I’m very precious about what I use on my hair. I’ve been on something of a hair health 'journey' (sorry) since January of last year and (so far) it seems to be paying dividends. Despite being a beauty editor with access to the best advice in the biz, it was TikTok (specifically #HairTok) that finally convinced me to resolutely stick to high quality products, frequent haircuts, and cut down on heat styling. What can I say? I’m swayed by a good before and after video.
My TikTok algorithm is primed to serve up the latest trending hair styles and products, so I was quick to catch on when M&S caused a haircare ruckus with its new budget-friendly launch. Not only does the high street giant's new shampoo and conditioner come in at £3 (less than your average Starbucks order) it's gained high approval ratings with the #HairTok community, too.
The M&S hair range has clearly found favour with beauty creator @lanni_x , who wrote on TikTok, ‘Girls, you have to try the M&S hair care range - WOW! Just as good as, if not better than, my salon-quality ones. The best £3 you’ll ever spend on your hair!’ And turns out she’s got the credentials - Lanni is a professional hairdresser. She continued, ‘My hair feels so lightweight and moisturised, and every time I turn my head, I can smell the most gorgeous smell.’ The response from the online beauty community has been overwhelmingly positive - Following Lanni's endorsement, many took to social media to share their experiences of the range, including BambiDoesBeauty, a creator known for her honest beauty reviews.
The big question, though - will it cut the mustard with newly-precious-about-my-hair me? I plumped for the M&S Volumising Shampoo and Nourishing Conditioner, £3. And I have thoughts...
Shop: M&S Volumising Shampoo
www.ocado.com
A volumising shampoo enriched with micro-algae extract to rebalance the scalp. There's also grapefruit extract and jojoba essential oil for weightless hydration. For £3? You can't go too far wrong.
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One reviewer said**: 'I received this product to review. Fragrance is important to me when selecting a shampoo and this didn't disappoint. It has a light, fresh fragrance which I really liked. It lathered up well and left my hair feeling squeaky clean.'
www.ocado.com
Nourishing and hydrating, a little goes a long way where this conditioner is concerned.
One reviewer said: 'I have short, fine, prone to a bit of frizz, over 60s hair. This conditioner worked a treat, small amount only required, rinsed out well and didn't weigh my hair down. Left it soft, shiny and with a bit of bounce.'
Our verdict
Rachael Martin, beauty editor says:
‘Firsty, I’m a fuss-pot when it comes to my shampoo and conditioner. I want hair beautifying ingredients and I want a good lather. Thankfully, M&S delivers both. There’s no sulphates and silicones in there (ingredients that can be drying for some) instead a myriad of hydrating and nourishing heroes. Read: Micro algae extract (for its scalp-rebalancing properties) jojoba oil (for weightless hydration and amped up shine) and bergamot water (for nourishment). And lather it does. Just a few drops is enough to create a substantial, soapy foam that rinses away easily - I like to apply and rinse twice to ensure my scalp is thoroughly cleansed. I then follow with a generous dollop of the conditioner, distributing through my lengths and ends before leaving on for around three minutes.
'I can usually get an idea of how my hair is going to look based on how it feels immediately after the shower. Here, I knew I was onto something good - my strands were already mostly detangled and my ends felt moisturised and soft. After heat styling (with tons of heat protectant) I was able to see the final finish. Consider me impressed. My hair felt bouncier and more shiny, plus it continued to look fresh throughout the day - my greasy roots have known to peep through within hours. And then there’s the scent. Oh, the scent! One lather and the “gorgeous smell” Lanni speaks of is there. The combination of orchid and lily is love at first sniff as far as i’m concerned. My only gripe? The bottle itself. It's hard to squeeze the product out, a niggle that's common to most reviewers, it turns out. That said, for the price, I'm not too bothered. My hair looks good - and for £3. Would recommend.'
Rachael Martin is Grazia’s beauty editor where she covers all things beauty, health and wellness
