Lee Stafford Coco Loco with Agave Blow and Go 11-in-1 Lotion

 RRP: £6.99

--What does the promo say?--

"This moisturising Genius Lotion is packed full of coconutty goodness. And now blended with Agave Essence for added moisture, movement and shine. The tropical tube does at least 11 things including helping to repair damaged hair and strengthen it.

• Conditions, Nourishes & Smooths
• Protects from heat styling
• Shields against humidity and protects against colour fade
• Improves combability
• Softens and enhances shine
• New tropical Coconut and Agave fragrance"

--Packaging--

The light pink colour scheme clearly identifies this product as part of the Coco Loco range and gives an elegant and feminine impression, accentuated by the gold lettering. The coconut imagery makes the main ingredient central and the 11 benefits are identified concisely on the packaging as well. The flip-top tube makes for practical use on a day-to-day basis.

--Application--

Smooth liberally over towel-dried hair, then dry and style as normal.

--Appearance--

A bright white lotion which leaves no visible residue on the skin or hair.

--Scent--

Beautifully coconutty, but perhaps not terribly nuanced.

--Texture and consistency--

Incredibly smooth and combs through hair easily.

--Effects on the hair--

Hair feels volumised and smoothed, with frizz being minimised. The conditioning effects are immediately apparent and over time hair is undoubtedly strengthened. Blonde hair also appears more luminous and wavy hair is tamed sufficiently between washes without having to fight to brush it.

--Value for money--

One tube provides many uses, and the effect of just one use is confidence-boosting and stress-reducing. Hair has volume and shine without frizz, and this effect lasts for days to tame and straighten hair. While I was sent mine for free by Lee Stafford's PR, I would shell out my hard-earned on this without a shadow of a doubt. An indulgent treat that makes managing your hair easier.

perfect partners

Shampoo, £1.99-£10.99 (50ml, 250ml, 600ml)

Conditioner, £1.99-£10.99 (50ml, 250ml, 600ml)

Hairspray, £5.99 (250ml)

Mousse, £5.99 (200ml)

Moisture Mist, £6.99 (150ml)

Dry Shampoo, £4.99 (200ml)

Heat Protection Mist, £5.99 (150ml)

Blow & Go 11-in-1 Lotion, £6.99 (100ml)

Colour & Damage Defender, £4.99 (100ml)

Mask, from £1.99 (20ml)

Mashooq Deep Penetrating Oil

RRP: from £2.99 (travel size) to £13.99 (250ml)

--What does the promo say?--
"Do you want to say goodbye to bad hair days and have great looking hair every day? Mashooq's Deep Penetrating Oil is truly versatile and can be used for deep conditioning hair, protecting against heat and chemicals and to treat dry scalps. With regular use it will leave your hair baby soft, easier to manage and style with improved shine. Our Magic Oil is a unique blend of six natural oils - coconut, sweet almond, olive, sunflower, palm and wheat germ - packed full of vitamins and other nutrients to feed and protect your hair. It is suited to all hair types. Mashooq moisturises porous hair and is especially good for Afro-Caribbean hair that needs extra hydration. It also repairs and strengthens brittle hair that breaks easily or hair that has been damaged by heat from dryers, straighteners and curlers. Unlike other oils that coat the hair, Mashooq penetrates into the hair creating a protective screen allowing colours, perms and bleaches to work efficiently without risk of damage to the hair and scalp. For many years it was a secret among professional hairdressers and colourists as it enhances the colouring process while protecting the hair."

--Packaging--
The yellow label on the bottle is bright and unusual, reflecting the sunflower oil that the product contains. However, I'd prefer a pump action bottle, as the screw top means you can't as easily control the amount of oil dispensed. 

--Application--
Apply to the hair, concentrating on the tips. Then wrap in a towel and ideally leave the oil in overnight. In the morning, wash out with shampoo as normal (although perhaps shampoo and rinse twice to ensure that all oil is out). You can then dry and style your hair as you usually would. It's also noted by Mashooq that you can also use the oil to hair after it has been washed to make it easier to style - although I personally wouldn't do this as it's so easy to use too much, whereas at least with an overnight treatment you can ensure that it has all been washed out. 

--Appearance--
A clear oil which leaves no visible residue in the hair after washing it out.

--Scent--
Nothing particularly detectable (perhaps disappointing given the sweet almond oil and coconut oil that this contains). The sunflower oil probably works to create a neutral olfactory effect.

--Texture and consistency--
Just like the sorts of oils you would use for cooking: slick and lissome. However, as mentioned above, shampooing and rinsing twice is enough to get it out of your hair after an overnight treatment.

--Effects on the hair--
Hair feels smooth, volumised and restored. You can also go a little longer before needing to shampoo again, as the hair feels nourished enough by the oil in the product to not overcompensate by beginning to produce its own oil again.

--Value for money--
While you could of course make your own mixture for less, using oils from supermarkets and health food stores, this is naturally more convenient and is actually not terribly expensive given both this convenience factor and the revitalising results for your hair. Equally, not much is needed each time, meaning that even a travel size bottle will give you enough oil for at least 5 treatments. I was sent mine for free by Mashooq's PR, but would definitely buy again with my own money. It beats many commercial conditioners both in terms of the purity of the ingredients it contains and the effects on your hair. Thanks, Mashooq! 

perfect partners
Hair Serum, £12.99 for 100ml
Calm, Relax, Revive Massage Oils Set, £12.50

Kick Start Coconut Oil

RRP: from £12

--What does the promo say?--
"Kick Start Organic Cold Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil is pure virgin coconut oil from Sri Lanka. Kick Start Organic Cold Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil has not been hydrogenated, bleached, refined or deodorised. It comes from the finest coconut palms on the west coast of Sri Lanka, which are grown using traditional farming methods and no pesticides. It is cold pressed and filtered in modern, hygienic conditions in Sri Lanka – from crop to shop. The large 920g tub is an economical and environmentally friendly way of buying Kick Start Organic Cold Pressed  Virgin Coconut Oil. This large tub will keep you going for longer and offers excellent value for money, the foil seal and screw top lid will ensure that your virgin coconut oil will remain fresh. Kick Start Organic Cold Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil  has organic certification from three separate bodies: Soil Association, USDA Organic, and Control Union. Produced from the pick of the palms in Sri Lanka, the palms have been specifically planted and nurtured carefully to meet the strict criteria and high quality that you require. The coconuts are grown in the west of Sri Lanka and to the north of the capital, Colombo, and are traditionally harvested and cold pressed."

