Damaged, dehydrated and weak hair requires instant revitalization. People with such hair do the right thing when they reach out for masks rich in keratin, which is a protein that builds hair. Regrettably, they're often unhappy with the result. What do keratin masks do? How to use them to nourish the hair? Check out 5 best masks for damaged hair and see how to use them for real repair.
A good-quality keratin mask works wonders for hair. It will be suitable for all those who have damaged hair. Its powerful effect is also rated by those who struggle with dry, coarse, static and frizzy strands, hair breakage and split ends. It will revive weak and dull hair which lacks shine and health. Keratin masks deeply nourish no matter what stage of damage your strands go through. They should be used soon enough, whenever you spot the hair getting worse. Also, treat them as prevention against damage by applying them from time to time. Keratin masks are highly recommended for colored, bleached and heat-damaged hair. Why is keratin essential when your hairdo is suffering?
What effect does keratin have on hair?
Keratin, which is infused into hair masks, works on many levels. First, you need to know it is a major building block of hair so the health, strength and damage-resistance depends on its level. The amino acids in keratin are similar to those found in the hair stem.
An insufficient amount of keratin in hair, makes it weaker and opens up the cuticles, making hair more prone to damage. On the one hand, keratin aims to repair damaged hair structure. On the other hand, it acts as a shield strengthening the external layer. Keratin makes hair smoother and more luminous, closes cuticles, and guards against loss of water or breakage.
It's hard to maintain an optimal level of keratin without the right hair care products - daily heat styling, hair-unfriendly external conditions or air pollution deprive hair of keratin proteins. That's why it's good to go for expert masks including this beneficial ingredient. First let's find out which type of keratin is best for hair.
Best keratin for hair. Which one is it?
It turns out there are different types of keratin and they differ in effectiveness of course. For the best benefits for hair, we need a hydrolyzed form of keratin, which penetrates the hair stem the most easily. In other words, it 'clings' to hair the most firmly, rebuilding the deepest layers.
This type of keratin ramps up volume and thickens the hair, adding resilience and making it more damage-proof. Because it fixes the cuticle layer, it brings shine and eases styling. It has a beneficial effect on the hair ends and strengthens the shaft to prevent breakage and frizz. Summing up, it effectively revitalizes the hair.
We must also add that hair care products rich in keratin should also include some additional moisturizing ingredients such as panthenol which delivers resilience and softens the hair. Hair will be healthier, thicker as well as softer.
How to use a keratin hair mask?
Once you learn the effect of keratin, you realize a mask rich in it will work best for in-depth repair. Still, you need to know how to use it for the best result. Keratin masks should be used once a week or more often if necessary. You work a chosen product through washed hair (if your hair products are high in silicones, remember to wash the hair well). Keratin will show its full potential if you let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes, and then rinse it out thoroughly. Next you simply style the hair as usual.
Keratin Hair Masks - Ranking
The best hair masks are highly effective ones. Used the right way, they will give us salon-quality effects. Which keratin masks are best? We asked both hair-care lovers and experts. Read our ranking!
1. NANOIL KERATIN HAIR MASK
Nanoil - the best hair mask rich in keratin proteins
Size: 300 ml
Definitely the most intensive hair mask in our ranking. Carefully-suited active ingredients take credit for that for sure. A high content of Hydrolyzed Keratin in combination with substances like Panthenol, Cetearyl Alcohol (protects, conditions, softens and smooths the hair) and Cetrimonium Chloride (helps detangle, prevents tangling, boosts shine) guarantees super-effective repair and quick effects. Using the mask in line with the manufacturer's directions delivers visible improvement from the very first application. Nanoil Keratin Hair Mask maintains hair smoothness and softness, plus brings back health, resilience and shine. The repairing properties of the product give us healthier strands, removing dullness and breakage, also on the ends. The mask has a creamy texture and a little goes a long way. The top-quality product has a shockingly low price, and the jar will hold out full treatment (even if hair is extremely damaged). It can be used as often as you like because it doesn't leave hair weighed-down or sticky. Nanoil will make you look like you just left the hairdresser's.
More on: www.nanoil.co.uk
2. GLOBAL KERATIN DEEP CONDITIONER
Size: 200 ml
This hair mask is recommended as an addition to other products from the brand. It produces the best effects when you warm it up with a blow-dryer or steamer. The product seems overpriced but the manufacturer promises it will last you long. Global Keratin Deep Conditioner is recommended for all hair types. It is made for improving the condition of hair, defrizzing wavy strands, eliminating static flyaways, fixing damage and nourishing. The performance flows from a blend of vitamins and peptides. The formula softens the hair and smooths uneven texture, making hair more resistant to heat damage and breakage. Global Keratin Deep Conditioner guards against UV rays, air pollution, chemical processing and heat styling.
3. KEUNE CARE KERATIN HAIR MASK
Size: 500 ml
This keratin-rich mask is specifically made for normal and fine hair. Next to keratin proteins, it contains provitamin B5 and shea butter. Such a blend of ingredients strengthens the hair and safeguards it against external factors, UV rays, hot styling tools and chemical processing. The mask has a strongly-hydrating effect. The Quat Complex strengthens the hair shaft and prevents breakage. Regular application greatly improves the state of hair. The manufacturer recommends using the mask at least once a week and leaving it in for just two minutes so it's supposed to be an express treatment. It has a really high price but the jair is big (500 ml). Still, we think it's a bit overpriced.
4. WELLA SP LUXE OIL KERATIN PROTECT MASK
Size: 400 ml
Wella products are well known to all those who often visit the hairdresser's and are hailed as pro treatments for different hair types, including chemically-processed hair. The nutrient-rich mask moisturizes, revitalizes and strengthens wrecked hair fibers. The Wella SP Luxe Oil Mask contains liquid keratin, and a blend of natural oils. Such a combination of ingredients repairs the hair, strengthens it and makes it more resistant to damage. Just a few uses are enough to feel the difference: hair is softer, smoother and more bouncy. The manufacturer recommends leaving it in for 10 minutes. Wella SP Luxe Oil Keratin Protect Mask is quite expensive. The time you need to wait for improvement depends on the condition of your hair at the moment of starting the treatment.
5. GOLDWELL KERASILK CONTROL INTENSIVE SMOOTHING MASK
Size: 500 ml
A popular brand, mostly among those of us needing deep hair repair and scalp care. The intensively smoothing mask including keratin and liquid silk from the luxury line by Goldwell is specifically made for hair that needs enhancement. Too bad it has an exorbitant price too. The major ingredients add volume and strength to the weakest strands. The mask leaves hair smoother and brings out its lovely color. It will work brilliantly for unruly, frizzy hair. Kerasilk Control Mask is meant for maintaining effects of in-salon hair smoothing treatment. It can be used anytime you feel your strands need it, letting it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Then the mask must be rinsed out thoroughly.