Quick answer
Hair masks split into two types that do opposite jobs. Using the wrong one makes hair worse, not better.
Want the authentic one? Every product on TheSkinProof is invoice-verified.
Shop verified hair masks →The short answer
In winter most hair needs a moisture mask, not a protein mask. Dry, rough, straw-like hair needs moisture; limp, overly stretchy hair that breaks easily needs protein. From our stock:
- Deep conditioning for dry, damaged hair: Fino Premium Touch Hair Mask, 230 ml, ৳1,789
- Quick smoothing for frizz and roughness: TRESemmé Keratin Smooth 3-Min Hair Mask, 300 ml, ৳1,349
Prices as of 27 September 2026; the product page always shows the current price. The wrong type of mask makes hair worse rather than better, so do the quick test below before you buy.
Two types, opposite jobs
1. Moisture masks
Glycerin, aloe, oils, shea butter, panthenol. They help hair hold water and smooth the outer layer. This is what you need when hair feels dry, rough, straw-like and tangles easily.
2. Protein masks
Hydrolysed keratin, amino acids, hydrolysed proteins. They temporarily fill damaged spots in the hair and make it stronger. This is for hair that feels limp, stretches like rubber and breaks easily, usually after rebonding, straightening, bleaching or repeated colouring.
Too much protein makes hair stiff and brittle. Too much moisture makes it mushy and flat. Most winter hair needs moisture first.
The quick test: which one you need
Take a single wet strand between two fingers and stretch it gently.
- It snaps straight away: the hair is dry and inflexible, so it needs moisture.
- It stretches a long way, does not spring back and stays limp: the inner structure is weak, so it needs protein.
- It stretches a little and springs back: the balance is fine, and regular conditioner is enough.
Masks, conditioners and leave-ins in stock (with prices)
| Product | Best for | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fino Premium Touch Hair Mask | Deep conditioning for dry, damaged hair | 230 ml | ৳1,789 |
| TRESemmé Keratin Smooth 3-Min Hair Mask | Frizz, roughness, quick smoothing | 300 ml | ৳1,349 |
| TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Keratinbond+ No.2 Conditioner | After every shampoo | 170 ml | ৳799 |
| Matrix Opti.care Shea Butter Conditioner | Dry or rebonded hair | 100 g | ৳799 |
| L’Oréal Elvive Frizz Killer Leave-In Serum | On the ends after washing, for frizz | 100 ml | ৳1,349 |
Two honest notes. The Fino mask is a rich, deep-conditioning type made for dry and damaged hair. The TRESemmé mask has "keratin" in its name, but its main job is softening and smoothing. If your hair genuinely needs protein, check the ingredient list for "hydrolyzed keratin" or "hydrolyzed protein" rather than going by the name. More options: hair masks · conditioners.
How to use a hair mask
- After shampooing, squeeze excess water out with your hands. A mask on dripping hair gets diluted.
- Apply from the mid-lengths to the ends, never on the scalp. On the scalp it can build up and increase flaking.
- Spread it evenly with a wide-tooth comb.
- Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes. For a 3-minute mask like the TRESemmé, follow the pack. Longer does not deepen the effect.
- Rinse thoroughly, finishing with slightly cooler water.
- How often: a moisture mask once or twice a week, a protein mask every two to four weeks. For most hair, once a week is enough.
A mask and a conditioner are not the same thing. Conditioner goes on for a few minutes after every shampoo; a mask is a deeper weekly treatment. On mask days you can skip the conditioner.
Common mistakes
- Leaving a mask on overnight. It adds nothing and leaves hair limp.
- Protein every week. Even rebonded hair breaks with too much protein.
- Rinsing with hot water. It feels good in winter but dries the hair out again.
- Expecting a mask to fix split ends. Split ends have to be trimmed; a mask helps prevent new ones. More here: how to deal with split ends.
What to do by hair type
- Rebonded or straightened hair: a moisture mask once a week, plus protein once a month if the stretch test shows rubbery, overly stretchy hair. Use heat tools less.
- Curly or wavy hair: this hair type is naturally drier. A moisture mask up to twice a week is fine; add a leave-in on the ends after washing.
