I have tried many products from the Simple skincare ranges, but it is only recently that I became aware that they also make hair care products. I bought their Gentle Care Conditioner in the 99p store, with my vegan sister in mind initially, as it is an animal free product. She liked it so I bought some for myself..


WHAT IT CLAIMS TO DO

Simple say that their conditioner will produce" knot free, soft and healthy hair". It is said to be suitable for all hair types, and for those with sensitive scalps also. It is free of perfume and colour, and what Simple describe as "unnecesary" or "harsh" chemicals. This may lead you to believe that it is also free of parabens, but it does contain one - Methylparaben, so it obviously isn't suitable for those who wish to avoid these. On the nicer side, it contains pro-vitamin B-5, as well as geranium, calendula and chamomile.


FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Like most Simple products, the packaging is quite basic on this. The bottle is mostly white with a slash of green, and minimal artwork. It doesn't look luxurious but I think the bottle design fits with the company name and ethos. I don't mind a basic looking product providing the bottle is actually functional and the lid fits snugly, which it does.

Although no perfume as been added, the conditioner itself does have a mild scent. I didn't notice it when I first opened the bottle, I had to take a close up sniff. I can't say I especially like the smell, because it reminds me of the a vaguely musty gone off flower scent! However, as it is only noticeable when you tip the conditioner into your hand, and isn't apparent on my hair afterwards, I can live with it.

It doesn't feel especially creamy in the hand, but it is reasonably thick. I like products that aren't too runny as I find them wasteful but at the same time thick ones are harder to spread evenly throughout the hair. This one is the perfect texture for me.


APPLICATION AND RESULTS

I found the conditioner easy and pleasant to apply despite the scent. I felt that I didn't have to use too much on my long hair. It also rinsed out easily, which means it is nice and quick to use. At first I used it in combination with the Simple Gentle Shampoo, as recommended, but I have also used it with another shampoo. I ran out of the Simple one when I still had plenty of the conditioner to go. I didn't notice any difference between the results of the two coombinations to be honest. In both cases, I felt that my hair was indeed easier to brush, and had less tangles in than usual. Although my hair felt soft and looked clean, I did not think at first that it looked very conditioned. It lacked that extra healthy look that good conditioner can give. However, after about 7 days of daily use, I did think my hair looked better. It had more bounce, and the softness was more pronounced. So I think this is a conditioner that perhaps needs time to have an effect. This improvement lasted for the 3 weeks it took me to finish the bottle. I won't say the resultss are dramatic, but it does work for me. I have greasy roots and drier ends. I am not sure how well this would work if you were looking for an intensive treatment, or really dry hair as I do not think it is likely to be rich enough.

I have not suffered any irritation as a result of using this, but as I rarely do, I can't put the claim about this being suitable for sensitive scalps to the test.


WOULD I RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT?

This product is only available in a 200ml bottle, so it is a smaller sized conditioner than many but I still think it represents good value, especially if you can get it for around a pound as I did. I like to use animal free products as well as those not tested on animals, so I will buy this again. However, I think that it isn't the most instantly impressive conditioner I have used. I am happy with the softness of my hair but not overwhelmed by how wonderful it looks! I would recommend it as a good choice for those looking for a basic everyday conditioner, but if you want something that adds a lot of shine for example, I think there are better products available. It obviously isn't for those who like prettily scented hair care products either.

Outside of the poundshops, I have seen it for sale in Sainsburys for £2.50, as well as in pharmacies. Look in Poundworld/Poundland first though!

[NOTE FOR VEGANS - not all Simple hair products are animal free -there are a couple of exceptions which are listed on their website.]

This review also appears on Ciao.]