Intensive hair mask/conditioner?

CarMe

I'm having the brokest time right now and my hair has really taken the brunt, no heat protection, pound shop conditioner etc!
So I've stopped using heat completely for a while but I need something intensive to try get it back to normal.

Can anyone suggest something they've found really good, I've got long thick hair the last colour in it was ages ago and just a semi so it's not colour damaged. Nothing too pricey if possible but all suggestions welcome!

Tasden

I absolutely love all the hask masks. The ones in the sachets rather than the oil treatments in the tubes. They're something like 2 euro, the protein one (pink sachet) is my favourite although my sister didn't like it at all so I'd say it depends on your hair.
You could also try castor oil or coconut oil as well. I get a bit lazy about these though cause washing them out can be a nightmare!

Toast4532

I use these products - got them in one of the €2 shops, although the products themselves were around €1 each. They are amazing, especially for the price.

I use this Oz Botanics conditioner once every two weeks (although you could use it more frequently), its incredible, my hair is so soft, shiny and bouncy afterwards, it smells gorgeous too. I only use a tiny bit at a time cos its so intensive so the tub should last ages. I've got mine since Nov I think and it's still over 3/4 full, despite using it every two weeks.

I'll link the image as it might be too big to embed - http://lovetabii.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/oz-deep-conditioner-tub-150ml-5x40193_1.jpg

I also use the following products, again around €1 from those €2 shops.

http://www.xpelmarketing.com/arganoil.htm

Hair mask - http://www.xpelmarketing.com/images/products/argan-hairmask.jpg - have used this twice and really love it, only thing it, it can leave my hair slighty greasy looking (it doesn't feel greasy though) but I have greasy hair anyway so that could be it too. Its really good, not too unlike the Oz conditioner.

Oil - http://www.xpelmarketing.com/images/products/argan_treatment.jpg - amazing stuff, not keen on the smell, but its a biggish bottle that should last about 6 months. Don't use every week, use every two weeks as using it too often can actually damage you hair more (I think!).

Heat defence spray (think this was 50cent, it was certainly cheaper than the others!) - http://www.xpelmarketing.com/images/products/argan_heatdefence.jpg - amazing stuff. Leaves my hair really soft and shiny.

Dealz seem to have the range too, though I've never seen it in my local Dealz - http://www.dealz.ie/catalogsearch/result/?q=Argan+Oil+

I also use this heat defence spray but its not as good (or nice, or cheap) as the Xpel one - http://www.boots.ie/en/LOreal-Elnett-Heat-Protect-Spray-Straight-170ml_1282763/ - this doesn't help to keep my hair straight though. I have pretty long hair and its quite thick and heavy so maybe that's why I don't notice much/any difference.

I also use these Dove products, which I love, the Dove and products from the €2 shop are as good as each other in my opinion, and I have used them both for a few months at this stage.

Dove Hair Nourishing Oil Care Leave-In Spray

Dove Hair Therapy Nourishing Oil Care Shampoo

Dove Nourishing Oil Care Hair Therapy Conditioner

Dove Hair Nourishing Oil Care Repair Mask

Dove Hair Therapy Nourishing Oil Care Express Treatment Conditioner - I don't find this any difference, better or worse than the regular nourishing oil conditioner though.

I also got this in Dealz (think it was 99c instead of €1.49) its grand, only thing is you do need to blow dry after using it (only for 2-3 mins) to get that 'sticky' feeling out of your hair and to get rid of any visible powder, if I blow dry my hair is soft, but not shiny.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mellor-Russell-Miracle-Styling-DRY-SHAMPOO-Refreshes-between-washes-150-ml-/141180913601?pt=US_Shampoo_Conditioning&hash=item20df09c7c1

This Hask oil is my absolute fave product, it smells nice, leaves my hair soft and shiny, about €2.50 in Penneys - http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SDkyCP_1H3c/T2pUl0xUXJI/AAAAAAAAA9g/g2uZjqNJAAI/s1600/argion%2Boil.jpg

I also love this if I have just straightened my hair - http://www.boots.ie/en/Schwarzkopf-Got2b-Oil-Licious-Tame-Shine-Styling-Oil-50ml_1330195/

I seem to have an addiction with hair products - never realised how many I had until I read this post

Buy some cheap own brand mayonaisse and rub a good blob into wet hair and wrap up for as long as you can. Protein and oil treatment all in one, cheap as chips and works a treat. You should be able to get a huge jar for less than 1.50.

