Showing posts with label HASK. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HASK. Show all posts

Thursday, July 13, 2017

HASK Coconut Milk and Organic Honey Curl Care Collection Review


Affordability. Quality. Performance. Results. Natural. This is what we - the consumers - look for when investing money in beauty products. Shampoos and conditioners are staple products in our beauty regiments. Let’s be honest – they are simply not sexy like a coconut sea salt spray to get those exotic beach waves or a new shade of a hot-orange lipstick or bakery scented body butter. I mean I would rather buy a new lipstick than the basic amenities, right! However, we just cannot skip out on the shampoo and conditioner dynamic-duo because after all it is a matter of personal hygiene at the very least if not a “me-time” pampering sort of moment in the shower involving a soothing scalp massage.

What I am actually trying to say is that hair care is important. I think a good hair day plays a role in seizing the day! We feel confident and put together when our hair looks healthy and well maintained. Our hair frames our face and our face is what people look at (or should be looking at) during a conversation. It is no fun to spend $15-30 on a bottle of shampoo and/or conditioner and that too multiple times a year.

My favorite affordable drugstore hair care brand is HASK. I was introduced to HASK a little over a year ago when I was accepted to review their Bamboo line. In fact, my husband is a loyal HASK user as well! He and I have purchased and tried the Monoi Coconut Oil, Argan Oil, and Keratin Protein lines over the past year.  I have also introduced HASK to a few of my close friends when they asked me for a recommendation of a “healthy, natural, and affordable shampoo brand that actually works.” Now they are all HASK fans and have thanked me for inspiring them to wear their hair naturally (i.e., not heat-styled or loaded with styling products) and feel confident about doing so. 

Recently, I was given the opportunity to try one of the latest HASK lines – Coconut Milk & Organic Honey Curl Care.  Doesn’t that sound delicious, especially as we are amidst the summer season? It literally sounds like a summery beach-time cocktail, but for our hair.  If you are a fan of the virgin coconut oil scent, you are going to love this line.  The coconut scent of this line is even more dominantly coconut than the scent of the Monoi Coconut Oil line. 

I am glad that I was already using the HASK Coconut Monoi Oil shampoo and conditioner (purchased myself from Bed, Bath, & Beyond Harmon’s) before I was sent the HASK Coconut Milk and Organic Honey shampoo and conditioner for review purposes because I think I am able to give a more informed review to those of you contemplating which one of the two Coconut varieties to purchase. 

The consistency of the HASK Coconut Milk and Organic Honey shampoo and conditioner is thicker than the HASK Coconut Monoi Oil shampoo and conditioner.  However, once you massage the Coconut Monoi Oil shampoo into your hair, it lathers into a heavier, more emollient and creamier consistency than the Coconut Milk and Organic Honey shampoo.  I also noticed that I felt the need to use more of the Coconut Milk and Organic Honey conditioner than the Coconut Monoi Oil conditioner because the latter is more emollient and only two-quarter size squirts of it is needed for my long (below-waist length) hair. 

My hair is naturally curly, voluminous, and frizzy.  I have dealt with frizzy hair since I grew out my hair (from a no-fuss boy-cut) during my pre-teen, early adolescent years. I rarely heat-style my hair and have never used bleach or lightener on it so it is just naturally frizzy and constantly in major need of conditioning.  I love having long hair and don’t want to compromise on the length of it because of the frizz.  About five or six years ago, I started getting keratin conditioning treatments annually, which helped eliminate the unmanageable volume and frizz, and gave my hair a smoother, wavy look, and allowed me to keep my hair long.  However, keratin conditioning treatments alone are not enough and I would not recommend getting them too often… only as needed because one, you don’t want your hair to become desensitized to the treatment (as with over-doing anything) and two, it is quite an investment monetarily.  Even though my stylist recommends using the shampoo and conditioner that comes in the Keratin treatment product line, I don’t because it is very expensive for the quantity you get and I prefer my affordable, sulfate-free HASK shampoo and conditioners instead. Yes, indeed the HASK line not only helps maintain the Keratin treatment by not stripping it, but also adds to the conditioning my hair needs. 

