Concoction

How often do try a new shampoo and think “If only it could smell a bit more like my favourite scent," or “Why can’t it also enhance my hair colour too…”  Well, you don't have to dream anymore – enter  Concoction whose ‘Science meets Glamour Mixology’ mixes your hair preferences to create your own personal hair product.  This is the latest brainwave created by Alex Epstein (a courageous ex-Apprentice) who has cleverly seen a niche in the haircare marketplace. I briefly caught up with Alex at a recent iFabbo Conference, which he also attended.  Alex kindly asked me what I wanted from a shampoo and promised to ‘Concoct’  me a very special formula to meet my needs… I could hardly wait! My Concoction had to meet several criteria: to be able to enrich my brunette hair type, offer nourishment as well as good protection from the dreaded hair straightener, and not to mention I can't stand that artificial floral smell that is used to fragrance many of the high street brands.  A tall order?  Perhaps, but if you don’t ask you don’t get! A few days later my order arrived in Bakhour Fragrance (hint of sandalwood, ambergris and musk), with Beautiful Brunette Serum (with natural walnut extract as colour enhancer), and Thermo Straight Super Serum (heat activated thermo-polimers which protect heat damage as well as aloe and cucumber giving extra hydration). I've been using this Concoction shampoo for nearly two weeks and I notice two things in particular, one  that my hair is smoother (hardly need my Tangle Teezer) and two that it’s glossier. On a more practical level it works really well with my existing conditioner (Ojon).

Concoction is available from £12.50 (free UK P&P) for 250ml which includes two shots and fragrance, it is also paraben & silicone free.  I will definitely reorder and I certainly can’t wait for the launch of their conditioner - the combination of the two products will be sure to go above and beyond my expectations as well!

Ogario

I first met Norris and Rachel Ogario in 2010 when they had just launched their very new natural hair care brand. Then they were still deliberating over the packaging and design and very kindly gave me some samples to try. They smelt so uplifting, fresh and aromatic and not like any other shampoo and conditioner that I’d ever tried. Here they are two years on having honed and perfected their products, and The Amazing Blog has all the details on the new range. Each product in the range contains unique ‘hero’ ingredients; these include the more unusual Moringa Seed, Tamarind, Nettle and Marshmallow extract. The Ogario London range has been developed using only natural and plant derived materials, preferably from within the UK. Ogario have used their years of experience to create the best products for your locks. They have had to source ingredients from further afield to ensure that they are Fairtrade and if possible come from women’s co-ops. So you can rest assured that what you’re putting in your hair are the best possible products for you and the environment.

With all the straightening, curling, dyeing and blow drying we put our hair through, these luscious products will restore the natural shine and bounce of your hair. Whether you take great care of your tresses or they need a bit more looking after, your hair will love these products packed with plant extracts and essential oils.

So next time you’re tempted to grab the cheapest shampoo and conditioner you can find at the supermarkets, treat your hair to one of the divine products from Ogario.

All in one

I’m constantly on the look-out for yummy smelling body washes that don’t irritate my skin and keep me feeling clean and fresh throughout the day. OP Therapy’s Sea Mineral Wash all-over cleanser not only smells great and wakes me up in the morning with its lemongrass and mint fragrance, it leaves my skin feeling clean, fresh and hydrated. This multi-purpose cleanser can be used as a hand wash, shampoo and shower gel and contains mineral-rich sea water known to heal and improve skin quality. The 75ml tubes also make them perfect for travelling.