Being natural is not always an easy task. Between long wash days, spending hours detangling, and making sure you have just the right amount of gel and water for your wash-and-go is enough to make it feel like a full-time job.
Hair care is very much tailored to your unique texture, but there are two things that all natural hair craves: moisture and protein. Though these things are typically achieved through deep conditioning and treatments, natural hair masks have become a popular fix, especially on TikTok where ‘treatment buns’—hair worn in a bun while masking—have gone viral.
Natural hair masks are an easy and effective way to make sure your curls are getting the protein and nourishment they so desperately crave. Similar to deep conditioners, hair masks are products that are applied to the hair, typically when wet, and are left in for long periods of time. What separates them from your average shampoo and conditioner is that they are packed with proteins and oils for longer, deeper penetration. Due to its density, coarse hair is more prone to dryness and breakage and requires extra moisture for each individual strand of hair to remain healthy and hydrated.
“Hair masks contain natural oils, natural butters, and plant extracts to boost the hair’s moisture and add nutrients,” says dermatologist and Bella Skin Institute founder Dr. Anna Guanche, MD. “A hair mask can help repair damage from heat styling, coloring, and the environment. The health of your scalp is very important, and the right mask can also be a great benefit to your scalp.”
All curls are different, which means each texture will need a hair mask tailored to its needs. Aside from protein and moisture, you want to look for hair masks with a few extra ingredients to ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.
“Aloe vera is always a favorite and is known to strengthen and moisturize hair,” says Jamila Powell, founder of hair care brand Naturally Drenched. “An emollient such as coconut oil, argon oil, or jojoba oil are good too. Rosemary has anti-inflammatory properties and helps improve circulation.”
It’s also important that different textures use different masks to suit their needs. Though there are universal treatments that can work for everyone such as the Olaplex Bond Strengthener, according to Powell, the right hair mask should address your hair’s health and density.
“Finer textures may not want a mask that is too heavy, because it will weigh their hair down. In this respect moisture is important,” Powell explains. “However, a person with denser or higher textured hair might want a mask with more moisture components. All textures should look for a mask that caters to their specific hair’s needs such as breakage, dryness, and chemically treated hair.”
You can always grab your favorite product off the shelf, but Guanche also reminds us that there are DIY options for those with a more sensitive scalp or on a budget.
“I suggest you talk with your dermatologist but there are also DIY masks that you can make in your kitchen that are natural, chemical free, and fun to make,” she explains. “Try using banana, avocado, eggs, and yogurt.”
Like everything else in the world, a product will only perform its best when it’s applied and used correctly. Each mask will have instructions on its packaging, but a little extra knowledge on hair care and knowing what your hair needs and how it reacts (i.e: if water has a hard time penetrating your hair, you may want to leave it on a bit longer than instructions recommend) is key.
