Review: Wen Conditioner

As a busy mom, I don't have time to fuss with my hair or my makeup. I need a basic, wash-n-go routine. One that won't preoccupy my day but can still make me feel beautiful. So, when I was offered the opportunity to review a brand new hair care product from celebrity hairstylist Chaz Dean, I quickly snatched it up.

WEN ("new" spelled backward) is a revolutionary new product line that is designed to eliminate traditional shampoo. Chaz believes that the harsh chemicals in shampoo can cause long-term damage to hair and hasn't used ordinary shampoo on himself or his clients for almost 15 years! People (rightfully) questioned his sanity when he began experimenting with alternative cleansers but in 2001, he officially launched WEN to rave reviews.

The highlight of the product line is the award-winning WEN cleansing conditioner, which cleanses and conditions hair with just one step. WEN cleansers are made with natural ingredients and unlike the competition, contain no sodium laurel sulfate or other detergents that can strip the hair of its natural oils and sheen. Because of this, WEN conditioner doesn't lather. Instead, it has a creamy texture that foams when it comes into contact with water. WEN cleansing conditioner is good for all hair types and helps retain color, stimulates the scalp and promotes circulation for healthy hair growth. Below is an instructional video, which describes, in detail, how WEN works:



I was sent a 12 oz. bottle of WEN cleansing conditioner to review. I should note that I had a bit of trouble with the pump on my bottle and was never able to get it to eject the product. So, I had to remove the pump and squeeze the bottle for a generous handful. For my type of hair (medium length, fine texture), Chaz suggests 16-20 pumps total so I estimated what 16 or so pumps would amount to and went from there.

The first thing I noticed was the Sweet Almond Mint scent. It smelled very fresh and clean - very pleasurable. As I massaged the conditioner into my scalp, I could feel it tingle as if it were deep cleaning. I combed the product through with the included wide-tooth shower comb, and shaved my legs as the product sunk in. When I went to wash it out, I immediately noticed that my hair was softer and silkier than it had been in a long time. I couldn't stop running my fingers through it but I was excited to see how it would look dry and styled. WEN did not disappoint. My hair is a dirty blonde color and can quickly become dull and drab, looking almost brunette. This conditioner added luster back into my hair. With just one wash, it was amazingly more manageable and flyaway-free. Yippee - bad hair days begone!

Or so I thought.

Right about the time I first used the conditioner, Nate came down with a double ear infection, which meant he needed my attention and cuddles 24/7 for two days until his antibiotics kicked in. Hence, no shower time for mommy. Sad - and gross - but true! I was so happy to get back in the shower, get clean and use my beloved WEN. But this time, instead of moisturized and touchable, it left my hair greasy and rather disgusting. I'm not sure if I used too much or not enough or perhaps I didn't rinse thoroughly enough. But I had to take a second shower - with my traditional shampoo - to get rid of the gunk. That has not happened again since so I am hoping it was just a fluke.

Bottom line: Despite the mixed results, I would still recommend WEN cleansing conditioner. I like that it saves me time and space in my shower caddy. It smells great and I love that it is made from natural ingredients. And when it works, it makes me feel like I just stepped out of a salon.

BUY IT: You can find WEN cleansing conditioner, as well as styling creme, texture balm and hair repair mask at www.wenhaircare.com (ARV @29.95/set). There is also a 60-day money-back guarantee in which you can send your used products back for a refund of the purchase price!

Disclaimer: I was offered this review due to my membership at the PR Place. I was sent a free bottle of WEN Cleansing Conditioner and a shower comb from Kristine at Healthstar PR to facilitate my candid review. I was in no other way compensated for this post. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are solely mine. Your results may differ.