hair mask

K18 Hair Mask Review

~ Michele Raiyne ~ 3 Comments

K18, formerly known as KhairPep and one of the latest products in hair bonding technology, is a reparative leave-in treatment that claims to reverse hair damage from lightening and chemical services, mechanical damage and heat, bringing hair back to its youthful state.

There are two lines of K18, one for professional use and one for home use. The in-salon service includes a mist that is applied before color service and the mask after the service. The same mask in a smaller size is for home use.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua) (Eau), Alcohol Denat., Propylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dicaprylyl Ether, Cetyl Esters, Behentrimonium Chloride, Polysorbate 20,sh-Oligopeptide-78 (K18Peptide™), Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Starch, Isopropyl Alcohol, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Fragrance (Parfum), Geraniol, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Alcohol

The K18 hair mask is not a protein or conditioning treatment, but does contain small amounts of protein and behentrimonium chloride that has conditioning and smoothing properties. From the K18 website, “the K18Peptide shuttles amino acids (the building blocks of hair) into the inner structure of the hair. Once inside the hair cortex, the unique amino-acid chain goes directly to the broken disulfide bonds to replace the lost amino acids, regenerating the bond and restoring ultimate strength, resilience and softness.” This contains denatured alcohol, benzyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol that allows the product to penetrate deeper into the hair.

Directions: Before the first use, wash with a clarifying shampoo. Shampoo hair; do not condition. Towel dry hair. Start with one pump and add more as needed depending on length and thickness. Work evenly through hair from roots to ends. Let sit 4 minutes. Do not rinse. Add styling products if desired and style as usual. Use for 4 to 6 consecutive washes and then every 3 to 4 washes for maintenance.

For about a month before I started using the K18 hair mask, my hair had been breaking, very small pieces from the front hairline (while combing or even just fluffing it up) and long pieces from the back hairline. The breakage from the back was similar to when I had blonde hair and when finger combing conditioner (or using “prayer hands”) through the hair, I was left with almost a handful of thick strings of hair such that I would get rather nervous on wash day and as a result my hair feels shorter and thinner at the ends when putting it in a ponytail. My hair does not seem to break off when combing before washing (other than the very small pieces), only while conditioning. I got the K18 mask hoping this would be a solution. I should mention too that it has been just over 2 years since I have had a haircut and hair that has not been cut for so long can split and break.

I have thin hair that has not been colored or cut in 2 years and I rarely use heat. I used the K18 mask for six consecutive washes, using a clarifying shampoo the first wash. I towel dried the hair, parted my hair in two sections and used one pump on each section, let it sit for 4 minutes, applied a leave-conditioner (I still use this one) and air dried as usual.

The K18 hair mask is 75 USD/89 CAD for 50 mL. I got my mask from coastalbeauty.ca at 75 CAD. One pump is 1 mL, so I get 25 uses applying two pumps each use.

K18 is a medium-thick cream that has a sort of fake fruity scent like other salon products. While shampooing, my hair does not get too tangled and it is thin, so applying the K18 mask worked relatively well to detangle. When I was figuring out how many pumps to use, I first used one too many and my hair felt heavy and sticky after air drying. Using two pumps was better; the hair had movement, no residue and more body than usual (perhaps because conditioner is not used).

Above shows before using K18, after six consecutive K18 uses and after normal shampooing and conditioning. I noticed a difference in the feeling of my hair by about the fourth consecutive use. My hair is usually quite frizzy and feels a bit rough and dry and after the strands of hair felt much smoother and the ends felt less dry.

