Review (5/5): Much better than expected for product build-up. I'm impressed. TRUE clarifier.
I use a heavy-duty hair spray and in the past have had to use 2 different types of shampoo on my daily wash to remove it - both clarifying, both cheaper brands because in my past experience, the better brands were not actually removing the "shellac" , as noted when I used my curling iron and my hair would be stiff and "crunchy". So I wanted to try something else, this had good reviews elsewhere, and I liked the travel-friendly/eco-friendly idea of it. This product exceeded my expectations. That never happens. On the first wash I could feel that my hair was getting truly clean, the shampoo was very rich and because it is in a bar, getting the area at the back of my neck and under my hair (I have a bit of hair) was super easy. The conditioner was great - not fantastic, as I had to work pretty hard to apply enough after the very cleansing shampoo, but after using both products my hair was bouncy, clean, and NO RESIDUE. No shampoo has ever done that for me in one wash before. Because I have "big hair" the shampoo/conditioner part of my daily doo is really important and this product is amazing. So the pros and cons:
Pros: It works. It is a true clarifying shampoo. Works much, much better than Neutro Anti-Residue. And the conditioner is a true weightless. If you want fluffy big hair, this is your product
It is travel friendly
It smells nice, and it smells a bit like patchouli
Lather for days - so much lather
No work-up for the lather - lathers easily on shampoo
Tins are cute, so far no rust, not slippery
Cons: Conditioner bar gets stuck in the tin
Conditioner bar needs a bit of work for full application
Neutral: Scent - if you like or don't mind a patchouli or amber scent, you will like it, If you are someone who hates a warm scent, you might not like it. I don't love it - I prefer green scents, but it is not a deal breaker and quite pleasant as far as warm scents go. Doesn't really last on your hair if you blow-out and use product anyway.
Unknown: How long will it last. I've used it 20 times since I got it and I see shrinkage on the shampoo bar, but I may be over using it.
Will I buy again? Yes. Definitely. Even though my .99 shampoos did work, and I had to do a Sea Breeze rinse once a week to really get clean (which fades color) this shampoo leaves my hair in much. much better condition and it looks fuller and healthier. And now I don't need a rinse.
bonus Big Hair pro-tip: Read the ingredients on your hair spray. If it includes water/aqua - stay away. Nothing flattens a curl or a tease faster than water. My best spray for iron-clad styles is Alberto VO-5 Super.