How to Use Tsubaki Hair Mask According to Tsubaki Japan

If you’re like many girls, like me, and tired of waking up to frizzy, unruly hair that takes forever to style, the Tsubaki Premium EX Repair Mask might just be your new best friend. 

We’ve watched many videos and read blog posts on how to use this mask, and honestly, it’s a bit different from what’s written in Tsubaki Japan’s instructions. 

To be fair, there’s no right or wrong way to do it; you do you, girl! But this is what Tsubaki says works best for getting smooth, shiny, manageable hair even in busy mornings. 

What is Tsubaki Hair Mask

The Tsubaki Premium EX Repair Hair Mask is packed with all the good stuff your hair needs to bounce back after all the coloring, perming, and heat styling. The holy grail ingredients of the Tsubaki mask are camellia flower seed oil, royal jelly extract, and soy protein. 

Camellia seed oil is a timeless beauty secret from Japan that’s been used for centuries to keep Japanese women’s hair soft, shiny, and healthy. This oil works wonders by sinking deep into the hair shaft, repairing damage from the inside out. The smell is also notable. It has a delicate, feminine, floral fragrance that leaves your hair smelling wonderful all throughout the day. 

Combined with royal jelly extract and soy protein, the mask not only nourishes hair strands but also strengthens your hair, making it more resistant to breakage and frizz. 

Fun fact: royal jelly extract is literally a royal ingredient! Produced by worker bees for the queen bee, it’s packed with vitamins, proteins, and amino acids. Don’t worry, no bees are harmed in the process. Bees are naturally industrious, producing plenty of royal jelly in their daily work. 

Soy protein adds even more power, packed with amino acids like arginine that stimulate hair follicles and strengthen the hair shaft. This helps promote healthy growth and makes your hair more resilient. Yes, resilience—we all need that!

How It Works 

Here’s how it actually works to transform your hair from the inside out:

Repairs strands from within using ionic repair ingredients

Let’s have a quick lesson on ionic bonds! On a microscopic level, your hair is made up of countless protein chains, and hair bonds link these chains together, forming the core structure of the hair fiber. 

The ionic repair ingredients in the Tsubaki mask help to restore these bonds, reinforcing each strand from the inside out and repairing the damaged hair tips.

Seals and protects the hair from external stressors like humidity and dryness

Frizz and dryness in damaged hair often result from exposure to fluctuating humidity levels, which can weaken the hair’s structure. The Tsubaki mask creates a shield that locks in moisture and even blocks those stressors.

Coats the hair with camellia oil to create a smooth, glossy finish

Finally, the mask envelops your hair in camellia oil. This oil, as mentioned earlier, not only adds a beautiful natural shine but also strengthens the hair cuticle, leaving your hair soft, smooth, and silky.

How to Use the Tsubaki Hair Mask: Step-by-Step

Here’s how to use the Tsubaki hair mask, according to the instructions written in Japanese on Tsubaki’s website. You’re welcome! 

Step 1: Shampoo Your Hair

Wet your hair thoroughly, then apply a small amount of shampoo, focusing on your scalp. I just used a regular shampoo I got from the conbini to ensure a clean base, so I can see if the Tsubaki hair mask will be more effective afterward. 

Step 2: Rinse Your Hair

Thoroughly wash your hair and gently squeeze out the excess water. A common mistake at this step is not squeezing enough water out, which can prevent the hair mask from fully absorbing. 

Step 3: Apply the Tsubaki Hair Mask

Take 1-2 grape-sized amounts of the Tsubaki Premium EX Repair Mask for semi-long hair and evenly distribute it from the mid-length to the ends of your hair.

Avoid applying it to the roots if you have fine or oily hair.

Step 4: Rinse Immediately

Yes, no need to wait!

Shiseido said that you can rinse the mask immediately after application, and it will still be just as effective. Plus, it continues to have a repairing effect even after washing.

However, if you like (and have trust issues just kidding), you can leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing.

Step 5: Dry Your Hair

Once rinsed, move on to drying your hair. Gently towel-dry by patting your hair, avoiding harsh rubbing, and either air-dry or use a blow dryer on a low heat setting.

That’s it! 

In Japan, people typically shower in the evening and then style their hair in the morning. Personally, this has been a godsend hair product for me because it makes it so much easier to just wake up, brush my hair, curl a little bit, and go about my day. 

In other countries, many people take a shower in the morning, and the great thing about this mask is that it fits perfectly into any routine. With no waiting time needed, you can simply apply the mask, rinse immediately, and still have a good hair day!

Before and After Using Tsubaki Premium Repair Mask

As you can see on the left photo, my unwashed hair has clearly been through a lot. It’s been bleached twice, colored silver, pink, purple, and now brown. Even with all the damage from bleaching and coloring, I can say that this mask can help revive your hair.

After using the Tsubaki mask, the difference is noticeable. My hair feels thicker, much smoother, shinier, and more moisturized. The frizz is almost completely gone, and it has a glossy, healthy look overall.

How Often Should You Use the Tsubaki Hair Mask 

Tsubaki highlights that the mask has relatively potent effects, so they recommend using it 1-2 times a week as a special treatment. However, you can use it daily depending on your hair’s condition. 

Personally, I use it 2-3 times a week because, as mentioned earlier, my hair has been bleached and colored a couple of times. On top of that, I use a curling iron and hair spray every morning, so I feel like my hair needs extra care. 

Girl advice: just trust your gut instinct. 

Extra Tips to Avoid Frizzy Hair

Here are some additional tips to keep your hair healthy:

• Use a Satin Pillowcase: Sleeping on a satin pillowcase reduces friction, which helps prevent frizz and breakage overnight.
• Avoid Rubbing Your Hair with a Towel: Instead of rubbing your hair dry, gently squeeze out excess water with a microfiber towel.
• Limit Heat Styling or Use Heat Protectant Spray: I’m guilty of this, but try to minimize the use of heat tools like curling irons and straighteners. When you do style with heat, always apply a heat protectant spray to shield your hair from damage.
• Apply Leave-In Conditioner or Hair Oil: After washing, apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner or a small amount of hair oil to lock in moisture.
• Use the Tsubaki Hair Mask Shampoo & Conditioner: For best results, use the mask alongside Tsubaki’s Premium EX Shampoo to prep your hair and Tsubaki’s Premium EX Conditioner on days you’re not using the hair mask.

Alternatively, if you’re interested in exploring more about Japanese haircare routines, check out our guide on how to use the Fino Hair Mask for an in-depth look at another popular option.

Verdict: Shiseido Tsubaki Premium Repair Hair Mask Deserves the Hype

Tsubaki premium hair mask is packed with nourishing ingredients like camellia seed oil, royal jelly extract, and soy protein, all working together to repair and strengthen your hair from the inside out. 

It's also easy to use, just apply after shampooing and rinse immediately with no waiting required, as it gives you the same great results whether you rinse immediately or leave it on.

Whether you shower in the morning or evening, it fits effortlessly into your routine, giving you salon-like hair straight out of the bathroom! Plus, it’s relatively affordable, making it a great choice for anyone looking for an effective yet budget-friendly hair treatment.

Have you tried using this hair mask yet? If so, please let us know your thoughts in the comments. We’d love to hear from you!