Comparing Olaplex No. 8 and K18, I do not see too much difference in the hair; it looks smoother and less frizzy. After K18, my hair feels much smoother than the Olaplex Intense Moisture Mask that provides a similar function (I have used the No. 3 and No. 8; not sure which would be more comparable) to repair, strengthen and smooth damaged hair. I will note that when I went blonde, my hairdresser used Olaplex during the service and a while later I used the Olaplex No. 3 hoping to repair some damage; my hair could not be saved (not to say Olaplex does not work of course). From the Luxe Color Lounge website, “K18 is great if you are dealing with damage from heat styling, while Olaplex is more for bleached hair.  The Olaplex method uses fake bonds, and you can reach a point where you are using it so often that your hair becomes so strong that it breaks. Because Olaplex is not a natural protein, when you stop using it, your hair can no longer hold on to it, therefore it falls out reverting your hair back to its previous structure.” With K18, however, as I have seen on Instagram, hairdressers are using it during lightening and color services and seeing much improvement in the quality and strength of the hair. From the K18 website, with one salon treatment using the mist and mask as part of the bleaching service, hair is restored to 91% its original strength and 94% its original elasticity. K18 apparently rebuilds keratin bonds permanently, and is not a rinse-out treatment like Olaplex.

Since K18 claims that the mask restores hair to a youthful state, I wanted to compare from 2018 when my hair was the healthiest it felt and looked in a long while. Not sure it is quite a fair comparison as in my case, hair, lifestyle and stress have changed over time; I have more greys, my hair is drier and frizzier, diet and exercise habits are not where they should be compared to 3 years ago and stress has greatly increased over the last months to year.

As for the breakage of long pieces of hair, while finger combing the K18 mask through, I had hair fall, however, not the breakage I was getting while conditioning my hair. After the 6 uses of K18, I shampooed and conditioned my hair as normal and was quite worried, however, I just got my typical hair fall and was not pulling out broken hair. K18 stopped my hair breakage?! I continued with the my normal wash routine four times (still no broken hair) and then used the K18 mask. This time while finger combing the mask through, I pulled out strands of broken hair; not as much as before using the mask.

I think the K18 Molecular Repair Hair Mask is good; I kind of expected my hair to look better though. It does not really look much different, but feels really smooth; K18 seemed to repair my hair so there was no breakage for a few washes and then less breakage than I was getting previously. For the tiny pieces that were breaking, instead of seeing six pieces after combing my hair, I was getting 1 or 2. I will hopefully get my hair cut soon and have enough of the K18 mask to provide an update here. When I get my hair lightened/colored (likely not for a while), I will be looking for a salon that uses K18 and will update again.

Update (January 3, 2022): I finally got my hair cut at the beginning of November and have used K18 a couple times since then. I have not noticed further improvement in using the K18 mask, but my hair really needed a cut; I have had no further breakage and my hair looks and feels much better (update to my hair story here). I will be getting my hair lightened and colored (a balayage and/or color melt) in about 3 weeks. The salon I am going to does not use K18, but I will use my hair mask at home and update at that time.

Update (February 21, 2022): My regular hairdresser no longer works weekends nor later in the evenings, so I am currently looking for a new salon; a color/K18 update will likely be posted in the summer.

Thanks for visiting.

Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask Review (updated)

~ Michele Raiyne ~ 2 Comments

This is more of a first impression rather than a full review of Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask as I have only used it once. I will update at the end of the post in a month or two with more photos (3-month update at bottom of this post).

The No. 8 mask is Olaplex’s newest product for all hair types and textures and particularly for damaged hair. This hair mask claims to repair, add shine and moisture, smooth and add body to damaged hair. The No. 8 mask is different from the No. 3 Hair Perfector in that it is to be used after shampooing in place of conditioner once a week. No. 3 is a treatment used on damp hair that is then shampooed and conditioned.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua/Eau), Dimethicone, Cetyl Alcohol, Persea Gratissima, (Avocado) Oil, Glycerin, Stearyl Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Behentrimonium Chloride, Cetrimonium Bromide, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Quaternium-80, Rosa Canina (Rose Hip) Seed Extract, Ceramide AP, Ceramide NP, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium PCA, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, Arginine, Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil, Jojoba Esters, Panthenol, Squalane, Carthamus Tinctorius (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Histidine, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Phenylalanine, Aspartic Acid, PCA, Phosphatidylcholine, Citric Acid, Sodium Lactate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Bis-Cetearyl Amodimethicone, Fragrance (Parfum), Citral, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene

The mask contains dimethicone as the second ingredient. As mentioned in my review of the Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil, from what I’ve read on different sites, dimethicone is a cheaper silicone that is not water soluble and is hard to remove. However, Olaplex says they use a high quality, low molecular weight, water soluble dimethicone that easily washes away and does not build up in the hair. The mask is formulated with plant oils, ceramides, amino acids and the bonding technology Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate that rebuilds broken and weakened bonds in the hair due to chemical and mechanical damage.

