LUSH review- Products for coloured/dry/heatdamged hair- Part 1

Requested by Elodie Schneider

I’m guilty of loving ALL of LUSH’s hair products and have tried the majority of them (all but 3 incl. retro). This review however concentrates on products that are great for keeping coloured, heat damaged and dry/frizzy hair in great condition. Unfortunately I have to admit I chemically dye my hair (I had a bed experience with henna, but will try again soon) and also use my GHD’s often, so my hair needs all the help it can get.

All of the products I am about to review apart from Reincarnate (designed for dark hair) are suitable for any coloured hair, and are great if like me your hair is in need of some TLC.

For Blondes you might also want to try;

The Blonde (solid shampoo); Marilyn (hair treatment); Ibiza Party (liquid shampoo retro) and Antiphilitron (liquid shampoo retro); to keep you blonde locks bright and light.

SHAMPOOS

Rehab

Product category: Hair care, liquid shampoo

Price: £4.50/110g, £8.95/250g or £14.50/500g

Contains: Freshly juiced papaya and fresh pineapple, kiwi and mango juices break down dirt, cleanse, add shine and combat grease; Fine sea salt adds volume and shine to the hair while softening the scalp; Organic cold pressed jojoba oil protects moisture loss and improves the condition of dry/damaged hair; Organic extra virgin olive oil strengthens hair and gently treats the scalp; Almond oil softens the hair follicles and entire hair shaft while adding shine; Lavender oil (relaxing and soothing);Peppermint oil (cooling and invigorating); Rosemary oil soothes irritated scalps; and finally Juniper berry oil cleanses the scalp, balances oils and improves condition of hair.

Verdict: LUSH has definitely got it spot on with this one. It has a fruity/menthol scent that is guaranteed to invigorate you and sweep any cobwebs away. The beautiful and well thought out oils, and fresh ingredients really cleanse, strengthen, soften and detox the hair. It’s also great at soothing and treating the scalp. Rehab leaves you with healthier, more manageable, beautifully soft and shiny hair.  It’s a must for hair that needs some serious TLC. I use mine twice a week with Retread or Coolaulin for a really moisture rich treat for my hair.

DaddyO

Product category: Hair care, liquid shampoo

Price: £4.30/100g, £8.60/250g or £13.85/500g

Contains: Fresh organic lemon and toothed wrack seaweed infusion gives the hair body, lustre and shine while conditioning and softening the scalp; Fresh sea water also adds shine and volume to the hair; Organic lime juice cleanses hair and gives a glossy shine; Extra virgin coconut oil is nourishing and conditioning; Bergamot oil adds shine and gloss and finally Violet leaf and Rose absolute and Cananga oil beautifully perfume the hair.

Verdict: Every time I reach for my DaddyO, I can’t help but start singing ‘daddy, daddy cool, I’m crazy like a fool, what about it daddy cool’ (lol yep I’m bonkers). Anyway LUSH recommends DaddyO for those with blonde or grey hair, but I’d like to add brunettes to that recommendation. It leaves my hair with the most beautiful reflective, glossy shine. I also find it adds a subtle volume and bounce to my hair leaving it looking and feeling super healthy. As for the scent, it’s stunning in your face violets (think of those palmer violet sweeties) that lasts in the hair all day and some. On top of that it’s the most beautiful bright and pearly purple colour and a little goes a long way. I use mine with American Cream conditioner and they go so well together. Definitely my favourite regular use liquid shampoo.

Other interesting facts: Rose absolute and Bergamot oil also have antidepressant properties and are thought to clear the mind and balance emotions. Violet Leaf has relaxing, soothing and inspiring properties and is said to restore the bonds of friendship.

Curly Wurly

Product category: Hair care, semi solid shampoo

Price: £8.60/220g

Contains: Desiccated coconut softens and scents the hair; Fresh organic lemon juice tones the scalp and adds shine to the hair; Linseed infusion is rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals which keep the hair healthy; Fresh Papaya cleanses and adds shine; Fresh Free Range Eggs form a protective and conditioning film on the hair, add shine and strengthen hair (protein content) and can promote new hair growth (vitamin d content); Cocoa butter, Extra virgin coconut oil and Shea butter soften, moisturise and condition; Organic Jojoba Oil cleanses the hair and scalp, protects the hair and improves the condition; Avocado Butter is richly nourishing and softening, adds shine, strengthens and improves hair’s condition; Vanilla absolute and Vetivert oil to beautifully scent the hair and finally Organic extra virgin olive oil strengthens the hair and moisturises the scalp.

