Today I’m going to write about a well-known hair mask in the curly world: Fructis Hair Food Hair Mask from the brand Garnier.
They are completely approved on the Curly Girl method and they got very famous because of the way they are highly nutritious and moisturizing, with much of the ingredients of natural origin.
I chose to try the Banana, Papaya and Aloe Vera hair mask.
From these three, the one that my hair liked the most was undoubtedly the Papaya one: it has the perfect amount of hydration and nutrition for my hair type, and I could see that from my final result: more definition and smooth hair.
These masks have in 3 in 1 way to use, which refers to 3 different functions: use as a hydrating/nourishing hair mask, conditioner and styling.
From these three functions that I have tried, I confess that this product works very well as a deep conditioning hair mask and perhaps for styling in the end of your shower. As a conditioner I don’t think it has enough power to do so, therefore I advise you not to cowash or untangle hair with these products.
There are many doubts about whether these masks are more suitable to hydrate or nourish and so I decided to clarify this issue here in this review.
Attention: None of these masks have any kind of protein in their composition, so none of them are made for hair reconstruction (hair cronogram).
I decided to assess each hair mask, one by one, to really see which ones are more moisturizers and/or nourishing for your hair.
All of them contain ingredients to moisturize and nourish, but the biggest difference concerns on the amount of these in the composition.
The Aloe Vera and the Goji hair mask are at the same level of nutrition in terms of ingredients. Because the Goji hair mask presents more hydrating characteristics, meaning being heavier in terms of ingredients, I found it appropriate to stay ahead of the Aloe Vera one. It follows the Papaya with more nutritional power, followed by the Banana one and then the Macadamia, that compared to the Banana, both have the same amount of nutritional ingredients, but the Macadamia one has fewer ingredientes for hydratation.
In these masks, the only one that has a butter is the hair mask Banana, so probably a high porosity hair will benefit from this ingredient.
All these hair masks present Sodium Hydroxide – some people don’t like to use this ingredient refering that it might cause a chemical cut by interfering with some chemical procedures (bleaching/relaxing your hair, etc). There is no evidence that this causes any kind of chemical cut on your hair when present in hair commercial products.
Sodium Hydroxide is present in larger amounts in some chemical procedures (bleaching/ relaxing hair, etc) in order to change the hair pH and modify the capillary fibre. In this situation then yes, it can lead to a chemical cut, especially if combined with several different chemical procedures. In a commercial hair product its concentration is very low, as it is used in order to balance the pH of the formula (buffer) and not to modify the hair like on a chemical procedure.
But moving along, this is a very good topic for another post. 🙂
I love the Fructis brand since it was the first hair cream on my hair transition to really show my curly hair, so I love these hair masks and I think they meet results quite successfully.
How about you? Have you tried one? Which one is your favorite?
INGREDIENTS:
ALOE VERA HAIR FOOD: Aqua / Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Isopropyl Myristate, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Glycine Soja Oil / Soybean Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil / Sunflower Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract / Grape Fruit Extract, Cocos Nucifera Oil / Coconut Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Tartaric Acid, Cetyl Esters, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Salicylic Acid, Linalool, Geraniol, Citronellol, Benzyl Alcohol, Parfum /, Fragrance
GOJI HAIR FOOD: AQUA / WATER / EAU, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, GLYCERIN, ISOPROPYL MYRISTATE, STEARAMIDOPROPYL DIMETHYLAMINE, LYCIUM BARBARUM FRUIT EXTRACT, GLYCINE SOJA OIL / SOYBEAN OIL, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS SEED OIL / SUNFLOWER SEED OIL, COCO-CAPRYLATE/CAPRATE, COCOS NUCIFERA OIL / COCONUT OIL, HYDROXYPROPYL GUAR HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, CITRIC ACID, LACTIC ACID TARTARIC ACID, CETYL ESTERS, POTASSIUM SORBATE, SODIUM BENZOATE, SALICYLIC ACID, CARAMEL, LINALOOL, CITRONELLOL, BENZYL ALCOHOL, BENZYL SALICYLATE