Directions: Apply to clean, damp hair from mid-lengths to ends. Work through with fingers. Leave on for 10 minutes and rinse thoroughly; style as usual. Start with one pump for shoulder-length hair; use more for longer or thicker hair and less for fine or short hair. Use sparingly on roots. To be used once a week.

For deep repair, Olaplex recommends using No. 0 and No. 3 along with No. 8 once a week. This could also be followed with No. 7 on damp or dry hair.

I have fine, frizzy, dry hair that I have not gotten colored or cut in a long while, but I am getting breakage towards the front hair and the shorter side pieces, particularly when brushing, that I hope the Olaplex mask can improve. After last getting my hair colored, I have had a band of frizz/damage that looks different from the rest of my hair which I hope will also improve with continued use.

Above is one pump of the hair mask. It is concentrated and thicker in texture and spreads through the hair easily. I sectioned my hair in two halves and applied one pump to each section after shampooing and towel drying. I left the mask on for 15 minutes under a shower cap, then rinsed and air dried (after using the Aquis hair turban). While finger combing the product in, the hair detangled quite nicely. While rinsing, the hair felt very silky.

Above, after one use, my hair is much less frizzy and feels soft with improved fly-aways. The ends of the hair look generally better. I do not really have an issue with body, but the mask left movement and added bounce and my hair was not weighed down. My hair felt softer and more silky than when using the Briogeo moisture mask (though likely due to the silicone in Olaplex No. 8) and not as soft as when using Redken All Soft shampoo and conditioner, though again, has less frizz. My hair has more shine, I expect partially due to my hair being smoother.

So far, I like the Olaplex Bond Intense Moisture Mask and have noticeable results after one use in terms of hydration and frizz. I will update here after I have used the mask for a month or two.

Update – July 12, 2021:

I have continued to use Olaplex No. 8 for 3 months, once a week. I usually wash my hair every 3 days and I noticed that after using the Olaplex, the silky feeling disappeared after the first day and my hair felt normal (rather dry). Between one use of the Olaplex, I used Briogeo’s moisture mask to compare and the hydrated soft feeling on the hair lasted until wash day (maybe because there is no protein in this mask)? My hair looks wavier, though I’m not sure looks necessarily better. I’m hoping repair is taking place inside the hair that would not necessarily be visible. I was having breakage around my front and back hairlines which I am still having despite using No. 8 and a silk pillowcase; I just started using a silk sleep bonnet, so hoping that will help.

I’m not sure about this mask; maybe since my color damage is not recent, this will not help as much (though it is said to improve hydration and mechanical damage as well. I will note that when I went blonde, my hairdresser used the in-salon Olaplex and I later used Olaplex No. 3 and I still had to go back to brunette and cut off a lot of damaged hair (here and here).

I recently got the relatively new K18 hair mask and will be using that next. Follow for upcoming review.

Thanks for reading.

Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Avocado + Kiwi Mega Moisture Superfoods Hair Mask Review

~ Michele Raiyne ~ 1 Comment

This nourishing, protein-free hair mask by Briogeo is for all hair types and textures and claims to nourish, hydrate and soften the hair while providing improvement to frizz, curl definition and dryness.

Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Cetyl Alcohol*, Stearyl Alcohol*, Behentrimonium Chloride*, Brassica Alcohol*, Propanediol*, Cetyl Esters*, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil*, Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit Extract*, Spirulina Maxima Extract*, Spinacia Oleracea (Spinach) Leaf Extract*, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Biotin, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter*, Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil*, Isododecane, Brassicyl Isoleucinate Esylate*, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract*, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract*, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract*, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract*, Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Flower/Leaf Extract*, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract*, Isopropyl Myristate*, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract*, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract*, Cetrimonium Chloride*, Cetearyl Alcohol*, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride*, Corallina Officinalis Extract*, Behentrimonium Methosulfate*, Panthenol, Volcanic Ash*, Arginine*, Glycerin*, Curcumin*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Palmaria Palmata Extract*, Mineral Salts*, Butylene Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract*, Potassium Sorbate*, Sodium Benzoate*, Fragrance (Parfum), Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol
*Coconut, vegetable, or plant derived.

The mask contains vegetable extracts; avocado that contains fatty acids to nourish and condition, kiwi that contains vitamin C for antioxidant protection and spinach with flavanoids and antioxidants for overall hair health. This formula has volcanic ash, which I see in dry shampoos and scalp products to regulate oils on the scalp, so not sure what this does for the lengths of the hair. Apparently turmeric extract can reduce breakage on the lengths of the hair and stimulate the scalp. Cocoa seed butter locks in moisture.

Directions: After shampooing, massage into lengths of the hair. Leave on for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse. Can be used 1 to 2 times per week in place of conditioner.

The Avocado Kiwi Mega Mask is thick and smells a bit sweet, though not in a pleasant way; the scent does not linger, however. I have fine, dry, frizzy, wavy hair and have used the mask a few times now. I apply on damp hair after clarifying every 2 weeks or so, leaving on for 10 minutes under a shower cap, then rinsing. On my first use, I had to apply more than expected and it did not apply that smoothly to the hair to immediately detangle, but on subsequent uses, I added more water and it spread nicely and after the 10 minutes, detangled well with finger combing.

The above photo is before and after 3 uses (air dried). My hair feels much softer, my waves are more defined and there is less frizz. The mask is not heavy and does not weigh my hair down; I had no loss in volume or body.

Above is after 5 uses. I do not have any good recent before photos of the front of my hair, but my face-framing hair has much improved; usually it will dry frizzy and somewhat straight.

As a side note, on one use I also applied the mask to the roots and my scalp got so itchy, however, this is to be applied to the lengths of the hair.

Compared to Briogeo’s Don’t Despair, Repair Deep Conditioning Hair Mask, the Mega Moisture Mask gives noticeable results with hydration, softness and defined my waves. While the Deep Conditioning Mask feels so nice to apply, smooths through the hair really well and feels like it coats each strand, it did not give the desired results in terms of dryness and frizz.

I would repurchase Briogeo’s Be Gentle, Be Kind Avocado + Kiwi Mega Moisture Superfoods Hair Mask.

Thanks for reading.

Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask Review

~ Michele Raiyne ~ 7 Comments

The Color Depositing Mask from Moroccanoil is for all hair types and claims to deposit temporary color while hydrating, nurturing and adding shine to the hair.

Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Propoxytetramethyl Piperdinyl Dimethicone, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Parfum/Fragrance, Bis-Hydroxy/Methoxy Amodimethicone, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Algin, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Chitosan, Citric Acid, Acetic Acid, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Panthenol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, C11-15 Pareth-7, C12-13 Pareth-9, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyquaternium-70, Dipropylene Glycol, Isopropyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Quaternium-87, PCA, Sodium PCA, Hydroxyacetophenone, Trideceth-6, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Acetate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, CI 56059 (Basic Blue 99), CI 12245 (Basic Red 76), Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Linalool.

Directions state to start with clean, towel-dried hair, applying a generous amount of product on sectioned hair and distributing evenly with a wide-tooth comb. Leave on for 5 to 7 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

After a keratin straightening treatment lightened my newly colored hair to an auburn (which I do not like), then over time faded to an orange/auburn color with grown out grey hair, I wanted to give the Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask a try, hoping it would tone down the red/orange tones and cover the grey.

Based on the color chart on the Sephora website and my starting color (light brown to dark brown), bordeaux and cocoa are the only masks that would deposit color. I chose cocoa (the mini size). The formula was not too runny or too thick. It has a similar scent to the oil, a sort of musky, masculine scent (which I don’t particularly like) that fades throughout the day.

