After testing 7 types of hair masks, what are the differences between them and conditioners and hair oils?

Some time ago, we reviewed hair conditioners and hair oils.

This time, we have also arranged a hair mask review!

First, let’s take a look at the brands we collected to see if there are any you are using or interested in:

The cost of this evaluation: Testing fee 45,500 yuan (public price) + sample fee 1,578 yuan = total 47,078 yuan

This evaluation also went through four rounds of analysis including ingredient analysis, efficacy testing, hair repair, and usage experience.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the evaluation process.

1. Component Analysis

Among the samples this time, the following three may have allergic risks. If you are allergic to some of the ingredients, it is recommended to avoid using them:

At the same time, Dad Review would like to remind everyone here that since some ingredients in hair mask products are permanent, try not to let them come into contact with the scalp when using the hair mask, and it is recommended to wash it after use.

2. Efficacy Test

We referred to the methods for testing hair friction in the current literature to test the smoothness of the hair after using these hair masks.

5 tresses per group, 8 groups in total (blank group + 7 products). After washing the tresses with SLES (sodium laureth sulfate), the hair appeared dry and damaged.

We then applied the hair mask samples to the hair strands, let them dry, combed the strands with a sensor comb, and recorded the friction generated during the combing process.

From the results, it can be seen that the smoothness of No. 6 and No. 5 is better among these samples.

In addition to smoothness, we also tested the glossiness of the hair after use, using a glossymeter to test the hair before and after use.

The results are as follows:

From the results, it can be seen that the glossiness of No. 7 and No. 1 performs better among these samples.

3. Hair Repair

We recruited 7 volunteers to test the repair effect of the hair mask on hair. Before and after use, we collected 10 hair ends from them and sent them to the laboratory for scanning electron microscopy observation and comparison.

Note: Due to the particularity of the experiment, the hair samples taken twice cannot be exactly the same, so it cannot accurately represent the effect of the hair mask used. The comparison can only be based on the approximate average condition of the hair each time. The results are for reference only.

Under the observation of scanning electron microscope, the hair repair situation is as follows:

It can be seen that there is not much change in the hair scales before and after use.

It seems that even if the hair mask claims to have a better repair effect than conditioner, the effect is not very obvious. At most, it can only improve the closure of the hair cuticles a little.

4. Real-person user experience

In exchange, the volunteers wrote some of their experiences after trying the hair mask for free. We have compiled these experiences into pictures and texts for your reference.

If you have any similar or different feelings, you are welcome to share and discuss in the comment area~

Based on these evaluation results, we have summarized the performance of these hair masks. You can choose the appropriate hair mask according to your hair quality.

Some friends also asked what are the differences between hair masks, conditioners, and hair essential oils and alcohols. We will give a unified answer here.

In the national standard GB/T 27578-2011 Cosmetic Terminology, hair conditioner and hair mask are defined and explained:

The main difference mentioned in the standard is that conditioners use non-ionic surfactants as their main raw materials, while hair masks do not. But in reality, there is not much difference between the two.

You can see the comparison of two different products from the same brand below:

There is not much difference in ingredients between conditioners and hair masks. Hair masks have more nutrients than conditioners, but whether they are effective for hair remains to be proven.

There is no difference in the effects of the two. It depends on your choice which one to use. It is a good idea to choose one or use them in rotation.

The main purpose of hair care essential oil is to add gloss to the hair. If necessary, you can choose a product with good gloss.

In fact, there are many hair care products available today. No matter how they are used, how their forms have changed, or how their names are different, we can see their essence by looking at the ingredient list.

The above national standard was issued in 2011. In the past 10 years, hair care products have undergone many changes and made many improvements. We look forward to the update of the national standard to provide more guidance for future products.