PAPAIA HAIR FOOD: Aqua / Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Isopropyl Myristate, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Glycine Soja Oil / Soybean Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil / Sunflower Seed Oil, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract / Papaya Fruit Extract, Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract, Cocos Nucifera Oil / Coconut Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Tartaric Acid, Cetyl Esters, Potassium Sorbate, Salicylic Acid, Caramel, Linalool, Geraniol, Limonene, Parfum /, Fragrance
BANANA HAIR FOOD: Aqua / Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Isopropyl Myristate, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil / Olive Fruit Oil, Musa Paradisiaca Fruit Juice/ Banana Fruit Juice, Glycine Soja Oil / Soybean Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil / Sunflower Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract / Rosemary Leaf Extract, Cocos Nucifera Oil / Coconut Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil/ Avocado Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter / Shea Butter, Sodium Hydroxide, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Cetyl Esters, Tocopherol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Salicylic Acid, Caramel, Linalool, Eugenol, Coumarin, Benzyl Alcohol, Parfum /, Fragrance
MACADAMIA HAIR FOOD: Aqua / Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Isopropyl Myristate, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Glycine Soja Oil / Soybean Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil / Sunflower Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil / Jojoba Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil / Sweet Almond Oil, Cocos Nucifera Oil / Coconut Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Tartaric Acid, Cetyl Esters, Salicylic Acid, Caramel, Linalool, Geraniol, Coumarin, Limonene, Citral, Citronellol, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Cinnamate, Benzyl Salicylate, Parfum /, Fragrance
Hello! 🌸 So far I have tried only banana, but the next one will be aloe. Now I know it is the most suitable for hydration! 💗
Hi Jo, thanks for your comment! 🙂
Yes, your hair will love it, especially if you have frizz, because the lack of hydration is the biggest reason for its appearance.
Then tell me how it went!
A huge kiss! 😘😘😘
🙋🏾♀️
I already used the banana one and I loved it! I used it as a mask and to finish and it worked both ways I just had to wear something heavier on top when I finished to last more days. I just bought the papaya and I can't wait to use it😘
Hello Pedrina, thanks for your comment! 🙂 Then tell me what you think of the papaya! Papaya and aloe vera are definitely my favorites! 😘
Hello,
I have the banana one, which has a fantastic smell, but I think it's too heavy for my hair.
The next one to try will be aloe vera because I feel it will be lighter and, as you can see in your review, more moisturizing.
Thanks
🦁💛
Hello Ines! Thank you for your comment! 😘❤️
I think you'll love it! When I see that I have more frizz and need hydration, without a doubt my first option is the aloe vera mask! Try it and then tell me what you think! 😘😘
Olaaa! I have macadamia and papaya. I'm a fan of papaya, the other leaves my hair without any definition! Weak and soft snails… The next one will be aloe.
Hello Andreia! 🙂
It's probably too heavy for your hair, isn't it? 🤔
I love the papaya one, I think it has the perfect combination of ingredients for the hair. We probably have very similar hair eheh. Aloe Vera's is really worth it, it moisturizes your hair a lot!
A kiss! 😘😘😘
How do you know if your hair needs more hydration or nutrition? I am not sure what mask would benefit my thick hair more, I am currently in the transition phase so my hair is dry and a bit frizzy should I go more for the Aloe one? Thank you so much for your content!
Hello Ana,
Thank you so much for your message! 🙂
If you’re in the transition phase I’d definitely do the curly girl method combined with a hair cronogram (you can see more on my hair cronogram page on this website). I can’t tell you exactly what your hair needs by just knowing it’s dry and frizzy, but, I would believe that doing a basic hair cronogram like using a hydration once a week, nutrition mask twice a month and a protein mask once a month. If you have any more questions please let me know! 🙂 xx
Great review! In my country there’s also available a Coconut one and an Avocado one, have you tried those? I think they might be a bit heavy for high porosity hair, I wish we had the Aloe one 😭
Hello Lucia! 🙂
Thank you so much for your comment!
