I’ve officially reached the point of summer where my hair is at its driest. Let’s just say the added sun exposure hasn’t done any favors for my ends (especially the bleached section underneath, where my holdover peekaboo highlights are on their last leg).
So, when this friendly-looking green tube arrived in the mail a few weeks ago, promising to add “a dazzling shine” to my parched strands, I took the bait immediately.
The Dae Stargloss Shine Treatment is a pre-wash glossing treatment that’s meant to be used on dry hair to smooth down frizz, nourish strands and deliver an instant shine throughout, thanks to the sparkly flecks in it that the brand says is like “highlighter for your hair.”
The newly-launched treatment features prickly pear seed oil, which Dae is known for incorporating into all of its products because it’s rich in fatty acids that deeply condition, as well as moringa seed oil and shea butter to further boost moisture and help repair damage.
The glittery shine will last until your next wash, which for me, averages about two to three days. I can’t really speak to any long-term results, though my hair does look and feel a touch smoother overall after using this for a few weeks.
One of my favorite things about the Dae Stargloss Shine Treatment is that it’s meant to be used as a pre-wash step. Whereas most masks are used in the shower, after you’ve already shampooed your hair, this one is applied to dry hair before you even step into your tub. Yes, you’re still waiting the same 20 minutes for it to do its job, but I liked that I could just plop on the mask, clip my hair up and continue working or doing chores around the house, as opposed to standing around in the shower wasting water. (Something I am extra conscious about living in Southern California.)
I also really liked the thick, creamy texture of the treatment because it spread nicely and coated my hair without running or dripping down my back. To give you a sense of how thick it is, I’d say it has the viscosity of a rich buttercream frosting.
Lastly, because I don’t wash my hair every day, I’m especially picky about scent in my hair products. I want everything that touches my hair to have a fresh fragrance. The Dae Stargloss Shine Treatment has crisp, juicy notes of prickly pear, mandarin and magnolia, a sweet blend that the brand describes as “the aroma of desert romance in full bloom.” I don’t even know what that means, but I want my hair to smell like it. (OK, I just took a quick whiff of my hair and I’d say it smells pretty darn romantic.)
One of the things I liked and disliked about the treatment was that it’s generously flecked with glitter (courtesy of mica in the formula). This is a fun addition and looks flattering on my hair, but it’s a tad annoying to get off your hands. It’s not a dealbreaker for me, but I wanted to note it for anyone who might not want to deal with the aftermath of using something that’s glittery.
I’ve got to be honest, $44 is a hard pill to swallow, especially considering how much product someone with longer hair would need to use to get full coverage. I estimate that I use at least a quarter of the tube each time, but bear in mind that my hair is very long, very thick, very coarse and highly porous, so it drinks everything up.
By that measure, the math would add up to about $11 per use, which is much more palatable than the upfront cost of the treatment (made even more palatable when you compare it to an in-salon gloss). Still, it’s certainly not cheap, so is it worth it?
Hmm…I’d say that if your hair is in dire need of some TLC right about now and you have the funds to splurge a little, go for it. Personally, I like it enough that I will be restocking it when I run out (which is seldom the case for a beauty editor who tests new products constantly).
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