ella and mila cuticle oil

10 BEST HAIR MASKS FOR CURLY HAIR: PICKS TO SMOOTHEN AND CONDITION

Taming those beautiful curls can be a constant battle between definition and frizz. But fear not, curly-haired friends! A deep conditioning hair mask can be your secret weapon for soft, manageable, and oh-so-defined curls. In this guide, we’ll unveil the best hair masks for curly hair, helping you find the perfect pick to smooth, condition, and enhance your natural bounce.

BEST HAIR MASKS FOR CURLY HAIR

CURL UP INTENSE HYDRATING HAIR MASK

Are you tired of battling dry, unruly curls? Meet your potential hair care savior: the Curl Up Intense Hydrating Hair Mask. Designed specifically for those with dry, frizzy curls, this mask boasts the ability to transform your locks into beautifully defined tresses. Let’s delve into what sets this product apart:

Firstly, its key ingredients – avocado, mango, and shea butter – are moisture marvels renowned for their hydrating prowess. They work synergistically to quench the thirst of your curls while imparting a healthy sheen.

Moreover, this mask prides itself on its creamy goodness. Free from harsh chemicals such as sulfates, parabens, and silicones, it offers a gentle yet luxurious experience during application, suitable for a wide range of hair types.

But the benefits don’t stop there. Beyond mere hydration, the Curl Up mask also doubles as a curl enhancer. By defining and amplifying your natural curl pattern, it bids farewell to frizz and welcomes smoother, more buoyant curls.

AVEDA BE CURLY INTENSIVE DETANGLING MASQUE

Tailored specifically for curly textures, this masque promises to unravel even the most stubborn knots with ease. At its core are certified organic babassu oil and shea butter, renowned for their detangling and moisturizing properties, offering a deep dive into hair hydration.

But the benefits of this masque extend beyond mere detangling. It also steps up to the plate in the fight against frizz and aims to elevate the overall appearance of your curls. By infusing moisture and definition, it sets the stage for your natural curl pattern to take center stage, enhancing its beauty.

Moreover, embracing the ethos of natural power, the Aveda Be Curly masque is formulated with up to 98% naturally derived ingredients. This characteristic not only aligns with the preferences of those seeking a more natural hair care routine but also underscores Aveda’s commitment to environmental consciousness. 

BARE ANATOMY CURL ENHANCING HAIR MASK

Enriched with a blend of nourishing elements including coconut oil, hyaluronic acid, and castor oil, Bare Anatomy’s Curl Enhancing Hair Mask offers a rejuvenating experience for your curls. These potent ingredients work in harmony to deeply nourish your scalp, delivering profound hydration and resulting in effortlessly defined curls. Coconut oil contributes its detangling and curl-defining properties, while hyaluronic acid steps in to moisturize and combat frizz effectively.

One of the standout features of this hair mask is its commitment to clean beauty. By excluding sulfates, parabens, and other harmful chemicals from its formulation, Bare Anatomy ensures that your hair receives only the best care without any compromise on safety or quality. For individuals inclined towards a natural approach to hair care, this product offers a promising solution worth exploring.

KÉRASTASE NUTRITIVE HAIR MASK FOR DRY THICK HAIR

Kérastase offers two options in their Nutritive Masquintense line, catering to different hair textures and needs. The Nutritive Masquintense for Dry Hair is designed for very dry, fine to medium-thick hair. It contains plant-based proteins and niacinamide to provide intense nourishment and strengthen hair. However, it may not be the best fit for very thick hair as it could potentially weigh down the strands.

On the other hand, the Nutritive Masquintense Riche variant is tailored specifically for dry, thick hair. Its formula is enriched with anti-dryness polymers aimed at maintaining hair volume and manageability, addressing a key concern for thick hair types. Similar to its counterpart, it also boasts plant-based proteins and niacinamide for deep nourishment without compromising on lightness. Additionally, it promises to enhance shine, suppleness, and manageability, leaving hair feeling luxurious.