After shampooing and towel-drying the hair, I divided it into four sections and distributed using a plastic wide-tooth comb. I used the whole mini tube, putting extra on the grey hair. I found that the hair, once the mask was applied, was rather difficult to get a comb through. The hair felt almost sticky and stiff. Once applied, I wrapped a plastic bag over the hair so it would not dry out, and let sit for 10 minutes. This stained my hands and under and around my nails. It washed off okay with soap and a scrub from the palms of the hands, but the next day I still have staining on dry patches and around my nails.

While rinsing the mask, my hair did not have the silky feeling of a regular conditioner or deep conditioning mask (surprising since the Moroccanoil mask has a few different silicones and oils). On towel drying the hair and running my fingers through it, my hair did not feel very soft or smooth and I had to apply a leave-in conditioner. After blow drying my hair, the color looked a bit darker and more refreshed.

As above, the mask provided no grey coverage.

The red-orange in the hair is toned down and there is less of it. I was hoping for a more brown color, however, it’s not too bad. The mask color itself looks like it has red undertones.

The photo on the left is shortly after the keratin treatment faded my hair a couple shades and the right is after the Moroccanoil mask. So it looks like the mask sort of restored and refreshed my hair color closer to my previous shade before it faded to a more orange tone.

As for how long the color lasts, this would depend on the starting shade and condition of the hair; the lighter and healthier the hair, the longer the color will last. I have washed my hair four times so far, shampooing twice each time, and have had no fading yet.

As a hydrating, conditioning mask, I was disappointed. As for the color deposit, I was hoping for more of a brown and at least some grey coverage, but it did deposit and refresh color.

I would consider purchasing again to restore color, however, I wonder if a color refresh hair gloss might work better for this purpose. If the Moroccanoil mask covered grey, I would repurchase (edit June 30, 2020 – as per the comment above, the Moroccanoil website states the mask does not cover grey).

Thank you for reading.

Christophe Robin Regenerating Hair Ritual Travel Kit Review

~ Michele Raiyne ~ Leave a comment

The Regenerating Hair Ritual line from Christophe Robin is a 3-piece kit containing, in a storage bag, shampoo, hair mask and balm that claims to moisturize, restore, repair and protect the hair from further damage while giving shine and color protection to the hair. All three products contain prickly pear seed oil, containing proteins, vitamin E and fatty acids for softness, protection and shine to the hair.

My fine, wavy hair is bleached, colored, dry and damaged and I’ve been looking for a product to smooth, moisturize and soften the hair. I wash my hair about once a week. Previous to this, I was using Briogeo’s Don’t Despair, Repair line, and I’ll use this as a sort of comparison throughout the review, as it is also SLS- and silicone-free claiming to provide similar benefit.

Regenerating Shampoo with Prickly Pear Oil:

This shampoo has a creamy formula made for daily use and all hair types. This is said to gently cleanse, nourish, smooth and restore shine to the hair.

Directions state to apply on damp hair, gently massage the scalp, lather well and rinse thoroughly.

Ingredients: Sodium Myreth Sulfate, Peg-18 Glyceryl Oleate/ Cocoate, Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil, Opuntia Ficus Indica Fruit Extract, Panthenol, Sodium Chloride, Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Fragrance, Glycol Distearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Laureth-4, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Geraniol, Linalool, Limonene, Hydroxycitronellal, Coumarin, Caramel.

The shampoo is silicone-, SLS- and paraben-free. It has a heavy, fruity, baby powder scent. It lathers well. I got 12 uses with this bottle (6 washes; I always shampoo my hair twice in one wash). My hair does not get as tangled or dry-feeling while washing as with other shampoos (Briogeo’s Super Moisture shampoo) and it rinses well, but by the end of my 6 washes I felt like I wanted the deeper cleanse of the Briogeo shampoo.

