Team BD is back with another addition of Tried & Tested – the series where we put the latest products, to the test.
This month we are taming our manes, trialling the must-haves to revive our hair this season. From tools and treatments to shampoo and conditioners, there is something for all hair types and concerns.
Read our honest thoughts below, and why you should keep these offerings front of mind. After all, when you see the BD Tried & Tested badge, you know we've given it our stamp of approval.
For hi-res images, and further product information, click the brand name.
ghd unplugged - Aja
What we think: Two words for you - game changer! The new ghd unplugged is a completely cordless hair styler, which launched earlier this year. This new innovation was a first for ghd, and one I was itching to get my mitts on. The compact size really wowed me, as I couldn't believe something so small would be able to curl, straighten and tame my locks, just like a regular tool – but it can and does! Better yet, it's the perfect size and weight to carry with you on-the-go – with restrictions easing this is going to be my new must-have travel essential.
Justice Professional Smooth & Groom Shampoo & Conditioner - Tiarne
What we think: This shampoo and conditioner combo has been the perfect way to revive and hydrate my hair. My poor strands have been looking a bit dull and straw-like lately, but after using these for a few weeks I’ve noticed a huge difference. My hair now feels a lot smoother, softer and a lot of frizz has been tamed. To get the most out of these products, I shampoo my scalp twice and then apply the conditioner from the mid-lengths to ends. My hair hasn’t looked this healthy in a long time so I couldn’t be happier. To top it off, both the shampoo and conditioner smell incredible, which is something I really value in hair products.
Sunday Riley Clean Rinse Clarifying Scalp Serum - Sam
What we think: Sunday Riley Clean Rinse Clarifying Scalp Serum is a AHA and BHA infused rinse off serum that helps to clarify the scalp while removing product build-up, excess oil, dead skin and pollution. I use this product for a scalp detox once a week and whilst gentle, it is highly effective at removing the build up of dry shampoo, hair spray, and the hundred other products I drench my hair in on a weekly basis. I haven't previously used scalp serums before but it will definitely form a key part of my hair care routine moving forward.
Goldwell DualSenses Bond Pro Shampoo & Conditioner - Caitlin
What we think: What has arrived at the best time considering I am still waiting to get to the hairdressers, is the Bond Pro Fortifying Shampoo and Conditioner. This has been my saving grace during lockdown as I have quite thin, fine hair which is prone to breakage thanks to the many years of going between blonde and brunette styles. Both the shampoo and conditioner have been able to repair my hair structure and intensively treat it to the point I have noticed less and less breakage over the weeks – this is due to the product being blended with microProtec complex and Inter-Amino-Bond-Builder. I was luckily enough to receive the 60 second treatment masque that I use once a week, which is a miracle along with the day and night bond booster which is a light weight cream I apply three times a week to mostly to my ends. It absorbs so well and leaves no greasiness behind.
Lady Jayne Salon Pro Scalp Brush - Tam
What we think: The quality of this brush is outstanding! It is made from a high quality dark beech wood, and the metal pins that have been used (coupled with the cushioning pad) give my scalp a really good massage without tearing through the hair. Perfect to stimulate the scalp and increase blood flow, I have been using the brush each night before bed for almost two months and am pleasantly surprised at the improvement of my overall scalp health. Basically, it is a relaxing and my scalp is benefitting at the same time.
A'Kin Miracle Shine Conditioning Hair Mask - Deb
What we think: When it comes to luscious locks, this miracle shine conditioning hair mask is just the ticket. As a long haired (we're talking waist skimming) serial colour switcher, adding this conditioning mask to my hair routine once a week has my bleached ends looking and feeling smoother and softer, allowing me to wear my hair out without heat styling. The product has a luxurious creamy texture and was easy to work through my lengths. It has a minty scent, and I enjoyed the refreshing tingling feeling when I left the mask on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing as directed. As we head into the warmer months, this conditioning mask is a must-have for reviving my locks from more frequent sun and water activities.
Arbonne True Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner - Eleni
What we think: A great shampoo and conditioner duo housed in recyclable, handy pump bottles! My hair felt nourished and hydrated, without being weighed down. They smell great and I found my hair to not only be silky after use, but also noticed my natural curls were more bouncy with less frizz!
Nature's Way Hair Growth Support - Issy R
What we think: After consuming the full packet (a months supply), I noticed my hair looks and feels a lot healthier. Each tablet contains vital nutrients including biotin to help stimulate and encourage hair growth. I noticed an increase in new hair growth with baby hairs popping up all over the place which means these tablets are doing exactly what they are meant to do. My overall hair feels stronger and has a lot more shine to it, which comes back to the nutrients in the formulation to help repair damaged hair.
The Collagen Co Mixed Flavours Collagen Sachets - Issy D
What we think: Where do I start with these! Firstly, they arrived in the most gorgeous packaging, with a lovely hand written note - we love! After having the luxury of trying all three flavours, I can honestly say this is one of my favourite collagen supplements I've tried. I have seen an overall radiance to my skin – it is hydrated and the appearance is so plump and glowy! I would recommend these lovely sachets for anyone that is considering amping up their beauty routine! They are fantastic to have on the go and the unflavoured can be incorporated into anything!
Manicare rapidDRY Hair Turban - Alicia
What we think: I am so happy that this product has made an appearance in my life. I have a lot of hair and this nifty little towel is the perfect size to wrap it up in and it hardly feels like anything is on my head. The little button at the back is great and my days of trying to tuck an oversized towel around my head and tuck it into the back are gone. It also really helps to dry it more so than a normal towel, which really helps cut down the drying time (especially when I am in a rush and trying to get out the door and need to blow dry it). I have also noticed that I have less frizz than normal which is great as we come into the warmer months. It has really helped with convincing my 4 year old to wash her hair as she loves her "hair hat" that makes her look like a "gum-nut baby" that she gets to wear afterwards. Winner for the whole family!
Nutrimetics Repair and Treatment Mask - Aurora
What we think: I’ve really enjoyed using the Nutrimetics Repair+ Treatment Masque! I had a dip dye before lockdown, I used the Nutrimetics masque solely on my mid lengths and ends and it’s worked really well in nourishing and restoring health to the bleach damaged hair. Since I was unable to get a haircut during lockdown, I was really struggling to brush out my bleached, split ends as brushing just caused more knotting but since I started using the Nutrimetics masque, I haven’t had any problems brushing my hair at all! It’s also made a noticeable difference to the texture of my ends – it’s actually gone back to the smooth, silky texture that I had pre-bleaching.
Less is More Tangerine Curl Balm - Eleni
What we think: I was so very excited to receive this lightweight balm. After looking for curl balm's that didn't weight down my hair, I was keen to try this as it not only encourages a natural curl, but also protects your hair to give it extra hold and bounce. With ingredients like Aloe Vera Juice and antioxidant rich Lemon Balm it definitely breathed some much needed life into my lockdown (neglected) curls!
VS Sassoon Steam Straight Brilliance - Tamara
What we think: So, after finally getting my post lockdown haircut, it was time to get back to styling... and I was positively itching to test run the VS Sassoon Steam Straight Brilliance, because it is unlike anything I had ever tried before. In the box was a straightener, as well as a base station that transfers a small amount of water into the straightener to be utilised as steam. It comes with removable detangling combs and has various settings so that you can choose the heat that is right for your hair type. As someone with colour damaged, frizzy hair, I didn't realised the benefits of using steam during the straightening process. Not only did it take just one pass to straighten most sections of my hair, but my hair was shiny, soft and totally frizz-free. It didn't feel like the straightener had dried it out, but quite the opposite – my hair felt hydrated!
