The Tamesis
Plus, this star ingredient has sustainable benefits. “The Hyogo rice used is grown and cultivated with the help of ducks, an eco-friendly farming system that differs from intensive chemical farming,” Mundy said. “It is based on a symbiotic relationship that increases productivity and has a positive ecological impact.” At the same time, vitamins and glycerin further enhance water retention and hydration, enhancing the hair’s overall shine. “The result is not only a shiny surface, but also a level of flexibility and strength, which prevents breakage and dryness from overworked hair,” adds Renee.
My Experience with Shu Uemura Ultimate Reset Hair Mask
To be clear, I don’t want to add any more steps to my hair routine, especially one that requires lingering in the shower and quietly parting while the clock ticks. Generally, I prefer leave-in hair treatments because it’s a ready-to-use method. Unfortunately, everyday hairstyling with heated tools can be a problem for you.
Between straighteners, hot brushes, the occasional blow-dry brush, and an at-home blowout that I’m constantly mastering, my bob has gone through quite a few brushes. Nothing catastrophic—no overly bleached, chemically damaged strands—but enough stress, manifested by persistent flyaways and a general lack of ease throughout the length. The Shu Uemura mask sounds like a timely solution to quickly realign my strands, which obviously need a little TLC.
After shampooing, I applied a generous amount of the mask to my mid-lengths and ends and let it sit for about five minutes (enough time for shaving and a mini shower concert). The texture is rich and buttery, so it must be rinsed thoroughly.
I’ll admit, the addition of silicone and mineral oil isn’t a selling point for me – both are known to cause buildup. However, I temporarily suspended my skepticism about both ingredients in order to give this selection a fair chance. True to our experts’ compliments, after the first use, my hair felt noticeably softer than my naturally textured, wavy baseline. Blow drying becomes smoother, faster, and has that elusive, fresh-from-the-salon silky feel. After a month, the results are undeniable: fewer flyaways, more bounce, and hair that looks (and feels) like I’ve never used a heat tool in my life.
How to Use Shu Uemura Ultimate Reset Hair Mask
Renee recommends applying the hair mask to freshly washed, towel-dried hair (I learned this after applying it directly in the shower). Start with a damp (not dripping) line to ensure the formula won’t compete with natural oils or residual product buildup. She recommends starting here and working your way from the middle to the ends, since damage tends to be concentrated at the ends. For extra insurance, a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush can help distribute the mask evenly, ensuring every strand is coated correctly.
Timing is also important. According to Shu Uemura, five to ten minutes is the best time for regular maintenance. But if your hair is truly damaged—think over-processed, heavily bleached hair that verges on marshmallow territory—Renee recommends extending the treatment. “If your hair is really damaged, twenty minutes of gentle heat can help open up the cuticle and allow the hair to absorb more,” she explains. Her rule of thumb: once a week for bleached or damaged hair, every other week for healthy hair, and always as a restorative reset after a major color service or intense heat styling.
Which hair types are suitable for Shu Uemura Ultimate Reset Hair Mask?
According to pros, most hair types can benefit from a nourishing mask—just the frequency changes. “Textured, curly, or porous hair tends to absorb mask formulas because these strands naturally lose moisture the fastest,” says Renee. “The only hair type you need to be careful with is very low-porosity hair that has never been chemically treated; in this case, an occasional mask may be enough.”
