KEY POINTS:
Five shampoos were tried out by five testers, each with their own special hair needs, to assess if targeted products made a difference to their hair's condition and colour. Our unscientific survey showed that there's probably something for all types, but you might have to do your own testing to find the perfect product for your hair.
1 Sebastian Evokativ Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner, taming anti-frizz $37 each
Our tester uses Sebastian shampoo already, but said this particular one smelled luxurious, left her hair feeling healthy, smooth and clean, and did the anti-frizz trick with ease, as long as it wasn't exposed to Auckland's wilder weather. Contains panthenol to penetrate hair and deter drying and overheating. From salons and specialist hairshops stocking Sebastian.
2 L'Oreal Lise Ultime Shampoo and Smooth $28 each
A new range specifically formulated to discipline rebellious and unmanageable hair by coating the hair shaft for fluidity and shine. Our tester found the shampoo, which is said to relax the hair fibre, control frizz and provides nutrition, fine, but she thought the leave-in Smooth was too gunky on her fine but rebellious hair.
3 Kerastase Biotic Bain Recharge (for dry hair and normal to combination hair) $33
The Biotic range is new to salons and targets scalp condition to ensure a healthier head and hair. A rebalancing weekend ritual ($58 for five tubes) is recommended to further boost condition and Kerastase is also offering intensive in-salon treatments. I found this product left my hair feeling less dry, but not weighted down and will continue using it. Our other tester has an oily scalp and drier ends and was happy with her version too.
4 Sebastian Laminates Cellophanes Shampoo and Conditioner (for redheads, blondes and brunettes) $36.60 each
These products promise to keep colour fresh and shiny longer. The three formulas have UV protection and I liked the smell, but our redhead said it reminded her of stale perfume and she felt the shampoo was slightly drying compared with her usual product, but might suit someone with finer hair. Our brunette said she had to use quite a lot of product to lather up. Our blonde was much more complimentary, she thought the smell was barely discernible, the lather good and she especially liked the conditioner for its light feel which still added softness and body to her fine hair. On the colour count, she reported no big difference.
5 Redken Real Control Shampoo and Conditioner $29 and $31
Real Control is said to add condition and shine to those with unruly, thick, curly hair. Our tester has strong, but dry and damaged wavy hair and she found this product with shea butter helped smooth away frizz, leaving her hair feeling softer and stronger. She liked the fragrance, describing it as pleasant but not overpowering.
6 Wella Biotouch Colour Reflex Shampoo (illuminator for red, blond, brown or platinum blond and silver hair types). $22.95
Four choices, each enriched with vitamin E extract. Our brunette said the product was dark, smelled yummy and it felt like putting chocolate sauce on her hair and left its texture in good nick, though colourwise a couple of uses didn't make a big difference. Our redhead thought the colour acted like a rinse and would probably build up over time, but she was worried that so would the residue on her white shower tiles. From salons stocking Wella.
The best tips to deter frizz are to rinse hair with cool water, blot wet hair with a towel rather than rubbing hard and to use your blowdryer on a cool setting.
