Sulphates have become a hot topic in the beauty industry in the past few years, and as consumers become more aware of the chemicals used in the production of their favourite cosmetics and toiletries, so brands are responding with more natural formulations. Harsh sulphates like SLS strip the natural moisture in your hair, contributing to frizziness, split ends and damage to the hair shaft, so the new wave of more gentle shampoos and conditioners are much better for your hair and scalp.
Until now, sulphate-free drugstore options were few and far between, but we were delighted to spot L’Oréal’s Hair Expertise range in a recent visit to Clicks. I’ve been using the range for years (importing it from the UK) and I can vouch for the fact that it’s as nourishing as it is effective. It also smells utterly delicious and foams up like a dream; what more could you want? Here are the three products I bought from the range:
Pure Riche Nourishing & Taming Shampoo (R140)
I’ve mentioned this product a few times on the blog as it is a long-time love of mine. I particularly love the smell but it’s also surprisingly rich and softening but without weighing down my feather-fine hair. Don’t be put off by its description as a shampoo for “very dry, rebellious hair”; I have very thin hair with oily roots and frazzled ends and it works perfectly for me. It has a very luxurious texture and makes my hair very soft and moisturised afterwards, which actually makes it feel thicker – something “volumising” shampoos never seem to get right. The matching conditioner is also wonderfully nourishing and smoothing.
EverStrong Body & Strength Shampoo (R140)
This range is marketed slightly differently in SA than it is in the UK. Over there, it’s targeted at those with fragile, brittle hair, while the SA bottle says its for “body and strength for fine, flat hair”. Bit confusing but I decided to buy it anyway! It’s made with “invigorating and vitalising” rosemary oil and although I don’t notice much of a volumising effect, it is certainly a lovely shampoo. It has a different scent from the Pure Riche line (sandalwood vs. vanilla) but it feels equally rich and luxurious, just with a less moisturising effect.
EverStrong Texturising Spray (R180)
Camilla bought this first and said it was fab so I literally threw it into my shopping basket the next time I was in Clicks. I haven’t seen this product before (even overseas) but I’m a slave to texturising sprays so I was very keen to try it. Part of the EverStrong range, it claims to give “instant texture and volume with long-lasting hold” so kind of like a cross between a hair spray and a volumising product. It certainly does what it says on the tin and I think is a great alternative to the Charles Worthington Volume & Bounce Texturising Spray. It contains mineral salt which will naturally dry out your hair a little, so be sure to look after it with a good conditioner every time you wash.
Clicks also stocks the Pure Color range from the brand, which helps to maintain dry, over-processed hair, as well as an intense hair mask within each of the three lines. I also spotted a Pure Riche hair oil which I would bet is amazing.