Personally, I find that the HASK Coconut Monoi Oil shampoo and conditioner is better suited for people with long, thick, voluminous, coarse, dry, and frizzy hair, while the Coconut Milk and Organic Honey shampoo and conditioner is better suited for people with short to medium length, fine, thin, brittle, and frizzy hair.  Both lines of shampoo and conditioner provide the needed moisture and hydration to combat the frizz and get a smoother, shinier look to your hair.  For some people the effect of the Coconut Milk and Organic Honey might not be enough and for others the effect of Coconut Monoi Oil might be too much so deciding which one you think you might need, I will leave that up to you.  As for the Coconut Milk and Organic Honey line’s curl care claim, I did not observe anything noticeable when comparing it to the performance of the Coconut Monoi Oil line or any of the other HASK lines I have tried previously (Bamboo, Argan, and Keratin). 

HASK products are available at Ulta (in-store and online), Target (in-store and online), and at select Bed, Bath, & Beyond (Harmon’s) stores. 
   http://haskbeauty.com/
 ♡ http://www.ulta.com/brand/hask

FTC Disclaimer: I would like to thank HASK and Brandbacker for providing press sample for this post.
Please like, comment, share, follow, and subscribe! 

 Yours Truly,
The Lipsticks-Ninja
Meesha 

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Wednesday, June 15, 2016

HASK Bamboo Oil Collection: Shampoo, Conditioner, Styling Oil, and Deep-Conditioner | Review

I am always weary of experimenting with hair and skin care.   I cannot believe I am saying this because I am so attached to my lipstick and blush collection, but makeup - in my humble opinion - is not a necessity.  Makeup is an accessory or luxury, which enables us to accentuate our natural features for the better.  However, hair and skin care involves our health and reflects upon our personal hygiene.  Healthy hair and skin is the root or canvas.  For example, blush is not going to look appealing if one’s skin is dehydrated.  Hair and skin care products are a staple in our daily regiment, hence a necessity and long-term investment. 

Moreover, it is also expensive to experiment with hair and skin care products. For example, a high-end brand’s 8 to 12 OZ. bottle of shampoo can cost anywhere from $15-30 and if you don’t up liking the shampoo, then you end up with a glorified $15-30 ‘soap-for-random-household-cleaning’ at the best and have to go through the tedious process of finding another “good” shampoo, purchasing and re-risking the $15-30 until you’ve found the perfect match for your hair and skin type.  For this reason, I am really excited to share my review of the new Bamboo Oil collection by HASK. 


HASK is available at many retailers, such as ULTA Beauty, Target, and Harmon’s (Bed, Bath & Beyond).  First off, let me tell you the prices and knock your socks off!  HASK Bamboo Oil shampoo and conditioner costs $5.99 each for 12 OZ (Yes, I did say 12 OZ.). This collection includes Bamboo Styling Oil, which comes in a travel-friendly vial size, with 0.62 OZ. for $2.99 as well as a Deep Conditioner, which comes in a packet, with 1.75 OZ. for $2.99.  I do wish the Bamboo Oil deep conditioner came in a tube form like the other HASK deep conditioners. I have noticed that HASK is on sale occasionally (buy one, get one 50% off or buy two, get one free) at ULTA and Harmon’s.  Additionally, the “drugstore / non-prestige” ULTA coupon ($3.50 off of $15) is applicable on HASK products at ULTA.  So pro point number one is that HASK will not be a hard hit on your wallet and it is easily accessible (at least for US residents). 


HASK’s Bamboo Oil collection is part of its Exotic Oil Hair Collection, which is free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, gluten, drying alcohol, and artificial colors.  Whether you need strengthening (Bamboo Oil), color protection (Kalahari), clarifying (Charcoal), nourishing (Monoi Coconut Oil), smoothing (Keratin Protein), or repairing (Argan Oil), HASK has an option for you.  Wow, right? I’ll take one of each, please and thank you!  In fact, HASK’s very reasonable drugstore price point, while maintaining quality and ingredients akin to high-end brands, makes it possible for someone who wants to buy three different shampoos or conditioners for three different hair care concerns and desires variety and rotation of products. 


