A 'game-changing' shampoo alternative is quietly gaining a cult following online - and it’s nothing like you’ve tried before.
With thousands of rave reviews online, the 'hair cleanser' is designed to replace your everyday shampoo, giving smoother, shinier hair.
So what makes it different? Well, it's billed as the first detergent-free wash on the market, meaning it's kinder on your skin - and when I tried it myself I was stunned by the results.
Our verdict
To see what all the fuss is about, I decided to give Hairstory's New Wash Original a go myself.
Full disclosure: it took a bit of getting used to.
As the cleanser only uses detergent-free ingredients, it didn’t lather up like my usual shampoo, and I found it difficult to massage into the scalp. As a result, I was left with greasy roots, as the product hadn't rinsed properly.
After a couple of frustrated attempts, I discovered that I hadn’t been using the product correctly. It turns out the scalp massage brush is an unmissable part of the process.
For best results, you must cleanse and massage the product into your scalp multiple times, using the brush as an aid. Once I got the hang of it, I could finally see what all of the fuss was about. My hair smelt fresh and has never felt cleaner between washes.
What is Hairstory's 'New Wash'?
New Wash is a cleansing cream that's a shampoo and conditioner all rolled into one.
According to Hairstory's website, traditional shampoos contain harsh detergents that strip away essential oils and destroy the microbiome, which can often lead to a tight, dry scalp.
To combat this, New Wash boasts a detergent-free formula that keeps your skin’s natural oils at a normal level. In turn, you will have cleaner, shinier hair that lasts longer between washes.
What's more, the all-in-one formula will save time (and shower space), as you won't need to spend money on countless products. You can learn more about the cleanser's top features below.
Key features
- Detergent-free formula to prevent damage to the scalp
- Balances natural oil production to prevent dry hair and colour fading
- Enhances your natural hair texture, whether that’s curls or smooth locks
- Saves time and money, as the all-in-one formula simplifies your routine
- Refillable bottle to cut down on plastic waste
What are people saying about the product?
It's fair to say I'm not the only person impressed with the results.
“This is actually the best wash product I’ve used in my life!” one five-star review reads. “Hands down, nothing beats it and I’ve tried so many other brands of shampoos, conditioners and co-wash. This puts them all under the table!”
Another happy customer shared: “I am the fussiest person on the planet with my hair. It is quite fine, usually lacks volume, and is always greasy looking the next day after washing.
“From day one [of using the product], my hair felt like it had never felt before. After air-drying my hair, it is shiny, bouncy and I have never received so many compliments.”
My hair has never felt cleaner (LADbible Group)
A third said: “I was definitely a little skeptical, but was hoping for a miracle, and I was pleasantly surprised. It took me a few times to get the process figured out but it has been life changing. My hair has never felt better!”
So, what is the shampoo alternative everyone is raving about, and how does it work? Find out everything you need to know below.
However, I’m not the only one who was unsure of the product at first, as other customers cite coming across the same issue at first.
“One thing to note is that I realised after the first couple washes that I wasn’t rinsing it all out (you have to really get your fingers in there and massage your scalp to rinse it out),” one wrote. “So, that was an initial teething problem but now I’ve got the hang of that.”
Overall, the product is a worthy alternative to your standard shampoo. It thoroughly cleans your scalp and looks good in the shower. Admittedly, I’m still not a huge fan of the texture of it, but my hair has never felt cleaner.
Just make sure to read the instructions below first.
How to use Hairstory New Wash:
As mentioned above, Hairstory's New Wash works slightly differently to your usual shampoo, so you'll need to follow the below steps for the best results.
Step one:
Wet hair and dispense a generous amount of New Wash. Layer it on from scalp to ends.
Step two:
Add a splash of water to get a smooth, milky consistency.
Step three:
Work New Wash into the hair and scalp, using the massaging scalp brush. Scrub, massage, and repeat.
Step four:
Let it sit for two to three minutes, then rinse thoroughly, using the scalp brush to ensure all product is washed out.
Danielle Fowler