--Packaging--
The black and red colour scheme on a white background, with a preponderance of capital letters, is unisex and punchy, and as mentioned, the foil seal and screw-top lid do help to keep the product fresh. However, while tubs do enable minimal wastage, they're not the most practical in terms of scooping the oil out and making sure none gets on the side of the pot - a pump action bottle would be far more practical and hygienic. 

--Application--
How you use this depends on what you've been using it for; as you can probably see from my tags, I've been using it for basically everything. First of all, to remove makeup or cleanse skin, just rub onto the face directly with your hands before wiping off with a cotton pad or tissue. Any excess can be rubbed into your hands and cuticles, or onto other areas of your body. If there's any left on your face, it doesn't matter, as it's an excellent moisturiser. If using this as a hair mask, run the oil through dry hair and cover your pillow with a towel so that you can sleep with the oil in your hair overnight before shampooing it out in the morning.

--Scent--
A full, natural and unadulterated coconut smell; sweet without being overpowering.

--Appearance--
White and waxy when stored below 18°C. It begins to melt from this temperature upwards and by the time it reaches 24°C it turns into a transparent oil, which leaves no visible residue on the skin or hair.

--Texture and consistency--
As mentioned, it depends on the temperature at which you keep it - so, waxy or oily. However, it absorbs reasonably quickly into body skin and is easy to wash out of hair after using it as a hair mask. Go easy with it if you're using it as a facial moisturiser, though, as it can leave skin looking a bit shiny if you use too much.

--Effects on the body--
An excellent moisturiser for face and body, with facial skin in particular seeing fewer spots and generally looking less angry. (You'd think that using oil on already oily skin would make the situation worse, but it actually doesn't. Post on the oil cleansing method coming soon!) As a hair mask it's equally good, helping to detangle, defrizz and condition hair. It also removes makeup very well.

--Value for money--
With the website offering discounts for buying 2 or 3 pots, as well as upgrading to the bigger 920g pot, you can really spend as much or as little as you like, and watch the value soar when buying in bulk. However, one 460g pot costs a very reasonable £12 for the quantity and quality of the product that you receive. Mine was free, but I would definitely pay this as it's such a fabulous multi-use product (and I haven't even started on the fact that it's food grade too and you can therefore cook with it - look out for an upcoming post on my food blog soon!) that works well on hair, face, hands and body - and it's ethically sourced into the bargain. Bravo!

Philip Kingsley Re-Moisturising Shampoo

RRP: £17

--What does the promo say?--
"This shampoo for medium textured wavy hair, gently cleanses and balances the different needs of your roots and ends (i.e. less at roots, more at dry, damaged ends). Containing wheat protein it helps to deliver the correct balance of moisture to your hair leaving it more manageable and lustrous. Its unique formula contains a natural antistatic conditioning barrier which helps smooth your hair's cuticle to improve combing and condition, and also anti-oxidants for added protection."

--Packaging--
The nozzle is quite different to the usual flip-top lid shapes that you see, but is still easy to use and secure to close. The brand name is emblazoned across the bottle, but with no other illustrations or colours it manages to stay quite minimalist and unisex. The colour of the lettering also changes according to the type of product you're using, so each product is still part of the brand family while staying distinct in itself.

--Application--
As usual really. Lather up onto the scalp and smooth through the hair before rinsing (and repeating, if desired).

--Appearance--
A translucent beige gel which becomes a white lather when mixed with water. Leaves no visible residue on hair or skin.

--Scent--
Wheaty and clean; like cotton or freshly laundered sheets. Pleasant and unisex.

--Texture and consistency--
Smooth, luxurious, lathers well, and rinses easily. No stickiness or wateriness.

--Effects on the hair--
On the day of washing, and possibly also on the day after, I do notice an increase in lustre and manageability, as promised. There is also increased smoothness and a lack of static flyaway, with ends moisturised and roots degreased. However, after day 2 my hair begins to feel heavier and greasier, and I can't go as long between washes with this as I would with other shampoos.

--Value for money--
£17 a bottle isn't cheap, but it does last several months, even with regular use. I am always happy with the results in the first day or two of washing, but do wish I could go longer between washes as I prefer to avoid heat treatments (I have to blow-dry my hair every time I wash it, otherwise due to the length it takes too long to dry on its own). However, Philip Kingsley does have several different types of shampoo and conditioner for hair like mine, so I would definitely be interested to see if these are different in this regard. Nonetheless, a high-quality product that generally suits the needs of my hair.

perfect partners
Moisture Balancing Conditioner, £20
Moisture Extreme Jet Set, £24
Soft & Shiny Try Me Kit, £6

Rococo Chichi Whipped Shea Hair Butter

RRP: £7.95
Stockist: http://www.rococochichi.com/

--What does the promo say?--
"This nourishing butter stimulates the scalp and softens, fortifies and revitalises lacklustre hair.
Free from chemicals, preservatives, parabens, SLS, artificial colours and perfume."

--Packaging--
A discreet little tin which is brightened up by the cheerful rainbow of dots. The minimal information on the label, however, means that the overall effect is not too crowded.