Verdict: For those of you who are going to miss Trichomania as much as me, Curly Wurly is a coconutty replacement right up your street. This semi solid shampoo takes a bit of getting used to (the chunks of coconut are a bit of a bugger to rinse out), but the results are so worth it. It has a lovely coconut/vanilla scent that lasts in the hair. This product’s many wonderful ingredients really inject some moisture back into your dry/parched hair from root to tip, while eliminating frizz. It’s also very hydrating for the scalp. I personally only need a tiny amount of conditioner on the ends when I’ve used this, and tend to use Coolaulin for extra coconutty, moisture injecting loveliness. Though American Cream goes equally as well. So if you want seriously soft, hydrated beautifully scented hair, this one is definitely for you.  

Other interesting Facts: Vetivert is known to be restorative, soothing and relaxing.

Trichomania (soon to be discontinued)

(see separate review for details)

New Shampoo Bar

Product category: Hair care, solid shampoo.

Price: £4.65/55g

Contains: Nettle and peppermint infusion stimulates the scalp, encourages healthy hair growth, and helps prevent hair loss; Nettle absolute improves condition of the scalp and hair; Rosemary absolute clears, protests and soothes the scalp and gives shine to the hair; Bay oil conditions the scalp and promotes hair growth; Clove bud oil and Cinnamon leaf oil stimulate hair follicles for healthy hair growth.

Verdict: I’m very excited about this solid shampoo, and have only recently been introduced to it (I received ½ a bar as a sample). I’ve definitely found my favourite solid shampoo (was Trichomania which is being disconned) to keep my coloured hair in excellent condition and can’t stop raving about it. New has a lovely spicy cinnamon/subtle herby scent that’s really stimulating. It doesn’t disappoint as a solid shampoo, it lathers beautifully and lasts so long. I lose a fair bit of hair when washing/brushing, and used to have lovely thick hair (I think it might be a side effect of my meds). Though since using this (over 2 months), my hair definitely feels thicker, stronger and healthier. You get a subtle tingling feeling when you us this product as the beautiful ingredients stimulate your scalp to promote healthy hair growth. The results beautifully scented, soft, shiny and bouncy hair, that feels and looks stronger and healthier. I use mine with American Cream conditioner.

Other interesting facts: Peppermint helps to relieve headaches and boosts circulation. Nettle is also used to relieve joint pain.

Reincarnate

Product category: Hair care, solid shampoo

Price: £3.75/100g

Contains: Red henna which conditions the hair, adds body and shine and revitalizes colour; Rosemary clears the scalp and adds shine to the hair; Fleece flower root infusion contains lecithin which revitalizes and conditions tired lifeless hair; Nettle leaf infusion stimulates the scalp and adds shine to the hair; Rhassoul mud softens, cleanses and de greases hair; Sweet orange oil for fragrance and Irish moss powder which deeply conditions the hair.

Verdict: I’ve got to admit this is not a favourite of mine. The only reason I’m reviewing it is that it’s good for refreshing brunette hair between colours. Reincarnate has a very earthy/spicy (in a fruitcake way) scent, which is personally not for me. As a shampoo I find it a bit drying and difficult to later due to its grainy texture. However used with plenty of conditioner (I use American Cream), it does refresh my colour a little giving it some warm tones, between colouring. Some people really get on well with this product, so maybe ask for a sample to try for yourself (everyone’s hair is different).

Shampoo’s to avoid (known to strip DARKER or BRIGHT hair colours)

Big (semi solid); Seanik (solid); I Love Juicy (liquid); Ibiza Party (retro liquid) and Antiphilitron (retro liquid).

I do use Big, Seanik and Ibiza party now and then because of their beautiful scents and effects, though I thought it was important to highlight that they do strip colour. This list is probably not exhaustive as it’s been a while since I have tried some of the other solid/liquid shampoos.

