The root of self-care is reflection and deep thinking. It may sound like an impossible task, but by pairing reflection with a simple ritual, like hair masking, we can focus on mental and physical regrowth, a cosmic one-two punch with a glorious bonus of shiny locks. Hair masking is beneficial for stimulating growth, strength, shine, protection, and the overall health of our hair—all elements that we can tap into to feel centered and closer to our divine selves. Sound hokey? It’s not.
To begin, carve out 20 minutes one evening and set your phone to airplane mode. Burn sage, palo santo, or light a candle to set the stage for your self-care ritual. After a few resetting deep breaths, set an intention for how you want to feel and keep that intention in the present tense as if you are already feeling it. For example; I am strong.
Next, apply hair mask from tips upwards while visualizing your intention as you repair and restore. Remember, beauty from within. You can meditate for the next twenty minutes, journal, or create a mood board of how you want to feel. Whatever you do, do it for yourself, and maintain focus. Once the mask has worked its magic, wash away along with any emotional roadblocks holding you back. Right down the drain they go. Repeat this process once a week for mystical hair. Magical, indeed.
A restorative healer, this mask was created by our favorite hair guru Jen Atkin. For those with damage, this mask was designed to repair the hair cuticle and to increase resistance to future damage. The high tech ingredient list promotes hydration like hyaluronic acid does for your skin, smoothes hair with smart keratin, strengthens with amino acids and protects hair color. If you’ve tried anything Ouai, you’ll know that it will smell godly. Notes of rose, bergamot, lychee, cedarwood, and white musk reconfirm that self-care is always a good idea.
Suggested use: Apply hair mask with a comb before a long meditative walk – the heat from exercise will help penetrate.
Kérastase Masque Elixir Ultime
Kérastase is an old pro in hair masking. This mask is oil-infused for use on dry hair that works well with all hair types. Use mid-shaft to tips and avoid the roots. This pearly incandescent elixir revitalizes and replenishes the natural strength of the hair, but the fragrance can be overpowering for some. For best results, use only a quarter-sized amount and massage into the hair. The oil blend helps smooth the hair fiber, promising shine, shine, and more shine.
Suggested use: Brew up a reishi elixir and create a vision board for your future.
PRENUP Instant Spray Hair Mask, IGK
Healer in a hurry? The PRENUP Instant Spray Hair Mask gets down to business in under a minute. You can leave this on for 2-3 minutes for a deeper condition, but it is designed to be a quick multi-tasker to repair, replenish moisture, and strengthen while adding shine. The spray comes out like a buttery coconut consistency, providing more of an oil coverage than expected with a spray. It smells like a high-class salon.
Suggested use: Apply with spray after shampooing. Chill out in a bath and gently massage the mask into the hair, working from the roots to the ends, rinse.
Palm Springs Pre-Shampoo, R+Co
Unlike a traditional mask, this is a pre-shampoo meant to be applied directly to dry hair. The foam feels sensuous and smells like a poolside cocktail in Palm Springs due to shea butter, argan oil, coconut oil, and extracts like nettle leaf and rose hip. The goal with this mask is to recharge, so it’s perfect for dull or damaged hair. Anyone who is a fan of heat will enjoy the Palm Springs Pre-Shampoo.
Suggested use: Apply on dry hair, comb through, and throw up into a bun. Meditate and recharge your brain for 15-20 minutes, shower as normal with shampoo and conditioner.
Put down the spellbook, this mask will bring your hair back to the living. This pre-shampoo is a balm that emulsifies into an oil. Warm up between hands to get the juices going and apply to dry hair. You’ll want to avoid the roots and work this mid-shaft to end – so about ear-length down. A light oil application will melt into hair, intensely hydrating while restoring strength and protecting against… you know, life.
Suggested use: Apply on dry hair and make a list of all of the things you love about yourself. This mask is all about resurrecting, and we want those beautiful things that make you, you, front and center. Shampoo and condition.
Christophe Robin Shade Variation Mask
Put your shade to good use with a shade mask. This next-level mask from genius Christophe Robin is pigmented and is meant to restore color. Use once a week to gently refresh tones and dullness while nourishing and reviving. First timers will want to limit the first mask to 5 minutes to test how the pigment interacts.
Suggested use: Use a deep clarifying shampoo, towel dry, and apply the Shade Variation Mask from root to tip. Massage into hair for five minutes, wash hands and repeat your mantra 10 times while looking at yourself in the mirror with your left eye only. Rinse thoroughly.
