 Ojon Damage Reverse 100ml (RRP £32.50)
Ojon Damage Reverse comes with something of a reputation, and there’s no getting away from the fact that much of that reputation revolves around its... unusual scent. An acquired taste is probably the best description of it, but personally, I’ve smelled worse, and being free from synthetic fragrances (as well as parabens, synthetic dyes, phthalates and triclosan), I can forgive it because, quite frankly, it does a wonderful job. Formulated on a base of pure Ojon™ Oil, a substance rich in essential lipids similar to those found naturally in hair, Damage Reverse is designed to treat and restore hair that’s been handled far less than kindly, and as someone who’s been regularly using dye since the age of ten, well, my hair is probably about as damaged as it gets.
Using Damage Reverse is something of a long process, taking me just over an hour to deal with one application and impatience leading me to use a little more of the product that was probably necessary, but the results were fantastic. After just one application my hair was shiny and swishy and I felt a little like I should be tossing my head around to gain the full benefits! Due to my generally low boredom threshold, I can’t see Damage Reverse working its way into my weekly routine, but I will definitely keep it on hand for emergency hair restoration occasions!
 Beyond Organic Sea Breeze Shampoo 250ml (RRP £10.68) & Conditioner 250ml (RRP £10.16)
This next pair isn’t specifically aimed at damaged hair; it’s more about keeping your hair happy once it’s recovered from the rigours of summer. Award-winning Beyond Organic Skincare have recently added to their range, with the introduction of Sea Breeze organic shampoo and conditioner. Free from Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, petrochemicals and other nasties, Beyond Organic products are created from entirely natural ingredients, Vegetarian-friendly, not tested on animals, handmade in the UK and, of course, 70% organic, so they tick just about every feel-good box currently imaginable! And added to that, they do a damn fine job.
As with all SLS-free shampoos, Sea Breeze does not produce a rich lather, which can be a little disconcerting to the uninitiated, but being highly concentrated a little goes a long way, leaving hair soft and shiny. Rich with shea butter and olive, sunflower, coconut and jojoba oils, the conditioner has a wonderfully creamy texture and is scented with an invigorating mixture of rosemary and lemongrass. Suitable for wash-out, or leave-in conditioning, Sea Breeze is great for everyday use, as well as some gentle repair work.
 Lush Jasmin & Henna Fluff Eaze 220g (RRP £11.50)
Well, I don’t know about you, but when it comes to hair products I only have to see the words “fluff ease” and I’m adding it to my basket. A pre-shampoo treatment, Lush’s Jasmin & Henna Fluff Eaze is designed to be generously worked into dry hair – never a sensation I enjoy – and left for 20 minutes before shampooing and, if necessary, conditioning. Having tried more than my fair share of defrizzifying treatments through the years, and experiencing the almost inevitable lank, greasiness that usually follows, I held out little optimism for this one, only to be pleasantly surprised.
The Brazil nut and olive oils work wonderfully, leaving my hair really soft and silky, without its usual corona of fuzz and yet free of the usual chip-pan-chic. As for the scent, well, I’m not a massive fan of jasmine, so it was only the promise of fluff-removal that tempted me to brave this one, but I have to say that the earthiness of the henna does a really great job at balancing out the perfume and I found myself quite liking it. This isn’t an everyday product, but I really think that it’s something I’d consider using weekly. Being packed full of natural ingredients (I only wish it was SLS-free too) and vegan friendly, it’s a product that makes me smile.
 Lush H’Suan Wen Hua Hair Moisturiser 225g (RRP £8.50)
“God of Hair.” Hmmm. Big claim for a small, reasonably priced pot. Big name, too. This is another pre-shampoo treatment, so pile it on to dry hair, amuse yourself for 20 minutes and wash. Now, I’ve read a few other reviews of this product and every last one mentioned that it had the effect of lightening the hair, which I must say that I’ve not noticed at all, so if that’s your reason for purchasing it I’d be wary. If, however, your main goal is silky soft conditioned locks, then go right ahead.
I don’t love the scent – it’s subtle, but has too much banana for me – but that’s just a personal thing, and otherwise it’s a good all-round moisturising mask. If I had to choose between the two, I’d always go for the Fluff Eaze mentioned above, but if you’re looking for a product to give you a little more volume, then this could be the pot-bound-deity for you.
 Fushi Total Repair Dry Hair Balm 30g (RRP £15.25)
Fushi have been around for a while now, but this is my first dalliance with them; for me the small size has always made the price seem just a little too prohibitive, but this diminutive pot of Total Repair Dry Hair Balm has made me re-evaluate somewhat. First things first, I love the scent; rosemary, sandalwood and cedarwood mingling on a base of coconut oil, coconut butter and shea butter, it somehow manages to be both relaxing and invigorating at the same time.
Although not the simplest product to use – it requires warm hands and needs to be fished out of the aforementioned miniature pot – Fushi’s Dry Hair Balm does a sterling job, it can be applied to both wet and dry hair (go easy around the roots, it’s not difficult to achieve the greasy look if over-applied to dry hair) and leaves your tresses silky smooth and shiny.
Fushi products are again made from 100% natural herbs, butters and essential oils, with a goodly percentage of ingredients being organic, putting into practise the company’s philosophy of “inner health promotes outer well-being”. It’s a little bit pricey and it’s a little bit fiddly, but I loved this product and I’m looking forward to taking a foray into the rest of the range. |