--Application--
Rococo Chichi recommend using this in several different ways: as a pre-wash conditioner, as a styling aid, or as a tamer of frizz and split ends. Just take a little from the tin with your fingers and massage into the ends of hair to condition and style. If using as a pre-wash conditioner, leave for a minimum of 20 minutes (or even overnight) before washing out with shampoo. Easy as.

--Appearance--
A luxurious, creamy-looking wax that seamlessly slicks hair into position without making you look like you've overdone the hair gel.

--Scent--
The shea hair butter comes in a scented and unscented version, and while the unscented version smells pleasantly of the nut oils used, the rosemary shines through in the scented version. A natural aroma in all cases.

--Texture and consistency--
Not at all greasy, sticky or slippery; easy to apply to the hair and to rinse out. Any excess can be rubbed into your hands - all of those essential oils and natural butters make great moisturisers. 

--Effects on the hair--
Hair is effectively tamed, with your split hairs and frizz being shown who's boss. It's also a brilliant natural conditioner.

--Value for money--
At £7.95 for 100ml this is brilliantly reasonable compared to commercial products (not least because a little goes such a long way) - and it works so well on dry hair too. Even though I was sent mine for free by Rococo Chichi's PR (thanks!), I would definitely spend my hard-earned on this. Makes a brilliant gift for yourself and others.

perfect partners
Whipped Shea Body Butter (available in Lavender, Vanilla or Unscented), £9.95/150ml
Whipped Shea Hand Butter (available in Lavender or Vanilla), £3.50/30ml
Whipped Shea Body, Hands and Hair Gift Set (various scent combinations available), £20

Old Wives Tail Melado Organic Hair Growth Oil Treatment

RRP: £13.99 for 100ml
Stockist: http://www.oldwivestail.com/ 

--What does the promo say?--
"A unique blend of 100% organic oils that will give the kiss of life to even the most dry and damaged hair. Rich in natural vitamins, antioxidants and proteins just one sacred drop of Melado will do wonders for your hair and scalp. The natural vitamins and omegas in Melado restores shine and deeply moisturises the hair back to health. When massaged into the scalp this oil will stimulate and encourage healthy hair growth by penetrating deep into the roots and strengthening each hair follicle."

--Packaging--
I love that the clear jar lets you see exactly how much is left at all times; it's also securely packaged, with the lid being easy to close to ensure that you don't lose any. The design (font etc) seems quite amateurish, but hopefully this is something that will improve as Old Wives Tail grows and the business has more money to plough into a more professional-looking package. The jar is also not a good idea: while when securely closed you won't lose a drop, and the jar means you should be able to scrape out every last drop with your fingers, it's very very difficult to get out the exact amount you need without spilling any. In this respect a pump-action canister would be more user-friendly. 

--Usage--
OWT recommends massaging this into into damp hair once or twice weekly "to stimulate long, healthy, nourished hair growth." You should leave it on for a minimum of an hour, or overnight, before rinsing with fresh water and shampoo (I found that shampooing and rinsing twice was best to be sure that the product was out). They say that you can use conditioner on the ends of your hair only afterwards, before styling as normal, but I didn't feel this was necessary; hair already felt sufficiently nourished. I also tended to just go for the overnight treatment rather than the hour's treatment: I might have time to strut around my flat in the morning with a towel on my head for an hour before having to get back in the shower to rinse it off in the holidays or at the weekends, but that's not going to fly during a normal working week. Wrapping your oiled-up hair in a towel overnight sounds like a hassle, but really isn't, so I'd definitely recommend doing this so that your hair gets the most possible out of the treatment. OWT also says you can use the product to tame flyaways, frizz, and split ends, just by using a drop of oil after blow drying, but I found I could never get the amount right to stop my hair turning from volumized and luminous loveliness back to oil slick - and as frizz is already reduced by using this product anyway, it seemed a tad unnecessary.

--Appearance--
A golden oil that gives a really luxurious impression.

--Scent--
A gorgeous aroma of lavender that's pleasant and natural without being overpowering. 

--Texture and consistency--
Despite being an oil, it doesn't feel sticky or greasy in the hands, and it slicks through the hair easily without leaving too much excess on your hands (and even if you are left with some, just rub it into the backs of your hands - oils are terrific for anti-ageing too). It also washes out after two shampoos - so again, if using a hair oil seems like too much hassle, it's certainly no more faff than washing out any other hair styling (say, backcombing!).

--Effects on the hair--
First of all, it really seems to clean the hair, which makes the product a great ambassador for the "co-washing" trend that's currently sweeping the world of beauty. Hair is left feeling smooth, cleansed, and strokeable, which also indicates the effect that it has on the way your hair feels. Rather than your hair being weighed down by pollution and commercial hair products, hair feels lighter and unencumbered. Furthermore, it feels cleaner for longer - I found I could go a whole day longer without washing my hair once I'd used this. Being able to wash your hair only twice a week rather than three or four times doesn't sound like a big difference, but it is. The process of styling the hair is also improved, as the oil seems to help significantly with detangling, and once you've styled your hair, frizz is reduced, with hair looking lighter and more volumised. Longer-term, the oils that compose the product will help to protect your hair from the damage caused by heat styling products (such as straighteners and hair dryers), and I do notice that my hair is looking lovely and long - another incentive to keep using the product, as my hair typically grows slowly and I would like it to be longer. Overall an excellent result.

