SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER DUO - CURLS & COILS

This was a new category for the 2023 Beauty Bible Awards – and very popular with testers who all had different variations of curls, coils and waves. We’re delighted to see brands now addressing the specific challenges of these hair types, which had been long ignored by the beauty mainstream. Four very worthy winners here with some rave Comments but please note that, as with the matching Styling products here, the results do vary with individual hair types and benefits may vary somewhat.

GOLD AWARD  EveryGreen Curly Shampoo and Conditioner

This Italian hair care brand was created by professional hairdressers and is big on botanicals and sustainability, although not totally natural. The ‘trichology-focused’ formulas for this duo will, the brand promises, deliver soft, elastic, tamed and shiny curls. Ingredients include botanical actives such as seaweed extract to define and tame your mane plus camellia oil for moisture and shine with a guaranteed anti-frizz effect, they promise. The products are free of SLS/SLeS or mineral oils, silicones or colorants and other synthetic chemicals. EveryGreen has won several Beauty Bible Awards in the past and in this category, an impressive five out of ten curly wavy-haired testers gave this full marks. (One other, however, found it apparently caused scalp itching and flaking.)

Shampoo/£15.95 for 500ml – click to buy

Conditioner/£15.95 for 500ml – click to buy

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘10/10 for the results on my thick, very long, wavy hair. It’s a big drink for curly hair. This is great to use –both shampoo and conditioner are very easy to work through hair, rinsed out easily and didn't leave any build-up or a dry scalp. They helped maintain my curls and left hair smoother and less frizzy, although almost too soft the first two days – but my hair didn't need washing again for ten days. My husband liked the smell. Yes, I would buy’ • ‘A great duo for the hair. Helps the hair to look shiny, definite and so soft. The texture is really good and the perfume is refreshing. My friend asked what I was using because my hair looked shiny and better’ • ‘My hair is curly and thick (type 2).  I colour it around 2-3 times a year in a salon, and I put highlights in it. The only effect I can tell is the good feeling you get after you just left the hair salon. After using these two products my hair felt softer, shinier, elastic and less frizzy. The curls looked better, more defined and shiny. I enjoyed using this duo. I have found something to stick with so thank you for the chance to try something so good’ • ‘OMG it was something out of this world! I could have been in a shampoo advert for the effects on my wavy shoulder length hair, which is frizzy with oily roots and dry ends, thick and salon coloured. It is phenomenal, a true treat. Wow, wow and wow. I had one of those Beauty Bible moments with this shampoo and conditioner duo when I just fell in love with the product from the scent to the end results. They both will be a permanent addition to my hair care routine. I could not stop touching and smelling my hair after. My soft waves were easy to style; they felt bouncy, soft, shiny, nourished like a dream. Most importantly I did not have to use hair oil to get rid of any frizz. I have oily roots and my hair wasn't heavy or weighed down. I also didn't need to wash it any sooner compared to my usual products. I would highly recommend these products for anyone, not just for curly hair. I will be trying more products from this brand, as I loved these so much’ • ‘Such an awesome Duo! I am so happy I had chance to try these beauties. They are my new favourites. My wavy hair feels so lovely, pampered, clean, non-frizzy and much better manageable, Need very little amount of shampoo and conditioner per one time, So these bottles will last a great time. And they got to be my number one!’

Shampoo/£15.95 for 500ml – click to buy

Conditioner/£15.95 for 500ml – click to buy

SILVER AWARD and BEST NATURAL  Innersense Hydrating Cream Hairbath & Conditioner

The full name of this brand is Innersense Organic Beauty, which gives you a clue about the nature (oops!) of the formulas. A previous multiple Beauty Bible Award winner (together with many others), the average score was just a natch below the Gold Award winner. This deeply hydrating duo was created for ‘thick, coarse and thirsty hair’, with fragrant essential oils of sage and tamanu to help balance oil for a healthy scalp, while nourishing emollients – shea butter and coconut oil fatty acids - soften and smooth the cuticle. The conditioner contains certified organic monoi oil and aloe vera to strengthen the hair follicle, smooth cuticles and control frizz with orange flower oil for shine. The duo is recommended by hairdressers for curly and super curly hair.

