User blog comment:SaxyAndIKnowIt/Ichigo Hollow Powers?/@comment-957629-20130206220136

That is entirely speculation!!

Ichigo has always had fluctuating Reiatsu, when he is pushed to his limit that is when he has always become more powerful!! The first time Ichigo loses control is against Byakuya, before that he has always had control of his own body just not of his Reiatsu, which is what happened against Renji!!

The first time he had a mask was when, because he couldn't control his powers, he gained a mask and Shinigami powers at the same time!!