Earlier this month I did my July Goals and one of them was to find the perfect hair mask.
And you ladies gave me so many suggestions!
Like seriously, I was shocked with the number of emails and comments on hair masks.
Thank you all so much!!
I read every single suggestion and picked four of the products to try over the last month. And I hands down, without a doubt, 100% have my new favorite :).
Here’s the deal with my hair…
I have very thick, naturally wavy, color-treated hair that soaks up chlorine like nobody’s business.
Two years ago…it was green pretty much all summer. Yuck. My hair gal told me to start putting conditioner all over it before I swam so that my hair wouldn’t soak up as much chlorine…and that helped so much! Last year and this year, no green.
I have been using this for the last 2 summers before swimming…
…I love it because it’s really inexpensive and smells heavenly! I just put a big glob of this in my hair before swimming and bam, no green. However, I started thinking that even though it smells great and keeps the green away, my hair still felt coarse and a little brittle because of the harsh chlorine and sun…so, I asked you guys about some other options.
Because if we’re doing this all summer…
…I need better hair protection.
Here’s how my little experiment worked.
1. I bought 4 of your suggested products.
2. I used each product two different times.
3. I always put the same amount of each product in my hair (a big scoop full) before getting in the water. I would put it in my hair and then put my hair up like this…
4. I would swim and be in the water with the product in my hair and then go home and wash it out with my normal shampoo and conditioner (I use Moroccanoil Shampoo and Conditioner).
5. I would air dry my hair as normal and then check out the results after it dried (usually, the next morning).
Listen, this was the first science experiment I have ever been excited about. If my high school science department had gotten behind experiments like this…I would have paid a lot more attention!
I really liked all 4 products but one did stand out as my very favorite. Here they are…
Coconut Oil was the most suggested product.
I bought a jar for $11 at my grocery store (I keep a jar in my kitchen for cooking but thought I needed a separate jar to keep in the bathroom). What I liked about the coconut oil is that it smells really good and can be used for a million other things. Several of you suggested that I use it to remove my eye makeup (and it works like a charm!), I put it on my feet before putting my gym socks and shoes on (they’re all smooth and soft now!)…so yes, it does have a variety of functions.
That being said, after I used it the first time, I felt like I needed to shampoo my hair again because my hair was still oily. This was the only product that when applied, someone (Erika) commented on my greasy hair (she didn’t say anything when she saw my hair twisted up with the other 3 products)…and just for the record, Erika is always available for a very honest and blunt opinion…she once told me that my face didn’t look as fat when I was pregnant with Smith as it did when I was pregnant with Kensington…and this is why I love Erika. She’s always honest.
So…in the end, coconut oil was not for my hair. The other products just washed out much easier.
I bought It’s a 10’s Miracle Hair Mask at Target for $18.99. Many of you suggested this product and I agree, it was really good! I loved the way it smelled and I thought it washed out really well. I think this is a great option (especially if you’re a Target lover like I am!). I thought the results the next day on my hair were really good too. This wasn’t my very favorite but it was a great product and I know I’ll use the entire container of it!
Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask was suggested to me as well and since I swear by their shampoo, conditioner and hair oil, I was totally game to try this. I purchased mine for $35 at the spa near my house but you can also get it through Amazon.
I loved the scent and I really loved the results! My hair felt shiny, smooth and soft after I used it on both occasions. I really thought this was going to be my winner…until I tried this…
…someone suggested I try this Wen Sweet Almond Mint Moist Intensive Hair Treatment because they said it was “life changing”…and holy moly, they were not lying! I bought this off of Amazon for $13 and it was hands down, without a doubt, 100% my very favorite. After my hair dries, it is so soft and shiny. I really can tell a difference when I use this product over the other three. And…this product was very reasonable in price too. Loved this!
So there you have it…thanks to you ladies, I found the perfect hair mask (and tested some other fun ones along the way!).
Thank you for your input! If you try any of these, let me know what you think! I would love to hear your results too!
