What’s the Difference? – OLAPLEX Inc.

Key Takeaways

• Hair masks are an intense weekly treatment that you leave in your hair for a few minutes, then wash out.
• Hair masks differ from conditioners because hair masks provide intense moisture, while conditioners provide the right amount of moisture for daily use. 
• Use the Weightless Nourishing Mask if you have fine to medium hair. 
• Reach for the Rich Hydration Mask if you have medium to coarse or very dry hair.

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OLAPLEX® has added two hair masks to its hair treatment lineup: the Weightless Nourishing Mask and Rich Hydration Mask. But how do you know which hair mask to choose? It mostly comes down to your hair type, texture, and needs. We’re going to break down these two different hair masks for you. 

What’s a Hair Mask, and Do I Need One?

If you’re noticing dry, dull, frizzy, damaged, or brittle hair, you might need a hair mask. Hair masks are a deep conditioning treatment you leave in your hair for a few minutes, then wash out. They’re usually applied to the hair once a week. Hair masks work to:

• Soften your hair
• Moisturize it
• Reduce frizz
• Minimize damage and breakage
• Make your hair stronger and shinier 

Hair Masks vs. Conditioner: What’s the Difference?

Hair masks are a more concentrated and intense moisturizing treatment that you only need to use once weekly. They penetrate each hair strand more deeply than conditioner. So using a hair mask too frequently can be too much of a good thing and cause product buildup. Conditioners like Nº.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner still moisturize hair, but are light enough to be used every wash cycle. They deliver just the right amount of moisture each day. 

If I Use a Hair Mask, Do I Need a Conditioner?

Both conditioners and hair masks are great ways to hydrate your hair. If soft, moisturized hair is a top priority, it’s smart to use a hair mask and a conditioner as part of your hair care regimen, just not on the same wash day.

Do I Need to Use a Conditioner After a Hair Mask?

Since hair masks provide intense hydration, you don’t need to use conditioner after a hair mask. Use your hair mask once a week in place of conditioner. 

Who Should Use the Weightless Nourishing Mask?

If you have fine to medium hair texture, the Weightless Nourishing Mask was made for you. Not sure if you have fine or medium hair? Rub a strand of hair between your fingertips. If you can barely feel it, then you likely have fine hair. If you have medium hair, you’ll be able to feel it between your fingertips, but it won’t feel coarse. 

The Weightless Nourishing Mask gives hair lightweight hydration through five washes*, which is important for fine hair, as too much product can weigh it down and make it lose volume. The Weightless Nourishing Mask goes well beyond hydration for fine to medium hair textures. Key benefits of the Weightless Nourishing Mask include:

• Instant all-day volume
• 2X hydration instantly with 1.5X hydration after 5 washes
• Less breakage and breakage prevention, even after five washes
• 63% more shine

For best results, use the Weightless Nourishing Mask once a week on wet hair after shampooing. Pro tip: If you have fine hair, use Nº.4FINE Bond Maintenance® Shampoo for lasting volume, body, and bounce. Apply the Weightless Nourishing Mask to the mid-lengths and ends of hair for 3-5 minutes, then rinse well. Getting hydrated, shiny hair is that easy. 

Who Should Use the Rich Hydration Mask?

The Rich Hydration Mask is perfect for medium to thick hair. If you’re not sure if you have thick hair, run your finger over a strand of hair. If a strand of hair is easy to feel between your fingertips or feels coarse, you most likely have thick hair. 

Benefits of the Rich Hydration Mask include: 

• 74% Frizz Reduction All Day
• 16X Hydration Instantly*
• 6X Hydration After 5 Washes*
• 119% More Shine

*On bleached hair tresses.

Like the Weightless Nourishing Mask, you should use the Rich Hydration Mask once per week for the best results. 

If I Have Medium Hair Texture, Which Hair Mask Should I Choose

The Weightless Nourishing Mask and Rich Hydration Mask are both suitable for medium hair textures, so you might wonder which one is right for you. Our advice: Consider your hair goals. If voluminous hair is what you’re looking for, choose the Weightless Nourishing Mask for twice the volume. If frizz control is a priority, reach for the Rich Hydration Mask.

Hair masks like the Weightless Nourishing Mask and the Rich Hydration Mask are a fast and simple way to remedy dry or damaged hair at home. Learn more about how OLAPLEX improves hair health or take the Hair Quiz for a personalized OLAPLEX routine. 

*On virgin hair tresses

**On bleached hair tresses

Sources

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-use-hair-mask

2. https://www.vogue.in/beauty/content/how-to-use-a-hair-mask-according-to-your-hair-type 

3. https://www.southernliving.com/fashion-beauty/hairstyles/fine-hair-mistakes