--Value for money--
Although I was sent mine for free by OWT, I think £13.99 for a jar represents superior value for money, not just given how little you have to use each time, but also given the undeniable results that are achieved. These products definitely deserve to become better-known and more widely-used, meaning I would definitely purchase this product and others from the range in future (especially as the company's worldwide delivery charges are so reasonable too!). Highly recommended :)

perfect partners
Melado Organic Hair Growth Mask, £14.99
Melado & SOS Duo Organic Mask, £24.99
Melado & SOS Duo Organic Oil Treatment, £21.99
Scalp Massaging Hair Brush, £8.99
Wide Tooth Comb, £3.99  

Kiehl's Heat Protective Silk Straightening Cream

RRP: £15 for 150ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Created especially for wavy, frizzy, or curly hair in need of smoothing, our cream helps smooth hair and tame frizz without weighing hair down whilst protecting the hair from breakage."

--Packaging--
The yellow accents on this squeezy tube brighten up an otherwise dull item. The screw-top lid is practical and the overall design is suitably unisex.

--Application--
Run through the ends of wet hair (not the roots) before drying/straightening. Brush/dry as normal. Very easy. A 50p-sized amount should do it.

--Appearance--
A white, glossy cream that melts invisibly into the hair.

--Scent--
Clean-smelling and homely, a bit like fabric softener - which makes sense given the relatively neutral main ingredients (silk, soy and sesame). 

--Texture and consistency--
Beautifully creamy with no lumps or stickiness. As mentioned, it works beautifully with the hair to leave no stiffness after styling either.

--Effects on the hair--
Flyaway hair is tamed and made to feel beautifully smooth, soft and under control. FAB.

--Value for money--
As so little of the product goes such a long way, and there is NOTHING wrong with it (not even the price!), I'd happily repurchase this. Maybe my favourite Kiehl's product ever!

perfect partners
Amino Acid Shampoo, from £8.50
Hair Conditioner and Grooming Aid Formula 133, from £18.50  

L'Oreal EverRiche Nourishing and Flowing Shampoo

RRP: £5.99

--What does the promo say?--
"Hair Expertise EverRiche Nourishing & Flowing Shampoo is a hair care product specifically designed for dry, fine hair. Enriched with Botanical Oils and non-sulphate cleansing surfactants, the range provides a unique sensory experience and leaves dry hair feeling nourished, protected and flowing."

--Packaging--
Mine was a free sample from a magazine, so can't comment on the full monty, but I like the gold and brown colour scheme of this squeezy flip top tube, as it seems unusual, and like it would stand out on the shelf.

--Application--
Massage into wet scalp under the shower and then rinse out. Repeat if desired. Follow with EverRiche Nourishing and Flowing Conditioner. Nothing difficult about this.

--Appearance--
A white, slightly pearlescent lotion that leaves no visible residue in the hair.

--Scent--
Clean and cotton-like with a hint of the botanicals mentioned in the promotional material.

--Texture and consistency--
Smooth and luxurious; slightly runny and not at all sticky. Lathers up well and washes out easily when required.

--Effects on the hair--
Hair feels smoother, softer and more voluminous. You can also get away with not washing your hair on the second day and you will still look just as good.

--Value for money--
Depending on how long the bottle lasts, £5.99 could be construed as being a bit steep. However, it works well on the hair, and if you grab it as part of the introductory offers going on (2 Ever Riche products for £9, for instance), it instantly becomes even better value. Recommended :)

perfect partners
Nourishing and Flowing Conditioner, £5.99
Nourishing Intense Mask, £6.99
Perfect Elixir, £6.99

Dove Express Treatment Intensive Repair Conditioner

 RRP: £3.99

--What does the promo say?--
"Introducing the next generation of daily conditioner with the added benefits of a treatment. Dove Intensive Repair Express Treatment Conditioner works in just one minute. Our dual action formula contains Fibre Actives™ technology which penetrate deep inside the hair to help rebind damaged proteins without weighing hair down as well as repairing and sealing lifted cuticles to help protect against future damage. Prevents split ends and breakage."

--Packaging--
The white, blue and silver colour scheme is slick, eye-catching and unisex, with the classic Dove logo ever-present. The flip-top plastic tube, which stands on its end in the shower, is practical too.

--Application--
After shampooing, apply to the ends of the hair. Rinse off after one minute.

--Appearance--
A sumptuous white cream that leaves no visible residue on the hair after use.

--Scent--
Cotton-like. Mmm fresh laundry.

--Texture and consistency--
Creamy and smooth without being claggy or sticky. Washes out easily when you want it to, while staying in the hair for the one minute required and beyond.

--Effects on the hair--
Really revitalises hair, making it feel soft and voluminous. Perfect result even from the first use.

--Value for money--
No complaints about how the product is to use or its results. Once my free bottle runs out, I'd definitely buy another to replace it. Practical yet luxurious - love it :)

perfect partners
Intensive Repair Shampoo, £2.69
Intensive Repair Leave-In Conditioning Spray, £3.59 

Have you tried the cure for overworked hair?

SPONSORED CONTENT

Being a natural blonde, I've always fallen back on my tried and tested faithful on the rare occasions that I've actually been allowed to choose my own shampoo and conditioner: John Frieda Sheer Blonde. It gives smoothness and bounce like virtually no other shampoo and conditioner, without weighing my hair down with any lingering greasiness or heaviness. En plus, it gives great luminosity to already naturally great colour. Brilliant Brunette, the accompanying shampoo in the range along with Radiant Red, also does wonders for the brown-haired beauties in my family. It can really be said that there are John Frieda hair treatments for everyone, whether you're looking to colour your hair or reduce frizz. 

This is even more true with the arrival of their new kid on the block, the family of John Frieda Full Repair hair products. Touted as 'the cure for overworked hair', it not only includes traditional shampoo and conditioner but also has one treatment that's just for the ends of your hair (where damage is often most visible - remember those split ends?), and a heat-activated styling spray, which ensures you don't undo all of your good work during blow-drying or straightening.