Mayo is just oil and egg emulsified, it's the perfect recession hair masque and even if it doesn't suit you, you won't lose much by giving it a go.

vibrantblue

I love Hair Mayonnaise.

It is not expensive and works wonders. You can find it at Boots at ethnic hair section.

CarMe

Thanks everyone!!

Wish I'd read all these replies before I went to the shop, especially yours Toast thanks very much for all that info It'll most definitely come in very useful!!

There was an Elvive tub of mask stuff on offer for 3 something so I got that, I really hope it's even half decent though I'm not too crazy about Elvive!
Absolutely love Hask stuff
I'm strangely curious about the mayo so that'll have to be tried.

Really hope I can rescue my hair!

Storming

Try coconut oil. Just rub into hair, comb through and leave for a while, overnight in a hair net if possible. It's absolutely brilliant as a body moisturiser as well. Used on sunburned skin during the summer and gave great relief.
I've been using once a week on my hair that has regular colour and lights and its brilliant. I bought a huge jar for €12 last summer and still loads left.
I also got a sample of a l'occitane essential oil masque for dry and damaged hair and it was unbelievably good. Worth picking up a sample if you're near a shop.

Frog Song

+1 for Coconut Oil. Only €6 for a tub of it in Dunnes and I'm sure you can get it cheaper again elsewhere. Fantastic for my dry hair.

lubie76

Another vote for coconut oil... Was raging I spent 25 euro on kerastase mask when this much better

bscm

I swear by Aussie conditioners. Their 3 Minute Miracle deep conditioning range is awesome, and I've religiously used the Miracle Hair Insurance spray-in conditioner for over 5 years now. You can normally pick Aussie products up on offer in Boots or Tesco (I think it's normally 3 for 12 euro in Boots, so 4 euro a piece isn't too bad).

I've got super curly, thick hair which is naturally dry and I also GHD the crap out of it if the weather isn't horrendously wet.

CarMe

Would someone mind posting a picture or a link to the right coconut oil?

The Elvive mask was absolutely useless

Toast4532

I have this one from Dunnes, was about €5 I think. Huge jar, lasts for ages, I've got mine for nearly a year and it's still 3/4 full. I've used it in my hair, in cooking, for taking off make up, on dry peeling skin etc. Works wonders.



I personally wouldn't rate any of the Elvive hair care, I've never found it to be any good.

It's incredible for removing make up, just smear it on your face with your fingers and let sit for a minute or two and then wipe away with cotton wool. Doesn't leave a greasy residue either (I have oily/combination skin and it didn't irritate it or break me out).

CarMe

Toast you're an absolute gem!! Definitely going to invest in this! Will I find it in the food section?

Toast4532

CarMe wrote: »

Toast you're an absolute gem!! Definitely going to invest in this! Will I find it in the food section?

Yeah the food section, it's beside all the other oils (olive, rapeseed, sunflower, etc). They have another coconut oil too, though it is more expensive and a smaller jar I think. Not sure how it is (if it is) different from the one I have though.

bronte

Coconut oil is amazing alright.
I do an oil soak...comb some through hair when it's dry, massage it into my scalp and tie up for about two hours. About 15 mins before washing it out I rub some conditioner into the oil soaked hair. (This'll make it easier to rinse the oil out of the hair) Then use warm water rather than hot and rinse well (use a small amount of shampoo if you need to)
You should notice a huge difference.
I've done this after having my hair heat styled all week and it's amazing.
That and everyone seems to love the smell of coconut off my hair! :P
good luck!

CarMe

I'm just in the door, I already know I'm going to be head over heels for this coconut oil!! I wiped the most tiny little bit on my hand (which was covered in lipstick swatches) and it completely took every last bit of lipstick off my hand and left it feel so unbelievably smooth and smelling gorgeous!

I also picked up the Hask keratin protein shampoo and conditioner and while I was grabbing it, Sue from Sosueme.ie was saying to her boyfriend "Dylan this stuff is amazing because it's repairing" so yay for stalkery expert advice!

So this evening I'll pop the coconut on, dry hair Yeah? I'm weirdly excited!

Chiquitita

Ou I want in on the coconut oil trend! Gonna buy me some tomorrow!

Toast4532

CarMe wrote: »

So this evening I'll pop the coconut on, dry hair Yeah? I'm weirdly excited!

