Hair is a large part of our identity, and makes a huge impact on our confidence and self-expression. Just like the rest of our body, our hair deserves care, nourishment, attention, and the right treatment to thrive.
Hair masks are a staple for hair care, such as the well-known Fino and Tsubaki masks that replenish moisture and deeply hydrate. However, there are times when our hair needs more than what such products can provide. For severe damage or persistent scalp issues, we may need professional treatments. Read on to find out more!
What are hair masks?
Hair masks are the “skincare equivalent” for your hair. They often refer to topical treatments to pamper and condition your locks, and are good for maintenance. Generally, they include oils, such as argan oil, shea butters, proteins, and even restorative ingredients in small amounts, like keratin.
Types of hair masks
There are several types of hair masks:
- Hydrating hair masks
- Repairing hair masks
- Smoothing hair masks
- Colour-protecting hair masks
- Scalp-care hair masks
- Volumising hair masks
Are hair masks effective?
Hair masks are effective for maintaining healthy, voluminous hair. They deliver hydration and nourishment to the hair strands, making them an ideal everyday solution for problems like hair dryness, dullness or damage.
Common hair mask staples that have taken the internet by storm include the Shiseido Fino Premium Touch Hair Mask and the Tsubaki Premium Ex Repair Mask — both designed to repair and deeply hydrate the hair.
- Fino Premium Touch Hair Mask — This hair mask contains ingredients such as royal jelly and Lipidure EX to deliver deep hydration and repair dry, damaged hair.
- Tsubaki Premium Ex Repair Mask — This hair mask contains camellia oil and amino acids to repair damaged hair and effectively manage frizz.
That being said, although hair masks are effective, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. If you experience more serious hair concerns that go beyond hydration, minor damage and frizz control, you may want to consider a professional hair treatment.
How do hair masks compare to hair treatments?
Both hair masks and hair treatments are designed to improve the condition of your hair, helping fortify your hair strands and providing hydration and nourishment. However, they work differently in terms of processes and how they address hair issues:
Hair masks
Typically, the main benefits of hair masks include:
- Provides moisture and hydration
- Addresses external hair issues
- Allows for hair maintenance
- Restores shine and hair softness
- Protects the hair from external stressors
- Prevents split ends
Application: Hair masks can be done at home, and are applied after shampooing and before conditioning, or in place of conditioning. It is then left for 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the type of mask used, and then rinsed out. This can be done weekly or bi-weekly.
Hair treatments
Hair treatments, on the other hand, generally target specific and more severe hair issues. They can repair deep structural damage and help fortify the hair, or address underlying issues, such as hair loss or scalp conditions. Depending on the type of hair treatment, benefits can include:
- Deeply restores and repairs damaged hair
- Fortifies hair strands
- Long-lasting results
- Improves hair texture
- Boosts hair moisture and hydration
- Provides a targeted solution for specific hair concerns
- Increases hair volume and thickness
- Reduces hair loss and encourages hair growth
Professional hair treatments can include medical-grade or professional formulations to repair hair or stimulate the scalp. Ingredients are often higher in concentration and strength, and sometimes, energy-based devices are utilised.
Application: As there are a variety of treatments available, application or treatment procedures can differ. Some hair treatments are applied the same way as hair masks, while professional hair treatments can be applied with devices or are massaged in by a trained therapist.
Choosing the right hair treatment
If you find yourself needing a hair treatment, the first step is understanding exactly what your hair needs. A comprehensive hair and scalp analysis can help identify the root cause of your hair concerns and determine what treatment would benefit you most. Some treatments to consider include:
- For deep hydration — TrichoLab’s Hydra Moisture Treatment is a professional 20-minute treatment designed specially for damaged/coloured hair. It involves a specialised formulation with sea kelp, known to replenish the hair’s moisture to deliver softness and shine. This treatment also provides UV protection, reducing hair breakage and taming frizziness by up to 80%.
- For colour protection — The Signature TCL Customised Restore treatment is the perfect option for dry and colour-treated hair. It helps restore the hair’s tensile strength and balance hair porosity, repairing hair strands while increasing the hair colour’s longevity.
- For hair growth — TrichoLab’s Signature Microneedling Hair Growth treatment is clinically proven to mitigate hair loss and encourage hair growth. It utilises a microneedling system, combined with a patented hair growth and anti-hair loss formula with botanicals, peptides and growth factors that deeply nourish the hair follicles.
Get hair scalp treatment in Singapore
TrichoLab offers tailored solutions for all your hair and scalp needs — from addressing specific concerns, to helping you elevate your hair’s health and appearance. Book an appointment with us for a comprehensive hair and scalp analysis and a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.
