I’ve long been a fan of Davines Hair products, as this has been the most reliable way for me to care for the unpredictable cotton candy on top of my head. Over the past few decades, I have lived mostly in Johannesburg, South Africa, where the dryness and dustiness take its toll. As a result, my hair used to veer between a bird’s nest of frizz, and within about a day, turn into a greasy dustball.
And Then I Discovered Davines!
Along with the regular shampoo and conditioner (my favorite is OI), I go for a color, micro mist treatment, and trim every six weeks or so at a local salon and stock up. Sometimes, if I am lucky — i.e. if I spend enough on a given excursion — I get a freebie, for example, the best hand cream ever (Davines Authentic Moisturizing Balm), and more recently, a Davines Hair & Body Shampoo Bar called “We Stand.” Both are remarkable products that feel great.
Davines, based in Italy, is a cool company, trying to make a profit while making the world a better place (the conundrum, always).
If you want to find out what works for you, try the Davines Hair Quiz HERE!
I Decided To Ditch The Plastic…
Whilst in Chicago, I started to search for an affordable, local, plastic-free eco-friendly shampoo and hair bar that does not kill either my hair follicles or my spirit, and discovered EcoRoots. I looked at their website, and, a little spoiled for choice, opted for the scent-free shampoo bar and matching conditioner. They exceeded my expectations!
My Minimalist Mornings
Given that my hair care routine has always been extremely minimalist (don’t worry, I do use a hairbrush, but seldom a hairdryer), I need products that can lather and rinse out equally easily. I generally brush out my hair until it is knot-free, leave it to air-dry, brush it again a few times when it’s dry, and that’s about it. Sometimes I roll it into alternating twists and pin it up, but that’s about as fancy as it gets.
The Good, The Better, The Best
ONE: THE GOOD: DAVINES OI SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER
The results with this award-winning shampoo & conditioner were good but not the best. My hair was pretty fly-away on day one and by day two had settled, though a slight greasiness had already set in. PS: Davines makes an amazing OI All In One Milk, a multi-benefit beauty treatment, which leaves hair super silky & shiny, and is perfect for special occasions.
TWO: THE BETTER: DAVINES ALL-IN-ONE “WE STAND” HAIR & BODY SHAMPOO BAR
Surprisingly, the results were better than the plastic-bottled Davines OI Shampoo and Conditioner (formerly known as my favorite choice), but still not the best. My hair was a little less frizzy than normal on day one, and by day two still had plenty of shine & bounce.
THREE: THE BEST: ECOROOTS SHAMPOO BAR & CONDITIONER BAR
The best! Scent-free, for all hair types, these innocuous-looking shampoo and conditioner bars left my hair manageable (easy to comb through, even when damp), shiny, bouncy, and not at all whispy or fly-away from day one through to day three. I still wash my hair every three days, and can feel this combination thoroughly cleaning and nourishing my hair. I find if I wash and condition my hair in the evening with the EcoRoots bars, sleep on a soft towel, by the morning, my hair is at its bounciest best!
Though the bars are slightly differently shaped, because I only have the cardboard boxes they came in to differentiate one from the other, (I find myself repeating which one is which in my head), I know that there will come a day, in the near future, when I will not be able to distinguish one from the other, so am looking to invest in small Shampoo and Conditioner tins to store them. Any ideas?
EcoRoots In The Details
Common Elements Between the Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
Eco-Friendly: Both bars reduce plastic waste, are handmade in the USA, and ship plastic-free.
Vegan and Cruelty-Free: Made with natural ingredients, they're gentle and ethical.
Travel-Friendly: Compact and lasting up to 50 washes, they're perfect for travel.
EcoRoots Unscented Shampoo Bar
Description: This unscented shampoo bar is ideal for sensitive skin and scalps. It cleanses without stripping natural oils, leaving hair soft and nourished.
Key Ingredients:
Sodium Coco-Sulfate: Derived from coconut oil, provides a rich lather.
Coconut Oil: Moisturizes and protects hair.
Cocoa Butter: Adds softness and shine.
Lemon Peel & Raspberry Seed Oil: Nourish the scalp.
Pro-Vitamin B Complex & D-panthenol: Strengthen and condition hair.
Usage: Massage into wet hair to create a cleansing foam, then rinse. Leave to air dry.
EcoRoots Unscented Conditioner Bar
Description: This conditioner bar is designed for sensitive skin, offering nourishment and detangling benefits without lathering. It leaves hair soft and manageable.
Key Ingredients:
Behentrimonium Methosulfate: A gentle conditioning agent from rapeseed oil.
Cocoa Butter & Coconut Oil: Deeply moisturize and add softness.
Glycerin: Retains moisture in the hair.
Olive Oil & Jojoba Oil: Provide vitamins and nutrients.
Wheat Germ Oil & Vitamin E: Repair and protect hair.
Usage: Apply to wet hair, focusing on the ends, then rinse. Leave to air dry.
EcoRoots does good!
They are a small, women-owned, cruelty-free and low-waste business, based in Phoenix, Arizona. Their website is thoroughly navigable, and they have lots of good stuff. I tried the charcoal dental floss, the soap saver bag, and the hair oil, all of which are great products, though my daughter had to remind me to only use the hair oil on the tips, and not overdo it, which I had done. Next time I’ll get it right, however, with these shampoo and conditioner bars, there is no need for any oil in my hair!