My personal biggest hair gripe is one I'm sure many of you can relate to. An eternally big-haired child, my earliest venture into the world of beauty products was via a bottle of Frizz Ease, which my head was drowned in every evening just to ease a comb through the tangles. I can only imagine the Advantage Points accrued. That first pair of ghd straighteners, which arrived on Christmas morning 20 years ago, were nothing short of a revelation – and if you’ve got lengths as prone to puffing up as much as mine, you’ll know the feeling.
Fast forward to today, and products to ease the frizz are officially my specialist subject: I’ve tried just about every conditioner, mask, serum and cream that promises to dial down the volume. The very best have made it into my bathroom edit – but there’s one in particular that wins on both effectiveness and cost.
Matrix’s High Amplify Total Results Shine Rinse Nourishing Hair Treatment – which for the sake of my word count and your sanity I will refer to as the Shine Rinse from here on – is hands down the best quick fix for frizzy hair I’ve tried, whether you’re letting curls dry naturally or smoothing strands into a sleeker style.
Read Next
You’ve likely heard of lamellar treatments by now - there’s one in particular that made the watery conditioning solutions a household name. And while L’Oreal’s Wonder Water is every bit as good on unruly lengths, I'm not such a fan of the scent compared to Matrix’s more sophisticated, salon-like fragrance that won’t overpower your perfume.
How does it work? Essentially, a lamellar water uses technology that specifically targets damaged sections of the hair’s outer cortex, depositing a fine cocktail of reparative ingredients (think: amino acids) into those sections, where they can penetrate the cuticle to deliver benefits that go beyond the very surface.
So, while a good hair mask generally glosses over the exterior of each hair strand, lamellar treatments can work a little deeper, without overloading sections of hair that don’t need the help. (And I do mean a little: nothing will transform those ends you’ve been incinerating in the straightener for eight years straight – the only solution here is a snip.)
But the power of Shine Rinse is impressive nonetheless: expect smoother, stronger and shinier lengths without the weighed-down roots or greasy sections that many masks come with. And yes, it really does work in a matter of seconds: slather yours on from mid-sections to ends after shampooing, and you’ll have detangled, smooth and shiny hair before you’ve finished shaving around your ankles.
I happily recommend Shine Rinse to friends with a range of hair types – it works on curls, coils and fine, straight lengths that are prone to fluff and flyaways. Don’t just take it from me though: Senior Beauty Editor - Digital, George Driver, is another member of the fan club: 'Lamellar treatments are kind of a game changer for my fine, fluffy hair that's forever thirsty for more conditioner,' she says. 'I like to layer it on top of a regular conditioner once a week for extra glossiness in a matter of mere seconds.'
If your hair is especially dry and thick, Davines’ OI Liquid Luster is a similar option that contains roucou oil to amp up the moisturising properties, while that original L’Oreal Wonder Water is a stellar (and pleasingly affordable) option for anyone that enjoys a sweet, nostalgic fragrance. Whichever you choose, you’ll get change from twenty quid and shiny hair, guaranteed.
Roberta Schroeder is the Senior Ecommerce Editor at Harper's Bazaar, ELLE and Esquire, overseeing shopping strategy and content across fashion, beauty, and travel. Roberta has reported on everything from market-leading skincare brands to the world’s most iconic fashion pieces, while also regularly updating a range of shopping guides, including LED masks, heritage cashmere brands and niche new dress brands to know.
Roberta has more than 15 years' experience in the luxury sector, spanning editorial consultancy, trend forecasting and journalism. Over the years, she has worked for global brands including Farfetch, Chanel, and Vogue.
When not testing beauty products, trialling trends and curating content that spotlights the very best in fashion and beauty, Roberta can usually be found trawling resale sites and vintage stores for a long-coveted designer find. Follow Roberta on Instagram at @roberta__schroeder
