A Comprehensive Look at Masami‘s Mekabu-Infused Hair Products
Masami is a haircare brand making waves in the industry – and it‘s not just because their star ingredient comes from the ocean. Founded in 2019 by Lynn Power and James Hammett, Masami is on a mission to transform hair from dull to dazzling.
But what makes Masami stand out from the crowded haircare market? Two words: mekabu seaweed.
The Power Behind Masami: Mekabu Seaweed
Masami sources all of its mekabu from an intimate family-owned seaweed farm in Japan. This type of seaweed contains a rich concentration of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, and marine proteins.
Studies have shown mekabu to be highly effective for hair health. The antioxidants fight damage from UV rays and pollution. The amino acids strengthen hair follicles. And the marine collagen and fatty acids deeply nourish strands.
By harnessing mekabu, Masami created a line of clean, vegan hair products that aim to boost hydration, shine, strength, and growth.
Overview of Masami‘s Product Line
Masami keeps their collection focused with only 4 main products, all featuring mekabu:
Mekabu Hydrating Shampoo: Gently cleanses while delivering nutrients to hydrate strands. Key ingredients include mekabu seaweed, coconut oil, and apricot oil.
Mekabu Hydrating Conditioner: Lightweight formula that smooths, softens, and protects hair. Enriched with proteins, aloe vera, and algae extract.
Mekabu Hydrating Styling Cream: Plant-based cream that fights frizz, adds shine, and enhances definition. Key ingredients like grapeseed oil, vitamin E, and olive oil.
Mekabu Hydrating Shine Serum: Nourishing oil serum that smoothes flyaways, prevents damage, and boosts radiance. Formulated with mekabu, argania oil, and iris root extract.
In addition to the core line, Masami offers travel sizes and hair tools like shower brushes and heat protectant gloves.
Now let‘s take a deeper look into each star product.
Masami Mekabu Hydrating Shampoo Review
The Masami Hydrating Shampoo stands out for its mild surfactant formula. It doesn‘t lather much or strip hair like typical shampoos. Instead, it gently cleanses while delivering major moisture and nourishment.
The hero ingredient is antioxidant-rich mekabu seaweed. This teams up with moisture-magnet hyaluronic acid to pump up hydration. Apricot, grapeseed, and coconut oils soften and smooth each strand. Other botanical extracts like aloe vera and ginger root provide additional skin and scalp care.
After a single use, 92% of consumer testers reported hair that looked and felt clean yet soft and hydrated. The shampoo is free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, mineral oils, and silicones. It‘s color-safe, cruelty-free, vegan, and ideal for all hair types.
The Mekabu Magic: Real Masami Customer Reviews
On Masami‘s website, the Mekabu Hydrating Shampoo earns an impressive 5 out of 5 stars after 55 reviews.
One reviewer shares that the shampoo leaves their dry hair "so soft and shiny every time I use it." They love the gentle formula that "doesn‘t strip my color-treated hair."
However, not all reviews are glowing. One user feels it makes their scalp "too dry and itchy". The brand‘s founder Lynn responds that this may indicate an allergy to one of the botanical ingredients. She suggests trying their fragrance-free shampoo instead.
How to Use the Masami Shampoo for Best Results
Since the formula is so gentle, the brand recommends shampooing twice during each wash for optimal cleansing. Focus first on the scalp to remove product buildup and exfoliate. The second round can concentrate on the mid-lengths and ends.
When transitioning from traditional shampoos, it may take 2 weeks for your scalp to adjust and hair to look its best. So don‘t give up after just one try!
Masami Mekabu Hydrating Conditioner Review
The Masami Hydrating Conditioner matches the shampoo with its mekabu-powered formula. It smooths and softens each strand while protecting against future damage.
Like the shampoo, the conditioner skips harsh sulfates and silicones. Botanical ingredients like aloe leaf juice, coconut fruit extract, mango seed butter provide intense yet lightweight moisture. Anti-inflammatory ginger root and circulation-boosting ginseng round out the formula.
88% of consumer testers noticed a remarkable improvement in hair texture and manageability after just one use. The conditioner is color-safe, cruelty-free, vegan and works for all hair types.
The Mekabu Magic: Real Masami Customer Reviews
On their website, Masami customers rate the Mekabu Hydrating Conditioner 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 28 reviews.