LUSH review- Products for coloured/dry/heatdamged hair- Part 2

CONDITIONERS

Retead

Product category: Hair care, conditioner

Price: £8.60/245g

Contains: Soya milk soothes and conditions the hair and restores moisture; Fresh cantaloupe melon deeply cleanses and conditions the hair; Organic extra virgin olive oil strengthens hair and gently treats the scalp; Organic yoghurt coats and conditions the hair and adds shine, Avocado oil adds weight to, deeply nourishes and softens the hair while restoring shine; Organic jojoba oil conditions adds shine and improves manageability; Synthetic musk, Violet leaf absolute, Orange blossom absolute and Neroli oil beautifully perfume the hair.

Verdict: Retread is a triple strength conditioner and I believe it’s LUSH’s strongest conditioner (don’t quote me on that). The cantaloupe melon is the leading lady in the scent along with soothing/creamy scents from the soya milk and yoghurt and subtle notes from the musk, violets, neroli and orange blossom. This conditioner seriously injects some moisture back into your abused/parched hair from root to tip, makes it more manageable and adds serious amounts of shine.  I tend to use this with Retread shampoo once a week or if my hairs in need of some extra TLC. I apply this product and leave in for a few minutes while I wash, scrub etc in the shower then rinse. Or even better I apply after shampooing and leave in while I have a lovely long soak in the bath then rinse. The steam really helps activate and penetrate the ingredients. Retread is a must for dry, damaged, coloured, frizzy and thick curly hair. It restores moisture, seriously conditions and makes your unruly hair behave and look/feel healthier.

American Cream

Product category: Hair care, conditioner

Price: £3.80/100g, £7.60/250g or £12.25/500g

Contains: Honey water helps lock in moisture and softens the hair; Vanilla pod infusion is a humectant (helps preserve moisture); Fresh organic oranges are packed full of vitamins and nutrients that condition and detangle the hair and add shine; Fresh strawberries strengthen and add shine to the hair while calming the scalp; Vanilla absolute for fragrance; Clary sage and Lavender oil for soothing for the scalp.

Verdict: This is a double strength conditioner and is my favourite regular use conditioner. It’s not too heavy not too light, just right. As for the scent it’s beautifully sexy and sweet. It’s a stunningly beautiful creamy vanilla/clary sage/subtle berry scent, and it last in the hair all day, there’s nothing quite like it. As a conditioner it doesn’t disappoint it leaves your hair tangle free, smooth and silky soft, and beautifully fragranced/moisture rich. It conditions without weighing the hair down, so you still have a healthy bounce to the hair. Depending on the level of condition you require you can either apply just to the ends, the mid lengths to ends (like me) or on the root to tips. It goes with most of LUSH’s shampoos well too, and a little goes a long way which makes it excellent value for money.

Coolaulin (soon to be discontinued)

Product category: Hair care, conditioner

Price: £3.25/100g, £6.45/240g or  £10.60/450g

Contains: Fresh coconut decoction and Fresh coconut water hydrate, soften, condition and add a glossy shine to the hair; Fresh organic lemon juice tones scalp and add shine to the hair; Vetivert oil to scent the hair and sooth the scalp.

Verdict: Coolaulin is heavier than American Cream but lighter than Retread in my opinion. It’s awesome for dry, unruly, processed or curly hair that’s in need of some serious moisture injection. It has a lovely tropical coconut scent with smoky notes from the vetivert. It deeply moisturises and hydrates the hair leaving it beautifully shiny and more manageable and soothes dry/irritated scalps. Again the scent lasts all day in the hair. I use this product with Trichomania and Curly Wurly for coconut heaven and serious locked in moisture. It also goes well with fruity Rehab. So sad this one is being discontinued, even though I don’t use it as often as American Cream.

LUSH review- Products for coloured/dry/heatdamged hair- Part 3

TREATMENTS

I use Jasmine and Henna Fluff ease every 2-3 weeks and R&B once every 6 weeks. 

1. Jasmin and Henna Fluff Ease

(see separate review for details)

2. R&B Hair Moisturiser

Product category: Hair Treatment

Price: £9.95/ 100g

Contains: Oat milk soothes dry, sensitive scalps; Organic avocado butter adds strength to dry brittle hair; Fair for life olive oil softens and conditions dry or frizzy hair; Extra virgin coconut oil moisturises and softens the hair; Organic cold pressed jojoba oil conditions the hair adds shine and increases manageability; Bay oil promotes health hair growth; Orange blossom and Jasmine absolute to beautifully scent the hair; Cupuacu butter protects and conditions the hair and adds shine and Candelilla wax to prevent moisture loss and protect the hair.

