Hair masks condition, soften and soothe the hair. But not every hair mask formula can be used overnight. In fact, some ingredients in hair masks can make your hair limp and damaged if left too long.
Overnight hair masks can give you these benefits:
- Moisturize the hair shaft
- Give your hair shine
- Reduce breakage
- Minimize frizz
- Prevent knots and tangles
But just how safe are these overnight masks?
Generally speaking, hair masks are safe for most people. However, some of these treatments contain protein ingredients that are best not used overnight. Protein treatments, for example, should be used for no more than 20-30 minutes. If you leave them in your hair for hours, it could lead to hair breakage.
Masks containing apple cider vinegar should also not be used overnight. Doing so can strip off protein from your hair.
Egg, while generally harmless, can collect bacteria and produce bad smell, if left to sit for too long.
So, before you buy an overnight hair mask, be sure to check the ingredients and steer clear from those than can do more harm than good if left on the hair overnight.
That said, here are the steps in applying and using hair masks:
- Wash your hair and then remove any moisture using a towel or hair turban.
- Divide your hair into sections and keep them in place with clips.
- Beginning at the hair roots, massage the treatment from the scalp to the ends as thoroughly as possible.
- Then after applying the mask, comb your hair with a wide toothed comb so the product is distributed evenly. If your hair is long, wrap it around your head and cover with a shower cap.
- To prevent your pillows and sheets from being stained, place towel over your pillow.
- Rinse your hair with lukewarm water the next day.
Using Overnight Hair Mask for Dry Hair
If your hair is frizzy, you’ll need a hair mask that offers deep hydration. You can actually make your own mask at home using honey and banana. Honey is rich in antioxidants, along with minerals and vitamins to condition the hair. Banana, on the other hand, has silica which strengthens the hair and prevent frizz.
To make this overnight mask, simply mash 2 ripe bananas and then mix with honey. Mix together thoroughly until it reaches even consistency.
Apply the mask to your scalp, strand and roots evenly. Wrap your hair around your head and place a shower cap overnight. Then leave overnight.
Using Overnight Hair Mask for Damaged Hair
Between chemical treatments, heat styling, and let’s not forget: blow-drying, it’s easy to see how your hair can become damaged at some point. But don’t fret, with the right treatment, you can help protect your hair and prevent any further damage to it.
Aloe vera, for example, is rich in a lot of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, enzymes and fatty acids. It works well to strengthen and moisturize hair. The same can be said about coconut oil.. So basically what we’re trying to say here is that with the right ingredients and the right hair care routine, you can restore damaged hair and prevent further problems.
Using overnight hair treatments is a big help in this regard. Just be sure to avoid overnight treatments that contain a lot of protein, egg, and apple cider vinegar and instead go for all-natural ingredients best suited for your hair type.