I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts (in my hair!) (Toni & Guy Model.Me Jamelia Affinity Serum)

Member Name: jo1976

Product:	Toni & Guy Model.Me Jamelia Affinity Serum
Date:	01/03/09 (340 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Smoothes hair and makes it shiny and glossy

Disadvantages: RRP is expensive

I have really coarse, dry hair which is prone to split ends and frizz. (Good job I'd not trying to write a description of myself for a dating website!) The truth is I really hate my hair and I'm always looking out for miracle products that might transform my hair into the silky smooth tresses of a model. I always use a serum after washing my hair and usually add a tiny bit to dry hair too, just to smooth away any frizz that has escaped! Without serum my hair is totally unmanageable but, even with it, my hair isn't as glossy and smooth as I'd like it to be -sigh!

When I spotted the Toni & Guy Model.Me range on sale at a bargain price in Home Bargains, I went a bit mad and bought pretty much everything in the range that seemed suitable for my hair type. Amongst my stash of goodies was this Jamelia Affinity Serum for which I paid £1.59 (RRP is £6.99). All of the Model.Me products are endorsed by one of three top models - Helena Christensen, Erin O'Connor and Jamelia. This serum, obviously, is part of the Jamelia range which, although designed to appeal to women with Afro hair, should be suitable for anybody with particularly dry hair as well.

All of the items in the range come in the same style of packaging which is a square white plastic bottle encased in a card sleeve which lists the ingredients and gives a bit more information about the miracles that the stuff is supposed to work. I like the fact that the bottles all co-ordinate, particularly as it looks like an expensive range, but the square shape isn't all that practical really as you try to grip it and dispense the serum using the pump dispenser.

I tried this for the first time after using shampoo and conditioner from the Model.Me Helena range (which did already work wonders on my frizzy mop!) I added just a tiny bit of serum to my freshly washed locks and was immediately struck by the gorgeous fragrance of coconut! Lovely! It wasn't overpowering once I'd smoothed it through my hair but it was still noticeable even a few hours later so be warned if you don't like the smell of coconuts. (The smell does wear off after a while though and isn't detectable the day after washing my hair.)

The serum seemed a bit thicker than my usual brand (John Frieda Frizz Ease) and I was wary about adding too much, particularly as this serum was marketed at people with Afro hair. The small amount that I added didn't make my hair seem greasy at all and it just smoothed down my hair ready for blow-drying. After blow-drying, my hair was much softer, smoother and glossier than usual. The claim on the box is that it '..is specially formulated to calm your hair, leaving it smooth and glossy. A blend of silicones control and add shine, whilst smoothing your hair, minimising the appearance of split ends and making blow drying easier.' I have to admit that the stuff seemed to do everything that it promised! It certainly left my hair smooth and glossy and added much-needed shine. Since the first use, I've tried this in conjunction with other shampoos and conditioners and the serum really does seem to make a genuine difference to the visible condition of my hair.
I've also used a tiny bit of this serum on my dry hair in the mornings with successful results. I just smooth a bit through before tying my hair up for work and it calms the odd bit of frizz that has risen its head. Just be careful because this really is a thick serum and it is easy to add just that bit too much. Take it from somebody who knows! Oops!

The only drawback to this serum is the price. Although I only paid £1.59 for a 150ml bottle at Home Bargains, it is currently on sale in Boots.com at £6.84. Yes, this is a really effective serum but I would still think twice about paying that much for it. Luckily I've stocked up on a few bottles of the stuff while I've got a cheap supply and that should last me for a long time as you only need a tiny amount per application. If you spot this stuff going cheap, stock up and buy the rest of the range too- I did!

Summary: I'm a Model.Me fanatic!