Spree v Steal

Spree versus Steal: Hair products

We have tested high street and designer ranges to bring you the best hair products out there. So whatever your hair type and whatever your budget, your mane will have never look the same again.

Shampoo

Steal: Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo, £3.99

This no-nonsense shampoo from our friends down under is a real gem if you have dry, coarse hair. The shampoo is really thick, but doesn't leave your hair greasy. If your hair type is fine and flyaway it might not have quite the same impact - but if your hair is dry with a tendency to be big, then this is the shampoo for you.

The Queensland macadamia nut is bursting with rich, nourishing oils and Aussie have cracked a few into this little beauty. It smells a bit like bubblegum, something you will either love or hate. Either way it’s a nice price and for dry, parched hair this shampoo will sort your hair out a treat.

Verdict: Perfect high street solution for dry hair.

Spree: Figs and Rouge Shampoo with
Organic Sweet Geranium, £6.95

As soon as you open the bottle the organic sweet geranium essential oil in this shampoo from Figs and Rouge hits you – it’s reminiscent of a traditional English cottage garden. This vegan shampoo is gentle enough to use on all hair types and contains no parabens or harsh preservatives, is 100% GM free and is not tested on animals.

A little bit of this shampoo goes a long way and leaves hair smooth and silky, with a nice natural aroma. Figs and Rouge package their products in stylish, retro packaging. The price isn’t astronomical and this is definitely a bottle that will look good on your bathroom shelf.

Verdict: Smells delicious, looks good and works a treat.

Conditioner

Steal: A'kin Leave in Conditioner, Lavender and Anthylliss, £6.49

This leave in conditioner from A’Kin helps to restore moisture, flexibility and strength. A great treatment to apply after the long, harsh winter months have played havoc with your locks. It also has the added bonus of protecting your hair from heat damage caused by straightening irons.

All of the A’kin products are great for sensitive skin and use 100% organic ingredients. This conditioner can be used on either wet or dry hair, will define curls, calm down frizz or give your style a little va-voom between washes.

You need a tiny pea sized amount, rub into your hands and scrunch for curls or smooth through for definition. Unlike other conditioners this one won’t coat your hair with silicones.

Verdict: The packaging and high quality botanical ingredients make this luxurious and economical product hard to beat.

Spree: Pure Fiji Exotic Oil, £16

A favourite with the A-List this exotic oil from the Pure Fiji range is a perfect deep conditioning hair treatment. The packaging is very plain but that doesn’t matter once you have cracked this coconut open.

The spiel on the packaging talks about Pacific islanders using a blend of virgin coconut oil and exotic nut extracts and it seems those islanders could teach us a thing or two about hair care.

It’s a deep conditioning treatment that will work for all hair types. If you apply and leave for several minutes before washing off, it will leave your hair amazingly smooth and bouncy. Apparently Jessica Simpson is a big fan.

Verdict: It's a coconut delight

Styling

Steal: Schwarzkopf Osis Dust It Mattifying Powder, £8.95

Apparently this unassuming little red bottle is the secret to Kate Moss’s ‘done, undone look.’ Even though mattifying powders have been around a while, they are still remain somewhat of a stylist’s secret.

"But it’s just talcum powder," we hear you all cry. Well, yes, it certainly looks like talcum powder, but it does produce results. Sprinkle a little of the dust from the pepper-pot sized bottle onto your roots for an instant lift.

If you work the product through the hair it gives lift and separation – but don’t use too much. It gives hair a softer, matte appearance, the same way your hair looks the second day after washing. Think about Kate Moss’ wavy, beachy locks and you’ll get the idea.

Talc on your hair, hmmm, still not convinced? – grab a bottle and try it – you will be.

Verdict: Sounds weird - but works!

Spree: Kératase Nutritive Elixer Oleo-Relax, £16

The fact that Kérastase is available exclusively in top salons that include Trevor Sorbie, Richard Ward and Charles Worthington is testament to just how good their products are.

This hair serum is designed to smooth, calm and add gloss. If you want a polished and shiny look this is the luxury product for you. This serum leaves your hair sleek and glossy not heavy and greasy like some serums.

You only need a very tiny amount, lightly rub your hair together to coat your palms before running them through damp hair.

Verdict: You'll look like you've just stepped out of a salon.