And I had many of you ask me about these jeans from Friday’s post…
…they’re my Gap Always Skinny Jeans!
And right now, everything at Gap (including these jeans!) are 40% off!!!
I’ve blogged about this style of jeans before many times because really and truly, they are my absolute favorite! If you ever see me wearing jeans (which is like 99% of the time), it’s a pair of Always Skinny. I like that I can roll them up boyfriend style, tuck them into boots and wear them with flats and wedges. I wash and dry them over and over again and they always look great. Consider this your Monday PSA…best.jeans.ever. And denim is rarely on sale at Gap, so seriously, this is HUGE!
Don’t forget, it’s Meal Planning Monday…
…enjoy!
Anonymous says
Thanks for the experiment and suggestions!
Lila
Kimm Atwood says
I've been waiting for this post. My hair needs some serious help!!!! Happy Monday!!!
Tab & Erika says
What are friends for, right??? Just for the record…my prediction was RIGHT!!!
I'm going to have to try this ASAP!!
DetroitDuchess says
I love Wen and use it every day! You might also experiment with the different scents, each one is formulated for a different hair type. The Fig is for medium to thick hair and is the most moisturizing so you may want to check out that scent next.
Little Pink Rose says
I'm sorry if you're getting this comment twice. I love this post! I love your experiment! I was just wondering on the size of jeans. I think we might be similar and wasn't sure what size you wear. I hope that's not rude to ask. Also, do you get regular length or ankle? Thank you!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
In the Always Skinny, I always buy a 26. You'll love them!
Erin Gandy says
Hey Shay! Have you done a post about styling the naturally thick, wavy hair. I have the same and end up straightening my hair every.single.morning. I need to embrace it!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes!!! Check my Shade of Shay on Beachy Hair!
Katy says
I wanted to ask the same thing…do you get the regular or ankle length? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love regular bc you can roll them boyfriend style!
Anna P says
I will have to try that Wen mask. My hair is really thick and gets dry very easily. Thanks for posting!
Natalie Zambreski says
Oh my goodness, ANOTHER gap sale!
I finally bought a pair of the always skinny last weekend and I adore them, I might need to stock up on another with this sale!
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
Laughing so hard at Erika!!!! I totally remember when she said that to you about your face! Hilarious! Cool experiment. Maybe I'll devise an experiment for the best tacos. 🙂
Jenny says
My daughter just got her hair done recently and her hair stylist told her to go home and mix ketchup and shampoo together in her hand and wash her hair. She said the acid in the ketchup will take the green out of her blonde hair. Seems to work. Weird though! 🙂
Tara Rexroth says
When you swim each time do you get your hair wet with non-chlorinated water and then put the coconut conditioner in, or do you put the conditioner on dry hair?
Thanks!
Alison @ Get Your Pretty On says
I've never bought a product so quickly after reading a review. The Wen Sweet Almond Mint is on it's way to my house. Wondering if I should get the shampoo and conditioner now too? 🙂
dresselfamily.blogspot.com says
ooohh im off to amazon right now, i've been waiting!!!… my hair is long, naturally out of control.. hot mess!!!..i have to work really hard on it… another product I really fell in love with, especially for corse hair, was living proof primer… love it!!!!…
ps, I hope you got that jacket too, it looked fabulous!
Megan Wichmann says
Cocount Oil is a great thing! Love it!
Anonymous says
Terrific info! Thanks Shay! P.S. Your hair is gorgeous 🙂
Erica says
I am obsessed with Wen products. I have never tried that particular one . ( I will definitely be getting it today.) You should definitely give other Wen products a try. I have color treated naturally curly hair and the Wen cleansing conditioner and other styling products are amazing!! My hair is so much more manageable and healthy! I highly recommend Wen to everyone!
Slightly Askew Designs says
Is it bad that I had no idea what a hair mask is??? The last one is currently sitting in my Amazon cart 🙂 Thanks for all your hard work in the name of science!
dresselfamily.blogspot.com says
oh I just ordered some, I can't wait!!!
