Although hair masks have recently become the new cool thing to try in hair care, those well-versed with traditional Indian hair care practices will be quick to tell you that it’s been known a long time for its many benefits. To many, though, it may still sound like a time-intensive process, and so you may ask yourself – is it really worth the trouble? Do the benefits outweigh the time and eort you may need to invest to add this new step to your hair care routine? Let’s get into it! 

Top 5 Benefits of Using Hair Masks 

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So you oil your hair regularly, shampoo and condition using good-quality products, comb gently – is that not enough? Well, given the harsh environmental damage your hair likely gets exposed to on a daily basis, you may need to oer your hair and scalp more nourishment than it’s currently receiving. Heat, air pollution, hard water and even most store-bought shampoos strip your hair of nutrients and leave it dry and brittle. Hair masks replenish your hair of these lost nutrients and revive it with a healthy dose of hydration. 

1. Adds shine and volume 

What a hair mask is great at, first and foremost, is hydrating, which is so important if your hair feels weak and dry and is prone to breakage. Hair masks, like the Sattva Nourishing Hair Mask, are made with natural oils that hydrate and deep condition your hair strands from root to tip. This will improve its overall volume and shine, giving your hair a fuller and healthier look and texture, and you the confidence to flaunt that extra bounce in your mane. 

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2. Repairs hair damage 

Apart from the everyday elements that weaken your hair, if you use heat-based tools to style your hair, your hair may be prone to breakage. If this is the case, using hair masks made with 100% natural ingredients can lend your hair the nourishment and hydration it needs. For instance, Sattva contains organically grown ingredients such as true indigo (neela amari), bhringraj, liquorice, gooseberry (amla), hibiscus, neem, curry leaves and jatamansi – all of which can revive and repair damaged hair with regular use. 

3. Tames frizz 

Dry hair is prone to frizz and flyaways, which can be particularly frustrating when you want to tie your hair into a neat bun for an important oce meeting! You could, once again, pick up your heat-based hair styling tools, but in the long run, this will only do more damage than good. A better, gentler quick fix is styling your hair using pure aloe vera gel, such as Ahuta Absolute Aloevera Gel. But to gain more control over your flyaways in the long term, a hair mask will do the trick by moisturising your hair strands from the roots, making them smooth to the touch. 

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4. Improves strength and elasticity 

Are you picturing those early 2000s shampoo ads that had a woman pulling her voluminous hair to show o its strength? Well, what that was also supposed to demonstrate is how important elasticity is. What happens when we use harsh shampoos and expose our hair to the elements is that our hair is stripped of sebum, which is a natural oil that improves our hair quality. Hydrating hair masks aid the scalp's natural sebum production. It is also why it is advised to use conditioners after shampooing. 

How to Use a Hair Mask for Best Results 

Go hair mask hunting and you will find plenty of options out there. Most commonly these hair masks are applied after shampooing, while you’re still in the shower, and then rinsed o after allowing it to soak for a few minutes. 

Secret’s Sattva works a little dierently, especially given we use completely natural ingredients that need more than a few minutes to seep in and work their magic. Here’s what we recommend: 

• Mix 2–3 tablespoons of Sattva with the same amount of curd to form a thin paste. If you have an oily or greasy scalp, use water instead of curd. 
• Apply the paste from the roots to the tips. 
• Tie your hair in a bun and leave the paste in for 30 minutes. (Catch up on your reading or listen to your favourite podcast, while you’re at it!) 
• Wash o with a shampoo. 

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• For best results, use the hair mask once a week. If you have a very greasy scalp, you may want to use it every other week. You may also consider skipping conditioner on the days you use a hair mask. 
• Hair masks have the power to breathe new life into damaged and dull hair, given you use the right one and the right way. If you have any questions about specific hair concerns and contemplating trying hair masks, DM us at @secrethairoil and we will help you figure out what’s best for you!