When should you use a hair mask instead of conditioner on dry, coarse, or damaged hair?

An image of hair mask vs conditioner with a woman applying a hair mask on a beige background.

If you're staring at your shower caddy and wondering which to apply between hair mask vs conditioner, then stick around to hear the expert ruling.

The best hair masks and conditioners seem, on the surface, to have very similar benefits, but after speaking to the experts, it's clear to see that both have a particular time and place in your routine. You might be thinking that your best conditioner for curly hair or best conditioner for fine hair is doing the same job as your hair mask, but it's not strictly true.