Difference between conditioner and mask: which is better?

Conditioner and hair mask are the best allies for moisturizing hair and giving it shine and softness. These beauty products are good and suitable for any type of hair, especially for dry hair, as they help nourish and keep the hair fiber healthy.

Both are used after washing your hair, but which one should you use first or which one is better? Below, we clear up all your doubts by telling you what the main differences are between conditioner and mask so you can learn how to use them properly.

Differences between conditioner and mask

What are they for?

Conditioner is used to moisturize hair after washing and leave it soft and shiny. It also heals the hair fiber and prevents frizz. Its formula is not very strong and therefore this beauty product can be applied daily .

On the other hand, the mask is a stronger treatment that serves to nourish the hair deeply, keeping it healthy and shiny. This product, which has a more concentrated formula, restores the hair fiber and seals the hair cuticle.

How are they applied?

Both products are applied in practically the same way: on wet hair and after washing . The difference is that they have different exposure times. While the conditioner has an immediate effect , the mask needs between 10 and 15 minutes to act.

For proper application, spread the product from the middle of the hair to the tips and then rinse to remove any remaining residue.

What is the frequency of application?

Conditioner should be applied after every wash, so how often you use it will depend on how often you wash your hair. Most people use conditioner every day. Thanks to its light formula, there is no problem in using it often, as regular use will enhance its effects .

Since the mask is more potent, it is recommended to apply this treatment only once a week, as excessive use of this beauty product can make your hair greasy or weigh it down. In summer, you can use the mask twice a week because hair is more damaged by exposure to the sun or chlorine in the pool. When using it, remember to cover the tips and avoid the roots so that they stay fuller.

You should know that you can do both treatments at the same time without any problem, keeping in mind that the masks should always be applied after the conditioner.

Precautions for use

• For both products you do not need to apply a large amount to your hair.
• Remember that it is not necessary to wait for the conditioner to take effect, but in the case of masks it is important that the exposure is at least 10 minutes.
• It is also important to avoid overusing the mask , as it can cause dandruff or make your hair greasy.

Advantages of conditioner and mask

Conditioner closes the cuticle and makes hair more manageable and easier to detangle. It also provides other benefits such as softness, shine and volume , controls static electricity, moisturizes the hair and reduces the appearance of split ends.

On the other hand, the hair mask also offers many benefits. It is very moisturizing and provides a lot of luminosity and shine. It also protects the hair from damage, prevents frizz, prevents hair loss and strengthens the hair and capillary blood flow.

Which of the two treatments is better? 

The ideal is to combine the use of conditioner and mask , since both treatments are very beneficial and are a good complement to each other. However, remember to always buy products that suit your hair type to obtain the best results.