‘I used Emma Bunton’s favourite hair mask to resurrect my brittle locks’

A beauty writer tested Give Me Cosmetics’ seven-piece haircare set – which includes the hair mask used by Emma Bunton – to restore life to her bleached, brittle hair

At the start of the year, I decided to lighten my naturally dark hair with subtle caramel brown tones. To avoid a home hair disaster, I entrusted this task to my hairdresser.

Despite loving my lighter locks, the bleach and dye have left my hair looking dull and feeling dry and brittle, even with regular hairdresser visits. In an attempt to bring some life and shine back to my hair, I’ve been using Give Me Cosmetics The Full Haircare Set.

This seven-piece gift set, worth £67.93, is usually priced at £34.99 but is currently on sale for £19.99, especially for Black Friday. The rejuvenating haircare kit includes a detangling brush, shampoo and conditioner, hair mask, leave-in conditioning cream, heat defence spray, and serum, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Surprisingly, all of the products are full-sized, making the set an excellent value for money. I wash my hair twice a week, so these products should hopefully last me for months. They all contain argan oil and coconut oil, natural ingredients that are like a big drink for hair.

The packaging has clearly had a lot of thought put into it. The vibrant colours really stand out from the products you typically see on the shelves of Boots and Superdrug.

The products are clearly labelled and aptly named, making it easy for even a haircare novice to understand their intended use. The first product I tried was the detangling brush, which is by far the best of its kind I’ve used.

Designed to cleanse hair before washing, the thin bristles effectively removed any dry skin from my scalp, as well as residue from hairspray and dry shampoo. Following this, I used the in-shower products: shampoo, conditioner, and hair mask.

The Argan Oil and Coconut Oil Shampoo has a subtle bubble gum aroma, which I found quite pleasant. Both the Argan Oil and Coconut Oil Shampoo and Conditioner are free from parabens; while this is better for my scalp and hair, it means I didn’t experience the soap suds I’m accustomed to when washing my hair.

I’ve used it several times since receiving it, and it leaves my hair feeling clean without being excessively dry, unlike some other shampoos. The standout product for me is the Argan Oil and Coconut Oil Conditioner, which is my favourite item in the kit.

It’s the thickest formula I’ve ever encountered in a hair conditioner. My locks lapped it up, particularly the ends, which are as dry as straw.

I anticipated the Argan Oil and Coconut Oil Hair Mask to be similar or even thicker than the conditioner, but it’s more akin to the shampoo. This is the same hair mask that Emma Bunton swore by when she couldn’t use salons during lockdown, so I was eager to see if I could replicate the Spice Girl’s stunning tresses.

Personally, I reckon the other products outshine this one, especially as I was a big fan of the conditioner’s thick formula. The hair mask appears to be thinner in consistency, allowing users to apply it to dry hair, leave it for a few hours, and then tie it up in a bun.

The Argan Oil and Coconut Oil Hair Mask is a customer favourite and best-seller – as well as a firm favourite of Michelle Keegan – so perhaps my hair just favoured the other products. In line with hydration, this hair kit also includes an Argan Oil and Castor Oil Hair Repair Cream, conveniently packaged in a pump-style bottle for easy application without overdoing it.

It’s packed with Castor Oil, Argan Oil, vitamins B3 and B5, and strengthening protein. The kit also features a heat defence and a serum. The serum is quite thick. I used two pumps on my fairly long hair, and it proved a bit too much. A little certainly goes a long way.

In conclusion, this is one of the best haircare ranges I’ve used all year. It’s incredibly hydrating and nourishing, making it a blessing for coloured, bleached hair or those who frequently use heat on their tresses. I’m planning to snap up a few more of these kits while they’re discounted as Christmas gifts.

Alternatively, there are several other haircare sets from various brands up for grabs. This Color Wow Dream Smooth kit is currently going for £21.75 at Cult Beauty. It includes a shampoo, a conditioner and a shine spray.

Meanwhile, this Redken Strength Repair shampoo and conditioner set is £36 from Boots. Designed for damaged locks, it is currently on sale down from £47.30.

Pros

• Nourishing and hydrating
• Products are clearly labelled, so easy to see what is meant for what
• Nice packaging
• All products are full-sized

Cons

• Shampoo doesn’t lather up
• Hair mask has a thin consistency