Daniele says
Can you tell us how you use the Wen product? Leave I after shampooing?? How long? How often??
Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
I put it in right before I swim and then wash it out when I'm done (during my normal shower time). I love it!
Bama Girl in TX says
Oh – thank you for testing these for us!! Wen purchased!!! In fact, I bought 2!! One for me and one for my daughter!! Happy Monday!
Anonymous says
Miss Shay,
I wanted to ask you a question, that you maybe can do a shade of Shay, and that is, Do you ever lose your temper with those children of yours? I think blog readers always see the ' perfect' part of families, and sometimes can make us all feel bad ( not just you, but blogs in general), we always write the good stuff, and never much of the bad. So, I see you as a wonderful mother, who never ' loses it' ever with her children, never, yells, gets mad, wants to lock herself in her closet.. never argues with her husband, never looks bad, and I hope you can tell us how you do it?
Mix and Match Mama says
I'll try and do one like this. People blog for different reasons…and my main reason is to document my life, so I really want my kids to look back and see the positive and happy…because that's what I'm really focusing on each day. 🙂
Daniele says
Can you talk us through how you use the Wen product?
How long do you leave it in?
How often do you use it?
Sallie says
I'm with Erin ^^^…I need hair help! I have thick (but fine) wavy hair and straighten it all the time. I love to let it air dry but cannot find the right product to give me soft, non-frizzy waves…tips??? Thanks for sharing your experiment and yes, the always skinny jeans are AMAZING 😉
Ida Berger says
My family and I are vegetarian. What are some of your favorite vegetarian meals?
Habitual Spender says
Ohhhh Shay, I have some interesting news you may like… Bath and Body is selling their Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin scents now online! 🙂 I know how much you love it! http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=37798506&cp=12586965.12587140.4191845
sl says
I love the wen product! I bought it from qvc for over $50. Too much$$. Thanks for the heads up on ebay. I just bought some more.
Laurie S says
Hi Shay:
I've been debating whether to try the Wen products after seeing so many of the infomercials. You have pushed me closer to trying it – my colored hair needs a deep moisturizer. Comments from other readers about Wen have helped, too.
Narci says
Well. you know I bought that hair mask just now! I can't wait to try it out!
Anonymous says
thanks for posting the size you wear, it really helps when ordering.
can you.tell us what your, measurements are, for size reference in tops
ProudAunt says
I'm sold… Just bought on amazon.com! Great tip!! Hoping for some of the same results too.
Karen I.
Thanks!
Debbie says
I would love to see more product comparison posts! This was great!
Josephine says
Should I get the petite in the jeans? I'm 5'2 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
I'm 5'3" and never buy the petite jeans…I think the inseam might be too short. Buy the regular ones! 🙂
{Hi Sugarplum!} says
Guess I know what I'm buying on amazon today! My ends are trashed, too. I've been rinsing it with the hose before getting in the pool, and that helps a tad.
Jeanette says
Hi there Shay, I remember back around Christmas time you mentioned a must-have beauty product is the Revlon Soft shampoo and conditioner. Do you still use those as well or are you all the Moroccan Oil products now? Any thoughts? My hair has always been super manageable but lately has been getting super tangled and feels just worn out. Thanks 😀
Mix and Match Mama says
Sheaffer is the All Soft girl :). I've been using MO for about two years now and love it!!
Alison says
So glad to hear you like the WEN. I've been using their products for a couple of years and LOVE them! My color lasts and lasts.
Btw – I took your advice and bought a clarisonic – LIFE CHANGING!!!
My skin has never looked better! Thanks Shay!
Addicted to Grace says
Is your hair wet or dry when you apply the mask?
Mix and Match Mama says
Dry! I'm applying it right before I get in the pool on my dry hair.
Addicted to Grace says
Great – thanks!! I'm so clueless when it comes to hair and need lots of hand holding and step by step instruction :)!
Jeanette says
I love Moroccan Oil products too but haven't tried the Revlon ones. 🙂 thanks Shay!!