Hair Masks Vs. Hair Butter: Which is the Better Choice?

A typical hair care routine includes a natural hair oil, a clarifying shampoo, and a deep conditioner (or leave-in conditioner). But many forget to mention a secret weapon: a hair mask and hair butter. 

But what’s better: a hair mask or hair butter? According to experts, a hair mask is better than hair butter, as the former can be used for frizzy hair, hair dryness, dandruff, damaged hair, hair fall, and more. (1)

According to researchers, butter showed poor combing (2) and increased combing force. Butter in its raw form does not spread evenly on hair as it is not as fluid as oils. 

Continue reading to learn more about the differences between hair masks and hair butter. 

Hair Mask or Hair Butter: What’s Better?

The hair mask is a better option than hair butter. 

Hair Masks	Hair Butter
Hair masks are created with nourishing ingredients such as butter and oils. (1)	Hair butter is an oil-based formulation beneficial for the hair and scalp.
Hair masks have a rich, thick texture with reparative extracts, butter, and enriched natural oils. (1)	Hair butter has a greasy texture with butter and its typical extract, and natural oils. Hair butter is greasier than hair masks.
Hair masks are applied after shampooing. It is left on the hair for 10-15 minutes. (1)	Hair butter can be used as a mask before shampooing but can also be left on as a leave-in conditioner.
Hair masks have long-lasting effects as they penetrate the hair shaft.	Hair butter has short-term effects as it only creates a film on your hair shaft.

Both hair masks and hair butter are hair treatments that moisturize and nourish your hair. They differ in usage, texture, and ingredients. 

Researchers say hair masks solve frizziness, premature graying, breakage, and dandruff issues. Hair masks are more popular among people due to their multiple perks.

However, the different varieties of hair masks available can create confusion when choosing what to use based on your hair profile and their fewer side effects. (1)

Applying hair butter on your hair ends keeps it nourished and moisturized. However, it causes buildup when used near the scalp, and when you stop using it, you may experience a flaky and dry scalp. 

Therefore, in general, a hair mask is better than hair butter. Yet, both products improve hair appearance and health. So, choose what suits your hair needs and type. 

The Difference Between Hair Masks and Hair Butter

The following are the differences between hair masks and hair butter. 

1. Hair type suitability

Hair masks suit frizzy, damaged, dry, extremely thin, or long hair needing intensive care and nourishment. (1) However, if used too much or too often, hair masks can weigh down hair, especially oily and fine hair. 

Hair butter suits damaged, dry, or dull hair and it gives a natural hold and shine. However, it can make oily hair greasy. 

2. Consistency

Hair masks have a thick consistency and usually contain nourishing ingredients and oils. They are more like a paste. (1)

Hair butter has a light consistency, the texture of an actual butter, and contains more polymers and water. It is more like a gel or lotion. 

Note: Butter is unique, and its beneficial properties, consistency, scent, and color depend on its refined or unrefined nature based on its supplier.

3. Effect

Hair masks have long-lasting effects as they reach deeper into the hair structure and enhance hair quality with time. (1)

Hair butter has temporary effects; it just coats the hair surface, improving its appearance for a short duration.

4. Scalp health

Hair masks hydrate the scalp, preventing water loss and moisturizing hair. They lead to a dandruff-free scalp and hair, eliminating itchiness. A hair mask improves scalp health. (1)

Many hair butters have antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, reducing dandruff, irritation, and inflammation and improving the scalp’s overall health. 

5. Application

Apply a hair mask after shampooing and before conditioning, once or twice weekly, based on your hair condition. (1) It is applied to damp or dry hair and left on the hair for a few minutes. 

Hair butter is applied after shampooing and washed off after 10-20 minutes. 

6. Frequency

Use a hair mask twice or thrice weekly for significantly damaged and dry hair for its hydrating benefits.

For those with greasy hair, the recommended frequency is once a week. For straight hair, the frequency must not exceed twice weekly.

You can use hair butter twice weekly for best results. 

What Is a Hair Mask and How to Use It?

A hair mask is a nourishing, deep-conditioning treatment that adds moisture to the hair, repairs hair damage, and improves overall hair appearance and health. Multiple ingredients are used to make hair masks, such as vitamins, proteins, and natural oils. (1)

You can efficiently include hair masks in your hair care routine. They usually replace your conditioner.

How to use:

1. Shampoo your hair, rinse it well, and wring out the excess water.
2. Apply a hair mask.
3. Leave it on for at least 5 minutes. (Meanwhile, you can brush your teeth, wash your face, scrub your body, or shave your legs.)
4. Rinse it off.
5. Towel-dry your hair and style as usual. 

What Is Hair Butter and How to Use It?

Hair butter is a blend of plant-derived fats and unprocessed natural oils that moisturize your hair.

The most commonly used plant-derived fats/oils are shea, kokum, mango, tucuma, cocoa, murumuru, and shorea or sal butter. They are mixed with natural oils such as castor, coconut, almond, avocado, and hemp seed oil.

You can use hair butter as a leave-in conditioner or as a preconditioner.

How to use:

As a leave-in conditioner

1. Take a pea-sized amount of hair butter in your palms. 
2. Apply it to your damp or dry hair from mid-lengths to the ends.
3. Do not rinse.
4. Style your hair accordingly. 

As a preconditioner

1. Apply butter to your damp or dry hair, focusing more on your ends. 
2. Let it sit for at least an hour. 
3. Rinse it off using a mild, natural shampoo. 

General Queries 

Final Word

Both hair masks and hair butter can treat your hair, providing nourishment and moisturization. However, they differ in usage, texture, and ingredients. 

Hair masks contain butter and oil, whereas hair butter is greasier. Hair masks have rich and thick textures, while butter contains solid oils.

Hair masks are applied once or twice a week for a deep-conditioning treatment, whereas hair butter is used as a leave-in conditioner, hair mask, or preshampoo mask based on your hair needs. 

Both hair masks and hair butter can benefit your hair, given that you choose the one that suits your hair type and goals. However, generally, a hair mask is better than hair butter. 

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