Tell-tale sign #1 is the hairdresser suddenly saying "Your hair is feeling really soft...it's really nice". Tell-tale sign #2 is the switch from attempting to get Aveda's Shampure shampoo to do something it was not designed for to an Aveda-recommended alternative.
Scalp benefits seems to be catering for the unruly, thick, sometimes dry hair group that is mine. It lathers well in hard and soft water areas, and for me the fragrance is a winner, although I imagine that it doesn't cater to all tastes. It is slightly floral in nature, but the distinctive strain that punches through is burdock, so if you can't stand that or similar aniseed and liquorice-type fragrances, you will probably hate this stuff on your head every morning.
Aveda advertise this product as a 're-balancing' solution and I'd have to admit that it works. I was definitely going through more of a dry, straw-like phase (see Shampure review), and this shampoo quickly reversed the trend: within a week or two if I remember rightly. One caveat here is that I do use the shampoo and the conditioner, so I couldn't say whether this is as effective when combined with other conditioning products. However, I can say that as a shampoo, Scalp Benefits does lather well, does leave your hair feeling clean first time without feeling like it's disintegrating, and has a great, refreshing smell as long as you aren't anti-burdock.
I've found this particularly effective when washing my hair once a week using Aveda's detox shampoo. I use that particular shampoo because I swim, but I think any shampoo (other than shampure) is a good periodic switch just to remove any build-ups created by the shampoo you're using regularly.
Price-wise, Scalp Benefits isn't cheap as per the candidates on your supermarket shelf, although the 250 ml size did last me about 8 weeks: bear in mind I have short hair. I've switched to buying the 1l option now that I know this is an appropriate shampoo for me. The 250ml option cost me £11.50, which is more expensive than Shampure, and the colour-conserving range, so I would definitely recommend getting hold of a travel or sample size one first, before committing to a larger size. Also, you may want to just use this as a one-off recovery option if the small-size proves effective in the short-term. 1l costs £32.00, which is a saving of about 40% on the 250ml size. To avoid trekking to shops stocking Aveda and to benefit from registered member discounts, I do buy this on the web, but the prices above are the standard 'non-member' option.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
The first 'sensitive' hypoallergenic shampoo of its kind. Not medicinal or drying. With a ... more
unique blend of three extremely mild cleansing agents from coconut. Balances scalp and conditions hair with plant extracts, helping to reduce tangles and add mois...
Advantages: Cleans and conditions hair fantastically. Smells gorgeous. Made from natural ingredients. Disadvantages: Slightly more pricey than some other brands (but worth it)
Advantages: Cleans and conditions hair fantastically. Smells gorgeous. Made from natural ingredients. Disadvantages: Slightly more pricey than some other brands (but worth it)
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