We’re all about finding new ways to welcome the skinification of hair trend into our haircare routine. And, our latest obsession, multi-masking for hair, is no exception. Made popular by skincare enthusiasts and dermatologists alike, the multi-masking trend might have started as a way to customize our at-home facials, but now it’s all about complete scalp to strand rejuvenation.
Find out more on multi-masking for hair, including why you should multi-mask, how often to incorporate it into your haircare routine, and the benefits of using more than one hair mask at a time.
Good hair day by @dremalczewska.
What is multi-masking?
According to hairstylist Monica Davis, multi-masking for hair is exactly what it sounds like.
“It involves putting different types of masks on different areas of your hair at the same time to achieve different effects at once,” she explains.
Similar to multi-masking for skin—where different masks are used on different areas of the complexion to target specific areas of concern such as acne on the chin and forehead and dryness on the cheeks—using more than one mask at once allows you to give your hair exactly what it needs from roots to ends.
Good hair day by @audriestorme.
What are the benefits of multi-masking?
The benefits of multi-masking for hair really depend on what types of masks are being used. The practice can be revitalizing and hydrating, protecting and replenishing, and so on. But, at its root (pun intended), the benefit of multi-masking is that it allows you to target different areas of your hair as well as concerns, without dedicating even more time to your hair care routine.
Is it bad to use multiple hair masks at once?
While it might sound like overkill, multi-masking is actually quite the opposite. It can actually save product since you’re only using the formula on areas that need it.
“Multi-masking is nothing but safe and beneficial for any type of hair,” says Davis. “However, you should not use masks with oils on color-treated hair as they may [fade] the color earlier,” she adds.
Good hair day by @nurzh8n.
How often should you multi-mask?
Unlike some other haircare rituals, multi-masking doesn’t need to be on your weekly lineup of beauty to-dos. Davis recommends multi-masking a maximum of three times per month.
“The effects of multi-masking generally last longer than if you apply only one mask at a time,” the stylist explains.
Scrub Apaisant Deep Clean Fusio Dose Scrub
A calming gel scalp scrub to cleanse the scalp
All-In-One Shampoo Scrub with Oat
Multi-benefit shampoo scrub made with oatmeal gently exfoliates, detoxifies and cleanses.
Hydrate Shampoo
A deeply hydrating, color-preserving shampoo for normal to thick dry, color-treated hair.
Soleil Revitalizing Masque
A nourishing mask that restores hydration to sun-exposed hair
Absolut Repair Instant Resurfacing Masque
A hydrating mask to deeply nourish damaged and weakened hair.
Absolut Repair 10 in 1 Oil
A lightweight multi-benefit leave in oil
How to Try Multi-Masking
The benefit of multi-masking is that you can customize it to exactly what your hair needs. If you’re not sure where to start, Davis says her favorite multi-masking combination is simple.
“Apply a revitalizing mask to your roots and a moisturizing mask all over the length of your hair to feed it [hydration] and treat damaged strands.”
- Step One: To get the most out of your multi-masking experience, it’s a good idea to start your ritual with a scalp scrub such as the Kérastase Scrub Apaisant Deep Clean Fusio Dose Scrub to slough away any buildup so that the scalp can better absorb nourishing masks. For some more multi-action in your ritual, we also love the Biolage All-In-One Shampoo Scrub With Oat.
- Step Two: After you scrub, it’s time to shampoo. We recommend something with extra nourishment, like the Pureology Hydrate Shampoo.
- Step Three: Once your strands are cleansed, it’s time to mask up. Towel dry your roots and strands so that your hair isn’t sopping wet during application. Then, start by applying a revitalizing mask, such as the Kérastase Soleil Revitalizing Masque to your roots. Once your roots are coated, reach for a deeply moisturizing and repairing formula, such as the L’Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Instant Resurfacing Masque and apply to the length of your hair.
- Step Four: Leave both masks on for five to ten minutes (or as long as the packaging suggests) before jumping back in the shower to rinse thoroughly.
- Step Five: Towel dry your hair and apply a nourishing hair serum, such as the L’Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Oil for an added hydration boost.
In search of new treatments to add to your multi-masking routine? Shop our favorite hair masks and treatments here.
