Saturday, November 10, 2012

Bumble and Bumble Straight


My sample pack for Bumble and Bumble’s Straight product line included one packet of shampoo, one packet of conditioner and one packet of styling balm called Blow Dry. According to Bumble and Bumble, these products use something called “Concer-straight Technology” to fight frizz and leave hair sleek, smooth and manageable. As someone who hates having frizzing hair, I was very intrigued to see how well this system worked.

All three packets were the same size, which resulted in me having plenty of styling cream but only enough shampoo and conditioner for two washes. While I would have preferred to have used the shampoo and conditioner at least a couple more times, I do feel that I did at least get a good sense of what this product line is like.

The results of my first use of this line were super impressive; I don’t think I've ever gotten my hair so straight when I've blow dried it myself. And even better, the straightness lasted well into the afternoon and when frizz did start reappearing, it disappeared after a couple quick brush strokes. While my hair wasn't as shiny as I would have liked, it was smooth, it was sleek and it was manageable.

Unfortunately, my second experience with this line was rather disappointing. Gone was the amazing straightness and back was the frizz. In fact, my hair looked like it does when I forget to apply some kind of styling product prior to blow drying.

Given how great my hair looked after my initial use of Straight, I was surprised by these results so I started thinking about what I did differently the second time. And then I realized that while I took my time and carefully blow dried my hair the first time, the second time I rushed through the process.

As I used up the remaining balm, I saw a clear pattern develop. If I applied this styling product and then slowly and properly blow dried my hair, the results were fantastic (and because I was back to using my usual, shine-enhancing shampoo and conditioner, the shine level was back to normal). But if I rushed my blow dry job, the results look like I hadn't even applied the balm.

While these results were a bit disappointing, I was hoping for a product that would allow me to be lazy, I guess they shouldn't be surprising. The balm is heat activated so maybe the more heat it gets, the better it works. Also, this last round of results did show me that there’s no need to buy all three products in this line, the balm seems to be the one that’s doing all the hard work.

Will I buy this product: I won’t be buying the shampoo or conditioner but I might pick up the Blow Dry because it does deliver amazing results if used properly. However, before I pick it up, I want to finish trying out another straightening balm that I have. While the Bumble and Bumble one is great, it’s not cheap, $37 for one bottle, so I'm very open to a cheaper, but just as good, alternative.

Should you buy it: If you want amazingly straight hair and are willing to spend the time, and a bit of money, to get it, pick up Blow Dry.

3 comments:

  1. I've always wondered about Bumble and Bumble. To be honest I've used it maybe a handful of times when I didn't purchase it myself and can't recall what I thought of it but it's so pricey and popular that I can't help but think it must be great! Have you tried any other B&B shampoos/conditions? I've so far been too cheap to make the investment but would consider based on a 1st hand recommendation.

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  2. I've only ever tried the Straight product line so I can't comment on any other Bumble and Bumble products other to say, yep, they are pricey!

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  3. I use this too.. I've been trying to find a cheaper alternative. Have you found one?

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