ADVERTISEMENT
Published: June 5, 2009
If you're never quite sure whether the ads for popular beauty products can be believed, relax. Our 4you Beauty Board is made up of veteran testers ready to try the latest when it comes to all things beauty. We'll share what worked and what bombed with the hope of making life a little easier for you.
This week: shampoo. We lathered and rinsed, but will we repeat?
• Available at Whole Foods Market and www.sukipure.com
• 6.1 ounces for $26.95 (each)
• Rating: A
The bottle says: "100 percent pure, organic, vegan hair cleanser purifies hair without stripping natural oils; conditioner for manageable, shiny, luscious locks -- even for chemically treated hair."
Cloe says: This is the first time I've ever tried an organic shampoo and conditioner. Since my hair is chemically relaxed, I usually stick to products geared to my hair type. I thought I needed all the chemicals I could get to tame this unruly mane. Suki shampoo contains natural ingredients, such as organic yerba protein, rice protein, lavender, rosemary extract and horsetail extract. It left my oily scalp feeling clean but not dried out. The conditioner contains similar ingredients along with jojoba oil, which is known for its softening effects. My hair drank it up and felt soft, was easy-to-comb and had great manageability and shine. Both products also have a nice scent. Although they may be a bit on the pricey side, they are both super rich and will last for a while. I only needed a dollop of shampoo for a head full of lather. Suki made me a believer in the power of pure.
Cloe Cabrera, 42, is the Tribune's fashion and beauty reporter.
• Available at most drugstores and at Redken.com
• About $15 for 10.1 ounces
• Rating: B+
The bottle says: "Provides maximum color security and helps shield, stabilize and secure color intensity"
Michelle says: I don't have to color my entire head of hair. (If you don't believe me, talk to my hairdresser, Richard). I've been blessed with good hair genes; I only rely on a few highlights and some semi-permanent color to hide the gray patches that make an appearance, every two months or so, on each side of my head. That said, this shampoo rocks. Why? Because after just a few uses, I ran into my friend Jack, my barometer for beauty. "What did you do to your hair?" he said. "It's so shiny and bouncy!" That happens to be one of the product's promises. It also vows to offer some anti-fade protection, a great bonus with our blazing Florida sun. I can't vouch that it kept those gray patches at bay longer than usual, but it did make my hair feel and look healthier and more vibrant. And I love its yummy smell, attributed to cranberry oil. I suggest pairing this with the Color Extend conditioner.
Michelle Bearden, 54, is the religion writer for the Tribune and TBO.com.
• Available at www.ulta.com
• $7.99 for 12.9 ounces
• Rating: B
The bottle says: "Nourish hair and prolong your color with this UV protective shampoo by Marc Anthony."
Kim says: Unlike Michelle, my poor old head is COVERED with gray hairs, and because I spend so much time outside, my hair color doesn't last nearly long enough. I've seen it completely change color after just one weekend in the sun (and not in a good way). So it didn't take long for me to decide that this shampoo was helping with that situation. It can't keep the grays from showing up (sadly), but it does hold the color a bit longer without fading, or turning ashy or orangey or scary. I'm not one of those who feel compelled to use the matching conditioner, but in this case I did. My only nit is the scent, which isn't heavy and doesn't linger, but is absolutely nothing special while you're using the product.
Kim Franke-Folstad, 50, is the editor of 4you.
• Available at Walgreens, CVS and www.drugstore.com
• $6.99 for 8.5 ounces
• Rating: B
The bottle says: "100% sulfate-free. 100% vegan. Color stays pure even after 32 washes. Natural botanicals like rosemary, juniper and mint are also included to energize and invigorate for a spalike experience with every use."
Sherry says: I confess, I'm uber cheap ... I color my own hair. Yes, I'd like the color to last at least 32 washes, but, no, I wouldn't spend seven bucks on a bottle (or tube as the case may be) of shampoo. This was a nice luxury. The lather is creamy and rich, and not a lot of shampoo is needed.The scent is natural and not overpowering.
Is it better than any shampoo I've ever used? I can't say I've seen any improvement. I'm still waiting to see whether the color lasts as long. I didn't use the conditioner because the shampoo didn't dry out my hair.
Sherry Hutchinson, 47, is the team leader for features design.
ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement
TBO.com - Tampa Bay Online ©2009 Media General Communications Holdings, LLC. A Media General company. Member Agreement | Privacy Statement | Work With Us
| * To: | |
| Your Name: | |
| Your Email Address: | |
| Personal Message [optional]: | |