Where are you from? I’ve heard about those yes, but never tried them! I’m not even sure if they are CG friendly! 🙂
Kind regards! xx
Thank you Marta 🙏
Thank you Ruth, for your comment! 😊
A kiss! 😘
Is it possible to use one of these products for my thin and wavy hair? Usually when it gets wet, I get snails however when it dries without any treatment to follow, it gets frizz and flattened. I don't know how to treat it and, being thin and oily in the capillary area and dry at the ends, I have no idea what kind of products I could use. I am considering buying klorane shampoo flax fibers to add volume and texture
Hi Ana, thanks for your comment. 😊
When you start following the Curly Girl method to the letter and stop using sulfates and silicones, the most important thing will be to use a moisturizing mask. Try the Aloe Vera range from Fructis Hair Food, I think you'll like it! 😊
A kiss,
Martha.
Hello Marta! 🤗 I am learning with you how to treat my wavy not thin not thick hair. I have the Aloe conditioner from this brand and looking forward to try the Aloe mask. I am using now the Noughty To The Rescue Intense Moisture Treatment have you try this brand?
How do i know if my hair need protein?
Thanks for this, super helpful as I’m just starting to look into the curly girl method and looking at these products.
I have very big frizzy and dry hair so deciding what will work best, but this info is good to know😁
Have you experienced more hair loss with these products? I’ve been hearing stories of that happening to people but not sure if its just down to hair differences etc
Hello Naomi,
Thank you so much for your comment. 😊
I can’t see any reason for you to have hair loss with these products, as long as you wash well your hair to avoid any build up!😘
Great review! Can you tell me which one will be suitable for type 2b, low porosity hair?
Hello 😊
Thank you for your comment! Probably the most hydrating ones will be best for wavy low porosity hair 😘
Hi! Thanks for your post. Do you know about the shampoos? Are they CGM ok?
Hello! 😊
Unfortunately they are not cg approved :/
I wanted to ask the same question, what about the shampoos? Why aren’t they suitable for curls? Is it because of SLS, because they stated that it’s “naturally derived” and I wanna believe them so badly 😀 What shampoos do you use? I juuust can’t seem to find a good one. 2b/2c, low porosity hair here 🙂
Oh, and my name is also Mart(h)a :3
Hello Martha! Love your name! 😍
Unfortunately the shampoos on this brand have sulphates, which doesn’t make them suitable for the CGM. I always share my products on my instagram, would love to have you there! (although I do speak a lot of portuguese 😅)
Hope this helps! xx
Hello
does it effect roots or just ends ?
Is it suitable for hair roots?
It should just be used on the ends 😊 xx
I was so happy when I bought the banana mask because I couldn't find the one I wanted and it looked cool and smelled so good, but I never got the curls in a bunch that I had with an Ultra Soft mask with silicones. 😔 I have very fine hair that is easily “stretched” by very heavy products and now I know that if I use more of this line, it must be aloe vera.
Excelente post! x
Do you advise shampoo and conditioner in the same line?
Hello Liliana! ☺️
The shampoo is not compatible in the method, the conditioner is!
Kisses! ❤️
Hello, at this moment I have the mask of aloe and banana. I apply the one of aloe whenever I wash my hair, which was now in the days of covid daily. I apply the banana one, once a week. Is it correct to use like this?
Hello Sara! 😊 If it works for you, I don't see why not! 😘😘
hello, is the banana shampoo good for a “final wash”?
Hi Sofia, yes it is. 😊
which one is good for low porosity hair?
Hi Raquel! 😊 I’d probably say the most hydrating ones!
This range is very affordable, first for the price as well as the fact that it is vegan, presenting 98% of natural origin. I have been using Aloe Vera for 2 months, very good. It weighs nothing on my fine hair. What would you recommend next?
Thank you 😊
Hello Marta! I also really like Papaya! Goji's is also light. 😘😘 kissy!
I read your article. it has helped me a lot to understand the porosity of my hair.Your work is good keep it up as well !I have a question? if i use coconut oil on my hair. so Will it be into absorbed my hair.My hair type is low porosity hair.