Keep in mind that both Kérastase masks are intended for deep conditioning and should ideally be used once or twice a week. As with many high-end brands, Kérastase products do come with a premium price tag, reflecting the quality and efficacy of the formulations.

PLUM AVOCADO HAIR MASK FOR DRY AND FRIZZY HAIR

Plum’s Avocado Hair Mask is infused with a blend of nourishing elements, including argan oil and avocado oil, to combat dryness and frizz effectively, resulting in smooth and well-moisturized curls. Designed for both women and men, this hair mask offers deep conditioning to replenish moisture levels and minimize hair breakage. Its formula not only softens and adds shine to curls but also works to prevent excessive dryness. With the added benefits of shea butter, it seals in moisture and guards against split ends, enhancing the overall health and appearance of your hair.

INNERSENSE HYDRATING HAIR MASK

For people with dry, rough, or damaged curls, the Innersense Hydrating Hair Mask is a natural solution that deeply hydrates and repairs. It’s made to bring life back to thirsty curls by using a mix of nourishing oils like flaxseed, shea butter, coconut, monoi, and tamanu. These oils work together to give intense moisture and revive dry, brittle curls. But this mask does more than just hydrate. It also has quinoa protein, which strengthens hair and enhances natural curl shape. So, it doesn’t just soften curls; it makes them look lively, bouncy, and defined.

Innersense cares about using clean, natural ingredients. They don’t include sulfates, parabens, silicones, or artificial fragrances in their mask. This makes it a good choice for people with sensitive scalps or those who prefer natural hair care products. Though there aren’t many online reviews, the Innersense mask suits different hair types, including dry, thick, and curly hair. While it’s great for adding moisture and nourishment to curls, it might not fix curls that are damaged as well as some other options.

FIX MY CURLS PROTEIN POWERED DEEP CONDITIONING MASK

Containing enriching elements such as avocado oil, amla, and cocoa butter, this hair mask is specially formulated to suit the distinct requirements of curly, wavy, dry, and colored hair types. Combining hydration and protein, it effectively tackles the common issues encountered by curly hair. Besides ensuring optimal hydration for your curls, this mask also works to minimize hair fall and fortify your strands. Additionally, it imparts bounce and shine to your curls, enhancing their volume without causing heaviness. Moreover, it possesses the ability to manage scalp infections.

CLEVER CURL CURL TREATMENT

The Clever Curl Curl Treatment is great for curly hair because it can do two jobs in one. You can use it as a deep conditioner or leave-in conditioner, depending on what you need. It’s made specifically for curls, so it doesn’t have harsh stuff like sulfates or silicones that can dry out your hair. Instead, it has natural ingredients that keep your curls healthy and hydrated. But there’s not a lot of info online about what exactly is in it, so it might be helpful to check out user reviews to see if it works well for different kinds of curls. Overall, if you want something that’s good for your curls and can be used in different ways, the Clever Curl Curl Treatment could be a good choice for your hair care routine.

PILGRIM KOREAN ARGAN OIL HAIR MASK

The Pilgrim Korean Argan Oil Hair Mask is designed to combat dryness and frizz, specifically targeting dry and frizzy hair types.  It contains argan oil, a natural source of moisture, to intensely hydrate and soften hair.  Fortified with white lotus and camellia flower extracts, this mask aims to repair and strengthen damaged strands. Pilgrim emphasizes a clean approach, formulating the mask free of parabens, sulfates, and mineral oils.

WELLA NUTRICURLS DEEP TREATMENT FOR WAVES & CURLS

Wella NUTRICURLS Deep Treatment for Waves & Curls is a hair mask designed to address the specific needs of wavy and curly hair.  This deep conditioner aims to deliver intense nourishment, helping to tame frizz and boost manageability.  Fortified with the brand’s Nourish-In Complex containing wheat bran extract and jojoba oil, it aims to define and soften curls while leaving them feeling touchably soft. This Wella mask caters to those seeking a professional salon-quality treatment at home for their wavy or curly locks.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD SOMEONE USE A HAIR MASK?

