Do you usually tie your hair up into a messy bun or ponytail as a quick beauty fix? Between the friction caused by moving around in your sleep, the unbearable humidity and perspiration, your once oh-so-carefully coiffed mane can start to frizz and get harder to manage with time.
Thankfully, there are more products available that are specifically designed to last multiple washes, while revitalising dull, limp strands.
While these products may have varying formulations, they generally use a blend of oils, proteins, vitamins, and antioxidants that provide deep nourishment and hydration in order to keep your locks looking healthy, smooth and vibrant, explains Dr Jenny Wong, doctor of science and founder of Trichomd Group.
When determining how often to use these masks, oils and sprays, it is important to consider your unique hair type and needs. “If you have dry or damaged hair, you may benefit from using a leave-in oil or moisturising spray daily, or whenever you wash your hair. If you have fine hair, using a leave-in product sparingly or every few days might be more suitable, she advises.
Dr Wong also cautions against using too much the aforementoned products, as these usually contain ingredients such as oils or silicones, which are harder to cleanse via shampoo. This in turn leads to product buildup and the drying out of the hair shaft which in turn, causes breakage. Besides the amount of products used, Leonica Kei, principal trichologist and founder of Leonica K Trichology, also stressed the importance of placement as applying these products too close to the scalp can trigger an allergic reaction or skin irritation.
Both experts agree that you should follow the recommendations provided by the manufacturers and more importantly, pay attention to how your hair responds to your products. If your hair starts to feel weighed down and greasy, you might want to reconsider the amount and frequency of products used in your everyday routine.
“This product is heat-activated so you need to pair it with a hot tool. I use four sprays of this product on damp hair each time. My hair dries poker straight and feels silky smooth, and I hardly feel the need to follow up with a straightening iron. I’ve noticed that the results last for about two washes. Do avoid using this with a curling wand because it affects the longevity of your curls. There’s also a powdery, vanilla fragrance that takes some getting used to. For parched, fried or thick hair, this might not be conditioning enough. I would recommend supplementing the sealant with a richer, nutrient-dense bond repair treatment or mask.” – Letty Seah, associate beauty editor
“While the packaging is simple and minimalistic, the formula packs a punch. I used a pea-sized amount on towel dried hair, and instantly felt like my hair was softer. My hair's been fuller and softer since using this. It also has a nice, pleasant smell.” – Karishma Tulsidas, contributing features editor
“When combing the mask through my hair, I noticed that there was lesser hair fall as compared to other ones that I’ve used before. While there are other brands that are richer and thicker in formulation (and thus requires a lesser amount of product for a smoothing effect), I do prefer this brand because it is vegan with no animal-derived ingredients.” – Lena Kamarudin, fashion editor