And you can buy everything you need for home hair care inexpensively in the online store Brazil Prof. Of course, quality can not be cheap, but we adhere to a healthy approach to pricing and avoid unnecessary markups. Therefore, the cost of all items in our catalog is pleasantly pleasing. Besides, you can order hair care products from us with delivery throughout Europe, USA, Canada and other countries.