One happy user shares: "My hair has never felt better! I have very thick, dry and frizzy hair. This conditioner helped tame my hair. It leaves my hair very soft and much more manageable!"
However, it doesn‘t satisfy all users. One reviewer writes: "I didn‘t see much difference with this conditioner. I was hoping it would hydrate my dry ends better."
Expert Tips for Using Masami‘s Conditioner
Since this formula is rich yet lightweight, the brand recommends applying it to the full length of hair. Let it soak for at least 60 seconds before rinsing.
For extra dry strands, double the hydration with their leave-in conditioner before styling. It contains murumuru butter to seal in moisture.
If your hair is fine or tends to get greasy, stick to conditioning just the mid-lengths and ends. Applying conditioner to your roots can quickly lead to limp strands.
Masami Mekabu Hydrating Styling Cream Review
The Masami Styling Cream allows you to style hair while nourishing it. This vitamin-rich formula enhances definition, blocks humidity, and prevents frizz for smoother, shinier strands.
The mekabu seaweed teams up with aloe vera, olive oil, coconut oil and shea butter to drench hair with moisture and flexibility. Vitamin E, grapeseed oil and sunflower oil protect against heat damage when using hot tools.
88% of consumer testers saw smoother, softer hair along with enhanced volume and less frizz after just one use. The styling cream is color-safe, cruelty-free, vegan and suitable for all hair types.
The Mekabu Magic: Real Masami Customer Reviews
The Mekabu Hydrating Styling Cream earns 5 out of 5 stars from 18 customer reviews.
One pleased reviewer shares: "This cream makes styling my natural curls effortless. Just a small amount goes such a long way. My hair is left soft and frizz-free with a beautiful shine."
Some users feel it didn‘t provide enough hold, like one who says: "I have very thick, wavy hair and this cream alone was not enough to control the frizz."
Pro Tips for Using Masami‘s Styling Cream
The brand recommends applying a dime-sized amount to wet or damp hair before heat styling. For extra definition, smooth from roots to ends then twist hair into braids or bantu knots while cream sets.
If you need extra hold, follow with a pea-sized amount of their plant-based hair gel. For even more moisture, layer the styling balm before the cream.
Masami Mekabu Hydrating Shine Serum Review
Dull hair meets its match with Masami‘s shine-boosting elixir. This featherlight serum instantly smooths hair texture while preventing future damage.
The serum contains argania oil, rich with vitamin E and essential fatty acids, to nourish strands and add glossy shine. Mekabu seaweed and iris root extract protect against heat and UV damage. Botanical extracts like aloe and ginger provide additional soothing and shine.
In consumer testing, 92% saw smoother, softer hair along with more radiance after just 1 use. The serum works for all hair types and is color-safe, cruelty-free and vegan.
The Glow-Worthy Reviews from Masami Users
Out of 19 customer reviews, the Mekabu Shine Serum earns a perfect 5 out of 5 stars.
"This serum is liquid gold! Just a tiny bit makes my hair incredibly soft and healthy-looking," shares one gleaming reviewer.
However, other users feel the results don‘t justify the price. As one critic puts it: "It‘s just ok. Adds a little shine but nothing that wowed me."
How to Use Masami‘s Shine Serum for Maximum Impact
The brand recommends applying just one pump to clean, towel-dried hair. Smooth evenly from roots to ends before heat styling. For an added nourishment boost, apply to dry hair 24 hours before your next wash.
Focus application on the lengths and ends of hair rather than scalp. Using serum on the scalp can cause buildup and a greasy look.
Masami Refillable Shampoo Bottle for an Eco-Friendly Routine
Masami will soon offer a refillable shampoo system as part of the brand‘s commitment to sustainability.
The sleek, 32oz ceramic bottle comes with an initial 32oz pouch of shampoo concentrate. Once empty, purchase new refill pouches to pour into the reusable bottle. This cuts down on plastic compared to continually buying new bottles.
The shampoo concentrate inside offers the same gentleness and hair-healthy ingredients as the original formula. It activates into a rich lather when combined with water.
The refillable shampoo system is available for pre-order now for $138. Refills will retail for $48. Considering the regular 10oz shampoo bottle is $38, the system offers serious savings in the long run.
