I've seen the future and it isn't garlic bread! (Pantene Smooth & Sleek Shampoo)

Member Name: KatiePuckrik

Product:	Pantene Smooth & Sleek Shampoo
Date:	09/11/07 (118 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Makes your hair stronger, softer and sleeker

Disadvantages: Smells too caustic and bland packaging

Katsumoto from "The Last Samurai" said (rather profoundly) "You can spend your entire life looking for a perfect blossom and it wouldn't be a wasted life....". Well, the same goes for shampoo! Every shampoo I've tried, has excelled in all categories and failed spectacularly on one aspect (see opinion on "Dove shampoo"). But I think my quest may finally be over!
Pantene was one of the pioneers of "hair nourishing" shampoos so it was good bet that they'd be the best on the market. The "Smooth & Sleek" shampoo seems to do it all and then some! At this juncture, I should point out that before I started using this product, my hair (which is very long!) was brittle, dry and very wavy. When it sat on my shoulders I looked like a Dutch milking maid!

The packaging of the product is pretty much the same as all the other brand within the Pantene range. So the product has a bit of a false start there because it is hard to distinguish from the other Pantene brands. You could be forgiven if you pick up the wrong one when you're in a rush! However, if you pick up a bottle of scourer instead of shampoo, then you're either in an almighty rush or an idiot.....!
Anyway, rubbish packaging aside, the raw product is where the fun starts! Firstly, it is quite a concentrated product. I only used enough to thinly cover the palm of my hand and it gave me more than enough lather to wash my very long hair (more than shoulder length). With a concentration this strong, a 500ml lasted me 2 months, washing every day. Immediately, the terrible packaging was quickly forgotten and points won for value for money! This "value for money" point is further enforced by the price. I spent £4 for a 500ml 2 in 1 bottle. This can vary from shop to shop and they may have 2 for 1 offers. Shop around for the best price.

When applying to my head, it was extremely cool and very refreshing. Another good point about this product is when I got some in my eyes (let's face it a shower without getting shampoo in your eye is like playing football without getting muddy! No fun at all!) it didn't burn very much, if at all! One quick rinse and the mild stinging stopped. This, to me, is a major pluspoint.
To write a fair review of this product, I used it for 2 weeks, at least. After a fortnight of use, my hair was much smoother stronger and softer. My hair was nowhere near as wavy as it used to be and was practically straight. Due to the thickness of my hair, this was some achievement! Naturally, my hair was stronger due to the "pro vitamin" technology. My hair didn't break very much. It only broke when it got caught in my hairband. The big surprise was my hair getting softer. I didn't expect this effect as the bottle made no mention of moisturising properties. If this product DOES have moisturising properties it needs to advertise this fact more as it can take custom away from Dove (famous for moisturising qualities).

If I had to give this product some negative press ( in the name of fair and balanced reviewing) My gripe would be the smell of the product (in addition, to the bland packaging). It smelt a little too caustic and medicinal; could put people off.
All in all, Pantene Smooth & Sleek shampoo (and 2 in 1) is a terrific product intrinsically and a terrific product value-wise. I have nothing but good things to say about it. It is also necessary to point out that these are my experiences with this shampoo. Every scalp has it's own dryness, chemistry and hair. I cannot guarantee it will have the same effect as it did on mine, but for approximately £4, it is worth a shot if your hair needs strengthening or smoothing.

So it would appear my quest is over. Buddhists spend their entire life looking for spiritual enlightenment, I spent mine looking for a perfect shampoo! Maybe Katsumoto was wrong.....?

Summary: Does what it says on the tin.