Claiming to help strengthen and detangle hair, the shampoo is available not only in the form of a 250ml stand-alone tube, but also in a travel-friendly 50ml format. The conditioner is only available in a halfway house of 150ml, but bolsters the work of the shampoo through one of the product family's main ingredients, Inca Peanut Oil. When used in the Perfect Ends Deep Infusion in conjunction with crambe oil (which contains omega-9 and is a relative of rapeseed oil), it promises to "[absorb] into worn-torn strands instead of just coating the surface" and to "leave hair smooth, shiny and full of body". There's a Sheer Mist too for the ends of hair, for those who aren't fans of infusions and just like to spray and go.

The styling spray uses similar ingredients and assures us that manageability will be improved and hair will be protected from heat to create natural movement and long-lasting hold, which certainly sounds like something I could use (to keep a style in place in my hair often seems to involve the use of products with similar strength to cement). I also often forget to use a heat protection spray, but with this coming in a 100ml bottle that can come everywhere with me, there should be no excuses.

But there's more to the Full Repair range than this: also on offer are a Touch-Up Flyaway Tamer (to combat frizz all day - oh John, is there nothing you don't know about my hair?!) and a Protecting Root Lift Foam, which adds extra volume right from the roots of your hair, as well as providing heat protection and preventing breakage. It just needs to be worked through your hair before the use of heat styling products such as curlers.

While I haven't been sent any of this product range to test (yet!!) it definitely sounds like an excellent complement to my hair routine and one I can add to my arsenal of friendly, reliable products to fall back on when the deluge of free press samples subsides. (While I know other bloggers sometimes just throw products away, even if unfinished, or pass them on to friends and family, I always try to use up the vast majority of products I'm sent, leaving the opportunities for free choice few and far between.) It definitely sounds like it could be a 'cure' for me and that, as is often proved to be the case, John Frieda's products meet almost every conceivable haircare need.

Schwarzkopf Gliss Shea Cashmere Shampoo and Conditioner

RRP: £1.59/bottle
Retails at: Sainsbury's, Superdrug, Savers, Bodycare

--What does the promo say?--
"Hair Repair - Repairs Inside the Hair Cell

Dry or Lifeless Hair

Easy Combing & Cashmere Smooth Hair

Suitable for Daily Use

The nourishing formula with Shea Butter and Cashmere Protein provides the hair with intensive care and tangibly more suppleness."

--Packaging--

Like many other brands of its type, it reaches its target audience of women aged 20-30 with soft pastel colours, although the purple is a bit more zingy and adds a nice touch. The unusual combination of shea and cashmere immediately conjures images of softness and luxury, and high technology is also evoked in the illustrations on the bottle. With the shampoo bottle standing on its flip-top lid and the conditioner bottle having its lid at the top of the bottle, the slightly opposing yet harmonious design works well too.

--Application--

Massage the shampoo into wet hair as normal before rinsing out, and then add the conditioner, smoothing it down the full length of the hair, or just on the ends if this is where you have most difficulty with dryness, and then rinse out completely after a few minutes.

--Appearance--

The shampoo is a lovely pearlescent slightly beige/off-white coloured product, which continues to create the image of something truly luxurious in the shower. The conditioner is slightly yellower and more matte than pearlescent.

--Scent--

The shea butter is expectedly prominent; you are definitely given what you are promised. Always nice to have a slightly chocolatey start to the morning!

--Texture/consistency--

No problems here: it wasn't too sticky, too thick, too runny, or too anything. The  conditioner is creamier and less runny than the shampoo; both products are very manageable and easy to control and rinse out.

--Effects on the hair--

Truthfully, Schwarzkopf's claims on this shampoo and conditioner are very modest, so you cannot claim that they do not deliver. The main claims are "increased suppleness" and "cell repair", with the former being very subjective and the latter being presumably only something that could be tested by a scientist. However, I did thankfully experience increased softness in my hair, which I assume to be down to the various proven conditioning ingredients within, such as glyceryl cocoate (derived from coconut) and wheat protein, as well as the cashmere protein and shea butter mentioned in the brand's promotional materials. I was therefore fairly pleased with the products, in spite of the fact that they didn't quite deliver the high-shine result I was after (but hey - you can't have everything).

--Value for money--

Being a hair colour company primarily, I had always (perhaps stupidly) presumed that Schwarzkopf's products were expensive (since hair dye usually is) and was very pleasantly surprised to find this retailing at such an affordable price. It easily competes with others in its price bracket, such as Aussie and Trésemmé, as well as with others of a higher price range, such as John Frieda. Would buy again - they just need to bring out a hair mask now!

Sunsilk Silky and Straight Shampoo and Conditioner

RRP: £2.19 each for 200ml. However, prices vary across the internet, starting at just £1..
Other varieties from the Sunsilk range: Lively Blonde, Deeply Brunette, Care and Repair, Colour and Shine, Waves and Curls, Fresh and Flowing, Voluptuous Volume

--What does the promo say?--
"Is your hair stuck between straight and curly, neither one nor the other?
Sunsilk Silky & Straight Shampoo and Conditioner, enriched with satin proteins, will help smooth your hair along its whole length, leaving it fabulously sleek and shiny."

--Packaging--
A cheerful purple tube that sits sturdily on its plastic flip top lid in the shower. The quality of said lids varies - my conditioner lid closes very well but the shampoo lid is weaker, meaning that lots of water collects in the lid during showers. It's also too big to take on holiday with you if you're travelling on hand luggage, but is a good size for everyday use.

--Usage--
Massage the shampoo through wet hair and then rinse. Then stroke the conditioner through clean, rinsed hair and leave on for 2-3 minutes before rinsing out. You can repeat this procedure again if you like, but to be honest, it's not really necessary.

--Scent--
A nice clean cotton-type scent. While this is nice, maybe something more fruity, matching with the purple bottle (blackberries perhaps?!) would be a welcome novelty to rival brands such as Herbal Essences. However, it's definitely not unpleasant and shouldn't offend anyone.

