What is the difference between Hair Conditioner and Hair Masque?

by Rinkle Sharma June 05, 2020

Hair Conditioners are a part of our daily hair regimen but Hair Masques are relatively new addition to it. Hair conditioners and hair masques both work to repair damaged hair, but do we really know the basic difference between them. Why we use them, when to use and most important is what’s the reason behind using them.

Read on – we’ve got the answers!

Let’s understand the basic Difference:

The use of Hair conditioner makes your hair soft and manageable (conditioned). It is meant to hydrate and replenish your hair to make it appear softer in less time.

Hair masque is a very important part of your haircare regime because it deeply hydrates the hair strands, besides just conditioning them. It contains conditioning ingredients, hair softeners and strengtheners to repair damaged hair. It’s basically a Deep Conditioning Treatment to keep your hair healthy.

A Hair Conditioner is for regular use, while a hair masque is ideally used once a week.

Conditioners are only meant to use on hair length whereas Hair masque can even be applied to the roots of the hair strands.

Are you using the using them the right way?

Conditioner is generally used for not more than 1-2 minutes. On the other hand, hair masque requires a lengthier leave-in period, varying anything from 15 min to 30 min! Hair masks are typically used post hair-wash and on wet hair. For better results, wrap your head with a head wrap, shower cap or a towel while the mask gets to work.

Myths about Masque & Conditioner –

Myth 1. The more conditioner you apply, the better –

Truth: You only need to coat your strands, Over-saturating it can weigh hair down. Heavy products can minimize the bounce, movement, and shape of your kinks and curls.

Myth 2. Deep conditioning treatments are time-consuming

Truth: You have just need half an hour for you with good deep conditioning masque. Time consuming is for who have long & heavy volume of hair OR when you have no idea that how to do otherwise it’s just a myth.

Myth 3. Split ends will remove with conditioner or masque

Truth: you cannot mend split ends. Although there are different types of split ends that can be managed, not even deep conditioners can achieve the impossible. Split ends can only be cured with a proper haircut.

Alternatively, you can at least protect split ends with deep conditioning. Conditioner or masque can increase the level of moisture, which helps protect from the heat.

Benefits of Conditioner –

There are various hair conditioner benefits. Depending upon your hair type, if you choose the right conditioner, your hair will shine be smooth in texture like that of silk. Let us have a look at some of the other benefits of applying a conditioner.

Protects the cuticles (first layer of hair)
Instant results
Reduces towel damage
Balance Ph. Levels
Detangles hair strands

Benefits of Masque –

Additional benefit of hair masque is, a men can also to apply or try it once a week. But on the other side conditioner is not beneficial for men on regular basis because of short hair. Let's discuss other benefits -

Helps to provide smooth and shiny hair
Reverse hair damage
Re-hydrates dry hair
Good to maintain colored hair
Quick and inexpensive way to pamper your hair

For best results, let’s find out how to use them:

Hair Masque:

First, shampoo as you normally would.
Then towel-dry hair and choose the best hair mask for your needs.
Spread the product evenly onto locks, from roots to ends, and comb through with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
For maximum benefits, we recommend leaving hair masks for 20-30 minutes and covering your head with a warm towel.
To remove, rinse with cool water and re-condition.

Hair Conditioner:

Rinse out all your shampoo thoroughly in the shower.
Recommends a specific amount to be used. Use the recommended amount that is given on the bottle.
Don’t apply conditioner on your scalp. Start applying the product from the mid-length to the edges.
Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers and run them all the way down through your hair.
Leave the conditioner on for 1-2 minutes.
Rinse off completely. Don’t leave any product on

Now the trend is to add more in your daily haircare which completes with hair masque. Because hair masque is a product which provides a deep nourishment and salon like treatment at home. Nowadays, it's necessary to treat your hair at least once a week because of dirt, dust or other external heat or damages. So you can use both side by side. We recommend you to use conditioner after hair wash but also add masque or use it once a week to revive and deep repair your hair.