Blake Lively has finally shared the secret behind her signature messy, sleek hair, 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 and instead applies a hair mask.
Lively, 37, insisted on Fashion that she “doesn’t know anyone” who uses conditioner in the entertainment industry, and customers will see that reflected in her new Blake Brown product line, which doesn’t include any conditioner.
“People think of hair masks as more of a specialty product or a one-time treatment,” the former Gossip Girl star recently told the outlet.
“But I use it every time, like a conditioner,” she added.
Blake Lively, 37, recently revealed the secrets behind her signature messy, sleek hair look.
Lively said she doesn’t use conditioner and instead uses a hair mask on her strands.
The It Ends With Us actress recently launched her own hair care line, Blake Brown, which contains no conditioner, just a hair mask.
But while Lively claims that swapping conditioner for a hair mask is the key to long, thick hair, is it actually healthy for your hair?
According to several hairdressers, using a hair mask every day is not exactly the best practice.
‘Using a mask instead of a conditioner isn’t necessarily healthy for your hair,’ says Arizona hairstylist Melissa Gordon of Hainsworth & Company Salon told DailyMail.com.
The stylist explained things further by explaining that conditioner and hair masks are very similar products, with masks being the thicker, “strengthening” version of conditioner.
Still, just because hair masks have these benefits doesn’t mean they’ll translate into healthy strands.
“In fact, if the mask is restorative or protein-enriched, it runs the risk of overloading the hair with protein, leaving it brittle and at risk,” Gordon continued, noting that masks can be very “thick and heavy,” something that isn’t always ideal for different hair types.
“Using a quality conditioner as a staple in the shower is absolutely essential for healthy hair,” Gordon said.
Gina Rivera, hairdresser and founder of Phenix Lounge Suitesechoed Gordon’s sentiments to DailyMail.com, explaining that having too much moisture in your hair can actually make your locks drier.
FEMAIL consulted hairstylists Melissa Gordon (left) and Gina Rivera (right) to find out if using a hair mask instead of conditioner is healthy for your strands.
“Using a mask instead of conditioner isn’t necessarily healthy for your hair,” Gordon explained to DailyMail.com of Lively’s method.
Lively, spotted in 2008 in Brooklyn during her Gossip Girl days, has always been admired for her luscious blonde locks.
“Too much of any product can have adverse effects on your hair,” Rivera said. “Your hair can only absorb so much, which can turn into product waste.”
‘Daily conditioners are usually lighter and are ideal for finer hair that tangles easily.’
To find out what’s best for you and your hair, she suggested consulting with your stylist to come up with a conditioning regimen.
But while you might not want to swap a 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 beneficial” when used correctly.
They can reduce breakage of color-treated hair, make your hair look shinier due to a smoother cuticle, and even prevent some frizz, according to Courtney Gericssenior hair colorist in LRN Beauty In New York City.
The number of times per week or month you will want to apply a hair mask to your hair will depend on your hair type.
“For example, someone who has curly or thick hair has less moisture naturally than someone with fine hair, so they would definitely benefit from using a mask more frequently,” 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 having too much moisture in your hair can cause it to dry out (file image)
Lively, pictured above with her husband, Ryan Reynolds, told Vogue she “doesn’t know anyone” who uses conditioner in the entertainment industry.
Blake rose to fame starring in the hit show Gossip Girl from 2007 to 2012. She went on to star in films such as The Town (2010), Green Lantern (2011) and The Shallows (2016); seen in 2014
‘If you have fine curls, a mask used too frequently can make your hair feel heavy.’
At her salon, Gordon recommends her clients use a hair mask once or twice a month.
Once you find the right mask for your hair type, there are a few tips you can use to ensure your strands get all the benefits, too.
Gerics suggests combing through your hair with a wide-tooth comb while the product is still on, to evenly distribute the mask throughout each strand.
Expert Courtney Gerics also weighed in on the debate.
She likes to use the $46 No. 002 comb from viral brand Crown Affair, which can also help detangle curly hair.
When you’re ready to rinse it out, Gerics stressed that you should always use cold water to do so, as it will “close the cuticle,” making your hair look extremely shiny and reducing frizz in the process.
You can use the same comb to brush your freshly rinsed hair or use a damp brush.
Finally, before you start styling, it is important to apply a primer to your hair, especially if it is colored or keratin treated.
The senior hairstylist recommends AIIR’s $32 straightening cream.
“It helps retain the moisture of the mask and will protect your hair from any heat styling,” Gerics said.
So if you’re still tempted to try Blake Lively’s new hair care line, make sure you have a conditioner to match her shampoo and save the mask for a special occasion.