Shampoo/£26 for 295ml – click to buy

Conditioner/£28 for 295ml – click to buy

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘10/10. Oh my word! The results are amazing for my curly, dark blond, quite long hair – smoother and much less frizzy and curls kept in place. Would I buy? Yes!!!!!!’ • ‘Magic in a bottle - fantastic hair range for curly, coloured hair. Shampoo definitely made my hair feel really clean; great lather - just right. Very easy to rinse out, and no stinging. Conditioner was very easy to work through hair. I leave for five minutes for best results. Again easy to rinse out and no stinging. The duo definitely helped maintain my curls; hair is 100% definitely smoother and no frizz. My hair feels so soft and smooth really nice. The manageability is so much better. I can definitely see and feel a difference. It feels so much better now when brushing and curling. Not as much hair loss. Absolutely love my curls again my hair looks great and feels fantastic. I usually wash my hair every other day but I noticed it didn't seem as oily and only washed every 3 days, which is great for me and the curls stayed put. The products didn't weigh my hair down; it feels so good. My sister and a friend noticed straight away and said it looks amazing; they could definitely see the results’ • ‘I have long wavy to loose curls that tends to look messy and frizzy. The shampoo lathered up very nicely - not a crazy foam though. My hair felt soft and nourished and clean. The conditioner is very creamy; I smooth it in and leave for about ten minutes. This really helped with the frizz. I’ve always had issues with tats at the ends but that has now gone. My hairstyle lasted longer and didn’t look greasy. My husband again thought I’d been to the hairdresser. This is a treat your hair needs and deserves’ • ‘I would describe this as perfect for my thin, wavy going to curly hair’ • ‘I was very pleased with this duo of products. My hair was thoroughly cleansed without the feeling of any harsh products and left soft and smooth. The conditioner complemented this and my hair was left in very good condition with bounce and softness. Both products encouraged a calm and more mindful way of cleaning and conditioning, suggesting a deep breathe is taken before use and a careful application of the products gently through the hair. I found this to be quite therapeutic and took washing my hair to more of a pleasant experience. You need to allow a bit of extra time but it was very calming. My hair has been clean and in good condition since the trial and I will continue to use. Possibly the whole slightly more holistic approach enabled a better result than my other products. Both suited my thick and slightly coarse hair very well.’

Shampoo/£26 for 295ml – click to buy

Conditioner/£28 for 295ml – click to buy

BRONZE (JOINT) AWARD and BEAUTY STEAL  Imbue Curl Liberating Shampoo & Curl Respecting Conditioner

This British haircare range was designed especially for all types of kinks, curls and coils and is, they say, 100% Curly Girl compliant. They also share advice and tips for how to achieve 'curls and coils confidence'. Formulas are created with sustainably sourced ingredients like natural oils and butters, and ‘never contain oil based silicones, parabens, sulphates, drying alcohols, mineral oils or waxes – because it’s not about controlling kinks, curls and coils it’s about liberating them’. Creative Director and Brand Ambassador Michelle Sultan has tended the tresses of a galaxy of A-listers including the Mabuse sisters. Imbue is on a mission to promote curl worshipping, they say, and this fantastic value range now has a new bunch of converts.

Shampoo/£8.99 for 400ml – click to buy

Conditioner/£8.99 for 400ml – click to buy

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘10/10. I would describe this duo as a saviour for my hair, my curls, and my sensitive scalp and with the vegan formula I feel protected. My hair type is quite frizzy, with moderate curls, quite thick and long; I do use colour. Now my hair looks shiny, smooth and nourished from the scalp to the ends. It’s very easy to dispense the right amount of product. The fragrance is light and nice, noticeably coconut and olive. The shampoo worked great to get my hair properly clean, even with one wash. Easy to rinse out and no stinging. It was amazingly easy to work the condition through my hair; I left it for about five minutes. When I rinsed, it felt soft, nourished and detangled. My curls looked perfect even the second day, less frizzy and smoother. My hair is so manageable with these products that I am considering never changing from now on’ • ‘Effective for curly hair - I really liked the conditioner: the texture and consistency was perfect for curly hair – lovely, rich and felt very moisturising! The shampoo didn't foam very much during the first wash but did foam quickly for the second. It did make my scalp feel clean’ • ‘Curls looked well defined with the minimum of effort, nice and soft as well. It did appear to calm the frizz somewhat too. I needed to wash my hair after three days to get the soft defined look or it looked wild again. Lots of people noticed and said my hair looked great in its natural state. An easy to use product that resulted in soft, well defined curls, which looked super sexy according to my husband. A great combo for all the curly bonces out there’ • ‘As my hair felt lighter, the curls held, so it made my hair more manageable, I could wear my curls with confidence. Many brands have quickly irritated my sensitive scalp, which can become very itchy, but this hasn't caused any irritation at all which is a big bonus’ • ‘my hair actually felt really light after using the duo, almost as if all previous product build up was stripped and my hair was back to how it was naturally. The duo that is going to become your new best friend, it will make your hair feel so soft and bring your curls back to the gorgeous bouncy curls you love’ • ‘I struggle with flaky skin on my scalp but I avoid anti dandruff products as they dry my hair out, this shampoo actually cleared a lot of the flakes up itself and I think if I scrubbed myself when lathering the shampoo in it would help the patches on my scalp too. The conditioner didn’t feel as soft and smooth going on my hair compared to what I usually use however after leaving it to sit then rinsing it found its feet and my hair did feel amazing.’

