Follicle Follies: Nature’s Gate Awapuhi Volumizing Conditioner
Written By: Kat
Since I spent my whole last column lamenting the dubious functionality of most hair care products, I would like to discuss a product I love. Natures Gate Awapuhi Volumizing Conditioner.
About two years ago, Herbal Essences decided to randomly revamp their formulas, including their “Totally Twisted” lavender vanilla scented conditioner. They kept the packaging, but completely changed the formula and gave it a cherry orchid scent, neither of which I approve of. I had been a loyal customer for years, so once I finished composing a strongly-worded e-mail to their company, I was faced with finding a new conditioner.
Because I am a product of the digital age, I run most of my important life choices by my invisible friends on the internet. I asked the ladies of Twitter what their favorite conditioner was, and one of the first responses was Nature’s Gate. I had used their hand soaps before, so I was somewhat familiar with their products, which can be found in the Organic section of the grocery store.
Nature’s Gate produces cruelty-free, vegan personal care products. The company’s philosophy is “To combine the power of natural ingredients with innovation and science to create affordable, safe, sustainable, performance and value driven products. We are committed to using pure, sustainably harvested herbs, fruits and essential oils, without animal-derived ingredients, to enhance the overall health and wellbeing of our customers and our planet.” Which I just read as: if you like this product, the fact that they are a conscious company is a cool bonus!
They have a wide variety of shampoos and conditioners, I selected the Volumizing formula, because you really can never have enough lift at the roots. The formula features Awapuhi (Hawaiian White Ginger), hops, chamomile, and Panthenol, among a number of other naturally derived ingredients. The fragrance is great– sweet, but earthy. I was somewhat skeptical of the consistency, because it “melted” into my hair and was not as “creamy” as the conditioners I was accustomed to, but this proved unfounded. I left the conditioner in for a few minutes, combed it through, then rinsed it out.
Good Hair Day!
As my hair dried, all I could think was “WOW!” I am rarely impressed by beauty products, but this $8 bottle of conditioner felt like a game-changer! My hair was definitely more voluminous, my curls defined, and it smelled great. Totally sold.
Hopefully I don’t curse it with my love and get it taken off the market, because I cannot recommend this particular product enough. Works great on my fine, curly hair; it’s completely affordable; and it’s made by a company that is at least someone organically-aware. I have been using this conditioner for about 15 months, and it would take a seriously awesome product to lure me away.
[[All reviews are unsponsored opinions on products I actually use.]]
