Fino Hair Mask VS Tsubaki Repair Mask: Which one is for you?

Comparing Viral Japanese Hair Masks

This time we will compare Fino Hair Mask to Tsubaki Hair Mask, another hair care item that is also immensely popular in Japan. I hope this will help you decide which is the ideal hair mask for you!

Fino and Tsubaki are two of the most popular hair masks because of their affordability and excellent results. Both were developed by Shiseido (now marketed by a company called Fine Today, which has taken over the production plant and other aspects of Shiseido’s haircare and other product lines).

Tsubaki Repair Mask Features

Ion repair ingredients provide three-dimensional repair for each strand of hair that has uneven texture due to dryness or damage.  The ingredients in reaches all the way to the tip of the hair, enabling maximum effect, repair agents penetrate and are locked inside the hair so you can feel a long-lasting effect.
Tsubaki repair mask contains laurylimonium chloride, dual amino acids, camellia oil, royal jelly, and soy protein for repairing damaged areas, while hyaluronic acid provide moisturizing effect.
It has a thick texture, similar to Fino’s, and is easy to apply on the hair without worrying about the hair mask dripping down your hands, even in the shower. The moment you put it on your hair, it smells lovely, as if you’ve been treated at a spa. You will notice how smooth and treated your hair is the moment you rinse off the hair mask.

My daughter who also tried both hair masks said that they both make her hair silky and soft but prefers the scent of Tsubaki.

Comparing Fino Hair Mask and Tsubaki Hair Mask

・Similarities

Both Fino and Tsubaki were developed by Shiseido and have similar ingredients and high moisturizing/repairing properties.
They contain ingredients that improve silkiness and repair cuticle, making them both suitable for damaged hair.
In terms of scent, while both are floral, Tsubaki has a sweeter, more feminine scent compared to Fino.
Both give you smooth and manageable hair.
They are effective even when washed off immediately with no waiting time.
Same amount needed per use (equivalent of 1-2 large grapes for semi-long hair).
Both are in large tub type containers and the screw on lids are a bit hard to manage in the shower.

・Differences

Fino is used after shampoo and can be used as special care or every day.
Tsubaki is for special care once or twice a week and is used after shampoo and treatment.
Tsubaki has a sweeter and more floral scent, and it lingers more than Fino does after drying the hair.

Differences at a glance;

Fino is for you if…

you want to keep the process simple.
you want to use it every time you wash your hair.
you don’t want your hair to smell too much of hair care products.

Tsubaki is for you if…

your hair is prone to damage and need special care.
you only want to use it once or twice a week.
you like the scent to linger on your hair.

I personally prefer the scent of Tsubaki, but Fino is more convenient because I can use it every time I wash my hair and I won’t forget to use it, keeping my hair in good condition at all times. Fino also has a hair oil that smells the same as the hair mask, so if the faint scent is an issue for you, you can try using them both to have lovely smelling hair.
If you have a favourite shampoo and conditioner, and don't need to use a hair mask that often, or if you have damaged hair you want to give extra loving care before special occasions, I would recommend giving Tsubaki hair mask a try. It smells really lovely, too!

Have you been able to decide which one is right for you?