Hair Masks vs. Conditioners, Explained by Stylists

When it comes to caring for your hair, conditioners and hair masks do a lot of the heavy lifting. Both are made to nourish and strengthen strands, but they serve different purposes. Understanding what sets them apart can help you figure out which one your hair actually needs—and when. Ahead, four hairstylists break down the differences and share how to use each.

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Hair Masks vs. Conditioners

The biggest differences between hair masks and conditioners come down to formula and frequency. “Hair masks contain a high concentration of key ingredients, allowing them to be used as treatments,” says hairstylist and Oli G global artistic director Katie Brenner. Because of that, they’re often used to address concerns such as dryness, brittleness and more significant damage. Similar to a targeted skin-care treatment, masks work beneath the surface to improve hair quality over time.

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“Heat is a tremendous asset for hair masks, because it helps open the cuticle, allowing the ingredients to penetrate the hair shaft so the benefits last through multiple shampoos,” says Nunzio Saviano, hairstylist and founder of his namesake hair-care brand. Since masks are designed as treatments, he adds that they work best when used sparingly—“anywhere from twice a week to once a month, depending on the condition of the hair.”

Conditioners, on the other hand, are formulated for regular use. “These products work on the surface to restore moisture, smooth the cuticle and improve manageability after shampooing,” says Brenner. While conditioners may contain some of the same ingredients as hair masks, they’re designed for quick, immediate results. According to Saviano, they don’t deeply condition the hair from the inside out. “Most formulas contain silicones to focus on smoothing and creating instant shine, rather than ingredients meant to address more serious concerns like brittle or damaged hair,” he explains.

Do You Need Both a Hair Mask and Conditioner?

Given the overlap, it’s easy to assume one can replace the other, but experts say that’s not the case. “Conditioners balance and protect your hair regularly, but they can’t do it alone. Masks step in when you need to address deeper needs before damage becomes visible,” says New York–based stylist Tatiana Ramos.

Incorporating both conditioner and a hair mask into your routine allows you to maintain daily moisture while also supporting deeper repair and hydration, keeping hair healthy long before damage has a chance to show.

How to Use a Hair Mask

How you use a hair mask depends largely on your hair type, but it helps to think of it as a treatment rather than an everyday step. “If you’re experiencing dryness or your hair is color-treated, once a week—or more often—is ideal,” says Ramos.

Proper application also matters. To make sure the formula coats strands evenly, hairstylist Pooja Shah recommends combing the mask through after applying, then letting it sit for the recommended amount of time. Ingredient selection is just as important. “Aloe vera is lightweight and hydrating for finer hair, while argan oil is richer and ideal for thick or curly hair,” says Saviano.

Hair Masks to Try

How to Use a Conditioner

“Conditioner is lightweight, which allows it to be used more often for detangling and manageability,” says Shah. While it can be tempting to leave it on for longer, Brenner notes that conditioners work best as part of the wash process. “After shampooing, apply the conditioner and rinse thoroughly,” she says. For the majority of formulas, there’s no need to let it sit to get the benefits—unless the product directions say otherwise.

Conditioners to Try