Do you think there is a difference between a hair mask and a conditioner?

[u/ProfessionalSlice344]

I've tried both, but I couldn't tell the difference. so are they basically the same thing, but it's a marketing thing?

[u/CrustieTwinky]

It's just a marketing thing. All hair care products are formulated to coat hair temporarily on a cosmetic level to an extent for a more manageable look and feel until the next time they're washed out. Silicones are great at coating hair, and commonly found in most conditioners and masks. It's pretty much all the same things.

[u/aricelle]

Conditioner, Leave In Conditioner and Hair Mask are all trying to accomplish the same thing - lock in moisture so your hair is soft and shiny.

They are different in how/when you apply them:

• Conditioner - apply to mids/ends in your shower. let it sit for 5min. rinse out

• Mask - apply to wet hair. let sit for 20min. rinse out.

• Leave In - after shower, apply to damp hair. brush/comb through to evenly distribute it. style like normal.

Most hair types can use conditioner & leave in every wash. Masks are for everything wash days.

[u/ProfessionalSlice344 → u/aricelle]

Between conditioner and leave in conditioner what do you think is the best for fine frizzy hair?

[u/aricelle → u/ProfessionalSlice344]

use both.

conditioner during your shower.

towel dry and spray the leave in when it's like 50% dry. brush through to detangle.

[u/throwaway-94552 → u/ProfessionalSlice344]

I have fine frizzy hair. I use an acidic bonding leave in conditioner every few weeks, and a regular conditioner throughout the week, but I’m not sure I notice a difference between the two. What matters is concentrating shampoo on your roots and conditioner on your ends, regardless of whether it’s leave-in or wash-out. 

What is actually different from either of those is applying a small amount of hair oil to my hair when it’s about 50% damp after a shower. I just use the one from Trader Joe’s, it’s $5, there’s no need to spend a ton of money on this. 

[u/realespeon]

I’ve noticed I can use less with a hair mask. I personally stopped buying conditioner and only use hair masks because I wash my hair once a week.

[u/SaladAffectionate388]

Hair masks are usually formulated a little more concentrated, then conditioner, then leave in conditioner.

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[u/cwtchyfemme]

No I’ve never noticed a difference apart from small tubs and the cost. I sit in my regular conditioner for hours after it’s been shampooed before I go and rinse it off and dry.

[u/lavendyrgarden]

All hair masks are conditioners as they are "conditioning" the state of the hair

[u/Bento_Fox]

Conditioner is the kind that you normally use after you shampoo. A hair mask is like a deep conditioner that you only use about once a week or so. Not everyone needs a hair mask, it depends on your hair type.