How Well Does Monat Work on Middle-Aged Hair?
One of my readers is a Monat distributor. We came to a happy arrangement. She’d send me some samples. I’d use them and write a review.
I had some preconceived notions.
A few years back, my hubby had a client who gave him a few samples. (He’s got this glorious mane, ladies. Seriously.) He shared, and I just remember the intoxicating aroma – and the fact that the bottle lasted forever.
So I was excited because… this stuff smells amazing.
Before I entered midlife, that was pretty much how I decided which shampoo and conditioner to use! (Who’s with me? Remember Body on Tap and Gee Your Hair Smells Terrific? How about Suave’s lemon-scented shampoo?)
Obviously, once you reach a certain age, it takes more than a good smell to do the trick.
@curlytexasmama
The Challenges
What’s going on with YOUR hair?
Mine seems to have a split personality. We’ve got:
- Fine texture that goes frizzy no matter what the weather’s doing
- Straight-ish in places
- Curlicues in other places
- Wavy everywhere else
- What appears to be an under-shave at my nape. Over the past decade, that area may have grown about an inch. It’s about four inches long now, and the hair above it is about eight inches. (Yeah, I could cut it all to be the same length, but having had short hair most of my adult life, I don’t wanna!)
I haven’t colored it in a few years. Embracing the gray! But before then, I’d dyed it for about 15 years. First brown or auburn, then blue and purple and fuschia. Then I’d tried for metallic silver, which somehow ended up a very strange apricot shade. Back to colors for a while as I waited for that disaster to grow out. (I used Overtone then. It’s more like a coloring conditioner than a dye. It’s still messy, but not nearly as bad as actual dye.)
Recently, I shared what hair products I’ve been using. Always up to try new things, though!
Katie Hubbard, AKA @CurlyTexasMama
So, Katie, Let’s Try This Monat Stuff
My stylist works at an Aveda salon. Some people love that brand. I am not a fan. Aside from the scents (lol) it just hasn’t done anything amazing enough to justify the price. I only mention it because asking my stylist for product advice is pointless.
But Katie had great advice for me! I told her all that was going on with my hair and she made some suggestions.
The Monat shampoo detoxes your scalp – a process that takes a little while, longer than the sample would accomplish. We wanted maximum impact in just a couple of days of using the products. (So, we skipped the shampoo. But I’ll definitely try it soon.)
Here Are the Monat Products I Tested
The products are pretty concentrated, so I was able to get two days’ use out of each of them.
Monat Super Hydrating Masque
You squeeze out about a nickel-sized glob and apply to your hair after washing. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes and then rinse. You’d only need to use it 1-2 times a week.
I really like how it left my hair feeling soft and smooth. Spending 5-10 minutes waiting for it to do the do… not so much. Probably, I could rearrange my morning routine to work that wait time in. But since hubby and I usually shower together, I don’t really want to throw a wrench into his schedule.
The verdict: Not my favorite.
Monat Restore Leave-In Conditioner
You apply this – again, just a nickel-sized amount – to wet, clean hair. Rub it together in your palms to get it ready, then apply from about halfway down to the ends. Style as usual.
Now “leave-in” is something I can get behind! This product is super convenient, made my hair feel like silk, and smelling wonderful (of course). My brush could glide through silky strands and not pull or break my hair. It’s light enough that it didn’t make my hair go limp after styling. Of course, using it for two days means I didn’t get all the benefits of regular use. But with just a sneak preview of what this stuff can do, I was impressed.
The verdict: Add to cart!
Monat Rejuvabeads (split-end mender)
This one goes on clean, wet hair, too. Again with the same nickel-size amount in your palm. Rub your palms together, then apply from the middle to the ends of your hair. You can still use other styling products (I use a heat protectant) – just use this first.
I get my ends trimmed about every other month, so they’re not in too bad shape. But still, this product is amazing. It seemed to make my hair much silkier and smoother. If it’s also somehow strengthening the ends, that can only be good, right? Plus, the scent 🙂
The verdict: Add to cart!
What Else Should I Try from Monat?
I’m putting a list of which products I want to buy. Monat carries 14 shampoos, 12 conditioners, 13 special treatments (like masques, serums, and repair), and 15 styling products.
So, I asked Katie for some guidance.
She explained that the scalp ages about 12 times faster than the rest of our skin. The scalp gets thinner and loses its elasticity. That leads to a reduction in the number of blood vessels. And that means thinner hair, graying, and balding. (YIKES)
Important Monat Facts
- Products are vegan, designed to be anti-aging
- No non-soluble silicones, parabens, or sulfates
- They have four formulations:
- Capixyl ™ – reduces scalp inflammation, strengthens and thickens hair, hydrates the scalp to stimulate natural, noticeable hair growth.
- Procatline ™ – promotes hair growth, reduces the production of DHT hormone (contributes to hair loss). Antioxidants combat premature thinning, boosting color and shine. Prevents hair loss and protects against environmental damage.
- Crodasorb ™ – acts as an intense defense against oxidative stress, protects from the sun’s damaging rays, and locks in moisture to keep strands stronger.
- Rejuvenique ™ – called the “holy grail” of their products. Has 11+ unique molecular ingredients including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, beta-carotene, omega-6 fatty acids, nutrients, and amino acids. Proven to mimic the body’s own natural oils to reduce hair thinning, creating volume and shine.
What Will I Try Next?
After completing a hair quiz to help figure out what on earth my hair is doing, I had a consult with Katie.
She said:
Here’s my recommendation. You will need:
- A volumizing shampoo since you mentioned your hair is thinning and fine
- The intense repair conditioner
- Hair regrowth spray
- A leave-in conditioner to protect against breakage would help seal and mend split ends and breakage
- A thermal heat protector for your hot tools
Fair enough!
When I was a kid, it seemed like every woman over 30 had short hair, with a few notable exceptions. I cut mine when I got married, and mostly, it stayed short for a long time. But somewhere around my early 40’s, I was ready for a change and let it grow. My preference is definitely hair that goes a bit past my shoulders. But to keep it, it’s got to get healthier!
What’s up with YOUR hair? Have you tried Monat?
If you’d like to try Katie’s quiz to see what she’d recommend, do it right here.
You can connect with her on Instagram @curlytexasmama