Blake Lively has finally revealed the secret behind her signature messy, chic hairstyle—and it involves skipping a common step in her shower routine.
After the star of the controversial new film It Ends With Us launched her own hair care line earlier this month, she revealed that she doesn’t use conditioner, but instead uses a hair mask.
Lively, 37, insisted Fashion that she “doesn’t know anyone” who uses conditioner in the entertainment industry, and customers will see that reflected in her new line of Blake Brown products, which are completely conditioner-free.
“People think of hair masks more as a specialty product or a one-time treatment,” the former Gossip Girl star recently told the outlet.
“But I use it every time, just like I use conditioner,” she added.
Blake Lively, 37, recently revealed the secrets behind her signature tousled, chic hairstyle
Lively said she doesn’t use conditioner, but instead uses a hair mask on her locks
The It Ends With Us actress recently launched her own hair care line, Blake Brown, which doesn’t include conditioner, but only a hair mask
Lively claims that replacing conditioner with a hair mask is the ultimate solution for long, full locks. But is it really healthy for your hair?
According to several hair stylists, it is not a good idea to use a hair mask every day.
‘Using a mask instead of conditioner isn’t necessarily healthy for your hair,’ says Arizona hairstylist Melissa Gordon from Hainsworth & Company Salon to DailyMail.com.
The stylist went on to explain that conditioner and hair masks are very similar products, with masks being the thicker, more “strengthening” version of conditioner.
But just because hair masks offer these benefits doesn’t mean they also ensure healthy hair.
“If the mask is restorative or protein-enriched, there’s a chance that your hair will be overloaded with protein, which will make it brittle and fragile,” Gordon continues, noting that masks can be very “thick and heavy,” which isn’t always ideal for different hair types.
“It is absolutely essential for the health of your hair to use a good conditioner regularly in the shower,” says Gordon.
Gina Rivera, hairstylist and founder of Phenix Salon SuitesGordon echoed his sentiments to DailyMail.com, explaining that too much moisture in your hair can actually make it drier.
FEMAIL consulted hairstylists Melissa Gordon (left) and Gina Rivera (right) to find out whether using a hair mask instead of conditioner is healthy for your locks
“Using a mask instead of conditioner isn’t necessarily healthy for your hair,” Gordon explained to DailyMail.com of Lively’s method
Lively, seen in Brooklyn in 2008 during her Gossip Girl days, has always been loved for her luscious blonde locks
“Too much of anything can have a negative effect on your hair,” Rivera said. “Your hair can only absorb so much, which can result in product waste.
‘Daily conditioners tend to be lighter and are ideal for finer hair that is prone to tangling.’
To find out what works best for you and your hair, she recommended consulting with your hairdresser about a care regimen.
But while you may not want to swap your hair mask for your regular conditioner every day, that doesn’t mean they can’t be a good tool to have every now and then. Gordon said they can be “extremely helpful” when used correctly.
They can reduce breakage in color-treated hair, make your hair shinier through a smoother cuticle and even prevent some frizz, according to Courtney Gericssenior hair color specialist at LRN Beauty in New York.
How often per week or month you want to apply a hair mask to your locks depends on your hair type.
“For example, someone with curly or coarse hair naturally has less moisture than someone with fine hair, so it would definitely be beneficial for that person to use a mask more often,” Gerics told DailyMail.com.
“If you have fine hair and use a mask regularly, your hair can become greasy and oily,” she suggested.
Rivera said that too much moisture in your hair can actually make it drier (stock image)
Lively, above with her husband Ryan Reynolds, told Vogue that she “doesn’t know anyone” who uses conditioner in the entertainment industry
Blake rose to fame through her role in the hit series Gossip Girl from 2007 to 2012. She subsequently starred in films such as The Town (2010), Green Lantern (2011) and The Shallows (2016); seen in 2014
“If you have fine curls, using a mask too often can weigh your hair down.”
Gordon advises her clients to use a hair mask in her salon once or twice a month.
Once you’ve found the right mask for your hair type, there are a few tips you can follow to ensure your locks get the most benefit too.
Gerics recommends combing your hair with a wide-toothed comb while the product is still in your hair so that the mask is evenly distributed throughout each strand of hair.
Expert Courtney Gerics also spoke out about the debate
She likes to use the $46 Comb No. 002 from the popular brand Crown Affair, which can also help detangle curly hair.
When you want to rinse it out, Gerics says you should always do so with cold water, as it closes the ‘cuticle’, making your hair look extremely shiny and less frizzy.
You can use the same comb to brush your freshly rinsed hair, or use a wet brush.
Finally, it is important to apply a primer to your hair before you start styling, especially if it is colored or keratin treated.
The senior hairstylist recommends the Smoothing Cream from the brand AIIR for $32.
“It helps lock in moisture from the mask and protects your hair from heat styling,” says Gerics.
So if you’re still on the fence about buying Blake Lively’s new hair care line, make sure you have a conditioner on hand to use with your shampoo. And save the hair mask for a special occasion.
