What is the difference between hair mask and hair conditioner?

A hair mask and hair conditioner can be used for the same purpose if they are both an emulsion, a cream. It can be formulated as a 2-in-1 product and fill both purposes, a conditioner and hair mask. The main ingredients in all hair masks and conditioners are cationic. Cationic ingredients adhere to the hair providing manageability with a easy combability when the hair is wet and after it’s dry, smooth and soften hair. A formulator can easily customize the conditioner formulation to also perform as a mask. The Hydrating, Repairing, Strengthening Treatment Mask and Conditioner Formulation in the Pro Hair Course performs as a 2-in-1. A 2-in-1 mask and conditioner provide excellent benefits to the hair and show immediate results.

Hair Mask and Conditioner Functions

There are common functions wanted in a mask and conditioner

• Hydration
• Condition
• Easy Combability
• Silky feel on hair
• Slip on hair
• Detangling
• Repair and Revitalize Hair
• Smooth and Soften Hair
• Reduce Frizz
• Add Shine
• Boost Body
• Pleasant Scent

Hair Conditioner

The purpose of hair conditioner is to make hair more manageable, easier to detangle and comb through wet hair, ease of dry combing, provide substantivity, coat the hair, improve the condition of the surface of hair, seal in moisture, protect the hair and promote shinier, silkier, and smoother hair. They minimize porosity, moisturize, add volume and body, eliminate static electricity, smooth, and seal the damage hair shaft, and provide protection from thermal damage.

How to Use: After shampooing, apply conditioner to coat hair from root to ends, massaging onto the scalp, leave on for 1-2 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.

Hair Mask

Hair mask is a hair treatment performing similar functions as a hair conditioner (read above) and may contain additional additives and actives to fill functions needed for that hair type.

It is left on the hair for 2-15 minutes. It provides deep conditioning to the hair. Hair masks repair damaged hair, add manageability to hair, and make the hair feel soft and look smooth. It reduces frizz, adds shine, revitalizes the hair and the hair appears healthy. It can be nourishing and soothing to the scalp. Hair additives and actives are usually part of the formulation and customized for hair type. A hair mask should be a thicker consistency. The mask needs to stay on the hair during the time it is on the hair.

How to Use: After shampooing, apply a generous amount of product to damp hair. Smooth through damp hair from root to tips and massage onto scalp. Leave on for 2-20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.

Own and Make the Hydrating, Repairing, Strengthening Treatment Mask and Conditioner Formulation available in the Pro Natural Hair Course. 

Read about Formulating Hair Conditioner here.