--Appearance--
A white, glossy lotion, with the shampoo being runnier than the conditioner.

--Texture/consistency--
Very smooth. No problems here.

--Rinsability--
Fairly easy to rinse out; I occasionally find that I miss the very front of my scalp, but I think that's due more to my own shortcomings than to those of the shampoo and conditioner.

--How does your hair feel afterwards?--
I have very dry hair, so perhaps the Care and Repair version of Sunsilk would be better for me. You've probably already guessed that my hair still felt quite dry after the use of this shampoo and conditioner. However, there was nevertheless a definite improvement.

--How does your hair look afterwards?--
Definitely straightened. Good job!

--Value for money--
This is about the price of your average shampoo and conditioner, and I think that its price and its supermarket audience is reflected in both this and the fact that as with most supermarket haircare you do seem to end up using a fair amount of the stuff each time as compared with more expensive haircare. However, the bottles do seem to last a really long time despite this (though the conditioner always runs out before the shampoo...why?!), and deliver solid, dependable and palpable results every time. I've never had anything but a positive experience with Sunsilk, having also tried their range for blondes, and it's a great cheaper alternative to brands such as John Frieda. Onto the Care and Repair range for me, then...

perfect partner
Sunsilk Silky and Straight Leave-In Cream, £2.19

L'Occitane Repairing Conditioner

RRP: £11.75 for 250ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Repairing, stimulating and regenerating, this conditioner nourishes and deeply restores capillary fibre. It will detangle, soften and add lustre to hair. This product is free from: parabens , synthetic colorants, formol or formaldehyde, animal ingredients, triclosan."

--Packaging--
Clearly part of the Aromachology/Dry & Damaged Hair range of products available at L'Occitane, with the bottle bearing a great resemblance to the shampoo and serum. The flip-top lid seems sturdy and the combination of green bottle and orange label is eye-catching. Travels well - you don't need to worry that you'll open your bag and find conditioner everywhere.

--Application--
Slick onto wet hair, leave for a few minutes, and then rinse out. Use once or twice a week. However, I have found it generally very difficult to rinse out, and this is affected by the water pressure in your shower, so perhaps steer clear if your shower is weak.

--Appearance--
A thick, creamy, yellow-green substance.

--Scent--
None as far as I can tell.

--Texture/consistency--
It's not too runny or lumpy, though it can on occasion be tricky to squeeze from the bottle.

--Results--
This is possibly the most bizarre encounter I've ever had with a hair product, along with the serum from the same range: as well as its rinsability apparently depending on your water pressure, this also seems to depend highly on the water hardness of your area: in hard water it is near impossible to get decent shiny hair, whereas in soft water far less effort is needed. While the effects of hard water on hair washing are not exactly unknown, this is the first time that I've known a conditioner to barely work at all because of it. In soft water the results are excellent, with hair visibly softer and with greater luminosity. In hard water it is near impossible to wash out, leaving hair greasy and heavy.

--Value for money--
Great when it works (especially with usage recommended at only 1-2 times a week), horrific if it doesn't! Check out your water area before purchasing.

perfect partners
Repairing Shampoo for Dry & Damaged Hair, £11.75 for 300ml
Repairing Serum for Dry & Damaged Hair, £15.65 for 100ml
Repairing Mask for Dry & Damaged Hair, £18.10 for 250ml

L'Occitane Repairing Shampoo for Dry and Damaged Hair

RRP: £11.75 for 300ml

--What does the promo say?--
"This Shampoo contains a natural complex of 5 essential oils (angelica, lavender, geranium, patchouli, ylang-ylang) which work together in synergy to help repair, strengthen, regenerate and soften dry and damaged hair. Its natural origin botanical bases offers a gentle, non-stripping and non-drying cleansing. Your hair is left looking and feeling supple, shiny and silky. This product is free from: parabens, synthetic colorants, formol or formaldehyde, animal ingredients, triclosan, SLES, BHA."

--Packaging--
Harmonises excellently with other products in the range, keeping the orange and green theme going. The green bottle is see-through - always a plus so that you know when you need to top up your supplies. The cap is a simple silver flip-top.

--Usage/application instructions--
Just use as you would use normal shampoo: lather up a small amount, rub into wet hair, and then rinse. Only one application is necessary for desirable results, even if your hair is in need of serious help.

--Appearance--
A clear, runny liquid. After washing, miracle results are not immediately yielded, but hair is visibly shinier, smoother and better controlled. You can even go for two days without rewashing before a hint of grease appears. Impressive.

--Texture/consistency--
The shampoo would be more controllable in its raw form if it were more viscous. However, how the hair feels after treatment just cannot be argued with: smooth silkiness can definitely be yours with this, even if it takes some time to reach its full potential (it felt more impressive a few hours after washing than it did immediately after blowdrying).

--Scent--
Despite all the essential oils, I couldn't smell anything in particular: just a really nice clean smell.

--Longevity--
Hair condition is improved from the very first use, and has been the first shampoo since L'Oreal's Re-Nutrition to make a real difference to my hair. These effects are visible over days and weeks - surprising after my horrid experience with the Repairing Serum from this same line recently.

--Value for money--
You hardly need to use any of this at a time - probably only 2-3ml per application, tops, meaning that you're likely to get roughly 100 uses from this bottle for a very reasonable price, in exchange for excellent results. Nice.

L'Occitane Repairing Serum for Dry and Damaged Hair

RRP: £15.65 for 100ml

--What does the promo say?--
"This leave-on serum smoothes and nourishes hair. It repairs split ends and prevents frizz. The non-greasy formula protects against the damaging effects of environmental stresses and preserves the hair shine. This product is free from: parabens, SLES, silicone, synthetic colorants, formol or formaldehyde, animal ingredients, triclosan, BHA."