I am not the only one who fell in love with HASK’s Bamboo Oil shampoo and conditioner, but also my mom, hubby, mom-in-law, and a friend.  My HASK shampoo and conditioner moved from one bathroom to the other, family members waiting their turn to shower (even though we have more than one bathroom) because everyone desired to pamper-wash their hair with the Bamboo Oil shampoo. “Hey! I’m going for a shower now. Meesha where’s that shampoo… the HASK one!”  My mom loved the shampoo because she said it made her hair look very shiny and smooth, but not greasy or weighed down.  My hubby enjoyed using the HASK shampoo because he experienced less hair fall (he uses gel or pomade occasionally which makes his hair dry/brittle and more vulnerable to breakage) and he found it very effective in removing dandruff (he has a minimal amount, nothing intense); he said his hair felt clean even if he washed it every other day.  My friend, who has thick, curly/wavy, and naturally frizzy hair, like mine, found it made her hair “very soft” and she added that it smells great.

A brand that can maintain excellent quality and effectiveness, while offering a practical price range is remarkable in my perspective as a consumer.  When I first used the shampoo, I felt like I was washing my hair with a luxury, salon brand shampoo.  When I Goggle searched the shampoo’s price, I was expecting it to cost anywhere between $15-30. I was shocked by the actual, rather affordable price. I noted that I did not have to use much in amount, as in not more than one palm-full (palm of your hand) of the shampoo and conditioner.  Mind you, my hair is thick, voluminous, wavy, and long - touching my hips.  For me using three palm-full of shampoo to get a nice lather or cover my hair in conditioner is not surprising. 

Affordability aside, one of the main features I look for in a shampoo and conditioner is that they must be sulfate-free and alcohol-free. I get my hair keratin-treated once or twice in a calendar year.  Instead of spending money on heat tools or endless number hair styling products such as mousse, gel, hairspray, crème, serums, etc., I invest in keratin conditioning treatments (not one that straightens or relaxes, but conditions and improves health of hair).  In order for me to maintain the effect of the keratin treatment in my hair, I have to use an excellent shampoo and conditioner that not only maintains the presence of this treatment, but also adds to it. 

Even though the keratin conditioning treatment is the fundamental reason for the smooth and frizz-free healthy texture of my hair, I still experience minimal frizz and my hair just doesn’t feel or style that well unless I am using a good-quality shampoo and condition, which would help maintain that treatment in my hair.   


I don’t want y’all to think that I like the HASK Bamboo Oil line only because my hair is in a healthier condition due to the keratin treatment.  My mom, hubby, and friend love the HASK Bamboo Oil shampoo and conditioner as much as I do and they have never had a keratin or conditioning treatment done.  In fact, my mom has straight, somewhat oily, and thick, yet weighed down hair, while my hubby has normal straight hair, and my friend’s hair is more like mine (without the keratin treatment).  So five people here, with different hair-types and concerns, all enjoyed using HASK and would repurchase it.  My two favorites from the Bamboo Oil collection are definitely the shampoo and deep-conditioner.  I find my results comparable (dare I say the same if not better) to my experience with popular, high-end, pro-salon brands such as Pureology, Sexy Hair, Alterna, and Living Proof and even a drugstore favorite, such as OGX.  

The Bamboo Shine Oil in the vial is nice to take on-the-go in case your hair is feeling dry or frizzy because of the weather or environmental stressors and needs a little touch-up.  I mainly use hair-oils to style and add shine. This is not a heavy or greasy oil (unless you use half the vial of course) so I believe it is better suited for styling your hair rather than as a hair conditioning treatment or over-night hair mask.  For example, I use the oil once after towel-drying and to prepare it for air-dry.  It helps my hair waves stay in place as my hair takes hours to dry naturally and adds a healthy, non-oily shine.  The conditioner is ideal for someone who needs good conditioning, but too much conditioner makes their hair "limp".  Alternatively, try the deep-conditioner if you have a lot of thick, coarse, dry, and quite frizzy, usually wavy and curly hair.  

I hope y'all found this review helpful and that perhaps HASK Bamboo Oil collection items are hair-care miracle you have been looking for. 


FTC Disclaimer: I would like to thank HASK and Brandbacker for providing press sample for this post.
Please like, comment, share, follow, and subscribe! 

 Yours Truly,
The Lipsticks-Ninja
Meesha 

Social Media