One of the best things about my job as an editor is getting to try the latest beauty products, obviously. And lately, it’s been raining hair masks. Specifically, hair gloss treatments that promise Dua Lipa levels of shine.
I would describe my natural hair as ‘fravy’ – frizzy and wavy. I heat style it often, only trim it twice a year and keep it permanently dyed a dark brunette. It needs a lot of help with products and unlike my skincare routine (which I’m very particular about) I find my hair responds best whenever I throw something new at it.
Want to snoop inside the beauty regimes of other creatives? Head here.
All this to say, I’ve been obsessively testing hair masks for the last few months. Many of them PR gifts, one I went out to buy myself: the Shiseido Fino Premium Touch hair mask. I had heard so much hype about this product, which went viral on TikTok years ago, but every time I tried to purchase it online, it would be sold out.
I forgot about until one day I spotted a shelf of silver tubs at my local K-beauty store. There it was, on sale for $18. I bought two (I have hoarder tendencies when it comes to viral products) and decided to put it to the test amongst the other hair masks I’ve been trying out.
The best hair masks for shine, tested and ranked:
Gisou Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hair Mask
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Price: $69
Key ingredients: Honey, ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
Usage: After shampooing squeeze out excess water and apply a generous amount over the lengths and ends. Wait for five to seven minutes then rinse.
My thoughts: Wow. Very impressed by this thicc mask. I’ve tried it a few times, both with letting my hair air-dry afterwards and blow-drying, and it really makes my hair look glossy and smooth. My favourite of the bunch, but also the most expensive, damnit.
Rating: 5/5
Buy it here.
Shiseido Fino Premium Touch Hair Mask
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Price: $18
Key ingredients: Dimethicone, hydrogenated rapeseed oil alcohol, squalane, royal jelly.
Usage: After shampooing, dry hair with a towel. Apply about two teaspoons for semi-long hair, concentrating on the ends. Leave for five minutes and rinse thoroughly.
My thoughts: As expected, it feels extremely silicone-y in texture. It reminds me of those little bottles of deep conditioner that come with box dye (why are they so good?) and it left my hair feeling super silky. After blow drying, my hair looked considerably smoother, shiner and it felt more weighted down, too, which I love. Considering the rate I go through hair products, the price of this is too good!
Rating: 5/5
Buy it here.
Wella Professionals Colour Fresh Mask
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Price: $37
Key ingredients: Silicone-free. Contains cetearyl alcohol, glycerine, argan oil.
Usage: After towel-drying clean hair, use gloves and generously apply from roots to ends. Leave up to 10 minutes then rinse until water runs clear.
My thoughts: Okay, this one might have an unfair advantage because it does deposit some colour but I’m including it because it’s also a shine-enhancing treatment that really delivers. I’ve written about my love of Cool Espresso before, but it comes in a range of 12 shades. The only con is it can be messy to use, definitely not a five-minute-in-shower situation.
Buy it here.
Rating: 4/5
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day High-Shine Gloss
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Price: $59
Key ingredients: This silicone-free formula uses jojoba esters, cetearyl alcohol and glycerin.
Usage: Remove excess water and generously saturate roots to ends, after shampooing and conditioning. Leave on for five minutes then rinse.
My thoughts: I had high hopes for this, based on the sleek metallic packaging, but if I’m honest this was my least favourite. I think my hair needs silicone, the results from this just didn’t compare to the Fino mask. But if you are someone who likes to avoid parabens or you have a hair type that gets weighed down eaily, this could be the best option for you.
Buy it here.
Rating: 3/5
For more on at-home hair glosses, try this.
This article Is this viral $18 Japanese hair mask worth the hype? appeared first on Fashion Journal.
2025-03-21 09:00:00
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