More Glowing Masami Reviews from Around the Web
Masami has earned glowing press since launching in 2019. The products have earned features and reviews in top beauty publications:
Clean Beauty Gals praises Masami‘s commitment to truly natural ingredients and sustainable practices.
Mind Body Green calls the collection "a must-try for anyone struggling with a dry, damaged scalp and thirsty strands."
The Zoe Report says to "expect a major boost in shine and softness" thanks to the formulas powered by Japanese seaweed.
Byrdie loves how the products deliver smooth, frizz-free hair even in hot, humid weather.
Masami Reviews on Influenster
Everyday consumers are radiating about Masami too. On Influenster, the shampoo has 4.8 out of 5 stars while the conditioner has 4.9 out of 5 stars.
One influencer with thin, straight hair loves the mekabu shampoo and conditioner for the moisture and manageability they provide:
"This leaves my hair super soft and much easier to brush through without feeling weighed down or greasy…My hair stylist commented on how healthy my hair felt at my last appointment!"
However, another influencer cautions those with oily scalps: "I wanted to love this but it made my scalp very oily. The scent is heavenly though."
How Masami Compares to Similar Clean Haircare Brands
Masami faces stiff competition in the natural haircare space. So how does it stack up?
Masami vs Olaplex
Like Masami, Olaplex repairs damaged hair with its patented bond-building chemistry. But Olaplex doesn‘t focus as much on hydration and relies more on lab-created ingredients versus botanical extracts.
Winner: Those seeking serious damage repair may prefer Olaplex. For moisture and gentler formulas, go with Masami.
Masami vs Briogeo
Briogeo specializes in naturally-derived formulas catered to each hair concern. But their collection is massive compared to Masami‘s tight four products. Briogeo also doesn‘t offer refillable packaging.
Winner: Those wanting more variety and hair-type specific options would enjoy Briogeo. Masami wins for simplicity and sustainability.
Masami vs Playa
Playa and Masami take similarly clean, minimalist approaches to ingredients and packaging. But Playa doesn‘t include mekabu seaweed or refillable systems.
Winner: Masami takes the lead for having a star hero ingredient and greener mission. But Playa wins for affordability.
Masami vs Innersense
These two indie brands both use botanical formulas. But Innersense has a far wider product range compared to Masami‘s tight collection.
Winner: Those wanting more customization and options would favor Innersense. Masami gets points for simplicity and focus.
Get the Inside Scoop from Masami‘s Founders
Curious for more intel straight from the source? Check out these interviews with Masami‘s co-founders Lynn Power and James Hammett.
In an interview with Liquid Gold Mag, Lynn shares how her curly hair struggles led her to found Masami. The brand allows her to help others embrace their natural texture instead of fighting it.
James tells Beauty Independent how mekabu seaweed provides the perfect natural alternative to silicone and keratin treatments for smoothing hair. He also spills plans to expand the line with more styling products in the future.
Save on Masami Products with These Handy Promos
While Masami already offers free shipping within the continental US, they also provide a few other ways to save:
Subscribe to emails and save 10% off your first order. Discount applies to full-size products only.
Pay over time in 4 installments. Masami has partnered with Pi Slice to allow US shoppers to split all purchases into 4 interest-free installments. No hidden fees or credit checks.
Save by bundling. Purchase multiple full-size products in one order to unlock free gifts like travel or trial sizes. Offers change monthly.
Masami Return Policy and Contact Info
Masami offers a 30 day return window if you‘re unsatisfied with any full-size products. To start a return, email them at help @ lovemasami.com.
For other questions or assistance, you can contact their customer experience team:
Via Email: help @ lovemasami.com
By Phone: 917-209-0799
Through their website contact form. Responses provided within 24 hours.
The Final Take: Why Masami is Worth the Splurge
At the end of my extensive analysis, would I recommend splurging on Masami for glowing hair? Absolutely.
While the products don‘t come cheap, they nourish hair in ways most drugstore brands can‘t compete with. The mekabu-powered formulas provide intense moisture without weighing hair down or irritating the scalp.
Masami also stands out from the natural haircare crowd for their refillable packaging and ocean preservation initiatives. This brand truly walks the walk when it comes to clean, sustainable beauty.
If your current hair care routine leaves you wanting more shine, hydration, and strength, I suggest giving Masami‘s magic mekabu a try. Let that Japanese seaweed work its wonders, and you‘ll be hooked.
