Product Reviews: John Masters Organics Honey and Hibiscus Hair Reconstructor
A few weeks ago we were discussing seasonal product changes. (We were also, I’m reminded, using old movie posters for our blog posts.) I’ve noticed that for my face, all I had to do was use a little more argan oil and eat some avocados to get it back in balance in this cold New York weather. My hair, though? Not so much. I needed a new conditioner, and I needed it bad, so I booked it to Whole Foods and decided on two new bottles—one high-end and one that cost a third its price. I’ll tell you about the cheaper on next week, but for now, let’s talk about the Cadillac conditioner: John Masters Organics Honey and Hibiscus Hair Reconstructor.
I’ll admit I have a love-hate relationship with this product. I used to use it all the time; it was my go-to. At a certain point, though, I had to try new things (occupational requirement, obvs), which I didn’t mind, because this one costs a grip ($28), the bottle is small (4 oz.) and I have a lot of hair. I go through conditioner like nobody’s business.
And yet there I was in Whole Foods, and that little brown bottle was calling to me. I reread the ingredients to make sure they hadn’t reformulated, and to reassure myself that this would be money well spent: honey, hyaluronic acid, hibiscus, oils, butters, BMS—basically a detangling, moisturizing and moisture-locking extravaganza.
And so I went for it. I’ve been using it several times a week for about a month now and the verdict? My hair feels incredible. I wish it didn’t! I wish I could say the high-end conditioner thing was hooey! But in this case, it’s just not. This conditioner is very hydrating, it doesn’t weigh me down (no small feat with my heavy hair) and it smells lovely. I’ve also found my hair to be shinier than it was, and less tangly.
So blast you—and bless you—John Masters. You make a mean conditioner.
Do you have a high-end conditioner you swear by?
(And don’t worry! Next week I’m going to tell you about my other favorite conditioner, which costs about seven bucks.)
I use his Neroli & citrus detanler as my conditioner. I know its a leave-in rinse-off, but I just use it as my rinse-off… I adore it!
I also use the citrus and neroli as a leave in conditioner (it’s so light) I tried the honey condioner, but prefer the lavender and avocado as a deep conditioner. It’s magical!!! I only use John masters hair products now, everytime I switch because of price, I notice a big difference. It’s worth the extra cash! Thank you John masters. You have transformed my unmanageable hair into hair that everyone comments on.
Just curious: when you use this, do you still have to deep condition your hair every now and then? Actually, just in general, do people really deep condition their hair or do hot oil treatments?
I looove John Masters haircare, totally addicted! Has anyone tried their skincare line? I’m tempted to give it a whirl since I like the hair stuff so much…
The Bourbon, Vanilla, & Tangerine Hair Texturizer is great, too–it smells amazing, and a little goes a long way towards giving my short, fine hair some volume.
Like Cindy, I’m really curious if anyone has enjoyed the skincare line. I’m headed to Whole Foods today…perhaps I’ll see if they have any samples.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the honey & hibiscus reconstructor. I have fine red hair that’s a little past shoulder length and live in dry California. I’ve been trying to go no poo for almost two months now using only BS wash and ACV rinse but twice I’ve shampooed with JMs honey & hibiscus shampoo and followed with the reconstructor.
Can I just “wash” with this reconstructor and do nothing else? It’s heavenly!
I really like Amazon Beauty Rahua conditioner, and I also like their finishing treatment, (which is like a leave in conditioner) that were suggested in the book. The finishing treatment is on the expensive side, but a little goes a long way; I only use a pea size amount on my hair that is fine, wavy, and mid back length. These are great for dry hair. They have a very subtle scent that disappears once your hair dries. An unappealing scent can be a deal breaker for me. If you have oily hair, they may be too rich for your hair.
I would try just using the reconstructor as a cleansing rinse! That’s what I do with my conditioner.
I use the John Masters SPF30 Natural Mineral sunscreen and I love it. I have also tried the pomagranate oil and it’s very nice. These are good products.
Cindy & Elizabeth,
I use John Masters skincare; have used it for about two years now. I am 53 and EVERYONE tells me that I look a lot younger. My skin has always been combination skin with blackheads and larger pores but since using these products, my skin is balanced, pores are minimal and blackheads are vitually gone.
I have used Mary K, Merle Norman, Lancome and several other high end skin care products over the years and they have not helped my skin as John Master products have. The funny thing is I use the Bearberry products in the summer and switch to the Rose foaming cleanser and rose & apricot moisturizer for winter and I am now a very happy camper!
I LOVE John Masters Organics. Probably my favorite natural beauty brand. Gorgeous packaging, fantastic ingredients…thanks for reminding me to stock back up on this :)
This has been my favorite conditioner for years!! I love John Masters Organics. I am going for a haircut there this afternoon.
Love everything from JMO – the products are top notch and it’s definitely hard to go back to other shampoos or conditioners after using his.
The skincare is also fantastic. Similar in vein to the Tammy Fender products, which are amazing, but still pricey.
In response to Rom – I absolutely have to deep condition my hair. I have color treated hair (I know, its awful and my worst chemical vice, but I won’t live with grey hair – especially in my late 20s) and I use a hair mask at least once a month. It helps to tame my naturally coarse, curly hair. Depends on the mask, and sometimes I just make my own with virgin coconut oil and avocado.
What was your other favorite conditioner? :)
Many thanks.