{shampoo & conditioner review}

   As you know from this post, I have been looking for a new shampoo and conditioner.  I have been "conducting research" to find the perfect type for my hair.   Of course, we all have different hair types, so what works for someone else may not work at all for my hair.  Therefore there is a lot of trial and error involved!

I have discovered several things, first of which is that I believe that there is not one perfect shampoo/conditioner.  The shampoos that leave your hair feeling like silk are usually depositing substances (usually silicones) on your hair shaft.  This leads to buildup and flatness.  The shampoos that remove buildup often leave hair feeling "squeaky clean" aka "a knotted straw-like rats nest"!  So, what to do?  Sometimes switching between two types is the answer.

Personally, I do not like the shampoos that leave behind silicones on my hair.  These are listed on the ingredients label as anything ending in (-cone).  I have noticed that I can tell immediately in the shower because my hands feel waxy/greasy with these type of shampoos.  One that felt this way and left me a bit flat was the new L'Oreal EVERPURE line.  The shampoo left me so flat that I gave it away after 2 tries.   I did not like the Rosemary Juniper scent to it, either, but I know that scent is a very personal preference.  Not the shampoo for me, although many people have had good results with it.  I decided that what I need is a shampoo that simply cleans and leaves the moisturizing to a conditioner.  Otherwise there is just too much silicone/oil/grease going around.  Also, if you compare prices based on amount or ml of shampoo, the L'Oreal is just as expensive as a salon brand such as Matrix.  And L'Oreal is actually more expensive than the Matrix deal that I got!

I tried Matrix Biolage second and liked it.  I purchased the 1 liter size conditioner, and then received the 1 liter shampoo for 88 cents at the salon at JCPenneys!  (JCP salons have the best sales on hair products!)  Having no silicone in the shampoo worked better for me, and the sulfate is a mild one.  As it turns out some SULFATES are not so bad after all.  The milder ones used by salon brands are good at removing buildup and after all, I have used them for years before and always had very healthy hair.  It is just since I've started coloring that my hair has become more fragile and more dry.

My latest finding will probably shock you!!!

While browsing at Target I noticed that Suave (yes, Suave) has a new "Professionals" line.  They compare them to various salon brands.  I looked at every one before deciding on this Volumizing type and took the pair home for a trial run.  By the way--the ingredients list is very small on this one, with a mild sulfate, no silicones AND no parabens (a few studies have correlated parabens with cancer, some saying that your body can even absorb the parabens--but it has not been proven)!!  The exact sulfate is sodium laureth sulfate--one of the mildest sulfates.

The results--it didn't make my hands feel greasy (yay!) and after conditioning with it's partner, I have to say that the final result is almost identical to the Matrix Biolage!!   And all for.....I am embarrassed to say.....$1.92 each at full price.  LOL!  It is definitely necessary to use a conditioner after this one.  So, if you like your hair feeling silky after just shampooing I recommend trying one of the other Suave Professional types--I think there were about 6 different types.  And, for this price, it's worth a try.  I will probably alternate between my Matrix Biolage and this Suave.

{Several years ago I used to use Suave Coconut shampoo (yummiest scent!) and my stylist actually asked me what shampoo I used because my hair was so shiny and in such good condition!  Since then, I am convinced that shampoos/conditioners don't have to be pricey to deliver good results.  Of course sometimes it's nice to indulge in a salon blend with all of the aromatherapy and extracts--Aveda comes to mind!}

This is as far as I have progressed in my research, but I'll be sure to let you know of any new updates!  I have a few more brands in mind that I'd like to try.   :)