Aussie Mate Gets DooYooer into a Right Old Lather (Aussie ColourMate Conditioner)

Member Name: BestMum

Product:	Aussie ColourMate Conditioner
Date:	25/09/02 (315 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Wonderful aroma, Excellent results for dry hair

Disadvantages: Some would say the price, although it's not hugely expensive

Smelly nappies, baby vomit, Marlboro Lights, sweet and sour chicken and fried rice...you name it, my hair smells of it by the end of the day. So I tend to buy a shampoo and conditioner with a strong perfume in a last-ditch attempt to remain attractive to the opposite sex, as well as making me feel like a million dollars. This is where Aussie Colour Mate steps in. You see, Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo coupled with Aussie Colour Mate equals saving the hubby a packet at Christmas and birthdays in perfume. But more importantly, does it work?

The Aussie Philosophy: "There's more to life than hair, but it's a good place to start."

***The Company***

You'll be pleased to learn that Aussie do not test their products on animals. Not to be confused with Aussies though - I couldn't speak for all of them I'm afraid. Founded in 1975 by Tom Redmond, an American businessman with years of experience in the haircare industry, he developed the Three Minute Miracle Conditioner after a trip to Australia. Forty five million bottles later, of which I can account for around ten of those, Aussie now boast a vast range of haircare products to suit all, including Hair Salad, Curing Muddy and Mango Smoothy. Yum!

***The Product***

This conditioner is specifically for protecting "colour-treaters and permies". PH-balanced, with Australian Wild Peach, it claims to gently condition and protect coloured and permed hair, restoring health, vibrance and shine. As well as wild peach, it also includes in its ingredients, eucalyptus and avocado. The product itself is white, with a rich, creamy consistency.

***The Fragrance***

Well, if you've had the pleasure of using Aussie in the past understand when I say it's one of the most amazing nasal stimulators I've ever experienced, aside from the small crusty bits you find between your toes that people have told me about, but which I ha
ven't experienced myself! As soon as you open the bottle, the fragrance immediately struts confidently from its container and winds itself around my very being until I just can't stand it any more and am forced to jump in the shower to use it.

***Using It***

After using my Aussie shampoo, I squirt a little conditioner into the palm of my hand and massage into my hair. The consistency isn't at all sticky so it's really easy to distribute evenly through the hair. And I have found that a little goes a long way, even with my long hair. After letting it work its magic for 60 seconds (through choice), it rinses easily away with water, leaving a mass of glorious, shiny locks.

***The Results***

I have quite dry hair which has been subtly coloured in the past and this product always leaves it shiny and lightweight, and full of bounce. Whether it helps the colour to last longer I'm not sure, as my hair tends to revert back to its original colour within a few weeks of a treatment anyway.

I use a conditioner for protection because I have to blow-dry my hair each time I wash it makes it dry and brittle. Using this conditioner certainly rids my hair of it's brillo-pad effect and becomes a soft, strokable pleasure pad, velvety to the touch and with a shine so strong, it reflect a mass of colour.

Sometimes, shock horror, I don't get to wash my hair for two or three days but even then, it manages to keep the same qualities it had when I first washed it, including the smell. Using it each day doesn't seem to bring any adverse effects either; it's certainly mild enough for you to do so.

***Why Use Conditioner***

Some may say they're a waste of money. Some say constant use can make your hair heavy, dull and lifeless, but the fact is we damage our hair every day through routine activities such as towel drying, brushing and incorrect combing and styling, which does

nothing for the well being of our crowning glory. Using a conditioner will provide protection against damage and my hair just doesn't feel the same without it.

When using conditioner, we are advised to apply from the middle of the hair shaft to the ends, and then to comb through before rinsing away. This is partly due to the scalp being rather delicate, sensitive and easily irritated. Some say rinsing with cold water is best and will add shine to the hair. The choice is yours!

***Conclusion***

At £3.50 for 250ml it's not the cheapest conditioner on the shelves, but it's well worth spending the extra money for the results you can achieve, and the pleasure it provides. It's now widely available from the likes of Boots and Superdrug as well as superstores like ASDA and Morrisons. I also spotted it in Wilkinsons Hardware Store for £2.75, so if you have the time it's worth shopping around a little.

The only downside to this conditioner is that you'll constantly shake your head from side to side to release the fragrance on any unsuspecting passers-by. I wouldn't swap my Mate for anything, but I don't mind sharing him occasionally.

Thanks for reading :o)

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