Last week, I explained how I was on a mission to get a healthy head of hair – reviewing Scruples White Tea Restorative Shampoo and Conditioner and this week is certainly no different, with a whole new set of products to try, ready to ‘hopefully’ give my locks the hydration and help it needs.
Although I’ve always had thin hair, I do have a lot of it – so whilst the appearance may be relatively thick, the ends break very easily and I find it very hard to maintain the condition or a steady growth. Nanogen is famous for their expert hair research and having tried another range of their products before (I think their packaging back then was very different and had a clinical feel, so I’m pleased that the packaging now reflects their innovation and quality) I had very high hopes. The range uses patented Growth Factors, which mimic the body’s own growth signals, encouraging hair to grow thick and healthy. With each of the products dermatologically tested to maintain healthy hair growth, I was expecting to see instant results.
After just one wash using the shampoo and conditioner, I can definitely vouch for how soft, shiny and thick it leaves your hair feeling and looking. Whilst I usually have to use a combination of greasy hair and dry shampoo to achieve a voluminous look, this seemed to leave my hair feeling very fresh – but not flat. Which was certainly a bonus. However, after a few days the ‘honeymoon’ effects started to wear off, with the volume still being achieved but the soft, shiny feeling not as prevalent. Up until this point – I hadn’t yet had the chance to use the Hair Growth Factor Treatment Serum as I’d been in a rush to wash my hair before lectures in the morning, so I set up a little routine and instantly – the effects came back with a vengeance.
In the evenings, when my hair was beginning to look a little greasy and dry, I would massage a medium sized dollop of the conditioner into the ends of my hair (everywhere but the scalp) and additionally, draw 1ml into the Growth Serum pipette and applying it in random droplets onto my scalp. After massaging in and leaving to dry, I would then go about my evening routine (usually watching two episodes of Revenge whilst trying to practice shorthand – probably not the best combination) before rinsing it out a few hours later before bed.
This it seemed, was the perfect combination, with my hair appearing restored and hydrated even if I blow dried my hair – which usually resulted in a frizzy, unmanageable mess. My split ends appear far less prominently and the ends and roots look shiny, healthy and certainly on their way to maintaining a good growth pattern. Unfortunately my hair hasn’t miraculously sprouted 2 extra inches (although I had a dream it did the other night) but I feel I’m certainly on the right path – and I’ll be sure to keep you updated.
Even though I’m going to be trialing different products in the weeks to come, I will continue to use the Growth Serum as I feel it’s really made a difference and I’d love to benefit from the long term effects. If you’re worried about using a serum on your scalp due to sensitivity issues, the treatment itself is suitable for long term use and hasn’t irritated or dried out mine – so it’s definitely worth a try!
Nanogen products can be purchased online at Feel Unique and are very affordably priced, with the shampoo and conditioner at £7.95 each and the growth serum (which when you’re only using a tiny 1ml each day – will last a long time) at £29.95.
Next week I trial a number of different ‘hair masques’, including Richard Ward’s Couture Hair Silk Protein Masque, Renovate’s Retorative Hair Treatment and K-Pak’s Revitaluxe Restorative Treatment. I feel like I might turn into Rapunzel soon enough!