- Fine hair with an oily scalp: a light mask on the lower half only, for 10 to 15 minutes. Heavy masks weigh it down.
- Short hair on men: usually no mask is needed; a little conditioner after each shampoo is enough.
On a small budget: skip the mask and leave your conditioner on for 10 minutes once a week; it works as a light mask. A little Ribana Organic Coconut Oil (200 ml, ৳450) on the ends an hour before shampooing also helps hair dry out less during washing.
Why hair gets rougher in a Bangladeshi winter
Dry air, hot bucket baths, drying hair in the sun, and hard water in many areas together turn hair straw-like in winter. Dust and wind on rickshaw and bike rides add tangles. So in winter a moisture mask once a week, conditioner every wash and a little leave-in on the ends before going out is plenty. The full routine for rough hair: caring for dry, rough hair. If hair fall rises in winter, read how to reduce winter hair fall.
When to see a doctor
A mask looks after the length of your hair; it does not treat the scalp or hair loss. If you notice sudden heavy shedding, round bald patches, or a painful, crusted scalp, see a dermatologist.
What to use, how to use it, where to buy it
Step by step, by time of day. Every product is invoice-verified.
- 1
Right after a bath
Hydrating shampoo
Before the mask, shampoo the scalp only; the lather running down the lengths is enough.
L'Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump 72H Hydrating Shampoo৳1,397Buy - 2
1–2 times a week
Moisture hair mask
For dry, rough, tangly hair, apply 1–2 times a week from mid-length to ends on wet hair, leave 5–10 minutes and rinse.
Fino Premium Touch Hair Mask৳1,789Buy - 3
1–2 times a week
Keratin smoothing mask
For hair weakened by colour, rebonding or straighteners, use once a week for 3 minutes. If hair turns stiff or brittle, pause and go back to the moisture mask.
TRESemmé Keratin Smooth 3-Min Smoothing Sleek + Shine Hair Mask৳1,349Buy - 4
During the day
Serum on the ends
Once hair is dry, use 1–2 drops on the ends; it reduces breakage from wool caps and shawls.
L'Oreal Elvive Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Leave In Serum৳1,349Buy
💡 Put masks on the lengths, not the scalp, and rinse with cool or lukewarm water.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my hair needs a protein or moisture mask?
Use the stretch test on a wet strand. Stretch it gently: if it snaps straight away, your hair needs moisture; if it stretches a long way and stays limp, it needs protein. Moisture masks use glycerin, aloe, oils and panthenol, while protein masks use keratin, amino acids and hydrolysed proteins. In winter, most hair needs moisture first.
Where should I apply a hair mask, and for how long?
Apply it to the mid-lengths and ends only, never the scalp, and leave it on for fifteen to twenty minutes. Keeping it on longer does not deepen the effect, so there is no benefit to doubling the time or leaving it on for hours. Rinse after the set time. Keeping it off the scalp matters as much as getting the timing right.
How often should I use a hair mask in winter?
Once a week is enough for most hair. As a rough guide, a moisture mask can be used once or twice a week, while a protein mask is better every two to four weeks, because too much protein makes hair brittle. If your hair feels dry, rough and straw-like in winter, start with a moisture mask and see how it responds before adding protein.
Can using the wrong hair mask make my hair worse?
Yes. The two types do opposite jobs, so the wrong one can make hair worse rather than better. Too much protein leaves hair brittle and prone to breaking, while too much moisture makes it mushy and flat. Match the mask to how your hair feels: dry and rough needs moisture, limp and overly stretchy needs protein. The wet-strand stretch test is the quickest way to decide.
Where can I buy an authentic hair mask in Bangladesh?
Buy from a seller who can show the import invoice and batch number for the hair mask. TheSkinProof is an invoice-verified skincare marketplace where hair masks are checked against that paperwork before being listed.
Which type of hair mask suits colored or heat-styled hair?
Colored or heat-styled hair usually benefits more from a protein mask, since that kind of damage affects the hair's internal structure. If hair also feels dry and brittle, alternating protein and moisture masks can work better than relying on just one.