I've had better! (Boots Coconut & Almond Intensive Hair Mask)

Member Name: emmachilcott

Product:	Boots Coconut & Almond Intensive Hair Mask
Date:	19/08/09 (159 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Extremely good value, making it suitable for everyday use

Disadvantages: Not as effective as it could be

Over the years I have been guilty of completely abusing my hair with straighteners and blow drying, and so I am constantly on the lookout for a product that can put a bit of shine and health back into my frazzled tresses. The latest addition to my ever growing collection of intensive conditioners is Boots Coconut and Almond Intensive Hair Mask; this is an intensive conditioner suitable for normal to dry hair.


Aside from the very respectable price tag of £1.95 for 350ml (plus the Boots Advantage Card Points), I was attracted to it because any mention of coconut immediately grabs my attention. I adore the smell, mainly because it reminds me of holidays in a far away tropical paradise; I've never been, but I do like the idea!


The packaging is very simple; a cloudy white tub with a screw on lid, which is fully recyclable. When you unscrew the lid you are immediately met with the coconut smell. It is not overpowering, and to be honest, I wouldn't mind it being coconuttier! The product itself is a pearlescent white colour, and it has a thick consistency with an almost wet soap texture.


After washing my hair with my usual shampoo, I slightly towel dried it then scooped out a handful of the conditioner and massaged it into my hair from root to tip; it is quite firm, and so does not drip all over the place, but coats the hair nicely. Upon initial touch, this product does not feel as creamy as some that I have used in the past, but that is not always a good indicator of how effective the product will be. It states that the mask should be left on for five minutes, but as with all types of intensive conditioner, I decided to leave it on for about twenty minutes; I don't know if this has any benefits, but psychologically it makes me feel better!


Rinsing off the hair mask is easy; simply rinse in warm water until you are confident that it has all been washed away. Once dry, my hair did feel more conditioned, and it was shiny and felt soft, slipping through my fingers easily without tangles. It fees well moisturised but not at all greasy and I have a lot less frizz, but I still have a lot of split ends; I was expecting this as its conditioner, not a magic wand! Although I was pleased with the results, I have used intensive conditioners that have been a lot more effective, but these are usually three or four times the price of this product. The coconut scent remained for a few hours, and even then, it was only me that could smell it - people in close proximity could detect no scent at all unless they stuck their nose in my hair, which I find slightly disappointing!


This is a pleasant product to use on a weekly basis, as it is not too heavy and it does provide effective results. I have used it five times now (over a five week period) and I am about half way down the tub, so this really is a great value product. It has a shelf life of twenty four months once opened, but this is such a light and easy product to use, I doubt it will be hanging around for that long in my cupboard. I would not use this conditioner on a special occasion if I wanted ultra smooth hair as there are better products on the market, but for every day use it is a good budget option.

Summary: Definitely one to try if you are on a tight budget