Hi, Gang! Chops here again with another beard product review.
I get frequent hair care questions. Like, A LOT of hair care questions actually. There are a few daily/weekly routines that I do, but weekly deep conditioning is probably the most important one. Because my beard is so long, there’s a good chance the ends could dry out and break easily. So I like to keep my facial hair saturated using a deep condition treatment about once every week or so.
However, there are different brands/treatments out there, so it takes some experimentation to figure out which one works best for my hair. I’m going to try different brands and write up a simple review for each one in this section of my blog.
This week, Pantene Gold Series Repairing Mask ( $2.99; available at Target, Wal-Mart, CVS, Walgreens, online).
The label describes it as “deep moisturization to replenish and help restore hair health; for dry damaged hair; sulfate free/paraben free/dye free.”
What I’ve noticed about most deep conditioning products, there are usually claims to repair damaged hair, or get rid of split ends, etc. I’ve never understood this. Once the hair is broken and damaged, that is permanent. Split ends don’t just glue back together because of a conditioner. And they can’t regenerate somehow where they broke off or split. Hair strands aren’t lizard tails. So I’ve always been confused when a product claims to “mend damage”. It does not, because it cannot. Damage is damage.
However, on the back of the Pantene Gold Series repairing mask, it specifically states “Helps restore strength (against damage)”. Now, that is a bit more accurate. Conditioning treatments will help strengthen the hair that is there that is NOT damaged, but will not repair what is already dry and splitting.
This particular brand and type of conditioner is thick and creamy, like most deep conditioners. Heads up, it is scented. It smells distinctly like SweetTARTS candies. It is not overpowering at all, but is definitely in the air around your beard as you “soak” it.
When applying a deep conditioner to your facial hair:
Step 1: wash beard thoroughly removing any product or oil build up, etc. Pat the beard to dry it a little, but leave damp. Do not blow dry.
Step 2: put on a shirt you don’t mind getting conditioner all over, or wrap a towel around your neck and shoulders like a barber’s smock. It’s going to be a little messy.
Step 3: open product and put a good amount of conditioner in your hand and rub together.
Start by applying it to the ends and tips of your facial hair first, since this is the oldest and driest part. Then work your way up to the hair roots, but DO NOT rub it into the roots. That can cause follicle blockages.
Leave the conditioner treatment in at least an hour. I prefer to leave mine in until it “dries”, which is generally 2 hours or so.
It was a bit difficult to rinse out well. I had to run water through it several times. However, it left my beard feeling silkier than ever before. The brittle ends of my beard were definitely addressed and feel much smoother now. Also, when i brushed my chops after rinsing, there was not a single tangle. The brush glided through without any snags. So far, this is my favorite deep conditioning treatment of everything I’ve used for the past 10 years. It does exactly what it says it does on the label, and I will be using it again.
I give it 5 whiskers out of 5.
Step 4: after your beard is rinsed out thoroughly, replenish your beard using your daily beard oil regimen. I prefer to use Pulpo Beard Oils because they are thick and will help keep your facial hair saturated to avoid breakage. And they have unique scents that I like!
Love it! I will try this this weekend
I’ll try that chops, for sure, cheers and thanks for the great advice