Yup, dry hair, make sure and comb through the hair when the oil is on. Leave it on for 5-10 mins (or however long you want) and then rinse out. You might need to use a little bit of shampoo to get it rinsed out fully without leaving your hair greasy.

Another thing I sometimes do is put a towel on a hot radiator and then when the oil/conditioner etc is on my hair, wrap my hair in the warm towel and it works great, although my mum doesn't find any difference, so maybe it is just me.

You'll need a second towel to dry your hair after rinsing it out though as the first towel will have product/oil on it from being wrapped around your hair obviously.

Let us know how you get on.

PS: the coconut oil is great for removing mascara/liner too, just do as you did with the lipstick and let it sit on the lashes/skin for a minute and wipe away.

Cheaper than buying make-up removers, pads etc.

_Whimsical_

Funnily I have tried coconut oil several times and never found it any good at all.

I would recommend Vo5 Hot Oil treatments. They're cheap,4 for under a fiver and they really transform your hair into slippery smooth shiny loveliness.

weirdspider

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle is a much-hyped classic. Boots also do an AMAZING coconut/almond hair mask that is only around 3/4 euro and it has so much product. Vo5 do brilliant hot oil treatments also.

galway091

I got coconut oil exact same tub as in pic for 2 Euro somethin recently.....!!!! Small bit cheaper....!!! Every little helps....!!

CarMe

Well I can honestly say it's probably the best thing I've ever used on my hair!!

I left it in a turban thing overnight and this morning I was dreading having to wash it out, I honestly didn't think it had done anything good to my hair at all and felt a fool in the shower with candle waxy hair but as soon as the warm water hit it, it began to feel much better. I used a small amount of shampoo twice and a little Hask conditioner afterwards.
Well I'm actually in shock at the results. I let it dry naturally for a while and the only thing I can liken to is when I'd use the really good conditioners that come with hair dye, but better!!
My hair is so thick and long that it usually takes all sorts of serums and sprays to get it halfway normal but I didn't use anything, I blasted the dryer after a while and it was drying gorgeous without me even making an effort to brush/dry it straight etc!! When it was dry it was totally smooth and felt amazing, I just stuck it in a side plait and now it's all wavy and perfectly smooth and shiny!!

I also used it as an all over body moisturiser and while it took a little longer than my usual soap and glory to sink it, it feels unreal and the smell is so pure and subtle.

I'm officially head over heels for this stuff!!

bronte

Yay! you're a convert!
It does seem a bit mad when you feel like your hair is a candle! haha!
It's a great treatment though, and the beauty of it is you can take off make up with it, use it on dry knees/elbows , condition your lashes etc.
It does everything! My hair is styled so much and it turns it to silk every time.
Glad you got good results!

Chiquitita

So jealous, I went into 3 different shops today and none of them had it well holland & barrett had one but it was 22.99

sawdoubters

use olive oil



stop using hair dryer

lubie76

Chiquitita wrote: »

So jealous, I went into 3 different shops today and none of them had it well holland & barrett had one but it was 22.99

Try any of the Asian food shops- they all sell one in a big tub for about 3 euro. Great stuff too.

Chiquitita

Thanks for the tip, gonna look tomorrow

Storming

Delighted it went well. You'll find lots of uses for coconut oil now!!! Was on here a couple of weeks ago and someone recommended mixing with a little brown sugar to use as a lip exfoliant. Found it really good. Enjoy your coconut oil!!

Chiquitita

Wooohooo got some! Gonna try it tonight

PinkFly

I picked up 'organic extra virgin coconut oil' opened and its hard? Is this normal? Feel like such a numpty

Chiquitita

Haha yeah pink it melts really easily and a little goes a long way. All the coconut oil sill be sold out cause of boards :P

Storming

This is as it should be. As soon as you take it out and rub it between your hands it will melt into an oil. You'll also find a little goes a long way so work with small amounts until you get used to it

CarMe

Feck sake I'm truly mad about this stuff! You'd swear I was on commission, the amount of people I've raved about it to!

As an all over body moisturizer is amazing though not in the mornings if you're in a hurry as it does take a while to sink in.
My hair lasted over 3 days and looked brilliant till the end even after loads of exercise which is unheard of for me, and I didn't get an itchy scalp or anything. I used the Hask mask last night and it hasn't got a patch on coconut oil!!

I think I'll stop using it as a make up remover though as my skin didn't look it's best this morning, looked a bit cloggy. A bit over zealous to think I could use it for anything and everything though

Thanks so much for the recommendation I'm in love!