Garnier's experts offer the latest in hair care technology Garnier's Fructis Fortifying Shampoo Frequent Use - Coloured or Permed Hair. Like many women I like to colour my hair not only to change my style and look but also to cover those little signs of getting another year older. I also have extremely naturally curling and wavy hair. What more do I need but a product both for colour and curl?

First The Science

The facts behind Fructis reveal a wide range of shampoos and conditioners containing a complex new formula that locks in colour with its anti-fading agent and is enhanced with natural ingredients for healthy hair. Using their scientific expertise and extensive knowledge of nature, Garnier declare they create products containing natural ingredients, which are both effective and a delight to use. Garnier say, "We harness the power of nature, which is a source of creativity, efficacy, gentleness and pleasure. Wherever possible, given equal levels of performance, we choose natural ingredients first."

These natural ingredients appear in the form of their Active Fruit Concentrate formula, which nourishes the hair from root to end and works within the hair strand to strengthen it and their shine enhancing properties are designed to leave the hair with a brilliant shine and silky, soft feeling whilst protecting the hair strand. In the course of a series of washes the hair should develop more resistance to washing and everyday wear and tear consequently this should yield a colour vibrancy that lasts longer and is resistant to fading.

The Active Fruit Concentrate is a cocktail of micro-oils, fruit acids, vitamins and enriched nutrients. Fruit acids are naturally found in fruit like apples, which contain malic acid, and citrus fruits, that contain citric acid. Vitamins: such as B3 and B6, found in fruits such as lemons, limes, grapes, pineapple and banana are vital in the production of Keratin more commonly known as hair fibre that helps make it more resilient and sustain strength. Fructose, and glucose are also important for strengthening so after five washes your hair should feel three times smoother and shinier and after ten washes a result in hair twice as strong. Will this mean no more breakage in hair and fewer split ends? Garnier declare Fructis is a vitality boost for hair.

Now the Product

The seven inch high bottle is bright, green apple (RGB green) coloured with the leaf green flip top cap. The shade is bright and cheery is unmissable on a shelf as it stands out amongst the other more muted coloured bottles. But does the bright professional packaging reflect the product inside?

Getting down to the nitty gritty of using this product there are many positive aspects that I like about it. When you massage the silky, rich, double cream thick fusion into wet hair, the citrus fragrance of melon and grapefruit is released as a rich lather forms. This fragrance lingers in the warm air of the bathroom long after you leave as well as remaining in your hair. The lingering fragrance is one of the more encouraging aspects I believe of washing hair. I love great smelling hair. The lather is not a heavy one like associated with some shampoos but feels light and smoothing as you massage through the hair. As with all shampoo you must rinse away thoroughly as residual shampoo can make your scalp itch and flake. Follow the washing with Garnier Fructis Color Last Fortifying Cream Conditioner; this too is rich, double cream thick and isn't heavy. Your hair almost feels like you do not have conditioner in it at all and detangles well. I noticed while rinsing I could comb my fingers through the strands easily it is definitely a delight to use. Beware of contact with your eyes, shampoo and soap will sting profusely and should be rinsed immediately. If irritation continues you must seek medical advice.

Drying my hair is a ritual for me. I do not use a hair dryer as it causes my hair to frizz and feel brittle I much prefer to naturally dry my hair. Having almost waist length extremely naturally wavy hair, I have to take care not to let it tangle and usually I add a hair moisturiser to the ends. This time I noticed a difference when combing and drying my hair. The comb flowed through the strands effortlessly, easily form into ringlets and curls rather than a frizz. The hair felt lighter not heavy or weighed down and easily broken as it can occasionally will with certain shampoo brands but rather smoother and softer. The fragrance still lingered as I combed and when the volume of my hair was more pronounced, the waves softer and exceedingly more manageable than with my last shampoo. I still have another 5 washes to go before I reach the 10 wash stage where I should be able to see the noticable changes as promised by Garnier. I will keep you informed.

I would use it again however not only was it value for money but I received positive results. I was advised many years ago by an excellent hairdresser to change my shampoo every few months. That sound advice has aided me in maintaining healthy hair. This is one product to add to my shampoo rotation.

LATEST
I have reached the ten wash stage and upon paying a visit to my hairdresser today where I had a drastic 8 inches of hair cut away including the luscious curls I have for a smoother sleeker style, I was complimented on healthy and shiny hair he also approved of my choice in shampoo although he uses L'Oriel in his shop. He did however offer further advice which was to wash your hair once a month in a medicated shampoo like Vosene to remove the films and residue that all shampoos leaves on your hair and to massage a moisturising hair serum into the ends after each wash. I think I may try that.

Thank you for listening

Happy Washing