In this latest ON MY DESK column, we look at the latest hair products to cross my path, featuring new shampoos, conditioners, and styling products from Evolu, Matrix, Clairol, Kevin Murphy, Label m, L’Oreal, Sebastian and Weleda.
As if there wasn’t enough to rave about already with Evolu and their botanical New Zealand-made skincare, they have given me new reason to celebrate with the launch of a haircare and body line. I was even more over the moon to receive the muesli that the brand’s owner Kati makes herself. Kati takes a very holistic view of health and beauty, which extends to what we put in our bodies, as well as what we put on it. I remember the last Evolu launch I attended was held at the cooking school, Main Course, and matched healthy food up with ingredients used in her skincare. And so it is with the new Evolu shampoo and conditioner. The charming floral illustrations on the bottles are also produced locally, designed exclusively for Evolu by New Zealand artist Jacqui Colley, including blossoms of orange flower, manuka flower and citrus. As with all Evolu products, they are cruelty-free and contain no parabens, petrochemicals, phthlates, sulfates, artificial colours or fragrances, and no animal products other than beeswax. They are $19.99 each from Farmers, Life pharmacies, selected pharmacies, and department stores and at www.evolu.com
These next two ranges are aimed at a healthy scalp. A lot of attention has been given to ends in the haircare industry but actually, it’s the roots that we should be paying proper attention to.
First up, Clairol Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Serum. This shampoo and scientific-looking vials of serum conditioner target stubborn dandruff with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. They soothe with calendula and jojoba oils to prevent scalp irritation that you can get from harsh dandruff remedies. It’s available for $16/90 for the shampoo and $24.80 for the serum ampoules from selected salons nationwide. Call 0508 493 552 for stockists.
Matrix has responded to customer needs for a soothing dandruff treatment with Biolage Scalpsync, with the cooling properties of mint, in peppermint and menthol, whilst the active ingredient Zinc Pyrithione works to eliminate dandruff. There are two shampoos; an anti-dandruff shampoo and a Cooling Mint Shampoo for oilier scalps, and both can be teamed with the Cooling Mint Conditioner (all $30 each). The new range is available from August at Matrix salons nationwide. Call 0800 657 666 for stockists.
We like these brands to get more time out of a salon blow dry by absorbing oil (moisture is the enemy of the blowdry) and save time in the shower in the mornings.
Sebastian Professional Drynamic – I love a punny hair product title – is indeed dynamic and dry; it’s an instant style-refreshing spray between washes. It has a Reset and Recharge formula that basically lets you restyle your hair rather than your hairstyle being set in stone like Rosetta. It is out 1st July for $38 from Sebastian Professional salons nationwide, and has a travel mini size for $15 which is very handy to throw in the suitcase.
Kevin.Murphy Fresh.Hair is a dry cleaning spray that blends well into all hair types and gives body, removes odors, excess oil, and amusingly says it will “end all your sins from the night before.” This used to include cigarette smoke but these days that’s less of a problem in bars, but oily hair still is, so spritz this on and figuratively dryclean your hair.
My favourite line of shampoo in the L’Oreal stable has always been Pureology, but now they have a new sulphate-free range, with an anti-fade for coloured hair – and all under $20 each. The Hair Expertise range has three subcategories for individual hair needs. There’s EverSleek shampoo and conditioner for frizzy or flyaway hair, using argan, sunflower and olive oils to tame the frizz. EverPure is targeted to coloured and highlighted hair, and there are shampoos and conditioners for moisture, volume, and smooth solutions. It’s easy to find, as it’s sold at supermarkets, pharmacies, and department stores.
Label.m – the official haircare product of London Fashion week – is perfect for creating that very Cool Britannia look of Big Hair Don’t Care, with this Texturising Spray they’re calling “backcomb in a can.” $38 from Toni and Guy salons nationwide.
Label.m Thickening Cream adds volume without weight with an ultra moisturising formula, with the exotic sounding Barbados cherry, Amazon Cupuacu fruit and more homely bran (great for hair and skin) for full-bodied and healthy hair. $48 from Toni and Guy salons nationwide.
Hair oils have been the latest-and-greatest thing for some time now but many contain petrochemicals and other nasties. Weleda is a much-loved brand for being free of chemical nasties in its comprehensive skincare line. Now, Weleda has launched a Nourishing Hair Oil to use before or after styling hair to hydrate and add shine. It retails for $19.90 from health stores, pharmacies and online at www.weleda.co.nz
Words and photos, Megan Robinson
20 July 2014
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