Aveda’s Smooth Infusion Smoothing Masque

My main hair concern (if I can call it that) is lack of volume and moisture retention. My curly hair is fine and slightly weakened by the colouring process I put it through last Spring. However, overall there are no major problems. I tend to reach for products that promise volume, minimum frizz and moisture for my hair.

While Aveda’s Smooth Infusion Smoothing Masque is not specifically for curly hair, I decided to try it out anyway. I was drawn to the promise of soft hair with less frizz. When you don’t have 30 to 45 minutes for treatment to process, then this product by Aveda for you. I’ve used organic cupuacu and shea butters in the past and had good results but not as a hair treatment. I was curious to see what results I would get from this Infusion Masque. In the natural hair arena, those butters are valued for their ability to make hair soft, manageable and moisturised. I used the treatment twice, at the start and end of the month.

During my first trial I applied it after using and rinsing out one of my regular hair cleansers. The treatment is rich, thick and has enough slip to detangle hair easily. However, I didn’t detangle at that point, as I would normally do because hair was quite tangled and it felt squeaky with the masque on, so I opted to delay detangling. Instead I allowed the treatment to process for 45 minutes under two plastic caps.

The recommended time is two to five minutes, but I left it in for much longer than advised. After rinsing, my hair felt fortified but not as soft as I expected. No fault of the product, I didn’t follow the instructions. Though, once I applied my usual styling products and styled as usual my curls looked and felt great.

For the second trial I used the Masque after cleansing my hair. On this occasion my hair wasn’t too badly tangled so I detangled my hair at this stage. I covered my hair in a plastic cap for five minutes and when I rinsed my hair out it felt wonderfully soft and bouncy so I styled as usual. The results were cushiony, soft, bouncy, frizz-free curls that were shiny and looked so full.

I was much happier with the results the second time around. Therefore, I would suggest with this product it's best to follow the instructions given. I really liked the fragrance of the treatment as well. It has a greenie botanical smell which I think is quite unisex. I would say this is a product for curly guys as well. Although Aveda have other products in the Smooth Infusion range, they seem to be suitable if you want to wear your hair straight. I believe the masque will work on any hair type. Depending on the length and thickness of the hair, you should get at least four uses.

For more information please visit their website.