It’s rare for me to try a product so transformational, that I instantly begin planning my review three months in advance. Such is the case with the Maya Chia The Mane Agent (also available at Credo). With consistent usage, this innovative molecular bond repair formulation has taken my hair to the next level, adding smoothness, strength and shine with each application and impressively contributing to the overall health of my mane.
Today, I’m excited to take a deep dive into what makes The Mane Agent and its ingredients so exceptional and also will share some other Maya Chia favorites as this brand is simply sublime and needs to be on your radar (if it isn’t already!).
Kindly scroll on for more details, before and afters and Maya Chia in action as well as the Bottom Line…
// The Mane Agent: What It Is //
Patent-pending (rare, with most haircare formulas, by the way) and excellent for all hair types and textures (equally rare), Maya Chia The Mane Agent (use BP10 at checkout for 10% off site wide, excluding bundles and Discovery Collection) is a unique hair treatment designed to help reduce breakage while repairing and protecting hair’s bonds for silky, smooth and bouncy tresses on contact. The no-rinse formula can be quickly applied at home and is lightweight and easy to apply; the mist applicator ensures even distribution and it should be used on wet hair.
Understanding the reason for formulation is just as vital as being clear on its essence of of being. Maya Chia Founder and Formulator Susanne Norwitz states that “The impetus for creating The Mane Agent was to find a solution to everything I didn’t like about the hair repair products. It needed to be clean because that’s a hallmark of the brand and it needed to work -and work exceptionally well.”
Maya Chia The Mane Agent features 10 key benefits for users, which include bond repair, strength, protection, softness, conditioning, protection, anti-frizz/anti-humidity, volume, detangling, shine and a UV filter.
// The Mane Agent: How It Works //
Fortified with advanced scientific breakthroughs in clean beauty, the Maya Chia The Mane Agent presents both immediate and long term benefits. If you’ve had any experience with Maya Chia, then you know the omega 3-rich Chia Seeds are at the core of most its formulations and the proprietary Chiaplex™ is the potent force behind The Mane Agent.
Let’s delve into some science:
The Mane Agent is a natural, safe and renewable reactive system that covalently bonds to amino acids and keratin fragments in human hair, thereby repairing broken disulfide bonds in hair (the ones that can make hair look dry, frizzy and lackluster) so each shaft is strengthened for a more hydrated, resultant and shiny result. The agent forms long molecular chains inside the hair shaft, which works to restore the damaged keratin fibers. Additionally, the formula is free from controversial ethoxylated chemicals like diglycol and PEGs) that may contain 1,4 dioxane.
In addition to the Chia Seed Extract, The Mane Agent includes the ancient grain Amaranth to increase the diameter of each individual fiber for fuller, voluminous and bouncy hair and Baobab, which repairs and nourishes stressed hair (from elements like bleach, color, heat and environment) while imparting UV protection.
Other Key Ingredients
Other key ingredients include Biotin, which is a water-soluble vitamin B7 to help to combat hair thinning while stimulating hair growth, Lemon Protein, which hydrates, softens and, as it encourages the hair shaft to lay flat (thereby capturing more light), adds shine; Amino Acids help to maintain healthy moisture levels while mitigating hair shaft damage and Panthenol penetrates the hair cuticle to restore hydration.
Maya Chia The Mane Agent also works with heat, not against it; in turn, although not necessary for efficacy, sunlight, a blowdryer or even hot rollers will further activate the restorative properties and overall results of while protecting from styling damage.
I apply a few sprays from the center of my hair to the ends after washing (I wash 2-3 times a week so it lines up perfectly) and carefully brush through with a wet brush. Then, I typically let my hair air dry but between regular sunlight and my daily usage of low-heat hot rollers, my hair receives the amplified benefits of Maya Chia The Mane Agent without me ever needing to blow dry.
Full Ingredients List:
Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) leaf Extract Infusion*, Water/Aqua, Salvia
Hispanic Seed (Chia Seed) Extract, Amaranthus Caudatus (Amaranth) Seed Extract,
Hydrolyzed Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Extract, Behentrimonium Methosulfate,
Glycerin, Aspergillus Ferment, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine,
Proline, Threonine, Isoleucine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Cetyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol,
Phospholipids (and) Biotin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf (Green Tea),
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Lemon Protein, Panthenyl Hydroypropyl Sterdimonium
Chloride, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil*, Citrus Aurantium (Bergamot) Oil*, Juniper
(Juniperus Communis) Oil*, Cedarwood (Cedrus Atlantica) Oil*, Lavender (Lavandula
Angustifolia) Oil*, Sodium gluconate, Sodium Levulinate, Sodium Anisate, Potassium
sorbate
// The Mane Agent: Why I Love It //
One of the main reasons I adore the Maya Chia The Mane Agent (also available at Credo) is that it is so effortless to use. As aforementioned, application coincides with my wash days and the fact that it doesn’t need to be rinsed out further amplifies ease. Additionally, it is stunningly effective. Never have I used such a clean product that instantly delivers such noticeable results and the long term effects, including increased growth, strength and density, are exciting to calibrate over a few months.
Most interesting (and in direct contrast with so many conventional hair repair formulas) is that when applied, it almost feels like nothing is happening. There is no obvious “slip” yet it detangles. There is no weightiness, yet hair feels conditioned. The magic happens during the drying process; upon air-drying, my hair feels so soft and looks exceptionally healthy. During my testing period, I also tried going a few wash cycles without Maya Chia The Mane Agent and my hair was noticeably less silky and voluminous. This told me everything I needed know!
