This Color Depositing Hair Mask Makes My Grown-Out Highlights Look Fresh Again

• Value: 17/20
• Functionality: 18/20
• Ease of Use: 20/20
• Aesthetics: 18/20
• Brightening Power: 18/20
• TOTAL: 91/100

After seven months without a salon visit, let’s just say my hair isn’t looking its best. And while I initially planned to make an appointment with my stylist the second social distancing guidelines allowed, the fact that I’m barely seeing anyone these days has caused me to get l-a-z-y about my beauty routine. So, I’ve decided to rock my grown-out highlights until further notice.

That’s where Madison Reed’s new Color Therapy mask comes in. I first learned of the at-home hair color brand when my mom tried it and started fielding compliments nonstop. When I later heard it came out with a color refreshing conditioning mask, I knew it was worth a shot.

I squeezed out some of the mask (after shampooing, as directed), and was instantly impressed by its deep purple shade and thick, almost paint-like consistency. For context, I chose the Perla mask, which is designed to neutralize brassiness in blonde or highlighted hair, similar to a purple shampoo. But Color Therapy comes in Dorato, Castagna and Caffe variations too, which you can select based on your hair color and desired result.

I applied it “generously” from root to tip per the label’s instructions, then waited five minutes. When I rinsed it out, my hair felt soooft. TBH, I can’t say for sure whether it was due to the exact formula or just the fact that I don’t typically leave my conditioner on for that long, but either way, my strands felt silky smooth.

I brushed it out with my Wet Brush, per usual, and let it dry overnight. Then it was time for the real test: seeing what my hair looked like dry. When I woke up, my bedhead was noticeably lighter than it had been the day before. And after some styling, my previously brassy, grown-out highlights looked bright and new again. Impressive. And while my roots obviously didn’t disappear, having shiny, cool-toned highlights again made it almost look as if I had a deliberate balayage style going on.

Then I waited a few days and gave it another try, just to make sure I wasn’t seeing things. (The results are most noticeable during the following day or two, so the brand recommends using Color Therapy 2-3 times a week). Sure enough, the mask had the same effect the second time. Like, my hair looked so refreshed that I actually didn’t immediately throw it up in a bun for once. That’s the true sign of a good hair day for me these days.

The one thing I’d change? The way the bright purple stains my shower curtain if I accidentally get some on it as I’m rinsing the mask out. But as long as I’m careful, I don’t have any issues.

Needless to say, I’ll keep using Color Therapy on the reg until I finally make that salon appointment. PureWow’s director of audience development Aly Owens is a fan too. Check out her results from using the Caffè shade for three weeks below.