The various hair cleansing products available on the market can make a big difference to the shape, volume and health of your hair!

It isn’t just a question of marketing: choosing the right shampoo, conditioner and mask can produce very different results, which vary according to the type of curly hair and the needs and expectations we have when washing our hair.

We have been Italy’s leading experts in curly, wavy and afro hair for over twenty years and we know just how much cosmetic products can help leave your locks voluminous, elastic and full of body!

Our knowhow has also enabled us to develop a specific line of treatment products to enhance every type of curl.

These products are distinctive for their actions and for the hair texture they are designed for, and are the same ones used by our Curly Hair Experts in the I Love Riccio Salons.

In this post we are going to tell you about a treatment that will keep your curls wonderfully hydrated: the hair mask.

Keep reading this post to discover:

  • what a hair mask is;
  • when to use it;
  • which one to choose.
I Love Riccio Balby Cream® Super Moisturising Mask

Highly moisturizing and nourishing mask indicated for curls with coarse texture.

40,00
I Love Riccio Curl Switch® Nourishing Mask

A nourishing and moisturising mask ideal for curls with medium to coarse texture.

25,00
I Love Riccio Delight Milk® Protein Hydrating Mask

Protein and nourishing mask specifically for curls with medium to fine texture.

25,00
What is a hair mask?

Hair masks are products specifically designed to improve the combability of your hair, detangle knots and, in general, provide your hair with added protection.

This primary function is particularly useful for curly hair which naturally gets very knotty and, because it can’t be combed when dry, is more likely to get damaged.

Hair masks are highly moisturizing treatments designed to prevent the frizz effect and keep the hair nourished and full of body.

They come in the form of a thick, enveloping cream and are left to act on washed and patted-dry hair for between a couple of minutes and half an hour.

Once rinsed off, they will make it easier to manage and control your hair when drying and styling.

Masks are also designed to provide protection from the heat of the hair dryer and stylers, as well as the air bound pollutants to which our hair is constantly subjected.

When should it be used?

This depends on how you want to use it.

If your hair is particularly damaged, or when you want to carry out an extra cycle of hydration and protection, you can use it as a special treatment to carry out every time you wash your hair.

In this case, it should be applied after conditioner.

If you want to use it as a periodical treatment, carried out once every 7-10 days, you can use it in place of conditioner and leave in for longer to give your hair extra hydration.

In the case of very dry and dehydrated hair, which tends to knot and break more easily, it can also be used in place of conditioner every time you wash your hair as an intensive nourishing treatment to repair deeper down and eliminate the straw effect typical of dry hair.

In any case, it is good practice to distribute it generously over the lengths and wrap your hair in a microfibre towel for the duration of the leave-in time in order to make the most of its conditioning active ingredients.

Which one to choose?

Hair masks can be chosen on the basis of their specific properties and the restorative ingredients in their formulas.

We are no longer talking about a product simply designed to remove the knots from our hair: as well as detangling, we expect masks to improve the overall healthiness of our locks.

Thanks to hair masks, we can expect to have softer hair that is more manageable and easier to style between washes, but also more resistant and elastic.

When it comes to curly hair, it is essential to choose a mask that does not compromise the natural movement of the hair.

It is important to choose a specific formula for this type of hair, rich but light at the same time.

Thanks to our experience, we have been able to create masks designed to enhance all types of curly hair, focusing specifically on avoiding weighing it down and eliminating its volume and on maintaining its natural definition and elasticity.

We recommend two of the I Love Riccio hair masks in particular:

  • la Balby Cream, a mask designed for very thick or voluminous hair.A concentration of incredible natural ingredients, such as coconut oil, maize, horse chestnut and dog rose, which make it an elixir of beauty and deep hydration for your hair.
    The particular feature of this product is that its conditioning action can be adjusted to the level of hydration of your hair.
    Leave in for 5 to 15 minutes and evaluate how long to rinse under running water on the basis of the results you want to achieve.
  • Il Curl Switch, meanwhile, is the most used mask in I Love Riccio Salons!A rich and nourishing mask that looks after your curly hair, hydrating and leaving it looking soft and shiny.
    Like Balby Cream, this treatment can be adjusted depending on the initial condition of your curls.
    A mask that doesn’t weigh down the hair, making it much easier to manage during drying and styling.

The hair mask will become your curly hair’s best friend!
Choose the formula that best fits your needs and keep your curly or wavy hair looking its best with the tips and suggestions of Italy’s leading Curly Hair Experts!

Carlotta Stacchini

Hi! My name is Carlotta Stacchini and for over 10 years I have been working with words to turn my beauty experience into useful tips for those who read my articles!
I am a professional beauty blogger and I am also very curly, so my work focuses a lot on hair care!
I love to bring all my experience together to create guides that can help women experience an enjoyable and satisfying daily beauty routine.
I firmly believe that personal care and cosmetics can change, one day at a time, every woman’s perception of herself.
Because feeling cared for has incredible positive power over one’s self-esteem!

Read more articles by Carlotta Stacchini