When I was going through postpartum hair loss -the first time around (baby #1), one of my biggest struggles was keeping my hair tangle free.
I had a new baby, zero family for help, I wasn't washing my hair as often as I was used to ....and it was pulled back in a ponytail or up in a bun the majority of the time.
I quickly found that using a hair mask or deep conditioner 2-3 times weekly made a big difference in the strength and softness of my hair.
Let me clear up the difference between simply conditioning hair and adding a hair mask.
I was always one to condition my hair, and conditioning is good because it can add softness, smoothness, or curl definition etc depending on your need.
However, think of a hair mask as a supercharged conditioner that does that + works a little harder to restore and strengthen your hair.
While you shouldn't completely replace your conditioner with a hair mask (this may cause you to end up with over moisturized limp and lifeless strands), postpartum is one of those times that hair can be more brittle and dry and definitely require some extra TLC in the form of a mask.
These are my favorites starting with the one I cannot live without.
1. Philip Kingsley: Elasticizer Therapies Deep-Conditioning Treatment
I don't say this lightly but I looooove this product.This is a pre-shampoo conditioning treatment so you apply to wet hair before you shampoo and you leave it on for at least 20 minutes (for even deeper repair and hydration you can use this as an overnight hair mask).
I'll typically spray down my hair with a spray bottle, generously apply the treatment, and leave it on while I ride the workout bike or prep kids lunches etc in the morning.
I am telling you, when you wash this out: your hair feels silky, shiny, and manageable.
By the time I'm done blow drying my hair, its bouncy and just looks incredibly healthy.
I initially bought the 5 oz size and within a week had ordered their jumbo size with a pump. You will not regret coating your hair in this treatment.
Priced at $55
2. Kerastase Maskeratine Hair Mask
This is the mask to use when your hair just seems unruly and you want it smooth and shiny. If I'm going out or want to style my hair smooth this is my go to hair mask.
The maskeratine is great because it has a keratine complex that combats frizz and really delivers soft smooth hair. It's also going to provide humidity protection so its a great one to use in the summer.
Apply it to damp hair all the way to the scalp This will give you better root control and smoothness. Leave on for 5 minutes and you are good.
Priced at $68
3. Bondi Boost Rapid Repair Hair Mask
I love this mask because it repairs dry hair and also acts as a heat protectant. It seals the hairs cuticle and moisturizes with macadamia nut oil and smells like my grandpa's pomegranate trees. You can feel your hair being nourished.
Use this conditioner once a week, leaving on for 10 minutes and rinsing for 30 seconds.
It comes in at $29
4. KIEHLS OLIVE FRUIT OIL DEEPLY REPAIRATIVE HAIR PAK
Super moisturizing, repairative, and hydrating. I feel like I'm just nourishing my hair with delicious and good things. It smells good to me and my hair doesn't feel weighed down after using.
It leaves my hair silky and shiny and rivals those with higher price points without question.
The avocado oil restores moisture, while lemon extract adds shine, and the olive fruit oil protects, and nourishes.
To use: shampoo, squeeze out excess water and then apply the mask. Leave on for 3-5 minutes and rinse.
Priced at: $32
5. Shu Uemura Muroto Volume Lightweight Treatment for Fine Hair
If there's one thing your worried about postpartum, in addition to the shedding, is how thin your hair can look.
What I love about Muroto Volume is that it's so lightweight but still feels hydrating. It uses Japanese-sourced Depsea Water (sourced 200 meters beneath the seas of Japan) that conditions while providing long-lasting volume to fine hair.
Like all Shu products I love the smell , and I love how it makes my hair feel. Expect added volume to last until your next wash.
Apply the conditioner to your mid lengths and ends after shampooing , and wait 1-2 minutes before rinsing.
Priced at $72
How To Know If Your Hair Needs a Deep Conditioner or Hair Mask?
1. It feels dry or limp- Deep conditioning treatments are essentially used for combatting dryness and limp hair
2. You are Suffering from Hair Fall - keep in mind this can be from brushing, or just breakage, in addition to postpartum hair loss
3. You have split or damaged ends
4. Your hair looks lackluster and dull, even when you put in effort and style it.
Keep in mind the best practice when it comes to haircare is consistency of care. My hair looks its best when I'm taking my postpartum hair vitamins daily, using silk scrunchies, heat protection, and treating it to a hydrating hair mask 1-2 times a week.