--Packaging--
While I only tried this on a sample basis, my sample packet is much the same as the real thing: strangely calming combination of dark orange and dark green, with occasional use of silver to highlight the important bits. The real thing has this same label design adorning a pump-action opaque glass bottle. All very nice to look at and very in keeping with Occitane's usual brand.

--Application--
Unfortunately, because of this, I ran into problems from the very beginning. The sample sachet I have states: "Apply to dry or towel-dry hair. Do not rinse." This, to me, is not enough detail - what do you mean, dry or towel dry? And how much to apply? I went for applying the whole 2ml sachet onto damp/towel dry hair. It's easy to apply beyond this at least - just smooth from root to tip, and leave on.

--Texture/consistency--
Creamy and light on the fingers. However, as time goes on, it unfortunately feels heavier on the hair.

--Appearance--
I was expecting a clear or slightly orange-tinted light oil, but what I got was a rich-looking pale yellow cream. Instead of leaving your hair bouncy, light, and smooth, however, it left my hair bogged down and oily, meaning it was simply impossible for me to wear my hair down and still look nice.

--Overall effects--
It turned my normally straw-like hair ridiculously oily, and even after I'd washed it out the following morning, I saw no positive difference, although at least by washing it I got rid of the oiliness. So, overall effects: no positive effects at all, long or short-term.

--Value for money--
If this is what it does to my hair then I wouldn't pay a penny for it, let alone £15. How frustrating to have a potentially great product ruined by a lack of clear instructions, and to have my hair wrecked by yet another product that apparently only serves to take my hair from one extreme (straw) to the other (oil slick). I suppose that if it works on you, though, this is not a bad price for a product from an otherwise well-reputed brand. If you are only meant to use half the amount I used in one application, then the use of 1ml a day would mean this bottle lasted you 3.5 months, assuming you used it every day. I'm just disappointed that after the positive impression I got from L'Occitane's shower oil, they now need to redeem themselves so much after my experience of this.

perfect partner
Repairing Shampoo for Dry and Damaged Hair, £11.75 for 300ml/£18 for 500ml
Repairing Conditioner for Dry and Damaged Hair, £11.75 for 250ml/£18 for 500ml
Control Mist for Dry and Damaged Hair, £13.20 for 100ml
Repairing Mask for Dry and Damaged Hair, £18.10 for 250ml

Franck Provost Hydra Active Shampoo for Dry Hair

RRP: €12

--About the brand--
Provost is arguably France's most reputed chain of hairdressing salons, akin to Toni and Guy in the UK. It also has branches in Brazil, Spain, and India, although it is not yet available in the UK or the US.

--What does the promo say?--
"Gently washes dry, sensitized hair: moisturizes, revitalizes and softens. Micro-molecules of collagen, cystine and pure ceramide III have an extremely moisturizing, high-repair action. Very soft and creamy texture. Hair is full of health and strength."

--Packaging--
Easy to use plastic squeezy bottle, with an attractive design (classy silver-effect lid, with three simple pink dots adorning the pearlescent white bottle along with the familiar Provost logo). Product information is displayed clearly on the front of the bottle.

--Usage instructions--
Lather onto wet hair and then rinse. Repeat if desired. Can be used in conjunction with a conditioner or with other Provost products, or can be used alone.

--Appearance--
A colourless, slightly runny gel.

--Scent--
No discernible scent.

--Texture/consistency--
Excellent in all respects: not viscous or gloopy, sticky or runny. It glides through the hair with ease and there are no problems with rinsing.

--How does your hair feel afterwards?--
Soft and revitalised. While the dryness is not completely gone, for the first few uses this is impressive stuff, and augurs well for improvement over time, especially considering it was tested without a conditioner.

--Value for money--
This is very reasonable for a high-performance, salon-pro product, in addition to the reassurance provided by the brand name. It does not necessarily need to be supported by other products for everyday use; however, if the results are consistently encouraging, I would certainly feel moved to purchase the special treatment products in this range. Thumbs firmly up.

perfect partners
Hydra Active Nourishing Mask, €20
Hydra Active Moisturising Treatment, €18

Pantene Smooth and Sleek Shampoo and Conditioner

RRP: £2.87 each for 400ml, or buy both for £4 on promotion at Boots

--What does the promo say?--
"Pantene's cleansing formula is designed to give you the polished, lustrous look you want. The smoothing formula helps control hair frizziness, and is the first step to irresistibly smooth hair. Pantene Pro-V Smooth & Sleek Conditioner is the important second step to beautiful healthy looking smooth hair. Its outstanding formula, enriched with Amino Pro-V Complex transforms damaged, out-of-control, frizzy hair into hair that looks and feels incredibly healthy and ready to style. Hair is left smooth, soft, super healthy-feeling and so under control it makes styling easy."

--Packaging--
A little boring, and I feel that Pantene's more 'basic' variants seem sidelined compared to their more edgy and glamorous products, such as the Ice Shine haircare range, which has a more distinctive advertising campaign, which features Anna Friel, and general packaging design. The bottles for Smooth and Sleek, however, are white, with minimal information and adornment, which instead of being successfully minimalist, are just boring and don't stand out on the shelf. My shampoo lid also didn't close properly. Great.

--Usage instructions--
Proceed as usual - run shampoo through hair, lather up, rinse out, slick hair with conditioner, leave on for 1-2 minutes, then wash out.

--Scent--
Pretty nondescript: both just smell slightly soapy, that's all.

--Texture/consistency--
The shampoo is runnier than the conditioner, and I find the conditioner more pleasing to use, as it is slightly stiffer without being viscous or hard. In the hair, both products feel smooth and non-lumpy.

--Lather--
The shampoo lathers up well, though not as well as some other shampoos that I've tried. However, saying this, I don't believe that lather is necessarily indicative of how good a shampoo is.

