One thing I learned at fashion week was that I need to pay more attention to my hair. I spoke to an editor who told me that no matter what she does, a weekly hair mask was a must for her color treated and constantly refreshed locks. She happened to connect me with the great people at the renowned Christoph Robin, who counts Tilda Swinton and Kylie Minogue among his a-list clientele.
The Regenerating Mask uses Prickly Pear Seed Oil, a rare and much-desired ingredient in the beauty world that is also used in the skincare world by luxury companies like Sunday Riley, MUN, and YULI. Legions of devotees regard this product in the highest esteem. My own hair guy uses this on his clients as well because he says “it is so deeply penetrating and makes your hair with a gorgeous shine and softness“.
Unlike the majority of hair care products, the Christoph Robin line refrains from using parabens, silicones, SLS, and ammonia. The mask relies on what is called 100% Natural Repairing Agent that restructures and refines hair from inside out, making it’s texture smooth and shiny. It’s ingredients echo my belief that a little chemical is okay if the overall story is one of quality.
The highlight is the Prickly Pear Seed Oil, described as a rare and precious natural remedy with antioxidant and regenerative virtues. This oil is renowned for its essential fatty acid concentration which nourishes and softens dry/damaged hair, it is one of few plant oils to possess a powerful sterol called Delta 7 which revitalizes hair. It also contains 2 times the Vitamin E content found in Argan Oil, making it one of the richest sources for this smoothing, protective antioxidant.
The rest of the fruit is used as well which is rich in regenerative Vitamin C and more essential fatty acids. Finally, Inula Flower Extract contains a lipid structure similar to hair’s own natural ceramides which helps give hair that defining luster and shine.
The creamy texture of the mask helps coat hair strands, adding a weighty and nourishing feel. After my experience with some of the more drying natural shampoos, I found it to provide instant relief. As you massage the mask through your scalp to the ends of your hair, the cream will feel light and almost fluid. The light fragrance is pleasant and won’t offend even the most discerning senses, although it is derived from synthetics. I am quite sensitive to synthetic fragrance but this 15 minute treatment did not bring about any headaches or unbearable reactions.
Upon rinsing and towel drying my hair, I found that my hair felt much softer and smoother but in all honesty, after having this professionally applied at the salon, the results paled in comparison significantly. When this was professionally done to my hair, under the treatment devices and experienced hands of my stylist, my hair transformed into “I can’t believe this is my hair” territory, at home, it just felt “ok” compared to what I’ve experienced before.
One minor drawback, after continued use, I did noticed emerging breakouts along my hairline. At first I didn’t realize what was causing it, attributing it to seasonal changes which can irritate my blemish prone skin. But then I read that Kimberlyloc was going through the same thing and when she figured the culprit to be her hair products, it all started to make sense! I always broke out the day after I used this and after I stopped, it subsided.
So I am almost tempted to provide a first-world girl type recommendation that you should absolutely use this product especially if you have dry or damaged hair, but save it for your trips to the salon, do not do it by yourself at home. At $64 for a 250ml jar, I found the mask to be the most luxurious hair indulgence I have experienced. The high quality ingredients and creamy texture went far in restoring dry and damaged strands back to life. Blemish prone beauties will need to take precaution as it did cause some breakouts. And for those who really want to indulge, this is a must for your next hair appointment!
At the beginning of this post, I was so excited about this product, but if it caused you breakouts I will probably have the same problem! My super dry, curly hair is in need of something like this… just without the breakouts!
I still think this is a good product to get if you get your hair treated professionally. When it’s in the hands of someone with more experience, the product seems to make hair come alive.
I’m really annoyed by the break outs though, I’ve tried to change pillow cases and everything but it isn’t working. I also don’t want to keep washing my hair because I feel like it will undo the moisture I JUST put in, so I’m a little stuck here.
I have this mask at home too. It did not make me break out (dry skin), but I do not find the effects overwhelming or different from other, cheaper and/od cleaner masks. Btw: have you tried acure shampoos? I am just using them (argan one) for the first time and first impression is that they are not as drying as many other natural lines I tried. Fingers crossed.
I’ve found that extra virgin avocado oil does miracle things to my hair when I use it as a pre-wash treatment (I leave it in anywhere from 10-30 min.) It definitely penetrates the hair shaft and boosts softness and shine, yet isn’t overly conditioning. I have fine, wavy-ish, yet coarse hair that can look very dry on the ends. I started getting unsolicited compliments on my hair after using it.
If I feel the need for a leave-in oil, camellia oil (just 1-2 drops) is all my hair can handle without getting stringy looking.
I used this treatment from his salon and it was amazing! I concur with your observation though that the mask seems to work magic when done by a professional that I can’t replicate at home, that is quite annoying for a leave in mask.
Lol, the smell is horrible musc-perfume! My boyfriend got terrible headache after i used this mask. Can´t belive to read your review.
Author
It wasn’t a strong smell at all to me, but everyone is different and the products could change formula too. Sorry you can’t “believe to read” my review, but I stand by it.