BIG is LUSH

LUSH, that shop that you can smell from a mile off, is known by many for ‘bath bombs’ and homemade soaps and beauty products. In all honesty I haven’t been into a store for many a year as the scent inside is simply too overpowering. However, when I heard of their BIG shampoo I simply had to try it.

BIG shampoo

BIG contains a number of ingredients designed to give your hair exactly what in needs to be as BIG as possible. This pot of mixture contains 50% sea salt to give limp hair the volume. Cleansing the skin with soaps containing salt is an excellent way to benefit from this mineral content. The formula de-greases the skin, removing dead skin cells and dirt. It does this without stripping too much natural oil and leaves the skin soft and conditioned. Salt is softening for the skin and hydrates it. It is full of minerals that help maintain the water balance essential for healthy life processes.

Tooth Wreck Seaweed Infusion helps to soften hair. Seaweeds have been used for their medicinal properties for centuries and are often used to make cough remedies, soothing lotions and cosmetics. This olive-brown seaweed is found at all British coastal areas and around the Irish coasts, too. It grows densely on the seashore; each serrated, strap-like frond is about two centimeters wide and originates from a stalk, anchoring it to the seabed. Toothed wrack seaweed contains large amounts of vitamins, minerals and trace elements, which strengthen the hair. LUSH gather toothed wrack seaweed from Poole harbour and then infuse it in boiled water and add it to the product. Being included in Big shampoo its deliver all the nutrients of the seaweed directly to the hair. This works to soften the hair in combination with the sea salt, which improves the condition of the hair and gives greater volume.

For shine citrus juices are used. Citrus limonum is a thorny, evergreen tree with irregular branches bearing glistening, oval leaves. Its flowers are white and pink-tinged and strongly perfumed, which become the lemon fruit. Lemon infusion works in BIG shampoo to cleanse and degrease the hair. Lemon juice is a source of vitamin C, vitamins B1 and B2, and niacin, and is a powerful antioxidant.

Neroli Oil has an intensely sharp, green and floral aroma, which comes alive when diluted and imparts a refreshing scent. Neroli is one of the few essential oils to be scientifically proven to increase serotonin production in the brain. As with all aromatherapy, however, the power of suggestion and individual preferences play an important part in how effective this might be. Serotonin is an important, mood-altering neurotransmitter, and increased levels of it enhance our feelings of serenity and well-being.

Coconut water; many things can be made from the coconut palm and practically all of the plant is used in some way. In Sanskrit, the name given is 'kalpa vriksha,' which means, 'tree that gives all that is necessary for living.' The revitalizing properties of organic coconut water are ideal for use on the skin, scalp and hair.

BIG shampoo uses mandarin oil to refresh the scalp and hair. Aromatherapists use mandarin oil as stress-relieving oil and a refreshing treatment for the skin.

I thought you’d also want to know that BIG contains Sodium laureth sulphate, something we are hearing about more and more in the media. SLS is a surface-active agent or surfactant. All surfactants are partly water-soluble and partly oil-soluble. It is this quality that allows oil and water, which normally don’t mix together, to become dispersed. Used at above minimum concentration, the surfactant molecules become organized in a structure that can trap oil-based dirt from hair, which allows the dirt to be rinsed away. Foam is not responsible for removing dirt, but it allows the hands to work the product through hair or across skin. This helps the mechanical removal of dirt. Sodium laureth sulphate is an opaque, thick liquid. Its consistency varies, depending on the concentration level. Sodium laureth sulphate gives thick rich foam and it cleanses the hair. Its thorough action dissolves dirt and grease effectively. When other ingredients - such as sea salt - are added, hair gains volume, body and shine. I’m not promoting that you use or don’t use products that contain SLS, but thought you’d be interested to understand why they are used.

I adored using BIG as it made my hair feel luscious and really buoyant. When you have a god hair day you feel a millions dollars – This products should be renamed ‘BIG Bucks’ instead!

Ax