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Most people nowadays can be seen fixing their hair or obsessing over their hair health now and then. Very often, you might catch yourself peeking over at the nearest mirror to make sure your locks are luscious and shiny.

It is, however, very difficult to select the right hair products for you. Shampoo and conditioner are something all people have on their bathroom shelves, but many times, your hair requires more help than you can get from other products such as hair creams and hair masks.
The choice between additional hair products, such as hair creams and hair masks relies on your requirements.
According to experts, hair creams are excellent for everyday use and deliver a nice finish with almost no frizz and without weighing your hair down. These creams are usually terrific for all kinds of hair and are particularly useful for those with curly or long hair that gets knotted easily.
Experts clarify that hair masks are more intensive remedies that profoundly nurture and rebuild hair. They are helpful for dealing with concerns such as dryness, damage, and the absence of gloss on the hair. Hair masks are typically developed to be used 1-2 times a week and not daily.
This article will analyze the dissimilarities between hair creams and hair masks, their distinctive benefits, and how to select the most promising one for your hair.
What to Choose: Hair Cream or Hair Mask?
Factors | Hair Cream | Hair Mask |
---|---|---|
Hair Type | For straight hair | For curly/coily hair |
Hair Texture | For fine hair | For thick hair |
Hair Issues | For colored hair and for allergy-prone or sensitive scalp | For dry and damaged hair and for scalp issues such as dandruff |
Frequency of Use | Daily use | Once a week |
Take into consideration the following factors before choosing between hair cream and hair mask.
Hair Type
Curly/coily hair: If you have naturally curly/coily hair and rock your curls daily, a weekly mask could be more valuable as curly hair is more prone to dryness and masks can provide intense hydration.
Straight hair: If you have straight hair, a hair cream might be a little better for you to smoothen the frizz.
Hair Texture
Fine hair: If you have fine hair, a hair cream could be an excellent choice to style your hair and, at the same time, not burden the hair to make it look flat.
Thick hair: If you have thick hair, a hair mask might be a more practical approach to provide your strands with deep nourishment.
Hair Issues
Dryness and hair damage: If you’re dealing with dryness and hair damage, a hair mask is a solid option because of its conditioning ability.
Dandruff: If you’re struggling with dandruff, a hair mask with hydrating properties might be great.
Allergies or Sensitivities: If you have allergies or sensitivities, opt for a mild hair cream with hypoallergenic ingredients to make sure there isn’t any danger of allergic responses.
Hair Color: If you have colored hair, think of choosing a hair cream that’s developed specially to help preserve your hair color’s vibrancy.
Styling: If you only want something to style your hair quickly every day, then a hair cream would be the way to go, as it doesn’t need to be washed off.
Frequency of Use
For daily use, a hair cream is more suitable as it does not need to be rinsed off. But for once-a-week application or occasional use, a hair mask is perfect to provide your hair with an intensive treatment.
Hair Creams: Benefits and Usage
Hair creams, also known as styling creams, are products that help make your hair look smooth, shiny, and well groomed. They are different from sticky gels or waxes that can make your hair heavy or stiff.
Hair creams are suitable for all hair types and work especially well for curly or long hair, which tends to get tangled easily.
Benefits of using hair creams
The benefits of hair creams depend upon the ingredients in them, but their general benefits include:
- Controlling frizz
- Adding shine
- Styling the strands
- Detangling
- Moisturizing the hair
Natural hair creams
When choosing a hair cream, it’s best to avoid products that contain a lot of chemicals. Instead, look for creams that contain natural ingredients for added benefits.
Some recommended hair creams are:
- Rosemary oil hair cream – Essential oils such as rosemary can be good for your hair. A study found that rosemary extract promotes hair regrowth and inhibits hair loss. It works by blocking the activity of an enzyme called testosterone 5α-reductase, which is associated with hair loss. (1)
- Jojoba oil hair cream –Jojoba oil can benefit your hair by providing conditioning and protection. It keeps the hair moisturized, reduces protein loss, strengthens the hair strands, and makes them less prone to breakage. (2)
- Argan oil hair cream – Argan oil benefits your hair by regulating sebum production, moisturizing the hair effectively, and improving hair elasticity. It keeps your hair balanced, nourished, and less inclined to breakage. (3)
- Hemp seed hair cream – Using hair products containing hemp seed oil can have positive effects on your hair. Hemp seed oil is rich in essential nutrients such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. It deeply moisturizes the hair, making it softer and more manageable.
