‘Game-changing’ new $16 Coles product hits shelves
It’s something I would never shop for in a supermarket but for just $16, I was keen to give it a go. And let’s just say, I was pleasantly surprised.
I’ll be honest – my local supermarket isn’t the first place I would look to buy shampoo and conditioner.
Mainly because I am so used to getting all my haircare stuff from a hairdresser or salon-specific store, that my local Coles or Woolies never really crosses my mind.
However, that was before Melbourne-based brand People launched its new range in Coles a few weeks ago.
I decided to give it go – and I’m SO glad I did, because I’ve finally found a shampoo and conditioner that actually tames my thick, coarse hair.
What’s even better, it’s just $16 a bottle, smells amazing and leaves me with money in my pocket.
The best thing about the shampoo is that a little goes a long way. And given my hair is so thick and long, it drinks shampoo like no tomorrow which means I am often spending a mini fortune replenishing bottles.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve used many products in the past that have done a pretty good job in taming the mane, but they haven’t given me that ‘ahhh, I’ve finally found you’ feeling.
There’s a total of four shampoos and conditioners in the People range but I gravitated towards its Smooth bottles to match my hair type.
I have to admit though, when reading the product description I did think, ‘Here we go again, another brand claiming it can control thick, frizzy hair.’
It’s something I’ve heard time and time again, but I was surprised it actually delivered.
I also had so many people compliment me on how “soft and smooth” my hair looks, especially after a blow-dry.
Of course it’s never going to be completely frizz-free, but at least it’s doing a better job than half the other shampoos and conditioners that have cost me on average $45 a bottle.
A major bonus is that it doesn’t leave my hair looking or feeling greasy as some other brands often do.
I am on day three of having used it and so far, so good.
When it comes to blow-drying my hair, I usually wait about one hour as it straightens much better when I have given it time to dry naturally.
I also always use a heat protector. I alternate between KMS Therma Shape Quick Blow Dry ($32.95/Adore Beauty) and Revlon Style Masters Lissaver ($22.95/Salon Warehouse).
In this case, I used KMS.
But given I have naturally wavy hair, I am curious to know if the Smooth bottle “tames” my curls and helps minimises frizz.
According to co-founder of the brand Katherine Ruiz, it does the job in that department too.
“I have naturally really curly hair, so it’s always been a priority for me to create a product that tames my frizz and leaves my curls feeling and looking healthy, hydrated and smooth,” she said.
“It was super important for us to ensure our products deliver on what they say. While it took a great deal of trials and testing (I sampled all of the products myself), we’re really proud to have perfected the People range.”
Katherine’s friend and business partner Matt John, who also founded the business, said creating a product that suits everyone was the main driving force behind their brand.
The other bottles include Volume, Repair and Hydrating.
“We know that hair is as unique as the stylers, flippers, teasers, combers, straighteners and clippings who use them. It’s simple – it’s premium haircare for all hair types, made for the people, by the people,” he said.
And as for wanting to launch in Coles and not salon-specific stores, Katherine said: “For some time now, we’ve observed Coles actively move towards more premium, sustainable, convenient products across all consumer touchpoints.
“Having aligned with this vision, we identified a gap in the available haircare and saw an opportunity to bring something new to the shelf – filling the People-sized gap with a premium product at an affordable price point.”
As for its packaging, People products are sleek and simple, but not simple enough to miss.
“From a quality perspective, we wanted to ensure that People products remain clean and uncomplicated, as well as performing and doing as they say they will.”
And that, they do!