Determining the frequency of hair mask usage depends on several factors, including hair type and specific concerns. As a general guideline, starting with once a week application is suitable for most hair types. However, for those with dry, damaged, or thick hair experiencing excessive dryness or straw-like texture, increasing usage to 2-3 times a week may offer added benefits.

Conversely, fine or oily hair types may find that less frequent application, such as once every two weeks, is sufficient to prevent hair from feeling weighed down. It’s crucial to consider the severity of your hair concerns when determining the frequency of mask application. For instance, if your hair is severely damaged or exceptionally dry, more frequent use may be necessary until improvements are noticeable.

Additionally, the type of hair mask being used plays a role in determining its frequency. Some masks are formulated for regular use, while others are intended for occasional deep conditioning treatments. Adhering to the instructions provided on the product label ensures optimal results and prevents overuse, which can lead to greasiness or heaviness in the hair.

Ultimately, paying attention to how your hair responds to the mask is essential. If it feels greasy or weighed down after use, it may indicate that the mask is being applied too frequently. Adjusting the frequency based on your hair’s individual needs ensures that you achieve the desired results without compromising hair health.

WHAT INGREDIENTS TO LOOK FOR IN A HAIR MASK

FOR DRY OR DAMAGED HAIR

For those dealing with dry or damaged hair, opting for hydrating oils such as argan oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, and shea butter can provide deep nourishment and moisture. Additionally, humectants like glycerin, honey, and aloe vera help attract and retain moisture in the hair shaft, combating dryness. Strengthening proteins like keratin and wheat bran extract aid in repairing and fortifying damaged strands.

FOR FRIZZY OR UNMANAGEABLE HAIR

Frizzy or unmanageable hair benefits from emollients such as shea butter and mango butter, which smooth the hair cuticle and reduce frizz. Optional conditioning silicones can temporarily reduce frizz and enhance shine, but caution is advised regarding buildup with frequent use. Humectants continue to play a crucial role in maintaining hydration and manageability.

FOR CURLY HAIR

Curly hair, prone to dryness, requires moisturizing ingredients for optimal curl definition and manageability. Alongside hydrating oils and humectants, balancing protein levels with ingredients like hydrolyzed wheat protein or quinoa protein strengthens curls without causing brittleness. Butters such as shea butter and mango butter provide deep conditioning and definition without weighing down the curls.

FOR ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

For additional benefits, individuals with sensitive scalps can benefit from masks containing soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile. For color-treated hair, choosing masks specifically formulated to be color-safe is essential to preserve hair color, while avoiding harsh ingredients that may strip color. By understanding the role of these beneficial ingredients, individuals can select the most suitable hair mask to address their specific needs effectively.

CONCLUSION

Keep in mind that finding the perfect hair mask depends on your unique curl type and hair concerns. By familiarizing yourself with beneficial ingredients and taking into account the factors discussed above, you can start your quest to find the ideal mask for achieving your healthiest, most vibrant curls. Furthermore, don’t overlook the option of homemade hair masks for addressing damaged hair. With the right care, you can confidently flaunt your beautiful curls!

HOW TO REMOVE SHELLAC NAIL POLISH AT HOME

Shellac nail polish, known for its high durability and glossy finish, can pose a challenge when you want to change shellac nails with designs or take care of your nails. Fret not, in this article, we will guide you on how to remove the polish correctly and effectively to protect the health of your nails and the surrounding skin. If you’re unsure about the process, let’s explore simple yet effective steps to remove Shellac nail polish, ranging from natural methods to using professional nail care products. Read on!

WHAT ARE SHELLAC NAILS?

Shellac represents a line of nail products that combines features of both traditional nail polish and gel nails. Unlike regular polish, Shellac is applied directly to the nails and then cured under UV light, similar to gel nails. Removing Shellac typically involves using an acetone-based nail polish remover, but the drying effect of acetone on cuticles and skin can be a concern. Alternatively, you may opt for soaking your nails in a non-acetone nail polish remover to mitigate potential dryness and irritation.

