I Was This Close to Chopping It All Off
Listen, my hair and I were not on speaking terms. Between the winter dryness and my obsession with hot tools (I have a curling wand problem, don’t @ me), my ends felt like straw and the frizz was unreal. I was scrolling through my phone one night, half-watching a baking show, and just thought, “That’s it. A pixie cut.” Then this Batana Hair Mask from West&Month popped up in an ad. The price made me wince a little—$31 for a hair mask?—but I was desperate enough to click “buy now.” Honestly, I expected another overhyped jar of goop.
First Impressions & The Smell Test
It showed up in cute packaging, I’ll give them that. But here’s the thing that hooked me instantly: the smell. Oh my god. It’s this earthy, slightly nutty, herby scent from the Batana and rosemary oils. It doesn’t smell like a chemical factory or fake flowers. It smells expensive and natural, like a fancy spa. I was already a little bit in love before I even put it on my head.
The texture is thick, like a rich custard, but it spreads easily. I followed the directions: slapped a generous amount on my damp, post-shampoo hair, focusing on my sad ends. I left it on for a good 10 minutes while I did my skincare routine. When I rinsed… okay, I felt a difference immediately. My hair felt slippery and soft, not weighed down. But the real test was the next day.
The “Holy Grail” Moment & The One Annoying Thing
I woke up, air-dried my hair like I usually do, and just ran my fingers through it. Can you believe this? No tugging. The frizz halo was about 70% gone. My hair had this quiet shine, not a greasy one, but a healthy glow. After a few weeks of using it once a week, the improvement is legit. It’s softer, it’s more manageable, and I swear I’m seeing fewer split ends.
Now, I gotta be real. It’s not perfect. My one gripe? The jar. It’s a wide, shallow jar, and you have to dip your fingers in. I’m a clean freak, and I don’t love that. I wish it came in a tube. Also, at $30.99, it’s not an impulse buy. You’re paying for those good oils.
I made a quick comparison chart for you lazy folks (no judgment, I am you).
| Whatcha Lookin’ At | West&Month Batana Mask | My Old Drugstore Mask |
|---|---|---|
| Price Point | $$ ($30.99) | $ ($8.99) |
| Main Goodies | Batana Oil, Rosemary Oil | Silicones, Parabens, Fragrance |
| The Feel After | Actually nourished, light, shiny | Coated & slippery (fake soft) |
| Long-term Effect | Hair seems healthier, less breakage | Build-up, needs clarifying shampoo |
So, Would I Buy It Again?
Honestly? Yeah, I think I would. The jar thing is annoying, but the results speak for themselves. My hair hasn’t felt this good in years. It’s a treat, not a staple, but for me, it’s a treat that works. If your hair is thirsty, damaged, or just needs a reset, this stuff is a solid bet. I’m keeping it in my shower, and the pixie cut idea? Officially shelved.
Anyway, that’s my two cents. I’m off to actually watch that baking show properly. Let me know if you try it!