Personally, I find Papaya more nutritious than banana. The banana one in my hair doesn't seem to do anything ... moisturizes very lightly, but does it nourish? Nothing. I feel that even the banana conditioner / conditioner is more nutritious than the mask itself and that it detangles the hair better! The banana mask does nothing to undo the knots ...
Papaya is perfect for my hair when it comes to nutrition and hydration, but I would love to try the aloe vera when it comes to hydration.
As for the finisher / leave-in, the banana one is superior to the papaya one point. The papaya can be a little heavy and leave the hair "oily", while the banana one moisturizes in the right amount without weighing. However, the benefits of the banana leave-in only last for a few days, two or three, and this taking into account that I use oil in my hair (which leaves it hydrated longer).
These were the only two masks I tried on, but I am very curious about the others.
For reference, my hair type is 2b / 2c, thin and of low density, and was chemically treated a year ago (the damage is minimal because my hair was in very good condition when I did the chemistry and in the meantime I always took good care of it Of course, it was slightly more porous thanks to the chemistry, which is why it requires more hydration than before, but there was a certain frizz when I don't do deep conditioning, my hair is in good condition). I usually wash it every 3 days (or 5 every 5 when I use a finishing gel, as it keeps the hair “clean” - not oily - for longer).
Hey love the article 🤗 I have recently just taken out my dreadlock extensions I had in for 8 months, and btw it feels good to have my hair back!! So my hair is long now the longest it ever been, and I’m loving it, my hair is soooo thick and Is kinda curly a little bit I want it to be more curly and natural looking, what’s the best product would you say and how should I apply it (wet or dry) I have bought the banana one.
Kind regards
Josh (:
Hello I’m really new to this so just wanted to check I have the papaya one and wanted to know if I can cowash with it?
Hallo
I have a low porosity curly dry frizz hair and i try the banana fructis as i mask , which makes my hair soft but still frizz
Which one u recommend for my hair type?
I usually use shea moisture shampoo (raw shea butter) with his mask
And Johnson, as lam, whipped cream curls leave in conditioner
My hair soooo dry frizz now
which makes my hair soft but still frizz
Which one u recommend for my hair type?
And which claryifying shampoo suit with my hair is it as iam clarity shampoo or black African soap shea moisture shampoo?
Hi Martha!
Interestingly, these products are suitable for straight hair. I think it's really smooth, but I often feel that, despite being oily at the root, it doesn't stay very hydrated at the ends and ends up sticking if I don't keep cutting. I would also like to know your opinion on LIDL hair products. I've been curious to try, especially the keratin line, because of the benefits it can bring to the hair. I would like to know your opinion and advise me regarding these masks. Thank you in advance! 🙂
Hi! So fascinated by all of your info, thank you for this. I’ve had crazy curly hair all my life but never really cared for it until now. I took a porosity test by putting a hair in a glass of water for 3 mins and based on whichever the hair stays on the surface or lays on the bottom – you can tell if your hair has low or high porosity. My hair floated, tried to push it down but it kept coming back up – it also said if your hair has high porosity it’s in need of washing more frequently. So, big question- I have low porosity but my hair gets dirty after 2 days, is that possible? Does the amount of times you need to shower your hair/week conclude high or low porosity? Thank you again for all this info.❤️
Hi! So fascinated by all of your info, thank you for this. I’ve had crazy curly hair all my life but never really cared for it until now. I took a porosity test by putting a hair in a glass of water for 3 mins and based on whichever the hair stays on the surface or lays on the bottom – you can tell if your hair has low or high porosity. My hair floated, tried to push it down but it kept coming back up – it also said if your hair has high porosity it’s in need of washing more frequently. So, big question- I have low porosity but my hair gets dirty after 2 days, is that possible? Does the amount of times you need to shower your hair/week conclude high or low porosity? Thank you again for all this info.❤️
I was using the macadamia one regularly and it worked amazing! im now trying out papaya hope its just as good! mostly using to combat frizz.