A Hairstylist Says This Oil Hair Mask Is Like "Nature's Olaplex"

I'll basically do anything hairstylist Matt Newman (aka @mattloveshair) tells me to do with my hair. As TikTok's resident tress-whisperer, he's my (and 1.3 million others) go-to source for the best products, tricks, and techniques to secure a lush mane—not to mention, he has absolutely nailed the fluffy blowout. So suffice it to say, I was more than eager to dive into Newman's go-to routine for our latest beauty series, As Of Late. (Check it out here!)

"It's a waterless hair mask," Newman explains, that starts out as a solid in the tin. Then when you rub the confection between your palms, the mask breaks down and completely transforms into a silky oil. The formula itself contains just four naturally derived ingredients—batana oil, castor oil, and vanilla and sweet orange essential oils—and it's quite thick, which makes it stellar as a pre-shampoo treatment.

"I will use a really heavy application before a wash day for air-dry waves and a very light application before a wash day for a blowout," Newman shares. "I adore it. It's so good." 

Castor oil, in particular, is high in ricinoleic acid1 (around 85 to 95% content), as well as oleic acid and linoleic acid. It's also rich in vitamin E, unsaturated fatty acids including omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, minerals, and other antioxidants. In short, it's a hair care hero, and it has been for centuries—it's even lauded for encouraging healthy hair growth.