This $10 Hair Mask Salvaged My Damaged Ends in Just One Minute

When the warmer months of the year roll around and my hair is in desperate need of extra love and care, there are times when a flat iron alone just won’t cut it. Anyone with short hair knows summer is an all-hands-on-deck time when you’re using your favorite hair products to avoid an electrocuted-chic look when you might be going for a more healthy, smooth vibe. My hair looks a little rough without a slew of products to treat frizz, frayed ends, and dullness. Truth be told, it’s also a tad damaged due to chemical treatments, stress, and heat styling.

You could say I’m used to clunky products that over-promise on the whole “repairing damaged hair” thing, so I’m often disappointed when I try to get on the right track. That said, since I’ve been growing out my bob, I’ve been keen on getting my hair as healthy as possible. I’ve experimented with just about every leave-in conditioner, hair oil, and heat-protecting spray I can get my hands on, but was still on the market for “the one.”

Like a true Virgo, anything that comes in a uniformed, step-by-step collection sparks joy for me, so when Dove released its new Bond Strength Collection, I knew I had to try it out. The main attraction was its 10-in-1 Bond Strength Serum Mask ($10), which promised to deliver everything I’ve been looking for in just 60 seconds. After just a few uses, my hair looked smoother, felt softer, and generally seemed easier to manage.

Keep reading for the full recap of my experience.

About the Dove Bond Strength Serum Mask

What I Like About Dove’s Bond Strength Serum Mask

First of all, the smell is crisp and clean. Someone over in product development deserves some kind of scent award because it also lasted long after I stepped out of the shower; my hair smelled just as invigorating two days after I washed it. I really appreciated that there was a hefty amount of product inside the container, and that a little goes a long way in terms of how much you need to apply. The texture itself is a bit of an anomaly — it’s somehow rich and hydrating but also lightweight and easy to spread. Also, while the silky feel could moonlight as luxury product, it’s only $10. I might like that part the most.

As far as results go, this mask delivered in making my hair feel stronger without feeling too heavy, and it was much shinier than it was before. Even after one use, my crispy, damaged ends looked a little softer, too. Interestingly, I found that my hair held up longer between washes after using this mask. It’s almost like when I first applied it, it had only started working its magic. It makes sense that Dove suggests only using it once per week, as to let the ingredients seep into your hair and develop over days. I do appreciate a slow burn after all.

How To Use Dove’s 10-in-1 Bond Strength Serum Mask

After shampooing and conditioning, I worked the serum mask through my hair from root to tip as advised, and let it sit for one minute. I don’t like to style my hair straight away after washing, so I let it air-dry for about 45 minutes before I went in with the Dove Strong Bond Leave-In Hair Serum for some added smoothness.

When trying this mask out for yourself, follow these steps: apply a scoops-worth of product onto damp hair, starting from your ends and working your way up. Let the formula sit for 60 seconds and then carefully rinse it out using a fine toothed comb in the shower. The brand suggests using the treatment once a week as part of your regular hair regimen.

What To Consider Before Buying Dove’s 10-in-1 Bond Strength Serum Mask

If you are sensitive to scent, this might not be the product for you, as it contains fragrance. Also, while the brand recommends applying from root to tip, I would suggest anyone with fine or thin hair apply from the mid-shaft down to avoid any oiliness at the root. This would also be my recommendation for anyone who has an oily scalp.

Where Is Dove’s Bond Strength Serum Mask Available?

Dove’s 10-in-1 Bond Strength Serum Mask along with the rest of Dove’s Bond Strength Collection can be found on the brand’s website, as well as Target, CVS, and Walmart.

Rating
★★★★☆