I by all means love everything about Summer. The sunshine, long days, cold drinks and lots of time by the pool, or better yet - a beach! However, all that time in the sun, chlorine, and/or salt water is going to result in some DRY, maybe even damaged, hair. For those of us who color, we know what it means to protect our newly bleached locks from the sun's rays. We even more so know that bleach is drying enough as it is, so to add salt, sun and chlorine on top of it isn't exactly ideal.
My hair is naturally dry, curly, thick and textured. I'd have a fro daily if I didn't take measures to use extra smoothing, anti-frizz and hydrating oils to blow it out and hydrate it. Sometimes though, my regular product line-up isn't enough. When I feel that my hair needs a little extra lovin' I typically go for a deep conditioning mask of some sort, which makes the world of difference.
On my last trip to the salon, I was introduced to a new product by Bumble and bumble. I swear by Bumble products, especially their Hairdresser's Invisible Oil line, so was over the moon about a new hydrating masque. The new product they introduced to the line is their Balm-To-Oil Pre-Shampoo Masque. It's aimed to help dry to very dry hair and is "a sublime treatment that melts into a hydrating elixir - for intense moisture."
| thick consistency that melts into oil as you warm it in your hands |
Typically, the masks I've used in the past are directed for use in between shampooing and conditioning in the shower. This product is a little different though, and is directed for use before even shampooing your hair. Like the Hairdresser's Invisible Oil, this product also has six oils for conditioning, softness and shine. The key products used in the mask are Coconut oil, Argan oil, Macadamia Nut oil, Sweet Almond oil, Safflower Seed oil, and Grapeseed oil.
I definitely liked the idea of this, because sometimes even I have to worry about a mask being too heavy and then using too much conditioner, leaving me with a greasy mane. The directions instruct to not place the product on your scalp, so with that in mind I threw my hair in a pony tail to apply it directly to my loose hair.
I was trying samples, so the packaging was a little different than if you were to purchase a full sized one. It came in a cute little packet, with more than enough product to cover my hair. The texture was both liquid-y and gritty. I ended up making a complete mess, but I honestly think it could have been a result of the sample packet. I applied the masque to my entire pony tail, really making sure I didn't just coat the outside layers of hair, but also my ends and mid-strands. Then I let it sit for about 20 minutes (as directed) before rinsing.
When it was time to hop in the shower, I followed my rinse with the Hairdresser's invisible oil Shampoo as well as Conditioner. I have fallen in love with that entire line, and personally think it's worth the investment. After rinsing out the conditioner my hair felt absolutely silky soft - even more than I was thinking it would feel like and didn't seem heavy or have any extra product residue left.
The true test for me was the blow drying. I knew once my hair was completely dry and styled I'd notice if there was any huge difference or not. Once I was finished drying my hair it wasn't greasy or heavy at all, it just felt extra soft and moisturized. I could notice a difference in my ends, and overall it seemed to be smoother. It's recommended to use the masque once a week, which I think is the perfect amount. I give this masque a 10/10 and will definitely be making a full sized purchase soon!
BEFORE | AFTER
XOX,
Kait