Road test: Five hair products to get you through winter
WINTER: IT’S that time of the year when our hair starts to dry out because we’re going in and out of heated rooms and having super hot showers. So what can you do to reclaim the shine?
WINTER: IT’S that time of the year when your hair starts to create chaos because you’re going in and out of heated rooms, having super hot showers and then blasting your tresses with a hairdryer so you don’t have to go to bed with it wet .
These five hair products have been released just in time for the big chill, and all claim to give your hair the TLC - and the glam - it needs. But are they worth the investment? We put them to the test:
Haze styling powder from Evo, RRP $29.95 for 50 ml
Evo’s Haze styling powder is handy for me because I have such fine and straight hair. I’m forever trying to hold body in my hair but it’s prone to going flat the minute I walk out the door, no matter how much hairspray I use. This haze powder is the perfect alternative to dry shampoo for fine hair, it gives the roots some texture and means I can rock the ‘voluminous birds nest’ with very little effort.
Treat this stuff like gold fairy dust: You only need a tiny sprinkle on your roots and you’re good to go!
— Charlotte
Bird of Paradise styler from GHD, RRP $279.00
The limited edition styler from GHD is being marketed as “the ultimate styler for fashion fabulous hair this season!” While I was a little unsure how this styler differed from other GHDs, it does, in subtle ways. Aside from the beautiful Lagoon colour, this GHD’s barrel is rounder so you can make waves more easily in your hair, and the power cord is has more swivel power. The standard ceramic plates exist in the Bird of Paradise styler, and having really curly hair, the pure straightening power of a GHD is unrivalled. I straightened my hair on a Tuesday night, and by wash time on Thursday night it was still straight. If you already have a GHD hang on to it becuase the changes to this one are minimal, but if you’re in the market for a new one, give the Bird of Paradise styler a shot.
Use with: Schwarzkopf Essence ULTÎME Omega Repair BB Beauty Balm. This stuff is literally BB Cream for your hair, and it is amazing. Lightweight, ultra moisturising and shine-inducing, I’ve been using this product every wash for a few weeks now and even though I’ve been straightening my hair more than usual, it hasn’t suffered in the slightest.
— Kate
2-in-1 styling + finishing spray from KMS, RRP $31.95
I’ve always been cautious about using a styling spray when straightening my hair. I hate that feeling of your locks being stiff and brittle, or in other cases oily and flat. I’ve got naturally straight long hair and I like to have a softness and volume to my ‘do after blow-drying it, rather than have it look like it’s locked in for life. I was pleasantly surprised by KMS’ 2-in-1 styling and finishing spray. While the fine spray didn’t weigh my tresses down (which is great) I found it didn’t make a huge difference to the overall look or feel of my hair, which is probably the point. The hidden protection from styling tools at 200’C is the added bonus that you can’t see.
While I didn’t find a marked change on straightened hair, I’d definitely use this product again when curling my hair. I hate that brittle feeling of a curl after you’re forced to blast it with hairspray afterwards to hold. But this product was great because it’s applied BEFORE you form the curl. I needed less hairspray to hold the style afterwards which in itself is a little win. A light spray with the product once finished was all I needed to seal the deal. I’d definitely use it again for more serious styling rather than for everyday use, but the product does exactly what it says and is truly 2-in-1.
— Alison
Densifique Density Activator from Kerastase Paris, RRP $150.00 for a one month pack
The Densifique Density Activator is an serum you have to apply daily for three months which is “designed to significantly improve hair density and to reveal up to 1700 new hairs in 3 months.” Being a guy, I am always thinking about when I’m going to lose my hair so I was interested to try this. I used it for one month and my hair definitely became thicker, and it changed the texture of my hair which I really liked. I’d even say my hair grew faster. While I didn’t notice any change in terms of my hair line or anything like that, I would still recommend this product because of the way it makes your hair look and feel.
— Luke
Schwarzkopf 6 Miracles Oil Essence, RRP: $10.99
The 6 ‘Miracles’ this new oil claims to be able to deliver are heat protection with blow-drying; Deep nourishment for total repair; Reduction of split ends for healthier hair; Softening and conditioning properties with weightless touch; Perfect control of frizzy hair and fly-always; Silky suppleness and brilliant shine.
But, this certainly isn’t a “miracle” oil. It’s good, but it definitely isn’t mind-blowing. I’ve been dying my hair every 4 weeks for years now and I blow dry it after washing, so my hair is quite dry. You only need one or two pumps of this oil to work it through the ends of towel-dried hair. It’s hydrating without being too oily and heavy and it’s smooth and shiny. I also like that it contains heat protecting ingredients. But this oil certainly didn’t work miracles. I normally use Moroccan Oil and found the results quite similar. It’s cheaper, so I’d buy this again. But It’s nothing to sing from the rooftops about.
— Rebecca
If you have something you would like us to review, email us at roadtest@news.com.au