It also helps strengthen the hair strands and promotes healthier hair growth. Additionally, hemp seed oil can provide nourishment to the scalp, reducing dryness and irritation. (4)
How to use hair creams
If you want to use a hair cream to style your hair, then simply apply some hair cream to your scalp and massage its in. If your hair is wet from a shower, you can also rub some cream on your palms and then run your hands through your slightly wet hair, making sure to coat all the strands.
Hair Masks: Benefits and Usage
Hair masks serve as an intensely nourishing conditioner that provides an extra dose of care and revitalization to your hair. Unlike regular conditioners, hair masks are formulated with higher concentrations of beneficial ingredients. (5)(6)
They are generously applied to the hair and left on for an extended period, allowing ample time for their potent effects to take place, typically ranging from 20 minutes to several hours.
Benefits of using hair masks
The benefits you can get from applying a hair mask vary from product to product, depending on the ingredients present in it. Generally, hair masks provide these simple benefits:
- Hydrating dry strands
- Managing frizz
- Enhancing shine
- Providing nourishment to hair
- Controlling dandruff
- Preventing split ends
- Removing impurities
You can use hair masks that contain ingredients such as amla, bhringraj, reetha, hibiscus, neem, tulsi, ginger, shikakai, nagarmotha, fenugreek, onion, aloe vera, castor oil, and coconut oil. These ingredients are known for their beneficial properties in maintaining scalp health and promoting healthy-looking hair. (5)
How to use hair masks
Here’s a concise guide on how to use a hair mask:
- Apply the hair mask thoroughly from hair roots to ends.
- Carefully massage the mask into your scalp and work it through your hair.
- Leave the mask on for 20-30 minutes.
- Rinse the mask off with water until it is entirely removed.
- Follow up with your shampoo and conditioner.
Note: If you want a more hands-on approach to hair care, you can prepare a homemade hair mask by utilizing common household ingredients such as yogurt, honey, and even egg and using it on your hair. (7)
Potential Side Effects of Hair Care Products
When using hair masks and creams, it’s important to be aware of their potential side effects:
- Some individuals may encounter skin irritation, itching, or rashes when using hair masks or creams with components they are allergic to.
- Hair styling products, including hair masks and creams, can potentially cause harm if used improperly or unduly.
- Accidental contact with the eyes or ingestion of a tiny quantity of hair mask or cream is normally not harmful. However, it can cause mild distress in some cases.
Can You Use Both Hair Masks and Hair Creams?
Yes! You can most certainly include both hair masks and hair creams in your hair care regimen. You can use a hair cream on a daily basis to style your hair and tame it down and apply a hair mask once weekly or as needed to deeply nourish your hair.
Most-Asked Questions
How often should you use a hair mask?
Hair masks can be used once a week or as needed, depending on your hair’s condition.
Can you leave a hair cream in the hair overnight?
Yes, some hair creams can be left in the hair overnight for deeper conditioning benefits.
Are hair masks and hair creams suitable for all hair types?
Yes, there are formulations of hair masks and hair creams available for different hair types, such as dry, damaged, and curly hair.
Do you need to rinse off hair creams?
It depends on the product. Some hair creams can be left in without rinsing, while others require rinsing.
How long should you leave a hair mask on your hair?
Follow the instructions on the product, but most hair masks are left on for 5-20 minutes before rinsing.
Final Word
Hair creams and hair masks are both valuable additions to a hair care routine, but they serve different purposes. Hair creams provide daily nourishment and styling benefits, while hair masks offer more intensive care to deeply nurture the hair, restore lost nutrients, and rectify hair concerns.
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