Types of hair care products

Conditioner

Conditioner, also known as hair rinse, has a texture similar to skin lotion. It is often sold together with shampoo, and most people are accustomed to using it after washing their hair. Its primary function is to smooth the hair cuticle, making the hair easier to manage and detangle. However, if you have severely damaged hair, using only conditioner will not be very effective for hair care. This is because conditioner is not a treatment—it does not provide nutrients to the cuticle but simply coats the surface of the hair.

Conditioner can be used daily and is typically a rinse-off product. The recommended method is to apply it to the hair from below the ears and then rinse it out. It’s advisable not to apply conditioner to the scalp, and if you accidentally do, make sure to rinse it thoroughly. Conditioner is suitable for normal hair types for daily care, but for damaged hair, it should be used in combination with a hair treatment or hair mask.

Hair treatment

Hair treatments have smaller molecules than regular conditioners, allowing them to penetrate the hair quickly. They are commonly used to repair damaged hair by providing moisture, smoothness, and nourishment. Like hair masks, hair treatments contain essential proteins that the hair needs. They are suitable for mildly damaged hair, such as frizz or split ends.

Hair treatments are used as part of daily care after shampooing and are ideal for mildly damaged hair. Apply the treatment evenly to the hair from below the ears, leave it on for about 3 to 5 minutes, and then rinse. It’s recommended to avoid applying the treatment to the scalp, and if it touches the scalp, be sure to rinse thoroughly.

Hair mask

Hair masks offer an even higher level of care compared to hair treatments. Not only do they provide essential nutrients to the hair, but they also create a protective layer on the hair surface after replenishing those nutrients. This layer locks in moisture, nutrients, and even hair dye pigments. The ingredients are similar to those in hair treatments, usually rich in proteins, amino acids, and vitamins—perfect for deep hydration and nourishment. Hair masks are particularly beneficial for hair that has been severely damaged by bleaching, dyeing, or perming.

There are two types: leave-in and rinse-out. Hair masks can be used for daily care or at-home deep repair. For daily care, apply to the hair and rinse it out. For deep repair, leave the mask on for about 10 minutes before rinsing. A deep treatment once a week is sufficient for damaged hair.

Hair oil

Hair oil can be applied both before and after blow-drying, as well as before and after using heat styling tools like curling irons or flat irons. Hair oil provides heat protection, shielding the hair from damage caused by styling tools. Additionally, due to its leave-in nature, it’s convenient for smoothing frizz and enhancing shine after each styling session, improving the overall look and feel of the hairstyle.

Hair oil is suitable for all hair types, but it's important to note that some oils are heavier and may make oily scalps appear even greasier and cause the hair to look flat. The application is simple: pour an appropriate amount of oil into your hands, rub it between your palms, and start applying it to the ends of your hair. Use the remaining oil to gently smooth any frizz on the top of your head.

Color-protecting hair mask

This hair care product is specifically designed for those with bleached or dyed hair. Bleaching damages the cuticle and leaves the hair shaft hollow, which accelerates the loss of both color pigments and nutrients. Color-protecting hair masks were created to replenish lost pigments and extend the life of your hair color. These masks come in a variety of shades, so you don’t need to worry about color matching. Additionally, they contain moisturizing ingredients that enhance hydration and nourishment after use.

A must-have for bleached hair care >> Click here for more on color-protecting hair masks.

Miyake's Magic Hair Lab: Color-protecting hair mask

This product can be used on both dry and wet hair. Simply apply it evenly to the areas where you want to enhance color, leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes, and then rinse. While color-protecting hair masks do contain moisturizing ingredients, since bleached hair is often severely damaged, it's still necessary to follow up with a regular hair mask after using the color-protecting mask. This ensures a more complete and effective hair care routine.

Do you need to purchase every type of hair care product?

Hair oil is an essential hair care product for everyone, as its function differs significantly from the other three products. It smooths frizz and adds shine after blow-drying, and for those with curly or self-dyed hair, it helps tame frizz, keeping the hair in place. The correct care routine includes three steps: washing, conditioning, and nourishing, but you only need to choose one between hair treatments and conditioners. For general healthy hair, use conditioner daily and apply a treatment or hair mask once a week. If you prefer a simpler hair care routine, you can replace conditioner with a hair treatment or mask based on your hair’s condition and needs. Color-protecting hair masks are specifically for those with bleached or dyed hair.

Recommended hair care products

If you've ever struggled with hair products being too greasy or difficult to absorb, or if you're worried about which products to use for damaged hair, MCG recommends MEM Empower Hair Mask or Magic Jungle Hair Mask paired with MEM Empower Hair Oil or Cinderella Shining Hair Oil. All three are developed by professional hair designers who understand the needs of damaged hair. The MEM Empower Hair Mask strengthens hair strands and is perfect for those with severely damaged hair. The Magic Jungle Hair Mask can be used for daily care after shampooing and can double as a deep treatment if used in larger amounts. Apply MEM Empower Hair Oil or Cinderella Shining Hair Oil before and after blow-drying to protect your hair from heat damage, smooth frizz, and enhance shine. Both oils are lightweight and non-greasy, so you don't have to worry about over-application causing your style to flatten.