Review: Salon Quality Haircare at Home with eSalon

eSalon is an award-winning haircare brand famous for formulating custom at-home hair colours based on an individual's specific needs, but you may not know that eSalon also offers a huge range of haircare and styling products specifically designed for colour-treated locks. From shampoos and conditioners to volumising sprays and shine serums, their range of own-brand products is vast and has got you covered for all eventualities. Having never come across eSalon before, I was excited to test a selection of their haircare heroes before sharing my thoughts with you, so here's my breakdown of the range...

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First up, shampoo and conditioner. I don't know about you, but I like to mix up the formulas I use during each hair wash based on my immediate hair concerns. I always have a clarifying set on hand whenever my scalp requires a deeper clean, but I also regularly reach for a more nourishing pair to ensure my long locks are adequately hydrated at all times. Due to my differing needs, I decided to try both the eSalon Volume Colour Care and Moisture Colour Care duos to see how they both fared. The eSalon Volume Colour Care Shampoo (£15) really impresses me with how gently yet effectively it cleanses the hair. Fortified with rice seed extract and quinoa, grease and styling product buildup are effortlessly washed out to leave the scalp feeling squeaky clean without hair being stripped of all goodness. The Volume Colour Care Conditioner (£17.50) imparts the ideal level of moisture without weighing the hair down to leave your locks with that fresh, bouncy feel. Honestly, I don't notice a huge difference in how much lift my roots have after using the Volume set, but it certainly provides the reset that my hair needs every few washes and leaves it feeling lighter and more swishy. I tend to rely on mousse and styling sprays to give me extra volume and body when needed, anyway, so that's not a big deal for me.

On the other hand, the eSalon Moisture Colour Care Shampoo (£15) is much richer thanks to ingredients such as avocado oil and quinoa. Being SLS-free, it gently cleanses the hair and leaves the scalp comforted whilst adding an immediate dose of hydration to parched strands. I have used it when my hair has been on the greasier side and it did get rid of it all with a double cleanse, so it certainly isn't one to shy away from if your hair is dehydrated but gets quite oily. Despite being thick and luxurious, the eSalon Moisture Colour Care Conditioner (£17.50) doesn't overload the hair to leave it lank and lacklustre but instead detangles and reduces frizz to make hair more manageable. I'm particularly impressed by how it delivers the most gorgeous glossy shine and super soft feel. Both the Volume and Moisture sets have a pleasant, delicate fragrance and should also prevent colour-treated hair from fading to keep it looking vibrant for longer. eSalon's shampoo and conditioner sets do cost more than the average high-street haircare duo at £30 when bought in conjunction, but the products feel more luxurious. Are the formulas as advanced as those from the likes of Redken and Kerastase? No, but they are cheaper, so they make a good middle ground for anyone wanting to up their haircare game without going all out price wise.

eSalon's Weekly Retreat Moisturising Mask (£15) is nice but nothing to particularly write home about, to be honest. Hair treatments should really deliver something special both immediately and with continued use, but this mask unfortunately doesn't cut the mustard for me despite being packed full of avocado, argan, and jojoba oils. Yes, it leaves hair feeling soft and sleek, but the result is very similar when using eSalon's regular conditioners. My hair is especially dry and long, though, so the Weekly Retreat Mask may offer the perfect level of nourishment if you have much finer, thinner hair that is easily overloaded.

My favourite product from the brand's styling lineup has to be the eSalon Velvet Primer (£15). This hydrating yet lightweight cream not only nourishes the hair, but I've found it helps to keep your chosen style in place for longer. Curling your hair or opting for textured waves? They last an extra day with no additional touchups needed. Adding volume and body with a blowout? Roots continue to hold extra height and hair feels extra plumped for longer. Straightening your hair for a sleek finish? Frizz and kinks are minimised, and the super soft feel that the primer helps to create remains for days. Another added benefit of the Velvet Primer is that it protects from UV rays, making it the perfect product to take on holiday with you. Basically, it's a great all-round multitasker to add into your routine!

eSalon's Shine Silk (£17) is an argan oil treatment serum which can be used on both wet and dry hair to tame frizz, add shine and hydrate dry ends. When used on damp hair before styling, it really does help to create a mirror-like shine. Once you've finished styling, using a drop to tone down the fluffiness of freshly-washed hair and tame flyaways works wonders. Although it's an oil, the serum is so lightweight and is easily absorbed without feeling heavy or looking greasy. A little really goes a long way with this product, though, so I'd advise applying a small pump at a time until you reach your desired effect.

If you're interested in stocking up on any of eSalon's products, you can order them either individually or alongside one of the brand's customised colour plans (which can be can be changed, skipped or cancelled at any time) for 20% off.

Have you tried any products from eSalon before?

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