HI!
My name is Kate.
I've been a professional hairstylist for 15 years now. I cooperate with many designers and style hair of catwalk models. Hairstyling is my hobby and I admit that I am a hair maniac a bit. My education and many years of experience in hairdressing as well as in working with people have taught me one thing – there is always something more that can be told about hair! I am aware that still little is known about this subject. Therefore, I have decided to share some of my thoughts.
I would like to present a subjective review of the best hair masks of recent years. The review has been based on my knowledge and experience.
Taking into consideration my knowledge and experience…I have created a subjective hair mask ranking. However, it is not completely subjective as I have included opinions and taken into consideration the effects that I have observed while using the products with my clients and models. Opinions about the masks are the most important as even the best ingredients won’t work the same for everyone. You shouldn’t fall for the manufacturer’s promises – all that glitters is not gold. There were many situations in my career when cheaper and less known brands turned out to be better. The ranking focuses on the best hair masks. I believe that this list will change and extend with the passage of time. Now, I strongly recommend to try out the products described below!
HAIR STRUCTURE
Human hair belongs to the group of skin appendages (similarly to eyelashes and nails), namely additional calloused elements. Every hair grows out of a hair follicle. Every strand consists of a root (under the skin) and a stem (outside). Interestingly, the only living part of the hair is a bulb. That is why cutting hair is painless whereas pulling out a strand – painful.
Taking into consideration such hair structure, we must know that damaged hair stem can be rebuilt whereas damaged hair follicle means losing this hair! Proper nourishment and regeneration of hair is very important in order to keep it in good shape. We should take care of the hair bulb included in the follicle. The more rooted the bulb, the stronger the hair. The better nourished the bulb, the healthier the strands.
WHAT DOES THE HAIR CONSIST OF?
What is the building block?
The main ingredient of a hair is protein. Our hair contains 80% of keratin, therefore it is often advertised in hair care products. 10% of hair is water so you should keep its proper level – too much water leads to frizz, too little to dryness. The rest comprises sugar, amino acids, mineral salts and fats including cholesterol.
In most cases, damaged hair has disturbed proportions of its ingredients e.g. keratin deficit, excess water, lack of essential fatty acids. Bear in mind that hair care is vital as the life cycle of hair lasts from three to even six years. I guess nobody would like to have such damaged and straw-like hair for so long.
Considering all the facts, let’s ask a question…HOW TO TAKE CARE OF HAIR?
Hair masks are my favourite hair products thus I would like to present their assets. You must know that masks belong to the group of cosmetics that provide intensive care. Intensive means better and more effective. They stand out among other products because they offer higher concentration of nutrients and a formula which penetrates deep into hair bulbs and nourishes from the inside.
Products which penetrate into hair are the best ones. I have given up on cosmetics which don’t provide intensive action. I recommend to replace hair conditioners and instant-action cosmetics with hair masks which offer richer ingredients. If you apply the mask for at least 15 minutes and enhance its action with a towel, you will close raised hair cuticles. As a result, the condition of your hair will be significantly improved after the very first application.
While discussing products that provide intensive action…HAIR MASK OR HAIR OIL? - Which one brings better effects in hair care?
Hair oils have far more pluses. Obviously, the oils are the competition for hair masks. Due to the natural composition and easier application, even I became a fan of hair oils. When I have a lot of time, I go for hair masks. However, only hair oils can be matched to hair porosity, or hair condition so they work more quickly and effectively. The choice is easy for me – as much as I love hair masks, I start to appreciate the freedom that hair oils present me with. We just need to learn how to use them and choose oils that match our hair type.