Lush 'BIG' Sea Salt Shampoo

Yes. I finally went there. I took the Lush obsession beyond the odd bath bomb or two.  After reading mixed reviews about their 'BIG' shampoo and having never tried Lush's haircare range before, I must admit I was a little unsure - but I couldn't resist the promise of fuller, glossier locks and quite fancied mixing up my haircare routine.  When I was on holiday in Greece this year, I loved the way my hair had so much natural volume in it due to the change in environment - a combination of the sun and the sea worked miracles for my hair and when I arrived home, I missed my swishy, volumised barnet.  The fact that the main ingredient in Lush's 'BIG' is sea salt made it my first port of call in a bid to recreate my bouncy, effortless holiday-mermaid hair!  

'BIG' is said to be a softening, volumising shampoo containing coarse sea salt, sea water and seaweed extracts. Whilst the salt helps to lift and add body, the extra virgin coconut oil and protein rich seaweed softens the hair and injects moisture.  Lemon and lime help to add shine as they allow the cuticles on your hair to lie flat, thus reflecting more light - oo it's all very scientific ya know! After doing my research into the ingredients, I hoped for summery beach hair in a tub...

The texture is unlike any other hair product I've ever used - it's gel-like, slightly lumpy/gritty (due to the sea salt) and feels quite cool to the touch.  I gathered a rather sizeable blob in my hands and began to work it through my hair - which is when I realised that 'BIG' is rather unlike any other volume shampoo I've tried in the past... it doesn't lather too well! *I've since been informed that you just need a lot of water to work up more of a lather - I guess I didn't add enough - to be fair, it did create a light lather but just not the level of suds I was used to!* It's a sensation I've not really experienced before and I must admit I was a little worried - I had visions of having to get straight back in the shower because it really didn't feel as if I was cleaning my hair and I was gearing myself up for a negative review (sorry, LUSH - I love you but you did throw me off guard with this one!). You have to work it through gently too as the bits of sea salt can be a little bit scratchy - but it actually feels quite satisfying - like a strange, sea salty head massage!  But despite my initial uncertainty, I was very pleasantly surprised.  Honestly, this shampoo really did clean and cleanse my hair amazingly well. I was amazed at how shiny and soft it was after just one use and my blonde appeared brighter and lighter - if you've ever used a cleansing shampoo, you'll know the feeling I'm describing. I was so impressed. My hair looked and felt so healthy and soft to the touch.

But the 'BIG' question (lolz), did it volumise? I have to say - it does do a great job at lifting the hair and making it feel altogether more 'swishy'. It looked visibly more lifted and 'plumped' at the root. I applied my heated rollers after drying and my hair was visibly quite bouncy and light - even more so than when I wash it with a regular shampoo. It wasn't a drastic 'oh my goodness my hair looks so volumous' effect, but it was certainly noticeable. I've been meaning to try it again alongside blow-drying my hair upside down - I can image this will work wonders (if you want to maximise volume potential it's always good to blow-dry upside-down - this is one of my usual tactics!) It certainly transformed my dull, lifeless hair into shinier, healthier looking hair and I really recommend this if you're experiencing limp, dry hair that's in need of a bit of a perk up!

Overall, I have to say, 'BIG' is a winner in my books - if not for the volumising effect but for the fact it breathed so much life into my hair and made it look so much healthier.  It definitely provides a slightly different hair-washing experience - which actually adds to the attraction to this product for me.  At first, you might feel a bit unsure about the fact that it's difficult to get a lather going and slightly weird, lumpy consistency, but roll with it and I can guarantee you'll be left pleasantly surprised like I was.  I've used it a few times since and still have a load left - which is great considering this stuff isn't the cheapest of hair care out there. Priced at £11.35 for 330g, it's definitely more of a treat but one that's worth it for both the benefits it provides and the slight novelty value!  It also smells lovely and fresh - with a hint of 'ocean' in there (what else would you expect?!) and a citrus-y kick, it's quite a unique scent - one that completely freshens up your hair and lingers slightly even once you've washed and dried it. I can imagine it's going to be a 'marmite' product but personally, I love it!  Also, keep your eyes peeled for a review of their 'American Cream' conditioner soon - together with 'BIG' i think I may have found my newest dream team...  You can find 'BIG' on the Lush website here.

Have you tried Lush's 'BIG' shampoo? What did you think?