An Investigation of Blake Lively’s Hair Care Advice …C0NTINUE READING HERE >>>
Key Takeaways
Blake Lively launched a hair care line which features shampoos, hair masks, and other styling products, but does not include any traditional conditioners. Experts say while conditioners and hair masks have similar ingredients, both serve different purposes and hair care needs. Experts recommend understanding your hair type, scalp condition, and specific concerns before making a decision on what products to use.
Blake Lively recently launched her new haircare line, Blake Brown, which features a variety of shampoos, hair masks, and other styling products. However, the collection does not currently feature any traditional hair conditioners.
“I switched exclusively to a shampoo and mask system 20 years ago and I have never looked back,” Lively shared in a message via Target. “I treat my hair with clean, thoughtful, memorable smelling luxury hair care and now I share that with you.”
Lively stated in an interview with Vogue that “your hair needs two things, strength and moisture.” By using a hair system that includes shampoo and hair masks, it can effectively help with hydration and strengthening, Lively explained.
Blake Lively has objectively great hair. But is that enough to make her advice worth following? Here’s what experts have to say.
Conditioner vs. Hair Masks
After using shampoo, it’s typical to follow up with hair conditioner. Conditioners are used to replenish moisture in the follicle since shampooing removes the hair’s natural moisturizer, sebum, Lisa Rhodes, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, told Verywell in an email.
With their lighter ingredients and consistency, conditioners help improve hair manageability by coating the hair, Rhodes said.
“The positive charge of the surfactant in conditioners is attracted to the negative charge of hair,” she said. This allows the conditioner to deposit and smooth the cuticle of the hair shaft, enhancing the hair’s “manageability, shine, and detangling.”
Hair masks, on the other hand, contain richer, stronger, and more concentrated ingredients like natural oil, butter, proteins, and vitamins, Jennifer Korab, a hairstylist and hair color specialist based in New York, told Verywell in an email. They are designed to penetrate deeply into the hair shaft for more intensive nourishment, repair, and deeper conditioning compared to regular conditioners. They’re typically more expensive than conditioners.
In addition, hair masks are used less frequently—typically once a week—and require a longer application of 10 to 30 minutes, Korab said.
“These masks need to be left on the hair for a longer duration to deeply penetrate and address specific issues like severe dryness, damage, and frizz effectively,” she said.
Are Hair Masks and Conditioners Really That Different?
Although some of the ingredients in hair masks and conditioners overlap, they each serve a different purpose and are used in specific situations, Candace Spann, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of ReTress, hair care line for women’s hair loss, told Verywell in an email.
For instance, masks typically contain a higher concentration of active ingredients to help repair and strengthen damaged hair. Conditioners are often more lightweight and meant for everyday use to keep hair manageable.
Korab added that conditioners hydrate, detangle, and smooth hair after each shampoo, making it easier to manage and style. They’re also great for quickly restoring moisture after a workout, maintaining hair health regularly, adapting to different climates while traveling, and offering a quick fix when there’s no time for lengthy or intensive treatments.
Hair masks are best for addressing severely dry or damaged hair, especially after frequent use of heat styling tools or chemical treatments, and for restoring moisture and repairing damage after coloring treatments, Korab said.
“They’re also great for frizzy or unmanageable hair, during seasonal changes when hair is exposed to harsh conditions, and as part of a preventative care routine to maintain hair health,” she said.
While both products offer benefits, it’s important to note that overusing conditioner can lead to product build-up, making the hair feel heavy and greasy, Korab said. And conditioner might not be enough for severely damaged or dry hair. Natural textured hair, in particular, may especially benefit from hair masks because it skews drier. A weekly hair mask can deliver deep hydration, Korab said, though conditioner is suitable as well.
It is possible to overuse hair masks if you apply them more than once a week. This can result in over-conditioning, which can make the hair limp and greasy.
Do You Really Need Either of These Products?
Choosing to use conditioners or hair masks largely depends on individual hair types and specific needs, Korab said. Conditioners are generally beneficial for most hair types, as they provide daily hydration, detangling, and smoothness. But people with fine or oily hair may need to use lighter formulas to avoid greasiness.
While hair masks are particularly beneficial for those with dry, damaged, or chemically-treated hair, they may not be necessary for people with healthy hair, Korab added.
“While stylists feel these products are essential, many people can maintain healthy hair with a simpler routine that includes basic shampooing and conditioning,” Korab said.
Before trying a new product—or before giving one up—Korab recommends learning about your hair type and scalp condition. If you don’t have a stylist who can help you with that, pay attention to how different products treat your hair and scalp. Your scalp shouldn’t feel itchy or flakey after any treatment. If it does, that means an ingredient is probably irritating your scalp.
Spann recommends looking at the ingredients of either product type carefully. Avoid fragrances, sulfates, and harsh chemicals, which can cause your hair to lose its shine or appear dull.
Does Scalp Health Matter for Hair Health?
Although the scalp is often overlooked, maintaining a healthy scalp is essential for maintaining overall hair health.
“A healthy scalp provides an optimal environment for hair growth and helps prevent issues like dandruff and hair loss,” Korab said.
To maintain a healthy scalp, she recommends regularly washing with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo appropriate for your scalp type and avoiding over-washing to preserve natural oils. You can also massage your scalp gently to enhance circulation and promote relaxation.
If your scalp is dry, use lightweight moisturizers and avoid heavy products that can clog pores. Use lukewarm water instead of hot water to prevent dryness, and protect your scalp from sun and pollution with hats.
Must-Dos for a Good Hair Cleansing Routine
According to Spann, a good basic hair cleansing routine includes a shampoo and conditioner free of harsh ingredients like sulfates, parabens, and silicones, which can lead to scalp inflammation or a depletion of your hair’s natural oils.
Washing your hair with shampoo two to three times a week is typically sufficient, depending on hair type of personal preference, Korab said. Condition afterward from the mid-length to ends of your hair.
“It’s important to rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove all product residue, as hot water can strip natural oils and cold water can help seal the hair cuticle for shine,” Korab said.
She also advises gently patting the hair with a towel to dry it, which helps prevent damage. Minimize your usage of hot tools and blow dryers when you can.
What This Means For You
Traditional hair conditioners and hair masks each offer their distinct benefits. Before choosing one over the other, experts recommend learning about your hair type and specific needs. By doing this, you can then select the product that best addresses your hair care requirements.
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