Palmer’s is a brand iconic (in my eyes) for their cocoa butter and regardless of what you think everyone knows someone who’s tried it on their skin. So when it comes to shampoo’s and conditioners particularly for the need of my thirsty 4C hair, I’ll be honest in admitting the Palmer’s brand did not come first in my mind.
I tested out their Smoothing Shampoo and Replenishing Conditioner to how it would work on my 4C hair as it’s recommended for frizz-prone hair.
How smoothing is the shampoo?
By the time wash day comes around, I’ve probably played about with multiple hairstyles and trialled different products on my hair, so a smoothing shampoo is something I know I’ll benefit and my hair will crave.
The smoothing shampoo didn’t necessarily smooth my hair out, although after wearing braid/twist-out hairstyles it definitely took away some of the frizz. I could feel the shampoo adding necessary shine, softness back into my hair which I loved. The consistency appeared lightweight and a little bit can definitely go a long way, the colour is also light lime and the shine is apparent. Overall it met its goal with everything it set out to do on the bottle.
Is it 4C worthy? For the sulfate-free price point yes. It does what it says it’ll do and offers 400ml of fragrance-free product that goes a long way.
**Key Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Vitamin E, Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Keratin Amino Acids.
How replenishing is the conditioner?
With some conditioner’s, a little product can go a long way, this product, however, does not follow the rule. With the claim of replenishing curls, I found this an optimistic task in only a 250ml bottle, particularly for someone with such coarse and thick hair like myself. I was lucky to get two good washes out of the conditioner and although it states to be generous (which I was) I found my expectations decreased quicker the longer I used it.
There is a slight fragrance which is not too overpowering, it actually adds a refreshing smell. The consistency is thicker and tacky in comparison to the shampoo. It’s listed as a ‘rich conditioner’ to ‘increase moisture levels’ and ‘soften tight curls’ but you’ll have to use plenty to achieve adequate moistness. For 4C babes like me with very tight coily hair, the conditioner adds softness but I’d recommend an additional oil.
Is it 4C worthy? Considering conditioners are necessary for the hydrating and adding moisture back into 4C hair I feel like this product doesn’t quite meet the mark for me. Yet, if you’re looking for an affordable product for a quick wash day then this is a great alternative – just be sure to add some additional oils.
**Key Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Vitamin E, Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Soybean Oil, Keratin Amino Acids.
Overall, I’d recommend the Smoothing Shampoo
*prices will vary, I purchased mine for Asda. Also available at all major UK supermarkets, Boots, Superdrugs and more. [28/02/2021]
**according to Palmer’s website, details accurate at the time of publishing [28/02/2021]