Two months ago, I found myself wandering the aisles of a crowded Sephora, killing time while I waited for my chronically-late boyfriend. I must have looked vulnerable – ripe for a little beauty influencing – because a lovely saleswoman approached as I lingered near Gibson’s new honey hair mask.
“Are you looking for a new hair mask?”
I didn’t have the heart to tell her that I had no intention of spending money. I was just waiting until my boyfriend arrived. So, instead, I indulged her, laughing into the saga of my hair: over a decade of bleach damage on thin, fine strands that have survived more chemical trauma than most should.
Her eyes lit up as she practically dragged me down the aisle, steering me to the modest section of Fable & Mane products. She pulled a jar off the shelf and thrust it under my nose, raving about the brand. My first impression was that it was a unique smell – black tea and chai – and the liquid looked luxurious; thick, glossy, and luminous.
I spent another fifteen minutes nodding along as she rattled off other masks I had to try. When my boyfriend finally arrived, I took my chance and slipped out – credit card untouched. A personal victory, if you’re someone who knows how dangerous Sephora aisles can be.
But two days later, I was back, reaching for the Fable & Mane Shine Hydrating Hair Mask for Fine to Medium Hair.
The Ingredients
Despite being marketed as a “clean” brand at Sephora, the ingredient list is long and full of tongue twisters. The mask highlights a few buzz worthy ingredients – Black Tea Ferment, Hibiscus Flower Extract, and Bio-Sugar Enzymes (the last of which is most likely a marketing term for sugar-derived humectants that draw moisture to the hair shaft).
Fable & Mane claims this mask will “add instant gloss and lustrous shine while restoring natural radiance.” And while the ingredients sound promising, it’s worth noting that “natural” doesn’t mean pronounceable. Still, the product is vegan, cruelty free, gluten free, and comes in recyclable packaging.
My Honest Review
I was skeptical – but hopeful. Maybe this mask would finally grant me model-worthy shine.
First impression: the texture is luxe. Thick enough to feel rich, but it spreads easily through the hair. It rinses out without residue and leaves my strands soft and smooth. For reference, I typically blow dry and layer two leave-in products to add softness and shine.
After a week of use, I turned to my boyfriend, hopeful for external validation as I asked if he noticed something different about my hair. He squinted at me and asked (and I’m quoting) “You got a hair cut?”
In fairness, he’s not the most observant person. And while I agreed my hair does not look significantly shinier or more luminous than before, my hair felt nice and the scent was divine.
So, would I recommend this product?
Yes, if you are looking for a mask that softens your hair. But if you’re looking for a mask that will give you the shiny locks of your dreams, skip this one.
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