Hair revival! (The Body Shop Poppy Seed Oil Reviving Mask)

Member Name: LRWade

Product:	The Body Shop Poppy Seed Oil Reviving Mask
Date:	27/10/09 (51 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Really noticable effect on hair, smells yummy.

Disadvantages: Not for dry hair.

The Body Shop make two hair masks, the Brazil Nut Moisture Mask (for dry or chemically treated hair) and the Poppyseed Reviving Mask (for all hair types).

In my my opinion, the poppyseed hair mask is suited mostly for greasy (yes greasy hair should be conditioned and treated!), normal or dyed (but healthy) hair, it really isn't strong enough for dry, coarse or frizzy hair-it will will work a little but if you have one of these types I'd advise getting the Brazil nut mask.

I don't often use hair masks or intensive conditioner because my hair is very healthy and shiny even though I dye it, I'm a shampoo/condition/gel/blow-dry/go kinda gal, but since my hair is now touching my collar bone I decided a little TLC wouldn't go amiss. Since hair isn't a living product it is unable to self regulate, so I've decided that prevention is better than cure, and I'm taking steps to ensure my hair stays as good as it is.

I was looking in the Body Shop and the first thing to catch my eye was the amika leave in conditioner. That thought was soon pushed aside since it would interfear with my styling regime. My eyes then came upon the hair masks. Poppyseed in particular because products for dry/damaged hair tend to make my hair *too* moisturised and then it gets greasy quickly.

*PACKAGING*

The hair mask comes in a sturdy round tub, About 4.5cm (2") deep with a screw lid top. It's a greeny/beige colour with minimalistic labelling, for the most part as the picture above but with a few alterations in the writing. It contains 200ml of product (186g/6.6OZ). There is a label on the base with use and ingredients, in the usual body shop style it is a layered peel label, so make sure you check it out with dry hands! There is a use life of 12 months, though I estimate one tub will last no more than 4-6 months for my length of hair used once a week.

I am really attracted to the packaging, it's hard to explain but it looks a little bit masculine an elegant.

*PRODUCT*

Unscrewing the lid reveals an off white creamy product. It has the consistency of a thick set yoghurt, thick enough that when you get a finger mark it doesn't disappear. The scent is very pleasant, again this is hard to describe, it's kind of a sweet, herbal, masculine, floral scent. I imagine it resembles a poppy but I've never smelled them! It feels creamy and smooth on the fingers and doesn't drip when scooped up.

*USE AND RESULTS*

The instructions say to apply to towel dried hair after shampooing and leave for three minutes. I take a scoop about the size of a level tablespoon and rub between my hands then rub into the hair from the tips to the roots, give it a big rub then leave it for a few minutes. I've found that leaving it longer than three minutes doesn't further improve the effects so don't bother! Rinsing is easy, this is nothing like a conditioner, it doesn't cling to the hair and require a few minutes rinsing, it just glidse off quickly. I only apply conditioner to the lower mid lengths and tips of my hair because it stops my roots getting greasy, but this hair mask doesn't, so I apply it all over. It has the effect of an intensive conditioner without the greasiness (hence the suitability for greasy hair in my opinion).

I then towel dry my hair, rub in some hair gel and blow dry. I have to say the effects of this mask are only fully realised when you dry your hair. It leaves the hair amazingly soft and smooth, but feeling very clean and not weighed down like conditioner does. Even a few washes later the effects are still noticeable. I really like this hair mask.

*OTHER*

It costs £7.80 for 200 ml. Your budget will determine if this is a bargain or a treat, but either way I'd strongly suggest you try it, it's amazing.

The tub is pp5, so recyclability depends on your local facilities.

© L Wade 2009 - submitted only on dooyoo.

Summary: If you have oily hair, try this. I'm convinced you'll love it.