TOOL KIT

  • Aluminum foil (cut into 10 pieces, each measuring 2 inches)
  • Paper towel (cut into 10 pieces, each measuring 1 inch)
  • 100% acetone (or nail polish remover with acetone)
  • Stainless steel cuticle pusher (or a wooden cuticle stick)
  • Nail file
  • Nail buffer
  • Nail strengthening polish
  • Cuticle oil (or coconut oil)

HOW TO REMOVE SHELLAC YOURSELF

STEP 1: PREPPING YOUR NAILS AND WORKSPACE

Cover your workstation, to protect it from nail polish remover

To prevent potential damage to surfaces, it’s advisable to use protective measures when working with even non-acetone nail polish remover. Lay down newspaper, towels, a trash bag, or any other suitable protective layer in your work area. In the event of a spill that permeates the covering, pause your work, promptly clean up the spill, and then replace the protective layer with fresh newspaper once the area is dry. Alternatively, glossy pages torn from a magazine can serve as an effective option for safeguarding your table or countertop. Choose a comfortable workspace, such as your desk or in front of the TV, as this process typically takes approximately 30 minutes.

Scuff the surface of your nails lightly with a coarse nail file

If you notice your natural nail becoming visible beneath the polish, it indicates that you’re filing too aggressively. Instead, lightly run the file across the nail surface a few times to remove the glossy finish. Although not mandatory, this step increases the surface area on your nails, facilitating better coverage by the polish remover and enhancing its dissolving effectiveness. Given that you’re using a less potent nail polish remover, incorporating this step can contribute to achieving more satisfactory results.

Coat the skin around your nails in cuticle oil

Even in the absence of acetone, nail polish removers have the potential to dehydrate your cuticles and the skin surrounding your nails. To mitigate this, apply cuticle oil using a cotton swab, massaging it onto the skin around your nails and the base where your cuticles grow. If cuticle oil isn’t available, opt for nourishing natural oils such as olive, almond, coconut, or jojoba oil. Alternatively, create a protective barrier on the skin around your nails by using petroleum jelly. This helps maintain moisture and safeguards your skin during the nail polish removal process.

Cut or tear 10 strips of aluminum foil to wrap around your fingers

Ensure the foil strips are sufficiently large to completely wrap around both your finger and the cotton ball, requiring one strip for each finger. Aluminum foil is easily tearable, allowing you to do this by hand, or if preferred, you can use scissors for a precise cut. Keep in mind that it’s advisable to make the strips a bit larger than initially estimated. You can always trim them down if they turn out to be too big, but you won’t be able to add more if they happen to be insufficient. Ideally, the strips should measure at least 2–3 square inches (13–19 cm²).

STEP 2: WRAPPING YOUR NAILS

Soak a cotton ball in acetone-free nail polish remover

Ensure the cotton ball is completely saturated with nail polish remover. If desired, you can tear or cut the cotton ball for a better fit on your nail, but ensure it remains large enough to cover the entire surface of the gel polish. Prepare one piece of cotton for each nail. There are two options for application: either directly apply the nail polish remover to the cotton ball from the bottle, or pour it into a small bowl and dip the cotton ball into the liquid. Additionally, you can choose to use acetone-free nail polish remover pads. If opting for pads, fold them in half or cut them to size to minimize contact between the remover and your skin. For optimal efficiency and to minimize exposure, it’s advisable to focus on one nail at a time, soaking only one cotton ball at a time.

Place the soaked cotton ball on one of your fingernails

Completely cover your nail with the cotton ball, applying a slight downward pressure to ensure it is firmly pressed against your nail. While you can start with any nail, it’s recommended to begin with the nails on your dominant hand. This approach facilitates the process, as once a nail is wrapped, you’ll need to switch hands. For example, if you are right-handed, it’s advisable to wrap your right hand first, allowing you to use your foil-tipped right hand to cover the nails on your left hand more conveniently.

Wrap the aluminum foil around the cotton ball and your fingertip

Position the flat side of the foil against the cotton ball, then wrap the aluminum foil around the sides of your finger and over the top. Press and pinch the aluminum foil together to create a sealed enclosure. Ensure a snug fit, as the foil must securely hold the cotton ball in place.

