Aveda Pure Abundance Volumising Clay Conditioner New

.../>

AVEDA PURE ABUNDANCE VOLUMIZING CONDITIONER

Naturally, being Aveda, the container is kept simple and functional. It's a clay conditioner so it's thicker in consistency than standard conditioners, and with this in mind Aveda have packaged it in a pale green flip top tube which stands easily on its lid, enabling you to squeeze out every last bit. And again, being Aveda, the product smells completely earthy and natural. ...
...of the best things about Aveda products and difficult to ignore in a confined space. The scent is much like that of Clarins' Relax range, which is based on Geranium (a strong planty smell). I like it now and again, which is handy because I only use this combination about once a fortnight but I know I'd hate to use it more often than that because apart from being expensive I would easily tire of the scent.

After a few seconds of smoothing ... more

My mum was using this shampoo and conditioner combination but has short hair and complained that it made it too soft so she kindly donated it to me to try. Having long straight hair I sometimes wish that it had more volume so I was keen to see whether this would deliver.

Aveda, for those people who haven't heard of it, is an expensive plant based hair and skin care range with a serious interest in both beauty and taking care of the earth (see aveda.com for more info). They make standard shampoos and conditioners for all different hair types but also mix up personalised shampoos to request (different scents etc.)

AVEDA PURE ABUNDANCE VOLUMIZING CONDITIONER

Naturally, being Aveda, the container is kept simple and functional. It's a clay conditioner so it's thicker in consistency than standard conditioners, and with this in mind Aveda have packaged it in a pale green flip top tube which stands easily on its lid, enabling you to squeeze out every last bit. And again, being Aveda, the product smells completely earthy and natural.

I follow the Pure Abundance shampoo with this conditioner. After shampooing I gently comb my hair into a centre parting so that I am able to access all the mid lengths and ends. The conditioner is easy to squeeze because the tube is flexible, but the conditioner itself is a lot thicker than you'd expect - it's like the consistency of a thick clay face mask (which makes sense because it is a clay conditioner). I find that I don't need to use any more conditioner than normal when using this, so I spread it onto the mid lengths and ends of my hair making sure that it's evenly distributed (with a comb if necessary). The instructions do actually say to smooth it from roots to ends but I tried that and didn't find that it added extra volume so I stopped doing it as I hated the idea of having conditioner in my roots.

It smells exactly the same as the shampoo; very strong: an advantage if you like the scent because using it in the shower becomes a steamy aromatherapy session; a disadvantage if you didn't because it's one of the best things about Aveda products and difficult to ignore in a confined space. The scent is much like that of Clarins' Relax range, which is based on Geranium (a strong planty smell). I like it now and again, which is handy because I only use this combination about once a fortnight but I know I'd hate to use it more often than that because apart from being expensive I would easily tire of the scent.

After a few seconds of smoothing it through my hair I leave it for a few more seconds and then rinse it as it doesn't need to be left on for any amount of time. Rinsing it is easy as it seems to slide off and my hair is left feeling really soft.

RESULTS

Immediately after washing your hair you may be able to smell the scent on your hair but it doesn't really remain, which is an advantage for me because I don't wish to smell like a garden.

Once I have dried my hair in the normal way with my blow dryer (not using other styling products) I find that it is so much softer and shiner than usual, which I think is definitely down to the rich conditioner. However, my hair doesn't stay particularly knot-free with this shampoo/conditioner combination as I still get quite a few minor tangles.

As for the volume I am not sure how much work the conditioner does as I always use the shampoo before it. My hair looks texturised and volumised throughout the mid lengths and ends but there is no more root lift than usual (even when I tried putting it in the roots). I am impressed with the results as I didn't really expect it to do much; but on further investigation I have found out that this 200ml tube costs £17 (!!!) so you would expect it to work!

VERDICT

I know that Aveda go to great lengths to be environmentally friendly, earth conscious etc. etc. but how do you justify a £17 price tag on something that essentially goes down the drain? Should you wish to buy the shampoo with this the whole lot will cost you a whopping £28.50.

I do like the results it gives but I'm not at all convinced this is the only product that gives these results - even Tigi Bedhead seems cheap compared to this!

Upside: Beautifully shiny, soft but texturised hair (on the days that you use it)

Downside: Empty purse.

carly_pussycat - Ciao UK ©
 

...less