Shampoo/£8.99 for 400ml – click to buy

Conditioner/£8.99 for 400ml – click to buy

BRONZE (JOINT) AWARD  Champo Kapha Balancing Shampoo & Conditioner

Based on Ayurveda (the traditional medicine of India), the Champo ranges are based on the three doshas of the Ayurvedic diagnostic system: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. While Vata products are hydrating and Pitta volumising, this Kapha shampoo and conditioner duo is balancing, formulated for oily or thick hair to give it ‘harmony’ and shine. It’s full of naturally derived ingredients, excludes many synthetic chemicals, vegan and cruelty free. The gentle shampoo contains turmeric root extract to help tone the scalp, coconut oil to cleanse and purify without stripping and sugar beet extract to help protect against UV damage. The conditioner can be combed through then rinsed out. Or smoothed over damp mid lengths and ends before blow-drying, and applied to dry hair to smooth frizz and conceal split ends.

Shampoo/£18.50 for 260ml – click to buy

Conditioner/£20.50 for 260ml – click to buy

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘10/10. These are must have products. I have coily (Type 3B) Afro hair, medium thick and neck length. I loved the ginger and turmeric scent. These products surely live up to the manufacturers claims: I have shinier, glossier curls that last through the day and they have made my hair experience more pleasant and appealing. I’m really happy to have been part of this trial where I’ve discovered a treasure trove. I liked that it only takes a small amount of shampoo to lather my whole hair. I use the shampoo twice, as recommended to deliver the benefits. The conditioner is very easy to work through hair, and it was very easy to get out and didn't sting my eyes (like the shampoo). My hair is smoother and curls more defined with less frizz and lasting improvements to manageability. My husband noticed and complimented me’ • ‘Loved, loved, loved this duo. They smell and feel amazing to use. The shampoo cleans really easily and foams so well with just a tiny amount. The conditioner is just fantastic. With curly hair, I often find I need to use loads of conditioner to be able to work through properly. But this one - wow! A tiny amount works through easily and softens my hair perfectly. I'm definitely buying this duo’ • ‘Short hair, coarse and thick/brittle, tight curls (as tight as Caucasian hair gets), prone to a lot of frizz without product. These are genuinely enjoyable to use and the packaging is attractive. Left my hair feeling both clean, super soft and more manageable. Smells good too, very pleasant’ • ‘My hair is very thick and a frustrating mixture of coily and wavy in different places; it's a bit longer than shoulder length. The shampoo lathers up incredibly easily.  I live in a hard water area and generally need a good amount of any shampoo to get a decent lather.  This lathers very well and even after two weeks of testing I keep reducing the amount of shampoo I need.  It makes my hair feel very clean and I haven't had to do a second shampoo even after leaving my hair for 3 days. It rinses out very easily leaving your hair feel squeaky clean.  It certainly didn't cause any stinging. When I blow-dried my hair my curls lasted longer and looked far better on day 2 than usual. Luxurious to use, although I found the scent odd’ • ‘The shampoo and conditioner are really good products and I would recommend them to anyone who suffer with frizziness and unmanageable hair. These products really did work wonders on my frizzy curly hair. My hair was a lot more manageable and less frizzy and so much easier to style’ • ‘The shampoo is as described by the manufacturer - it cleanses and purifies without stripping and hair is left glossy. I felt that it cleansed better than my usual products. Similarly, the conditioner is as described by the manufacturer - it nourishes, conditions and adds lustre. The conditioner was creamy and luxurious in texture. It wasn't necessary to use large quantities of the product to achieve fabulous results. The duo always felt like a treat to use, despite my initial aversion to the fragrance.’

Shampoo/£18.50 for 260ml – click to buy

Conditioner/£20.50 for 260ml – click to buy