Garnier Ultimate Blends: The Silky Smoother Collection

My current hair needs a lot of TLC at the moment, it's in drastic need of a trim as well as being more drier and frizzy. I have naturally very curly hair that if not looked after can be a mass of frizz. I also have a limited budget at the moment, I cannot afford to take myself to a hairdresser every 6 weeks to keep it trim, as well as time limited as Bethany is now eating every 3 hours and becomes a diva if it is not on time. With this going on something that can extend the life and look of my hair is a huge plus.

I am on the mailing list for Garnier and have previously taken part in their sampling programmes, I got an email asking if I was interested in trying this new range. I took the online survey and waiting for my assumed sachet samples to arrive. I was hugely surprised to find that I got sent the whole set of full sized products, lesson learnt, never assume!

This forms their Ultimate Collection range based on British hair requirements, each of the 6 ranges contain a Shampoo, conditioner, dry shampoo, hair oil and hair masks. I have the Silky Smooth range for mid-long length hair that frizzes, this contains the matching shampoo and conditioner as well as a exfoliating hair mask (yes you read that correctly).

The scent is a soft Brazilian Vanilla with a Papaya undertone, this makes it fruity but the vanilla tones it done to a softer scent. The ingredients also help soften the hair and calming down that frizz. The exfoliant I wasn't too sure of at first, however the result I got changed my mind, my curls were more defined this lasted to the next wash (I usually wash between 2-3 days). The exfoliant is suppose to work by using microbeads to exfoliate split ends, can a hair mask exfoliate the hair shaft? I am a little doubtful about this but the mask does it job of leaving my hair softer, smoother and looking like it has come fresh from a salon.

I really liked the while range to the point that I am looking for where it is on offer so I can get some back ups for the shampoo and conditioner. The exfoliate I feel it very much a gimmick and I still prefer my Herbal Essence Be Strong hair mask. If they had done this as a hair mask without the beads, then yes I would be looking to purchase this too.

You can purchase the range now from any High Street chemist/supermarket, prices from £2.79 for 250ml or £3.79 for 400ml

Ojon Vs L'oreal in Oil Wars

In March in my Harrods GlossyBox I got Ojon's Damage Reverse Restorative Treatment Serum. It is much of an oil like texture that has their Ojon Oil complex in. I loved the fact that it was lghter than my serum but I also needed the smallest amount to get the benefits. The current bottle I have (in the photo) I've been using since early April and only a quarter is gone (please note my hair is shoulder length at it's longest.) The a few weeks ago my Latestinbeauty In-flight box had L'Oreal's additction to the hair oil market - Mythic Oil.

Mythic Oil is a blend of grapeseed and avocardo oil, and is promoted as a hair nouriser. This is true grapeseed is a wonderful base oil in massage because it's lightweight consistancy and it's is scentless. Avocardo oil can then be added in a smalled pecentage,
this is because it is a thicker oil, but full of fatty acids and vitamin E.

Ojon oil is a bit more of mystery, it says on their website that it was discovered in Central America and that it comes from the Ojon palm nut that grows on the tree. This had been used by the Tawira tribe for centuries and now have been tested to prove it rejenitating effects on hair. A tree will produce 800 nuts on where that would produce 3 cups of the oil.

As I said the first time I used Ojon I was really happy with the results it gave, my slightly dry and frizzy hair was more under control. The curls that I had were more defined, and the roasted nut scent was pleasent without being over powering. For the 25ml bottle I got it is £16 (there is a 50ml for £22), and it is lasting well, with an investment into the rest of the range.
With my first try of Mythical Oil I was impressed with the almost water light texture compared to the Ojon. The scent was more towards typical hair product/coconut smell, but same again it isn't unpleasent or overpowering. It still tamed my frizzy hair, normally with the Ojon if I apply too much it can go greasy, with the Mythical I found that if I need more after drying I could with this happening. You do also get more for your money - 250ml for RRP £15.95 (however I have found it for £12.55 on feelunique.com).
While I love my Ojon, realistly I cannot warrant spending that amount of money on 25ml when I can spend less and get more on L'Oreals offering. Sorry Ojon.

Dove Nourishing Oil Care Express Treatment Conditioner

It now is a documented fact that due to mother nature, that I dye my hair, this mixed with the fact that I have natural fine frizzy hair means that it suffers greatly. It hates humidity and needs regular cutting it turns into a style that's based on The Muppet's Animal (especially if I've decided on going red).

I am currently loving all the hair oils that are coming out, my hair seems to lovingly drink them and is starting to behave better between cuts. I am currently using the Ojon range that to be honest costs an arm and a leg, which was a 30th birthday present to myself. As you can gather an affordable alternative is always an attractive thing.

Dove had been offering samples of it's new Nourishing Oil Care Express Treatment Conditioner. Blurb is that it is a daily one minute treatment for dry/frizzy hair that has a mixture of Argan, coconut and almond oil that has vitamin E and F to help hair. It says that it is 3 times more nourishing than a 'normal' conditioner.

I washed my hair last night and needed a little more than normal decided to give it a try. I squeezed a 1p sized amount for my shoulder length hair, the first thing to notice is that it comes like toothpaste, a white part with yellow stripes that you rub together before applying. Comb Through with a wide toothed comb, leave then wash off, not exactly brain surgery.

After drying (I put hair oil on my hair when damp - currently Ojon Restorative Oil), I honestly couldn't stop touching it, because i felt really soft. It had a soft nutty smell from the nut oils which I really like and complimented the rest of the products I used. Even now the morning after it's even feeling soft, and the curls look more defined with very little frizz.