Which mask should be used for curly hair?

Curly hair exhibits a unique form of waves, particularly helical, a few centimeters from the root. Flexible and loose, these resemble small spirals that fall onto the nape of the neck. This particular structure hinders the proper migration of sebum from the root to the tip of the hair. It is for this reason that curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair. Moreover, curly hair is more fragile and prone to breakage because with each curl, the keratin scales lift.

Curly hair tends to be dry, coarse, brittle, and the curls often lack definition.

Acting as a true hair bandage, the mask provides the essential elements for the proper definition of curly hair. Indeed, this treatment is concentrated with rich, particularly hydrating and/or nourishing active ingredients that soften the hair fiber, restore the cuticles while giving curls bounce and hold.

They are to be appliedonly on the lengths and ends, to avoid weighing down the roots. Generally, they are applied to damp hair, after shampooing, on aweekly basis. The duration of application varies depending on the product.

Several ingredients should be prioritized to restore shine, brightness, and definition to curly hair. We recommend favoring natural ingredients to take care of the hair without damaging it. Opt for a mask containing one or more of the following compounds.

• Nourishing Natural Fatty Substances

  Rich in fatty acids, these compounds help to compensate for the lack of sebum typical of curly hair as well asimproving curl definition. Among the most effective, we can mention theavocado oil, of coconut, ofargan, of pequi, ofaçaí, of castor, of jojoba or even the butters of shea and of mango.

• Restorative and lipid-replenishing active ingredients

  Some active ingredients have the ability to integrate into the lipid cement of the hair fiber, thereby restoring the cohesion of the cuticle. The flaws, also known as "scales," are filled in, the cuticle is smoothed, and the cortex is better protected. The squalane and the biomimetic ceramides are two examples of such active ingredients that act in this way and are classified as lipid-replenishing.

• Hydrating active ingredients

  Typically, it is sugar-derived molecules that provide the most hydration to hair. For instance, we can mention the aloe vera gel which is particularly rich in polysaccharides (mannose-6-phosphate, aloeverose, acemannan). These long-chain sugar molecules contain hydroxyl groups (-OH) that create a hydrophilic environment. The gel thus retains water molecules, limiting their natural evaporation from the hair fiber. The hyaluronic acid is also an interesting compound to find in hair masks intended for dry and curly hair. This glycosaminoglycan has a significant water retention capacity and limits the dehydration of hair fibers.