I now have my mom using it regularly as well and I love that it is safe and clean enough to use on Joey Elle’s hair when the situation necessitates. Maya Chia The Mane Agent is a central part of my hair routine for the foreseeable future (may it forever be produced) and I deeply appreciate that it complements whatever shampoo and conditioner I may be using at the moment.
I think it is essential to note that I am far from alone in my adoration of this formula. It has sold out multiple times since its launch earlier this year and the clinical studies are compelling to say the least.
According to a two-week Consumer Usage Study conducted by a third-party:
- +86% of participants said the Mane Agent was better than any hair treatment product
they tried - +91% Said the product significantly improves
appearance & feel of hair - +95% Said the product did not cause build up or residue
- +91% Said the product made hair feel soft
- +95% Said the product smoothed their hair
- +95% Said the product was lightweight, added bounce to hair
- +95% Said they appreciated the product’s performance
Final Thoughts: After nearly 3 months of usage, my hair is strong, silky, long and exceptionally shiny; I also have noticed a decrease in daily hair fall and and in increase in volume and bounciness (my hair is typically stick straight). In summation, I never want to be without Maya Chia The Mane Agent (also available at Credo) and hope my experience has shed some informative light on what this formula can do…it’s a must for those seeking to maximize their manes!
// STYLE NOTES //
Keeping it classic with a denim vest and some wide leg trousers…both have clean lines and their versatility has quickly catapulted them to closet staples status for spring and beyond.
Outside of the The Mane Agent, I kept my hair product-free but did throw in a few hot rollers for extra volume (use BeautyprofessorT320 for 20% off)/
// MAYA CHIA FAVORITES //
I am entirely smitten with the Maya Chia (use BP10 at checkout for 10% off site wide, excluding bundles and Discovery Collection) line so it’s hard to distill my favorite formulas down to a tight edit. That being said, here are the products I reach for most frequently:
*Power Ful Multi-Correctional Eyelash & Eyebrow Growth Serum:
I’ve been using this dual ended serum for nearly two months and am stunned at the way it has increased the fullness of my brows and length of my lashes. It is fragrance free, never irritates even my most sensitive orbital region and is 100% prostaglandin-free.
Water Color Tinted Hydrating Super Antioxidant Skincare + Gradual Sunless Tanner:
A gentle self-tanner that doubles as a nourishing, antioxidant-rich serum? Yes, please! Just a few drops at night leave my skin silky soft and I wake up with the most radiant burnished, true tan (never orange) glow…somehow, this nutrient-packed formula doesn’t impart the even the slightest scent of self tanner. It’s a miracle, indeed.
*The Advanced Response Complex-Rapid Regenerating Firming Face & Neck Moisture Cream:
Boasting a decadent, buttery texture that absorbs on contact, this treatment cream contains an impressive roster of ingredients including Plant-Transforming Growth Factor Beta-2 (plant-TGFβ2), super antioxidants Chebula and Astaxanthin, multiple sources of Peptides, a proprietary Amino Acid Blend and fermented minerals to fight fine lines and laxity while encouraging firmness in the face and neck. Read the trial results for increased inspiration!
*The Highlight of the Day Illuminating Face Serum Makeup:
This was one of the first Maya Chia formulas I ever tried, nearly a decade ago and I still reach for it regularly. The lightweight liquid texture creates a lit-from-within look (try on the high points of the face or even all over as an illuminating base) that stays fresh and dewy all day. There are four shades in the range but I am particularly partial to the iridescent pink The Happy Hour and the peachy gold The Afternoon Delight, both of which work well with my medium olive complexion.
*Super Naked Plum + Chia Face Oil:
Whenever my skin needs an extra dose of moisture, I reach for this unique oil blend which combines lush and restorative plum oil with the potently healing Omega-3 fatty acids of chia. Additionally, the ingredients synergistically increase cell turnover leaving skin wildly smooth and radiant.
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Bottom Line:
I truly hope you enjoyed this intensive look at the efficacious wonder that is Maya Chia The Mane Agent (use BP10 at checkout for 10% off site wide, excluding bundles and Discovery Collection). It has changed and simplified my haircare routine for the better and the results truly speak for themselves.
I also was just informed that an intensive version of The Mane Agent, designed to offset damage during a chemical service at a salon (e.g., bleach, color, straightening etc.) has just launched for professional usage. It’s only available for hairstylists to administer as a service with nationwide rollout planned this year. Visit Mayachia.com to see if it’s coming to a salon near you.
Good things ahead, including some gifting ideas Mother’s Day (start with The Mane Agent and also check out my freshly-launched, limited edition $40 au Naturale lip duo), a fresh video (please subscribe in the meanwhile) and a host of new product procurements…cannot wait to share! In the meanwhile, there is daily new content on my Instagram and a multitude of style and beauty discoveries in my LTK shop.
Stay strong, seek wisdom, much love and more soon,
xx
–The Beauty Professor
**Many thanks to Maya Chia for sponsoring this post. PR samples provided for review denoted by an asterisk (the rest purchased by me). However, as always, all of my opinions are expressly and unequivocally my own. © 2012-23 Beauty Professor® All Rights Reserved. Do not copy, reprint or republish content and/or photos without author’s written permission.
Comment (1)
The before and after shots with Mane Agent are helpful–looks like a great product!