How to use: R&B can be used in three ways

1. Use as a leave in finishing treatment. Take a tiny amount of the product (less than a penny size for shoulder length hair) and apply to the ends (and a little on the mid lengths if you wish) of wet or dry hair, to tame frizz and flyaway’s while softening and conditioning the hair.

2. Use as a prewash hair treatment for damaged or very dry hair. If using it this way you will need to use more product (about a tablespoonful for shoulder length hair). Run the product through the hair using your fingers, until it is distributed evenly.  Your hair will feel quite oily. Leave in for 20-30 mins and then shampoo and condition as usual.

3. Use as a scalp treatment (the oat milk is great for calming sore/irritated scalps). Use it in the same way as for a pre-wash treatment but concentrate on massaging it into your scalp. Leave for 20-30mins, then shampoo and condition as usual.

Verdict: I’ve only used this product as a finishing treatment and a prewash treatment. R&B has a fantastic strong tropical scent with a hint of floral from the orange blossom and jasmine, which really lasts in the hair. Admittedly it took we a while to get the amount of product to use as a finishing treatment right, though once I did I have been more than impressed with the results.  Used in this way on wet or dry hair it really protects the hair when drying and straightening and adds a lovely shine to the hair and definition to layers while softening and conditioning. It also tames frizz and flyaways (used on dry hair).

Used as a pre wash treatment it is much heavier than Jasmine and Henna Fluff ease thus adding more weight to the hair. Because if this I only use R&B once every six weeks, usually just after colouring, or if my hair is feeling particularly parched. It intensely and deeply moisturises the hair, leaving it beautifully scented, soft, shiny and easier to manage. I need very little (sometimes no) conditioner after shampooing this product out. A great one for seriously dry/course and unruly hair, or those who just want to give their hair a deeply conditioning treat (just use less often).

LUSH review - Big

Review requested by Lindsay and Elodie

Big

Price: £9.90/ 330g

Product category:  Hair care – Semi solid shampoo.

Description: ‘For for more body than you thought possible’ (LUSH).  Big is one of LUSH’s semi solid shampoos. It is translucent in colour has a gel like texture with huge chunks of sea salt (50% sea salt to be precise). Big has a lovely fresh invigorating scent with a hint of citrus coming through.

The main ingredients are toothed wrack seaweed infusion (full of vitamins and minerals that strengthen and soften the hair); sea salt and sea water (volumizes while adding shine) and lime juice and fresh organic lemon infusion (deeply cleanse hair and add shine). Also contains extra virgin coconut oil; neroli oil; mandarin oil; vanilla absolute and orange blossom absolute.

This product is formulated especially for people who want to inject some volume and bounce into their lifeless hair.

How to use: Take a small amount of the product (a little goes a long way). Massage into the scalp and hair and rinse thoroughly.  

The verdict: The first point I have to make is that Big DOES strip colour. So if you colour your hair like me you need to be aware of that. Having said that, I love the results and scent  so much that I still use this product on a now and then basis. The semi solid texture takes a bit of getting used to but once you get the hang of it you’ll love it. The sea salt gently exfoliates your scalp and really gives your hair a deep clean. Some people have commented that Big has dried their hair out, though I’ve certainly not had this problem. When I’ve used this product I’m left with gorgeously scented, soft, shiny and bouncy hair. It really injects some volume and texture into my usually a bit sad looking hair without stripping it of moisture and shine and the scent is so fresh and clean (kinda like mojito cocktails on the beach).

I usually follow with Veganese as it’s one of LUSH’s lighter conditioners, so it helps create that volumizing bouncy effect and its fresh sent compliments Big well. I’ve also found it goes well with American Cream, Coolaulin and Retread too, it all depends on the level of conditioner you prefer.

The best thing is my 330g tub is lasting me ages, as you only need a tiny amount for a fabulous lather and in shower experience, so it’s good value for money. If your hair is in need of some lift and bounce, while keeping it shiny and soft Big is for you!

