clippings

I’m always thrilled when a new hair product happens upon my doorstep. Dye is a particular favourite. I don’t actually colour my hair, but it gives me a chance to test products on willing subjects with immediate results. Hair dye is always a terrifying ground to cover. I’m always teeming with anticipation, excitement and confidence when a friend is willing to brave the basin that is my bathroom shower in the name of science. Still, no matter how much faith I have in a product, there’s always that hint of crippling fear going through my mind when the time comes to rinse.

Fortunately, Garnier’s new HerbaShine formula with a bamboo extract fortifying treatment did exactly as it promised: imparted a natural colour boost without the use of ammonia in 10 minutes. And, I never imagined myself speaking this way about hair dye, but the scent was a mélange of floral and fruit notes with a wood base. Certainly not your mama’s hair dye. I’m also pleased to report that it covers 70 per cent of hairs lacking pigment (we don’t say the “g” word in these parts).

Touted for its resilience and resistance to vertical pressure, bamboo extract seems to be the ideal antidote to harsh chemicals that leave the hair dry and difficult to manage. When the product was really put to the test with regular washing and styling, the high sheen and deep-conditioned feeling stayed put for about six weeks. Hey, if Bar Rafaeli’s using it, I’m game. (BTW: That's her in the pic, not me.) $10.49