My Thin, Fine Hair Suddenly Looks Thick and Voluminous Thanks to This New Hair Mask

I can't put into words how jealous I am of people who have thick, voluminous, glossy manes of hair. In my opinion, it doesn't matter what you wear, what your makeup looks like or even how you're feeling; if you have thick, shiny hair with bounce and movement, it's enough to put a pep in your step. Perhaps I feel this way because it is a beauty trait I simply cannot relate to. My long, layered hair is thin, fine, straight and has absolutely zero lift at the roots.

For this reason, I have dedicated most of my adult life to testing and trialling volumising hair products. But, truth be told, texturising sprays weigh it down, oils make it greasy and styling creams create a weighty, piecey appearance that isn't for me. And so, this year I decided I needed to rethink my wash routine to make sure my hair is as lightweight and bouncy as it possibly can be. I'm talking shampoos and conditioners that deliver nourishment and hydration without weighing it down.

And while results have been impressive, my bleached lengths have been crying out for some more intense nourishment, but finding a moisturising hair mask that doesn't add weight has proved almost impossible. Until now, that is. This month, Olaplex launched a new hair mask that really piqued my interest—Olaplex Weightless Nourishing Mask, formulated specifically for those who, like me, have thin, fine hair that is also damaged. And, truthfully, it's changed the game. Here's what there is to know...

Olaplex Weightless Nourishing Mask, Reviewed

The Formula

As with any Olaplex product, the thing that makes this mask so impressive is the high-tech formula. Containing Olaplex's patented bond-restoring technology, this mask puts the issue of hair breakage at the forefront. And, as somebody with heavily bleached, fine hair, you better believe my strands are prone to breakage. In fact, one quick glance at my hair will show a worrying number of split ends. Using a biomimetic cuticle technology, Weightless Nourishing Mask works to seal damaged hair cuticles for up to five washes, resulting in smoother, more hydrated strands, subsequently protecting them against further breakage and damage.

Beyond that, the formula also contains coconut oil to enhance nourishment, along with a volume boost complex that not only prevents snapping but also delivers immediate volume and body.

The results of this high-tech formula are promises of twice as much hydration, twice as much body and 63% more shine—all after just one use. Sounds good, right?

The Application

Shannon's blow-dried hair after using Olaplex Weightless Nourishing Mask.

I have really put this hair mask to the test, as I know how different variables in my wash routine can impact the result. I have tested the mask with London's hard water and also in New York, where the water is much softer. I have tested it after using a richly nourishing shampoo and also a clarifying shampoo. I have tested it before air-drying hair and also as part of an in-salon blow-dry. I have tested it before applying a volumising spray and also as the final step in my hair routine. What I'm trying to say here is that I have been looking for scenarios in which this mask doesn't work. And, truthfully, I haven't found one.

That being said, there are some things to note about the application stage that might make you think this mask isn't all it's cracked up to be. (FYI: it is, you just need to totally rethink your approach to masking.)

For starters, the texture of this hair mask is unlike anything else I've tried. In the tub, it feels whipped and silicone-y. It is void of any of that creamy, unctuous texture you might be used to finding in a nourishing hair mask treatment. And while it might feel silicone-y and silky in the pot, actually, when you apply it to the hair, that silkiness sort of dissipates. If you have hair that is prone to knotting (like mine), you might benefit from combing or brushing it through your ends in the shower/bath. I usually comb it through with my fingers, but this formula just isn't buttery enough to do so. It really does feel almost undetectable in the hair.

While it feels luxurious to use, in that it feels nice and smells wonderful (sort of citrusy and undeniable fresh at the same time), on first use it feels hard to believe it's going to be nourishing enough to deliver on its promises—but I can assure you, it does.

The Verdict

I'm going to get straight to the point here—Olaplex Weightless Nourishing Mask has totally revamped my hair for the better. Yes, the texture takes some getting used to—I have to be more careful when brushing out my wet hair because it doesn't have those oily butters in it that my usual conditioners and hair masks have—but the results are undeniably revolutionary. Weightless really means weightless. My roots appear more lifted, my hair is naturally bouncier and things generally look fuller. Plus, the shine. My lengths have never looked healthier and more velvety, even though they're in desperate need of a trim.

Personally, I have found the mask works best when I apply a small amount of hair oil or a nourishing hair serum to the very tips of my lengths, something I previously would have never done due to the way in which the additional product combined with a too-rich conditioner would weigh things down. Now, the combination is Goldilocks-esque—just right.

I have also found that applying a volumising root spray (something I would have never previously done) has become an excellent way to maintain lift when heat styling (either with a hair dryer or a hot brush). And the best part of it all? My hair feels stronger than ever, and I've noticed an evident reduction in breakage.

In short, Olaplex Weightless Nourishing Mask has made me reassess the relationship I have with my haircare and styling routine. Styling products I previously thought weren't suited to my hair type that work to boost styling longevity and overall appearance have suddenly started working, breakage has been significantly minimised and, perhaps for the first time ever, I notice that my roots have a natural lift. I'm smitten.

Shop Olaplex Weightless Nourishing Mask