Regenerating Mask with Rare Prickly Pear Seed Oil:

Ingredients: Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Glycerin, Cetrimonium Chloride, Inula Crithmoide Leaf/Flower Extract, Opuntia Ficus Indica Seed Oil, Behenyl/Stearyl Aminopropanediol Esters, Opuntia Ficus Indica Fruit Extract, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Citric Acid, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Hydroxycitronellal, Coumarin, Limonene, Caramel, Tocopherol, Evernia Prunastri (Oakmoss) Extract, Linalool, Geraniol.

This is a conditioning mask, also silicone-, SLS- and paraben-free. This claims to repair, smooth and protect the hair.

It has a thick, rich, creamy texture and has a heavy, flowery, baby powder scent.

Directions state to apply a small amount after shampooing, massaging from scalp to ends, add water to lather the product and rinse thoroughly.

I got 7 uses from the jar. It detangles well. I need to apply more than the “small amount” as stated. Comparing this to Briogeo’s deep conditioning mask, the hair feels smoother and softer while rinsing, but as I work it into the hair, doesn’t seem to coat each strand as I’ve found with Briogeo. This doesn’t weigh the hair down and leaves no residue on drying.

Intense Regenerating Balm with Rare Prickly Pear Oil:

Ingredients: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Opuntia Ficus Indica Seed Oil, Opuntia Ficus Indica Fruit Extract, Inula Crithmoide Leaf/Flower Extract, Lecithin, Fragrance, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Linalool, Geraniol, Limonene, Hydroxycitronellal, Coumarin, Amyl Cinnamal, Citronellol, Benzyl Salicylate.

The Intense Regenerating Balm contains a number of butters and oils for a multi-use product for hair and body. This claims to be a non-sticky formula to nourish, protect, repair and soften skin and hair. This also has the powdery, flowery scent.

This can be used on damp or dry hair as a styling aid for a messy look or tousled waves, can tame fly-aways, define curls, and can be used on dry areas of the body; knees, elbows, lips and cuticles.

This balm is quite heavy on the hair, especially my fine hair. A little goes a long way. I scrunch a bit through the hair for some texture and definition and it feels like a sticky oil – this provides a similar result and feel on the hair as the John Masters Organics Bourbon Vanilla and Tangerine Hair Texturizer (which I also don’t like the feeling of). The Christophe Robin balm works well for protecting the ends of the hair and is likely a good preventative for split ends. For curl and definition, I’d stick with Briogeo’s Curl Charisma Custard. For fly-aways, I like Olaplex No. 7, but a small amount of any other oil would work as well. I prefer to use the balm on my feet and hands, particularly the cuticles. It is not sticky or greasy on the skin (it needs a minute to absorb) and provides moisture, softness and protection, especially when used over a lotion.

Above are the results of using the Christophe Robin Regenerating Hair Ritual travel kit after about 2 months. My hair is air dried with no product. I don’t see any difference in the photos. It doesn’t look shinier or the color more vibrant. I don’t really feel a significant difference to my hair either; it was perhaps a bit softer.

I generally like this line of products, though probably not enough to justify the expense. Of the three, I like the mask the most. My hair felt really smooth and silky on rinsing, probably the closest feeling to a mask containing silicone, but once the hair is dry, there is not much difference to how my hair felt previously. I like the richness of the texture. While I don’t think it out-performs similar hair masks, it would likely help prevent damage. The shampoo was not drying, but not super cleansing. The balm was too heavy and sticky for the hair, but I like using it on dry areas of the skin.

The heavy baby powder scent of the products leaves much to be desired. It doesn’t bother me too much (though I’m not sure I actually want to smell like baby powder). It does linger until the next wash, and it is noticeable to other people. If sensitive to smells, I can imagine this could cause headaches. If using other scented styling products, the scents might interfere with each other.

Since the “star” of this line is prickly pear seed oil, one could purchase the pure oil and add to any other shampoo or conditioner, or add a few drops to the hair when damp or dry.

Perhaps once damage is done to the hair, there’s not much one can do to repair it, with the hair being dead once it grows out of the scalp. I have since gotten my hair cut to above my shoulders to get rid of the damage and start growing my hair out healthy again.

Thank you for reading.