Stylers, you may remember back in February that I jumped on a plane and flew to Sydney for a wash and blow dry? Getting home in time for dinner?
Well, it happened again.
I kid you not.
And if I were the kind of girl to big note myself I’d tell you how wonderful it was to travel to Sydney with fellow blogger Kelly, from Be A Fun Mum, and be picked up at the airport by a pre-arranged private car.
I’d tell you how exciting it was to arrive at the very cool Barney Martin salon in Surry Hills and meet THE Barney Martin himself.
And then I’d tell you about THE Barney Martin washing my hair before salon staffer Shak turned my normally straight locks into a vision straight from the original set of Charlie’s Angels (I so wanted Farrah Fawcett’s hair when I was nine).
It only took 30 plus years but finally I think I'm ready to be an Angel
But the telling wouldn’t stop there. I’d have to tell you about the other fabulous bloggers receiving Nice ‘n Easy hair colour makeovers. And the general gaggle while Tweeting that happens whenever mummy bloggers are placed together in a confined space.
So, what was all the fuss about?
Pantene has released a new hair range.
Big deal, you say?
Well, actually it is.
This is the first Pantene range that has been heavily based on botanicals – Nature Fusion. The star ingredient is derived from Cassia seeds. One hundred of them crushed in every bottle apparently. The resulting Cassia Complex works to deliver deep conditioning to your hair and allow Pantene’s Pro-V formula to reach the part of the hair cuticle that needs it most. Hair is stronger and better protected from breakage.
About 100 of those Cassia seeds on the left are used to make the formula in the new Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Conditioner on the right
Now, I can hear the naysayers through the inter webs now … Pantene’s rubbish for your hair, Pantene caused build up, Pantene makes you grow long toe hairs.
So while I had the guru – and Pantene ambassador and multi-award-winning stylist – captive, I put the question to Barney: really, why does Pantene get such a bad wrap?
Award-winning hair stylist Barney Martin ponders the Pantene question
“If you look at what the scaremongering is, it goes down to silicones. Yes, it does contain silicones but most shampoos and conditioners do. It’s tailor-made and beneficial to your hair. Do they leave build up? Anything can leave build up. How do you get rid of it? You wash it with a detox shampoo and it takes it right out. You know you hear ‘if you use Pantene and get your hair coloured it’s not going to work’. It’s rubbish. People just need to be a bit more educated.”
That’s good enough for me. So it was over to the basin for a shampoo, conditioner and treatment on the ends of my hair (which you know I’ve put through the wringers lately with my recent chopping and changing of hair colour).
My verdict: there is noticeable difference with just one wash. The true test will come from using the products over the next month. I also have a dodgy scalp that can flare up at the mere sight of a new hair product. Not so with these ones.
And how did my stylist for the day, Shak, create that ’70s style?
Barney Martin stylist Shak gets to work on styling my hair
Before blow drying with a medium round brush, he applied Wella Pro Series Strong Hold 3 mousse ($7.99), once dry, he curled with a wide barrel curling wand, loosened with his fingers before spraying on Wella Pro Series Strong Hold hairspray ($7.99).
The result was enough to grab the nearest blow drier, two bloggers angels and strike a pose.
Charlie's Blogging Angels, from left, Random Ramblings of a Stay at Home Mum's Lori, Mrs Woog and me. I can feel Hollywood calling. Don't you?
The Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion range includes shampoo $4.89, conditioner $4.89, intensive penetrating treatment $6.99 and leave on creme $9.99. It’s available at supermarkets and pharmacies. For your nearest Wella stockist, phone 1800 028 280.
For more photos from the event, check out the album on my Facebook page.
*I was flown to Sydney and driven to this event courtesy of Proctor & Gamble and Saunders & Co PR. For more on my disclosure policy, click here.
Comments 30
How freaking fabulous is that photo of the 3 of you…and as for you Nikki…I can’t imagine you looking bad at any time. I’m so pleased you asked that question about pantene. My hair’s in bad shape at the mo and I got some samples from P&G that are already making a difference. 🙂 x
Author
Thanks Cat … I do like my dag days. Trust me. Having said that, my hair is something I’ve always looked after. Think it started with mum taking us for regular cuts as a kid (even if I did get the same haircut as my brothers) and now I keep up those regular salon visits. If my hair’s ok, I can get away with something not being so up to scratch1
You rocked the Angel look Nikki. Love that photo. Great informative and witty post.
Thanks Kelly! Your hair looked fabbo too!!
Love that photo. It is LOL funny.
Author
I think it can be recreated on Saturday night with microphones!
Such a great review Nikki you got in quick.
You looked even lovelier after your blow dry :).
It was a very enlightening experience.
Author
Ah, Trish, I utilised my “free” time on the plane to write it on my ipad. You looked fabulous … we all did!
LOVE this post … and for so many years now, I’ve been sad because a hair stylist told me that “Pantene causes buildup and the colour won’t take.”
Can I buy this new Pantene, and then when it’s time for my next colour, use a detox shampoo, then get my colour, then back to Pantene? WHEW – I love and miss my Pantene. Can you tell
Your hair looks utterly DIVINE, and I bet you were the most luscious, stylish chick on the plane XOX
Author
Yep, it’s true – got it from Barney’s mouth yesterday. I wasn’t a hard-nosed journo for nothing 😉 Kelly (Be a Fun Mum) and I were the flashest chicks on that plane back to BrisVegas. Alas, we then drove home to general family chaos. Opposite day was over.
WOW!!! What an awesome treat! My locks needs TLC too
Author
Mine are usually in way better condition – am going to look after them over the next couple of months!
Looks great and looks like heaps of fun
signed,
Ms Jealous of Perth
Author
Sorry, Ms Jealous of Perth. I can send you a care pack.
Angels indeed – you all look gorgeous! Must check out the new range…
Author
I think Hollywood would be definitely interested, don’t you?
Wow! You look super stunning. Even more gorgeous than normal. Sounds like a blast <3
Author
Ahh, thank-you! Would love to have my hair “done” every day. Would always feel fabulous. There’s a lot of power in a “good hair day”.
Loved following Instagrams too! You ladies are hot (love the boots by the way)!
Your sales pitched worked. I’m gonnna buy me some of that stuff so I can have beautiful hair too!
Author
I’ve been waiting of the colder weather to hit to bring out my boots – bought them two years ago and LOVE them!
Lovin’ the Angels hair and pic!!! I love Pantene, it does wonders for my hair. Have never understood when people put it down. Like anything though, the occasional change (of shampoo) is as good as a holiday!
Author
I do agree that changing your shampoo (even different formulas of the same brand) is a good idea. The put down Pantene thing is strange. Great value and great product at the supermarket!
Love it! Loved following the pics on Instagram 🙂
Author
We so took over the Instagram feed, didn’t we?!
Nikki, your hair looks gorgeous! And I’m not sure what you and Mrs Woog are wearing but you both look great – fashion credit pleeeease?
Author
Thank-you! I’m wearing Verily dress (www.verily.com.au), Metalicus slip dress underneath, Metalicus trench coat, Voodoo tights and Jaime Mascaro suede boots. I believe Mrs Woog is wearing Ollie & Max.