I Tried Amika’s Viral $42 Deep Conditioning Mask On My 4B Hair— Here’s My Review!

As a low-porosity girl, it is very important that I use products that penetrate into my hair and don’t just sit on my strands. Here's my honest opinion on the popular product!

Aliyah Gould review of amika the kure intense strength repair mask
Photo courtesy of Aliyah Gould
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I’m always excited to experiment with natural hair products. I love discovering new shampoos, conditioners, and creams to add to my routine. Throughout my hair care journey, I’ve tried rice water, homemade hair growth oils, MSM powder, and even scalp steaming. In a nutshell, if it claims to promote hair growth and help retain length, I’ve tried it.

Although some of these have been a complete fail, one product that has never let me down is deep conditioner. Deep conditioner has been the most instrumental in my hair growth journey and I never do a wash day without it. 

My tried and true for years has been the Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Masque [Shop on Amazon]. I have very thick, low-porosity hair and this treatment has provided the moisture it requires to flourish.

Recently, during one of my frequent Sephora trips, I decided to pick up a hair mask that everyone has been raving about on TikTok: amika’s “the kure” intense bond repair mask [Shop on Amazon]. Below, read my honest review on the popular product!

What Is “The Kure”?

review: amika the kure intense strength repair mask
Photo courtesy of Aliyah Gould

Amika’s “The Kure” Intense Bond Repair Mask is an extremely rich and hydrating deep conditioner that’s described as “an intensive mask that’s clinically proven to strengthen, reduce breakage, and deliver major moisture.”

Highlights of the formula includes shea butter, vitamins from sea buckthorn and mango butter, and omega-6 fatty acids from borage oil.

My Hair Type

I will admit, I’m pretty lazy when it comes to my hair. In the wintertime, I’m likely to do a flexi-rod set on blown-out hair or my favorite: a slick back bun. However, I take my wash day very seriously.

As a low-porosity girl, it is very important that I use products that penetrate into my hair and don’t just sit on my strands. Because my 4B hair is prone to breakage, every product that I use must be hydrating— and the hydration has to last! 

How I Use Amika’s “The Kure” Intense Bond Repair Mask

Photo courtesy of Aliyah Gould

Deep conditioning is important because it contains more emollients than regular conditioners. I find that this makes hair softer and the softer your hair is, the easier it is to detangle. The easier it is to detangle, the less hair you lose. This helps to retain length. 

After shampooing and conditioning my hair, I generously apply the deep conditioner. Next, I put a plastic cap over my hair and sit under a heating cap for an hour. After a few weeks of use, I can absolutely confirm “the kure” lives up to its claims of delivering moisture.

Pros/Cons About Amika’s “The Kure” Intense Bond Repair Mask

Pros: It deeply hydrates my hair and revives my curls. It also immediately makes hair softer. Not to mention, it smells great! 

Cons: It’s $42… Do I believe it’s worth it? Yes. Do I think we should get a lot more product for this price? Also, yes. I get the 8.4 oz and because I have a lot of hair, I have to use a good amount of product and this finishes fast! This month, my local Sephora didn’t have this size in stock, so I picked up the 3.3 oz for $24 and it was empty after just 3 wash days. 

My Final Thoughts

Aliyah Gould
Photo courtesy of Aliyah Gould

After 3 months of use, my 4B hair has been a lot stronger. I’ve noticed less breakage when detangling my hair and I haven’t had to go in with a moisturizing cream as much throughout the week.

I love how the nourishing ingredients provides my hair with the TLC it deserves. I can surely say that I’ve found a new staple in my hair care routine. 

Editor’s Note: This story has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Aliyah Gould is a Brooklyn-based freelance writer who is obsessed with all things beauty and wellness. She is passionate about self-love/self-care and hopes to inspire women to do whatever it is that makes them feel whole. Outside of her love for writing, you can find her binge-watching crime docs, impulsively spending at Sephora, or trying different lip combos at home.