Aveda Hang Straight > Reviews > HANG ON A MINUTE

Author's product rating:   

Value for Money
Long Lasting?
Smoothing?
Conditioning?

Advantages:	shine - enhancing, smoothes flyaways, anti - humectant
Disadvantages:	sticky, creates puffiness, smelly, expensive, no trial size available

Recommend to potential buyers:

no

Full review

In my opinion, Hang Straight lives up to its title in that it helps to keep your hair straight. Unfortunately, it does not makes the process of straightening your hair any easier.

Aveda claims that this lotion 'coaxes hair vertical'. I would disagree. In fact, it made my hair quite puffy. However, it did live up to its other claims as it smoothed my flyaways, resisted humidity and gave me a shiny barnet.

It is the silica (derived from sand) that lends this product shine. Other main ingredients include certified organic flax seed, organic marshmallow root and aloe barbadensis leaf extract. Not only does the marshmallow root content create hold, it also creates this extremely strong, sickly and sweet odour which quite literally knocks you off your feet! However, the smell does evaporate once applied.

Aveda's products often have a very distinctive and almost pungent smell as they use naturally-derived, environmentally-friendly and organic ingredients. I am impressed by Aveda's ethics (they are against animal testing) and recommend many of their products. Nevertheless, Hang Straight falls short of their usual high standards.

Hence, I do not advise you to part with £14 for this smart green and cream 200ml bottle without having sampled it first. Many of Aveda's products come in handy 50ml trial sizes but unfortunately Hang Straight doesn't. But don't panic! In-store Aveda Consultants stock tiny clear sample tubes which they could fill with the product for you (if you ask nicely).

When applying the lotion, Aveda advises concentration of the product on the ends rather than the roots of your hair. However, if you suffer from flyaway ends on your crown, I would use an even amount all over. Dry your hair in small sections. I use straightening irons after blow-drying (ceramic ones are the least damaging), this eliminates the puffiness and seals in the shine from the lotion. Yes, I am still using it. Wouldn't you if you had shelled out £14?! I would probably not purchase another Hang Straight but prefer to revert to my old time favourite, Aveda Brilliant Range Universal Styling Creme.

Remember, every person's hair is unique and so will suit different products. I have friends who swear by Aveda Hang Straight and won't use anything else to straighten their barnets. The product is suited to curly or rebellious hair. My crowning glory is perhaps just too unruly for this product. 'Hang Straight'? I need 'Plaster Straight'!

For more information on Aveda and its ranges, go to www.aveda.com

Thanks for reading.