Is this the NEW way to achieve perfect hair? One woman puts 'Low Shampooing' to the test

By Andrea Robertson For Mail Online

Published: 08:59 EDT, 3 May 2017 | Updated: 06:53 EDT, 7 May 2017

When it comes to mane maintenance, the women I know tend to fall into two camps: there are those who wash their hair everyday without fail, wrinkling their noses in disgust at the thought of even the slightest hint of a greasy scalp.

Then, there are those who stretch it out for days on end, relying on dry shampoo and creative styling to eke out an extra day... slicked top knot anyone? Guilty. 

But now, there is a new trend taking up the middle ground. Low Shampoo is a quick and convenient product that gently cleanses AND conditions your hair in one step. Sound too good to be true? I thought so to, until I tried it.   

Smooth: Leaving her hair to dry naturally after showering, Andrea was impressed with the condition of her hair, which typically is frizzy and fluffy without styling it with products

Smooth: Leaving her hair to dry naturally after showering, Andrea was impressed with the condition of her hair, which typically is frizzy and fluffy without styling it with products

I typically wash my hair every second day, shampooing twice to get rid of grime and pollution, lathering it up for a couple of minutes.

I like my hair to feel squeaky clean before wringing it out and applying conditioner from mid-lengths to ends.

But all this takes time, and sometimes I think I’m over-washing it and I don’t want it to lose its lustre.

No need for conditioner: The Low Shampoo was an effective detangler, making it easy to comb fingers through locks, and felt just like it had a leave-in treatment in

No need for conditioner: The Low Shampoo was an effective detangler, making it easy to comb fingers through locks, and felt just like it had a leave-in treatment in

To tackle this problem, L'Oreal have formulated Colour Protect Low Shampoo.

The sulfate-free cleansing creams promise to wash, nourish and detangle in just one step. It’s gentle and leaves hair feeling soft and refreshed. For me it feels not unlike the way you lovingly hand-wash that delicate cashmere jumper, instead of just throwing it in the washing machine. 

Celebrity hairdresser and L’Oreal Paris ambassador Syd Hayes, who takes care of Lara Stone and Helen Mirren's hair, says: 'My clients with oily hair are concerned about washing their hair too much - and most definitely my clients with coloured toners - as they don’t want it to lose its lustre. 

Celebrity hairdresser Syd Hayes, who takes care of Lara Stone (pictured),  says: 'My clients with oily hair are concerned about washing their hair too much as they as they don’t want it to lose its lustre'

Celebrity hairdresser Syd Hayes, who takes care of Lara Stone (pictured),  says: 'My clients with oily hair are concerned about washing their hair too much as they as they don’t want it to lose its lustre'

Fresh and clean: Andrea's hair was just as fresh and clean as after using a traditional shampoo and conditioner, and felt super soft and shiny

Fresh and clean: Andrea’s hair felt fresh and looked soft and shiny 

'Low Shampoo allows my clients, who wash their hair all the time, another option.'

I tried out L'Oreal Elvive Colour Protect Low Shampoo two days after my usual shampoo and conditioner.

The instructions advised using 10 to 15 pumps from roots to ends, which seemed excessive, but I slathered it on and worked it into my scalp and through the lengths.

With a creamy consistency and no lather or foaming, it felt just like conditioner. I worried it would make my roots greasy as I usually avoid conditioning my scalp, and the lack of lathering felt really strange, as though I'd missed a step in the process. I left it in for three minutes while I finished showering. 

Go low: If you are an everyday washer, why not try replacing your usual shampoo and conditioner with Low Shampoo twice a week?’
Go low: If you are an everyday washer, why not try replacing your usual shampoo and conditioner with Low Shampoo twice a week?’

Go low: If you are an everyday washer, why not try replacing your usual shampoo and conditioner with Low Shampoo twice a week? 

Syd's tip? 'Try not to treat Low Shampoo like a regular shampoo and gently massage, rather than scrub,' he says.

I noticed as I rinsed the Low Shampoo out that it does a great job of detangling, as it was much easier to comb my fingers through my hair. The caring formula left my hair feeling extra conditioned, and it felt a bit like I'd left a conditioning masque in.

Any concerns about my hair not actually feeling washed after using the product were banished as it dried, looking and feeling fresh and clean. 

Firstly I let my hair air dry without styling or using any products directly afterwards to see it in its natural state, and was impressed my hair was smooth and soft which doesn’t always happen if I leave it alone after my usual shampoo and conditioner routine. My hair felt almost perfect.

When I styled it, my hair looked sleek, vibrant and shiny, and didn't feel at all weighed down as it can sometimes after using heavier formulas.

If you are an everyday washer, try Low Shampooing twice a week to give your locks a break from having to use both shampoo and conditioner 

For those with very dry hair, the Extraordinary Oil Low Shampoo, enriched with six luxurious flower extracts, leaves hair feeling beautifully nourished. 

 

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