I was sent two different sets of volumising and thickening shampoo and conditioner to review recently. One set is certified organic from Alva and one set is non-organic and by Phil Smith so I figured – what are the odds? I might as well compare them organic vs non organic. I used Phil Smith first every other day for 1 week and then switched and did the same with Alva.
Alva Shampoo and Conditioner for Thinning Hair
Organic
Phil Smith Be Gorgeous Shampoo and Conditioner
Thickening and Strengthening
Non-organic
So Let Us Compare And Contrast!
Packaging
Alva – I don’t really like this very much. I think looks like pet shampoo. And if you don’t believe me then check this out also the hole pictured above in the top of the shampoo is way too big for the thin consistency of the shampoo, it just pours out without even needing to be squeezed which is messy.
Phil Smith – This is marginally better although it was a bit hard to open the lid of both products and it also falls into the trap of having the shampoo and conditioner in exactly the same packaging, which, for the short sighted amongst us, is very confusing when you are in the shower without your lenses or glasses!
Scent
Alva – this is a very light citrus scent, although I am not sure which ingredient this comes from I really like it and it smells very clean and fresh.
Phil Smith – This smells like a salon-y type of smell, like you just walked into a hairdressers.
Consistency
Alva – The shampoo is clear thin and very water, kind of a pain to apply as it keeps dripping off but the conditioner is lush and creamy, absolutely love the conditioner it’s gorgeous.
Phil Smith – The shampoo is also a clearish gel and the conditioner a white cream, both an easy to use consistency which didn’t drip off but nothing amazing.
Price
Alva – the shampoo costs £12.00 and conditioner £14.00 from alvanaturalskincare
Phil Smith – both products are £3.99 and are exclusively from Sainsbury’s in the UK
Most Importantly – What Does My Hair Look Like Afterwards
Alva – despite the watery shampoo and dodgy white packaging I adore these products. I swear I can actually feel my head tingling as I wait the two minutes for the caffeine to stimulate my scalp and my hair was so much thicker and more bouncy and shiny when using this. I can’t vouch for the fact that it makes your hair thicker but it certainly ‘looked’ thicker which is a start. I would definitely recommend these. In fact Iheartcosmetics even became a fan of Alva on Facebook
Phil Smith – I am not going to be harsh on these products, they are only £3.99 each however I did find that after a few uses the inital shine and volume I had dissapeared and my hair became quite dry and lacklustre. I have to be honest I don’t think that I would repurchase these (sorry Phil), I think they would be a lot better for people who have thicker hair than me.
So organic did actually win which surprised me (especially after I decided it was like pet shampoo haha). Do you use an organic shampoo and conditioner?