--Appearance--
Both of the products are white, slightly pearlescent lotions. On the hair, no residue is left, and the hair looks glossy after use, but not artificially so. The hair also appears smoothened and less frizzy as well as having added shine.

--How does your hair feel afterwards?--
Both short-term and long-term, hair feels much smoother, less damaged, and more manageable. Thanks to Pantene, I was sent a full-size bottle of each for free, and was able to give them a good report after a month's trial.

--Value for money--
I would definitely buy this again, especially on the 2 for £4 deal. My two 400ml bottles were sent to me for the purposes of a month's trial, and there is still loads left in each bottle, so you can be confident that these will last ages. Both products also made a significant difference to my dry, frizzy, damaged hair. I had previously avoided Pantene as I felt that they would be too artificial, and while they're still never going to be the most natural products in the world, I would definitely feel more confident about using them again, as well as trying the intensive conditioner. Good work.

perfect partners
Pantene Smooth and Sleek Intensive Conditioner Leave In Bottle, £3.99 for 300ml
Pantene Smooth and Sleek 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner, £2.87 for 400ml

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Intensive Conditioner

RRP: £3.25 for 250ml at Wilkinson's
*smaller sample sizes also available at some stores

--What does the promo say?--
"There's more to life than hair, but it's a good place to start. Your hair's gone a long way for you...it's only polite to repay it. So here's a great way to turn your pride and joy into silky swathes, in 3 minutes. Our intensive treatment formula, with Australian Eucalyptus natural extract and Avocado Oil, penetrates and nourishes each shaft. From root to tip. In a nutshell, it cares for dry and damaged long hair by helping to reduce breakage associated with combing."

--Packaging--
Aussie have achieved a nice effect here, with the bottle being white, and the label being yellow, with orange and blue embellishments. Because the bottle is mostly white, the label actually doesn't look over the top, and the label design itself is simple too. It seems authentic, using real Aussie ingredients and expertise. However, the lack of a proper lid is concerning: instead there's just a weird peel-on/peel-off label over a hole drilled into the base. The label sticks back on OK, but it just seems a little lacking in thought.

--Usage/application--
After shampooing, slick over hair as an emergency rescue treatment. Leave on the hair for 3 minutes before rinsing.

--Appearance--
A lumpy, thick, golden lotion, that despite the lumpiness actually smooths onto the hair very nicely.

--Scent--
The eucalyptus is not really discernible, but there is a softer, oilier scent, which is probably the avocado oil kicking in. Not strong or overpowering, though.

--Washing it out--
The conditioner comes out of the hair easily while still making the hair feel 'different', like the conditioner has done its job.

--How does your hair look and feel afterwards?--
Volume and smoothness are restored without any frizzy or flyaway qualities, and hair feels smooth and stroky.

--Value for money--
While this is perhaps a little on the expensive side, it's still most definitely affordable, with one bottle lasting ages (especially if you don't use it every day). Its smoothness-restoring qualities are also definitely noticeable, which makes this product worth every penny of its price tag.

L'Oreal Re-Nutrition/Vive Pro Hydra Gloss Moisturising Shampoo

RRP: $4.99 for 13oz; €4.60/£3.29 for 250ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Omega-moisture complex infuses deep moisture & shine. Before Using Hydra Gloss Shampoo: Hair may feel very dry or dull from the distressing effects of the weather and over-processing. After Using Hydra Gloss Shampoo: Hair is deeply conditioned with essential nutrients and shines with a high gloss finish. Recommended by the hair experts at L'Oreal, Hydra Gloss with omega-moisture complex containing omega 3 & 6, royal jelly and olive oil, adds advanced moisturizers and essential nutrients to intensely condition hair. Gently cleanses while injecting intensive moisturizers. Deeply penetrates hair for lasting moisturization. Leaves hair soft, shiny and touchable."

--Packaging--
I only tried this on a trial basis, but what I can say is that the packaging is the same as the European one (white and gold, with the royal jelly motif), which I quite like. The package being sold Stateside is the one my boyfriend preferred when asked: it's a simpler, more modern design. Ipoddy. Hmm. Must be a boy thing.

--Usage--
Lather into wet hair, rinse, and repeat as necessary.

--Appearance--
The shampoo itself is very yellow (though not neon, thank God), viscous, and gloopy, but not unpleasant. Equally thankfully, the lather is white and no residue is visible in the hair after use.

--Scent--
Strangely, this smells of coconut, despite there being nothing whatsoever coconutty or coconut-related in the ingredients list. Slightly sweet too. I like the smell, but find it slightly disconcerting that it doesn't smell more of honey, especially given the lack of coconut in this product generally.

--Lather--
Excellent, and not very much of this product is needed to achieve that, though perhaps more than with a more expensive brand. The size of the circle made when you curl your index finger round to meet your thumb on the same hand probably about covers it.

--Washing it out--
Easy as. No problems here.

--How does your hair look and feel afterwards?--
The smoothness is back! And since that's definitely the main aim of this shampoo, it gets a thumbs up from me purely on that basis. Does make it frizzy or flyaway either, and a small bonus is that it really seems to bring out the best of my natural blonde hair colour. These effects are consistent throughout the day: definitely no crazy flyawayness by evening.

--Value for money--
At less than £5, this is really quite ingenious considering the effectiveness of the product. And good news - it's out in the UK!

perfect partners
L'Oreal Re-Nutrition/Vive Pro Hydra Gloss Moisturising Conditioner, prices as above
L'Oreal Re-Nutrition/Vive Pro Hydra Gloss Night Serum, £7.49 for 150ml
L'Oreal Re-Nutrition/Vive Pro Hydra Gloss Day Fluid, £4.99 for 200ml
L'Oreal Re-Nutrition/Vive Pro Hydra Gloss Replenishing Masque, £3.99

*sold under the Elsève range in France.