My hair has had its fair share of abuse through years colouring.  My experimentation has definitely taken its toll.  One way that I compensate for the abuse I inflict upon my poor, unsuspecting locks is through periodic hair conditioning treatments at home. 

There are a ton of treatments out there.  Some are fantastic frugal finds and others are cerifiably crazy expensive.  Not to mention that some of them are just flat-out duds.  I did a few comparisons and found that a shiny tress doesn’t always equal a wallet in distress.

The Contenders

    VS.    

Click the jump to find out who comes out on top.

Round One

In the left corner we have The Body Shop’s Brazil Nut Moisture Mask

At $14.00USD for 4.4oz ($3.18/oz), this is a luciously creamy, pre-shampoo treatment that definitely resides in the budget end of this debate. 

Application: 

Apply this treatment to damp hair, wrap in a towel or cap, leave for 15 minutes or overnight, rinse, shampoo and condition as normal. 

I’ll be honest, sometimes I wrap it in a towel and sometimes I don’t.  I haven’t noticed a difference either way.  I only leave it in for 15 minutes, as the thought of sleeping with a gooey, conditioned scalp is none too appealing in my book.

Word of warning: The first time I used this, I assumed I would just shampoo and use this to condition.  Epic fail.  You need to treat with Brazil Nut Moisture Mask, shampoo and then use your regular conditioner.  If you just shampoo and use the Brazil Nut Moisture Mask in place of your regular conditioner, you will be greasy.

Why it works:

This tub of hair love is packed with high-power conditioners for you.   You will find moisturizing and conditioning properties in its brazil nut oil, olive oil, sesame oil, organic honey and lanolin.  

Notable: As a lot of you know, The Body Shop is known for its socially responsible take on beauty, so the purchase of this product helps support community and fair trade initiatives that back the people producing these ingredients. 

The results:

I love the way my hairs feels after I use this treatment.  There is a noticeable difference in the texture and appearance.  My hair feels much softer and the subtle scent left behind from the treatment is wonderful.

Round Two

In the right corner we have Pureology’s Nanoworks Restorative Hair Treatment

At $40.00 for 5.2oz ($7.69/oz), this is a bit more of a pinch in the pocketbook, but not as bad as I’ve seen.  Is it worth it?  Read on…

Application:

Shampoo, apply to clean damp hair from roots to end, leave in for 2-5 minutes and rinse.  

There are some pluses here, as this treatment takes less time than the Brazil Nut Moisture Mask (2-5 minutes vs. 15).  You also have one less step involved when using the Pureology Nanoworks, as it is used in the same fashion as your regular conditioner.   You just shampoo, treat with the Nanoworks, then rinse.  You don’t have to treat, shampoo and then condition like you do with the Brazil Nut Moisture Mask.

Why it works:

Pureology touts  Nano Technology that offers ultimate penetration of active ingredients for 3X strengthening performance.  Anti-Aging Complex restores hair to its youthful condition.  AntiFadeComplex™ provides colour protection. 

My hair needs to be restored to its youthful condition?  I had no idea my hair was going through a mid-life crisis. 

The Results:

I did notice a change in the texure of my hair.  Just like the Brazil Nut Moisture Mask, it left my hair noticeably softer and smelling good. 

The Winner: 

While they both left my hair softer, looking smoother and smelling great, my vote goes for the Body Shop’s Brazil Nut Moisture Mask.  

When compared to  Pureology’s Nanoworks Restorative Hair Treatment, the Brazil Nut Moisture Mask worked slightly better, smelled slightly nicer (personal preference, I know) and it was much more affordable. 

I will say that the Pureology product was slightly less emollient and creamy, so it would be a better choice for those with normal hair that needs a little boost, as opposed to dry or damaged hair. 

Verdict:

Go with The Body Shop’s Brazil Nut Moisture Mask and save yourself $26.00.  If you are really grateful for this recommendation, please feel free to send me that $26.00.  This girl plans to spend a lot on MAC in the next few months. ;) 

What are your recommendations for great deep-conditioning treatments?  Do you splurge or save on them?

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