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
M&S say: 'Our volumising shampoo has micro algae extract to rebalance the scalp. Our grapefruit extract and jojoba essential oil allows for weightless hydration.'
Rachael Martin, beauty editor says: 'For a gorgeous lather than feels expensive look no further. Plus, it smells amazing - it's beautifully light and fresh. For £3? You can't go too far wrong.
Pros
- A little goes a long way
- Super cheap
- Vegan
- Silicone free
Cons
- Thicker hair may need to use more
- Bottle is hard to squeeze out
www.ocado.com
M&S say: 'Our nourishing conditioner has micro algae extract to rebalance the scalp. Our bergamot water and coconut essential oil allows for weightless hydration.'
Rachael Martin, beauty editor says: 'Nourishing and hydrating, a little goes a long way where this conditioner is concerned. Just a small amount applied to my frizz prone hair works a treat to moisturiser and detangle. The end result? Soft, shiny hair with more than just a bit of bounce.'
Pros
- Nourishing texture - doesn't weigh down
- Sulphate free
- Silicone free
- Vegan
Cons
- Bottle is hard to squeeze out
- Sells out quick
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
