by Ciara Redmond

(Because of my 12 week blow dry I was unable to sample this product however Ciara was more than happy to oblige!)

Working in branding, marketing and packaging I am a particularly cynical customer. I am not usually swayed into purchase by the blurb on shampoo or the amazing results people get, in fact I am one of those girls who loves to read the small print on adverts that say “Cherly’s Hair is styled with some natural extensions” to prove a point that its really all just an illusion.

Saying that when a friend asked me to try out an expensive shampoo and conditioner and review for free, I couldn’t resist.

Now I should point out that when I say the shampoo and conditioner was expensive I should say it was nearly €10 each to purchase, which might not be a lot to some but to me is a bit much.

I was prepared to give Rainforest Radiance Shampoo & Conditioner for coloured hair by The Body Shop, the benefit of the doubt as with dyed hair myself it promises to gently cleanse and remove dulling residues for prolonged colour radiance. I really wanted them to prove my cynicism wrong and I must say initially I was impressed by the wonderful smell when I flipped the bottle top.

However the smile on my mug wasn’t to last when I discovered both the shampoo and conditioner were very thick and difficult to get out of the bottles.

To me this is a major flaw as every girl knows the the intricate nature of juggling razors, sponges and scrubs in the shower. Throw in a shampoo and conditioner that takes that little bit longer to get out of the bottle and create a lather is not only interfering with the juggling act its taking from the extra time you need to blow dry and straighten the hair after.

Regardless of the blurb, if the bottle doesn’t work, the shampoo doesn’t get a look in.

Mwah