Product Review -- Essential Damage Care Nuance Airy Shampoo and Conditioner (SGD$9.50/550ml)

Essential Damage Care Nuance Airy Shampoo and Conditioner is a product by Kao. Its attractive packaging is one of its biggest sells. I usually am pretty skeptical about hair products that claim to make your hair this and that, since they all pretty much end up having the same effects on my hair. I've just finished using the whole bottle of Essential shampoo and conditioner, so it's time for a review!

According to the website:
"Essential Damage Care provides care for damaged hair, even the last 15cm (5.9 inches). The last 15cm is most prone to damage caused by chemical treatments, styling and blow-drying, resulting in dry, frizzy hair with tangles and split ends. With Essential Damage Care, hair becomes healthy, damage-free and shines all the way to the ends!"

First few washes:
It has a mild sweet fragrance that smells of romance in spring. I was really impressed by how Essential made my hair really "airy" (light and bouncy). My hair is usually pretty flat at the top, but Essential made it feel and look more light weight and less flat. Very suitable for this season's hairstyles that require hair to look lightweight and "airy".

After using the whole bottle:
I still like the mild fragrance; its so light you don't get sick of it. Essential still does the job as in the first few washes, but I've also found that for the "airy" feel, you compromise on hydration and conditioning. It supposed to contain High Purity Honey and Milk protein to repair and strengthen damage hair, Ultra Shine Essence that restores shine and Wild Rose Essence that leaves a protective layer to keep hair soft and moisturised. However, my damaged hair doesn't look much repaired or moisturised after 3 months of usage, nor does it shine. (I blow dry my hair, but the product is supposed to care for the last 15cm of hair that's prone to damage by blow-drying!) I guess that's why they have the treatment, hair serum and hair mask in the series.

Verdict: I really like the "light and airy" feel that the shampoo and conditioner gives my hair, and its light sweet scent. Perfect for people with flat hair and want their hair to be more light and bouncy. However, I think that this product will not suit people who have very dry hair as it doesn't provide very good hydration. It seems like they are going to release a new series this April, so watch out for them in the stores!

Price: Sold at Watsons, NTUC, Venus and various places at SGD$4.50/200ml or SGD$9.50/550ml. Discounts can bring the price down to SGD$3.95/200ml or SGD$8.50/550ml. (Venus sells it cheaper) It is currently sold in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore. You can also buy it from Sasa at USD$4.50 per bottle.

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