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Beauty Board: Hair Masks

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Published: December 20, 2008

If you're never quite sure whether the ads for popular beauty products can be believed, relax. Our 4you Beauty Board is made up of veteran testers ready to try the latest when it comes to all things beauty. We'll share what worked and what bombed with the hope of making life a little easier for you. This week: We didn't split any hairs while reviewing these deep conditioners - we loved them all.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer

Available online at philipkingsley.com and other online retailers; $42 for 5.07 ounces

"Intensive, super-moisturizing treatment for all hair types; adds elasticity, manageability, bounce and shine."

Rating: A

Cloe says: I put this mask to the test after my six-month relaxer touch-up. Relaxers can sometimes zap the moisture from my tresses and leave them looking dry, lifeless and in need of something mighty potent to whip them back into shape. Unlike most masks, this one is applied before shampooing. You add a few drops of water to your hair and work the product through. If your hair is really raggedy, you can use the enclosed plastic cap and leave it on for 20 minutes before you wash it out (which is what I did). I followed with my usual shampoo. My hair was silky smooth and oh-so-shiny. The next morning, it looked great without having to use a lot of product. I can imagine the results had I paired this with Kingsley's shampoo and conditioner. But I'd have to take out a second mortgage to buy all three, and I'll use this one sparingly.

Cloe Cabrera, 42, is the fashion and beauty reporter for the Tribune.

Garnier Fructis Fortifying Deep Conditioner

Available at CVS, Walgreens, Target, Publix and most retailers; $4.39 for a 10.2-ounce jar

"Helps reverse the signs of damage in one week, leaving hair intensely nourished"

Rating: B

Michelle says: Scent means a lot to me. So when I opened the jar of Garnier Fructis Fortifying Deep Conditioner and got a whiff of its slightly sweet apricot and avocado oil aroma, we became instant friends. Billed as a "three-minute masque for over-processed and extremely damaged hair," this creamy conditioner promises to repair and nourish the hair after just a week. My hair wasn't so bad to begin with, but it definitely feels softer and shinier. And there's no greasy residue. The product also boldly pledges you'll have "up to 7 times less breakage" with regular usage. I'm not sure what rocket scientist determined that equation, but I've noticed fewer hairs showing up in my brush. For its very modest cost, this conditioner is definitely worth a try.

Michelle Bearden, 53, covers faith and values for the Tribune.

Yes to Carrots, C is for Hair Care Hair & Scalp Moisturizing Mud Mask

Available at Walgreens, Target and online at www.drugstore.com; $12.99 for 8.45 ounces

"Moisturizing, softening, detangling, shining, volumizing ... need we go on??"

Rating: A

Kim says: Every time I get my hair cut, I get a lecture. "Are you deep-conditioning?" the stylist asks. Yes. Often. I promise. She shakes her head disapprovingly and frowns, forgetting, I think, that I can see her in the mirror. I dread that head shake and frown. But this week, when I hit the chair, I didn't get the usual tsking, which tells me this product works. Or it works better, at least, than others I've tried. My hair still gets fried (coloring, blow-drying and straightening will do that), but it does look healthier when I use this mask. It's softer, shinier and more manageable. I just finished the jar, and I'll definitely be buying more.

Kim Franke-Folstad, 50, is editor of 4you and Baylife Magazine.

Carol's Daughter Khoret Amen Hair Smoothie

Available at Sephora and online at www.carolsdaughter.com; $19 for 8 ounces

"A nutrition infusion for underfed hair."

Rating: A

Shantae says: If your tresses are anything like mine, they're thirsting for moisture. The Hair Smoothie helped feed the need. We have hard water, and my hair normally feels like straw after I wash it. The super-rich emulsion of seaweed, shea butter, cocoa butter and jojoba oil left my hair feeling silky. The conditioner has a rich woodsy fragrance, which is great because good-looking hair should smell good, too.

Shantae Brewster, 36, is the Tribune's Readers Desk supervisor.

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