Great haircare doesn't have to cost the earth, as illustrated by L'Oreal Paris and their new Nourishing Extraordinary Oil collection. L'Oreal are continually pushing the boundaries and launching innovations that really do make a difference; their Fibrology thickening solution is still one of my favourite launches this year and costs less than a fiver. Building on the success of their stand-alone Extraordinary Oil, the hair giants are launching a range which encompasses the same technology and formula in a new format. Their new Extraordinary Oil hair range includes two shampoos (quite unusually targeted at different hair types - the job is usually left to the conditioner) a conditioner and mask, which together can help provide a solution to coarse and dull hair that lacks movement or shine. The main difference of the range is the inclusion of oil within all three products; dry and dull hair by definition lacks oil and hydration, but L'Oreal's innovative formula delivers much needed oil to help inject moisture and lustre without weighing hair down.
![]()
Most shampoos contain surfactants, the cleansing agent that helps to cleanse and remove dirt from the hair; however, these surfanctants also contain a negative charge which removes natural oils and positive charges from the hair. The result can be lacklustre hair and a rough, dry surface. L'Oreal claim that their Extraordinary Oil products contain 'positively charged polymers' which are attracted to the dryest parts of hair, providing nourishment where it's needed most. The theory is that this enables hair to become balanced, smooth and shiny without excessive weight or limpness. In addition, the products all help to nourish the scalp to ensure that the surface is hydrated and cared for - ensuring healthy hair starts at the root.
It may sound like a lot of science, but the fact is that I really like these products and they definitely help to smooth hair and create shine. I often find the challenge is balancing my need for moisture, shine and movement in one product; you can smooth hair and provide shine, but this often weighs strands down and causes hair to become limp and lack volume. However, these three products seem to provide the best of both worlds without overloading the hair's surface with an oily residue. I was incredibly dubious about this range, believing using all three products plus a smoothing serum would be too much. However, using the mask as a pre-treatment even every wash still provides my barnet with a swish and bit of bounce.
L'Oreal Paris Elvive Hair Ambassador, Syd Hays, recommended to me using the Nourishing Mask Balm on hair (mixed with a little Extraordinary Oil if desired) for a five minute treatment before the shampoo and conditioner. The 'balm' is a slightly heavier treatment, but left on the hair for a few minutes prior to washing it helps to hydrate dry ends and to leave the scalp feeling nourished. Followed by the shampoo (a super lightweight formula that provides a light lather,) and conditioner (a rich formula that helps to create fabulous feeling hair without causing it to go limp,) I've found my hair to be looking and feeling great.
These products don't weigh the hair down, but help to create a softer texture and add much needed moisture. Although they're not a miracle answer or replace an intense professional treatment, they're pretty great at giving me what I need on a day to day basis. Having been trying L'Oreal's professional range of Mythic Oil products, I can't help but make comparisons to this 'mass' range - it's almost like they're sister ranges and incredibly complementary. If you're in the market for an affordable and effective hair range that helps to tame coarse hair, add moisture, inject shine and still leave you with movement... This could be your new partner in crime.
![]()
![]()
The L'Oreal Paris Extraordinary Oil Nourishing Collection is available this August from Boots stores. The shampoo and conditioner RRP £2.99 and the mask RRP £5.10.![]()
Most shampoos contain surfactants, the cleansing agent that helps to cleanse and remove dirt from the hair; however, these surfanctants also contain a negative charge which removes natural oils and positive charges from the hair. The result can be lacklustre hair and a rough, dry surface. L'Oreal claim that their Extraordinary Oil products contain 'positively charged polymers' which are attracted to the dryest parts of hair, providing nourishment where it's needed most. The theory is that this enables hair to become balanced, smooth and shiny without excessive weight or limpness. In addition, the products all help to nourish the scalp to ensure that the surface is hydrated and cared for - ensuring healthy hair starts at the root.
It may sound like a lot of science, but the fact is that I really like these products and they definitely help to smooth hair and create shine. I often find the challenge is balancing my need for moisture, shine and movement in one product; you can smooth hair and provide shine, but this often weighs strands down and causes hair to become limp and lack volume. However, these three products seem to provide the best of both worlds without overloading the hair's surface with an oily residue. I was incredibly dubious about this range, believing using all three products plus a smoothing serum would be too much. However, using the mask as a pre-treatment even every wash still provides my barnet with a swish and bit of bounce.
L'Oreal Paris Elvive Hair Ambassador, Syd Hays, recommended to me using the Nourishing Mask Balm on hair (mixed with a little Extraordinary Oil if desired) for a five minute treatment before the shampoo and conditioner. The 'balm' is a slightly heavier treatment, but left on the hair for a few minutes prior to washing it helps to hydrate dry ends and to leave the scalp feeling nourished. Followed by the shampoo (a super lightweight formula that provides a light lather,) and conditioner (a rich formula that helps to create fabulous feeling hair without causing it to go limp,) I've found my hair to be looking and feeling great.
These products don't weigh the hair down, but help to create a softer texture and add much needed moisture. Although they're not a miracle answer or replace an intense professional treatment, they're pretty great at giving me what I need on a day to day basis. Having been trying L'Oreal's professional range of Mythic Oil products, I can't help but make comparisons to this 'mass' range - it's almost like they're sister ranges and incredibly complementary. If you're in the market for an affordable and effective hair range that helps to tame coarse hair, add moisture, inject shine and still leave you with movement... This could be your new partner in crime.
The L'Oreal Paris Extraordinary Oil Nourishing Collection is available this August from Boots stores. The shampoo and conditioner RRP £2.99 and the mask RRP £5.10.