Repeat this process for each nail

As you proceed with wrapping your nails, the process may become a bit more intricate, requiring caution not to disrupt the foil already in place. Take your time, pay attention to each step, and don’t stress about achieving absolute perfection with the foil wrapping. Continue the process until you’ve successfully wrapped all ten of your fingernails with the cotton balls and aluminum foil.

Leave the foil in place for about 10 or 15 minutes

Allow the acetone-free nail polish remover sufficient time to soak into the nail. Once the designated time has elapsed, carefully remove the foil from the first wrapped nail and inspect the shellac. When it’s ready, you should observe the polish pulling away from the nail, and it might appear softened or gummy. If the polish isn’t detaching from the nail, rewrap your fingers and wait an additional 5 minutes before checking again.

STEP 3: SCRAPING AWAY THE POLISH

Remove the foil from the first finger when the polish is ready

Once the nail polish begins to peel up at the edges, you can proceed to remove the foil. It’s advisable to work on one nail at a time, eliminating the need to remove all the foil simultaneously. In case the nail polish remover starts causing discomfort to your skin, consider removing the foil from your nails. However, be aware that the shellac may become gummy or tacky as it dries, making it more challenging to remove. If this occurs, you may need to soak your nails again. Retain the foil, as you might have to re-wrap your nails if some of the polish remains stubbornly intact.

Use the cotton ball to wipe away as much of the polish as you can

Apply firm pressure on the cotton ball, wiping from the base of your nail up to the tip. If necessary, flip the cotton ball over and repeat the motion. Don’t be concerned if not all of the polish comes off; 1-2 swipes should be sufficient.

Scrape the remaining polish away with a wooden orange stick

An orange stick, also recognized as a cuticle pusher, is a petite wooden tool featuring an angled tip. Traditionally employed for pushing back the skin around your nails, it can also serve as an effective tool for shellac removal. Utilize the pointed tip of the stick to work under the polish, then gently lift the stick to peel the polish away from the nail. Given that wooden beauty tools can harbor bacteria, it’s recommended to use disposable orange sticks. Purchase them in packs and discard after each use to maintain hygiene. Never share orange sticks, as doing so increases the risk of infection. These tools are readily available at beauty or nail supply stores.

Re-soak your nail if there’s any polish that seems too hard

Avoid excessive scraping if the polish doesn’t come off easily, as it could potentially damage your nail bed. Instead, consider replacing the cotton ball on your nail, using a new one if needed, rewrapping your nail in foil, and waiting for an additional 5 minutes or so. It’s important to note that acetone-free nail polish remover is not as potent as its acetone-based counterpart, so in cases of particularly stubborn polish, be prepared to soak your nails for a longer duration to achieve effective removal.

Repeat the same process for each of your nails

After successfully removing the polish from one nail, you’ll gain a better understanding of the process. Unwrap the foil from each nail individually, then use a cotton ball to wipe away the polish and an orange stick to scrape away any residue. Progress to the next nail in this manner until you’ve completed the removal process for all of your nails.

Apply moisturizer to your nails when you’re finished

Non-acetone nail polish remover can potentially dry out your skin, and the scraping process may leave your nails feeling rough. Apply a thin coat of moisturizer, such as cuticle oil or hand cream, to the surface of your nails. If desired, you can also moisturize the skin around your nails.

CONCLUSION

Here is an enjoyable experience for you that can make the process of removing shellac nail polish easy at home. You can start with the basic steps outlined in the article. Hopefully, after reading our guide, you will have learned the necessary steps to easily change and remove nail polish at home without the need to spend time at a salon. 

FAQS

  1. What nail polish remover works on shellac?

Nail polish remover that contains acetone is typically effective for removing shellac. 

  1. Does removing shellac damage nails?

Yes, excessive or improper removal of shellac can potentially damage nails by causing dryness or thinning.

  1. Can baking soda remove shellac?

No,baking soda is not typically effective for removing shellac nail polish. Acetone-based removers are more commonly used for this purpose.