The Great Mask Off: PHYTO Phytojoba Intense Hydrating Brilliance Mask

I am in the quest for the perfect hair mask...and after trying three I have come close, but no cigar.  This Phyto mask was probably my least favourite.  While it comes in a pretty gold package, it smells and feels like Elmer's glue.  In the name of (hair) science I put it in my hair and didn't notice much.

I was hoping it would make my hair healthier and shinier, but I found it left my hair with a bit of a matted texture.  I will admit that the next day my hair seemed marginally better, but not good enough to merit using it again.  I will be returning this mask to Sephora.

"A staple at top salons, this aromatic formula is enriched with jojoba oil and guar gum to instantly moisturize, soften, and detangle without weighing hair down. A unique concentration of angelica root extract (75%) and sweet orange essential oil give hair manageability, shine, and a look of vitality and elasticity."

It looks like mashed banana cream and smells and has the consistency of school glue.  Gross.

After shampooing my hair as usual I worked this mask through my hair and left it alone for 5 minutes while I sat at the bottom of the shower and shaved my legs.  I followed the following instructions to a T:

Suggested Usage:

-On wet hair, distribute product with a wide-toothed comb, from roots to ends.

-Leave on for two to five minutes, depending on hair's thickness.

-Rinse thoroughly.

I usually am a huge fan of Phyto products so I will give their other mask a shot.  I wanted to love this product so badly, and had such high hopes but at the end of the day it just isn't right for me. I am really disappointed by this.  I think that next time I will try Moroccan Oil brand mask, and pure coconut oil.

If you are interested in purchasing this mask you can do so here:  PHYTO Phytojoba Intense Hydrating Brilliance Mask

Do you have any suggestions for quality hair masks for long hair girls?

The Great Mask Off: LUSH Jasmine & Henna Fluff Eaze

After a long day at work I come home, put on some warm fuzzy PJ pants and a t-shirt and applied this mask to my hair.  I took a seat on my bed ready to do some homework when S says "Let's go out for dinner, my treat.".  Literally I just put a huge amount of smelly hair mask in my hair, and he decided to ask me out for dinner.  Did I mention I had just used my oil cleanser to take off all my make-up? Men. Haha-- if only he had asked literally 20 minutes earlier.  I ended up waiting the required 20 to 30 minutes,  hopping in the shower, washing out the mask, drying off, doing my makeup again, putting clothing on again and going out.  

LUSH Jasmine and Henna Fluff Eaze

"If your hair is a little fluffy, frizzy, dry, or out-of-control, Jasmine and Henna Fluff Eaze is made for you. Our specialty hair treatment, it's packed with copious amounts of moisturizing and nutrient-filled oils including organic jojoba, almond, Brazil nut and extra virgin coconut oil. It works brilliantly on curly hair as well, as all of the oils help define the curls and add loads of shine. And if that doesn’t stop passerby’s from stopping in their tracks, the jasmine fragrance will stick with you for days after using it, so you'll have irresistibly soft, shiny and sexy smelling locks."

"Apply generously to dry hair, leave on for 20 to 30 minutes, and then shampoo out. Use about a quarter of a pot for short hair, or about half a pot for longer hair. Those with very long hair should use the whole pot. (Yes, it is a lot, but the effects are long lasting and well worth the investment.)"

After I washed it out and went about my usual shower routine I found my hair was softer than usual.  I found this mask brought out the natural red in my hair, so I wouldn't recommend this for true blondes  (Check out LUSH's Marilyn instead).  I found my hair shiner, that frizz was decreased and that my split ends were much much better looking.

Applying this mask to dry hair feels a little awkward.  I suggest using a wide tooth comb to gently move the product through your hair.  I also started about 1/4 down my hair and them adding more product worked my way up.  This helped me budget out the mask so I could use as little as possible to properly cover my hair.

This stuff is expensive, however I could easily see myself using it once or twice a month.  While the instructions recommend using a full pot for long hair I managed to stretch  what I got and to just use half a tub.

Over all I really enjoyed this product and found it lived up to its claims.  While I am still new to the world of pre-shampoo treatments, I was really happy with these results.  The only thing I will note is that a strong herbal scent was infused in my hair for a day or two.  Not a bad scent, and likely not noticeable to others, but noticeable to me.

Taking care of long hair is tough, so I recommend every long haired lady, or those looking to grow out their hair that they find an oil for the ends of their hair, and a mask that they love and can see themselves using. 

Click here to read my review of the Living proof Restore Mask

Are there any hair masks you recommend?

The Great Mask Off

I don't know what it is with the humidity, or my awful shower, or that I am in a rush every morning, or what, but lately my hair is in desperate need of some TLC.

As a background, I have super long, golden blonde hair with a healthy dose of red and brown undertones.  I've never dyed my hair, and I don't use heat on it too often.  It is generally wavy and thick, but lately the ends have been limp and split.

When I went mask shopping I was generally looking for something deep conditioning, restorative, shine creating, and just generally good for my hair.  I picked up a pre-shampoo treatment and two conditioning masks.  I may have splurged, but honestly, my hair needs it.

LUSH Jasmine and Henna Fluff-Eaze $22.95

LUSH Marilyn Hair Treatment (Sample)

PHYTO Deep Nourishing Brilliance Mask $43

Living proof Restore Mask Treatment $14

With any skin or hair care product, it takes time to see results.  So I am going to use up these products one by one and write a review for each.  I am looking for the very best hair mask for my needs to keep my hair healthy, long, and strong.  I may also need a hair trim to help get rid of some of the "dead weight".  Here's to hoping I find Mr. Right!

Do you have any suggestions for good quality hair masks?  I would love to get suggestions in the comments.  In the past I have also used Marc Anthony single use deep conditioners.