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

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madison reed color therapy pw 1001
Madison Reed
  • 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.

before and after
Kara Cuzzone

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.


purewow author

Assistant Commerce Editor

From 2019 to 2021 Kara Cuzzone held the role of Assistant Commerce Editor covering sales and deals across beauty, fashion, home and wellness.