LUSH review - Trichomania

Requested by Charie Leech

Trichomania (Soon to be discontinued *sobs*
:(


Price: £4.65/100g

Product category: Hair Care - Solid Shampoo

Description: ‘Creamed coconut to condition parched hair’ (LUSH). This is one of LUSH’s many solid shampoos and its creamy white in colour. The scent is very tropical smoky coconut. The main ingredients are creamed coconut which is deeply nourishing and moisturising for the hair and vetivert which is calming and soothing for the scalp and brings smoky notes to the scent. This shampoo is particularly formulated for dry/ processed hair or unruly curls.

How to use: Wet your hair; swipe the bar directly on your wet hair 2-3 times (a little goes a long way); massage the lather into your hair and scalp with your fingertips and rinse well. Apply conditioner if needed.

The verdict: I personally love LUSH’s solid shampoos. They’re great value for money lasting 50-80 washes, contain no packaging (so environmentally friendly) and are great for travelling (with the shampoo bar tins you can purchase).

I colour and straighten my hair so sometimes my hair feels a bit dry, frazzled and in need of some TLC. At times like this I reach for my bar of Trichomania, as it’s the most hydrating and deeply conditioning shampoo I have used. It lathers beautifully and I only need very little conditioner when I have used it. The coconut leaves your hair beautifully scented and really softens and deeply conditions your locks. If I decide to leave my hair curly it helps to define the curls and conquer the frizz. It also goes with most of LUSH’s conditioners (bonus). I tend to use a little bit of Coolaulin (for extra coconutty heaven), Retread or Jungle (fruity tropical scents that go well) or American Cream on my ends. I’m always very impressed with the results; I’m left with beautifully scented silky soft, smooth and shiny hair. The best thing is I get lots of compliments on how great my hair looks, when I’ve used this product (always a good thing).

Those with normal hair would need little or no conditioner and I wouldn’t recommend this one for greasier hair types as it’s would be too heavy and moisturising.

You may also like: Quinquereme Of Nineveh (retro soap); Creamed Almond and Coconut Smootie; Coolaulin (conditioner); Curly Wurly (semi solid shampoo).

LUSH review- Jasmin and Henna Fluff Ease

Jasmin and Henna Fluff Ease

Price: £10.35

Product category: Hair care.

Description: ‘Jasmine scented, supremely calming hair moisturiser’ (LUSH). It’s a very light and creamy texture. The scent probably isn’t to everyone’s taste but I’m a sucker for all things Jasmine! As you’ve probably guessed the leading lady in this product is Jasmine and thankfully for me, I can hardly detect the henna scent (if anything there’s a very subtle ‘earthy’ undertone). Here’s the best bit, It’s packed full of nourishing and conditioning oils including; organic extra virgin olive, ylang ylang, wheatgerm, jojoba, almond, brazil nut, extra virgin coconut, hemp, soya, and castor, which bring really soothing notes to the scent.

The product is packed full of carefully chosen ingredients that claim to calm and condition, dry, fluffy and frizzy hair.

How to use: I’ve used this two ways. For both applications, I applied to dry hair and combed through. Then I got into a lovely LUSH bath and left on for about 20mins (the steam helps activate the ingredients). After my bath I shampooed out with my Seanik shampoo bar and a tiny amount of Forever in Boom conditioner on the ends (not sure I really needed Conditioner). The second time I used the product I left it on overnight then shampooed out and conditioned as previous.

The verdict: My hair has seriously never felt and looked so good. It’s beautifully scented, soft, shiny and bouncy. It doesn’t feel weighed down at all, yet felt really deeply conditioned. Out of the two ways I’ve applied it the effects were the same, the only difference was that the scent lasted longer in my hair when I left it in overnight. Either way you’ll find that the scent lasts in your hair for around 3-6 washes later.

The best bit is I could easily get 4 or more generous applications from this tub for my mid length hair which works out at around £2.59 a treatment. To me that’s outstanding value. I’ll be using this 1-2 times a month to keep my hair in tip top condition. Much better than anything else I’ve tried on the market. So if you like Jasmine and your hair needs some TLC, go and gab yourself a tub of Jasmine and Henna Fluff Ease.