Product Review--Herbal Essences Naked Collection


  Herbal Essences and Coyne PR invited me to try out their latest--a four product haircare system set to volumize my fluffy and coily tresses. The twist--it's a sulfate, dye, residue, and paraben-free product line. This, of course, was music to my naturalista ears. I'm always 100% behind any pure product that's gonna be kind to my hair. For naturals, it's very important to purchase and use products that won't strip our hair of natural oils. It's not always easy, considering the comparison of price to what works. That's why I was so glad to be a part of this campaign.




  A little history-- I've used other Herbal Essences products before. Back in the late 90's, I was madly in love with their Dry and Damaged shampoo and conditioner. Years later, I used Hello Hydration and Totally Twisted products to style my hair for wash n go styles. I'm in love with their gel and gel cremes. So, I'm pretty familiar with the line. While I usually use it for moisture, trying out the volume kit gave me awesome results. Here's a breakdown of each product in the kit:


Naked Volume Shampoo & Conditioner:
  • Restores hair's natural body.
  • No heavy residue, no dyes, no parabens!
  • The shampoo is lightweight, providing hair with a luscious bounce.
  • The conditioner detangles, nourishes, and maintains volume.
Dry Shampoo:
  • The "on the go" product for days when regular hair washing can't be fit in your busy schedule.
  • Is a "look refresher" for those days you don't wash your hair.
  • The tapioca formula absorbs excess oil and freshens your 'do.
  • Has a yummy citrus and mint smell.
  • Easy to use: just spray, work into hair, brush out as desired.
Naked Volumizing Souffle:
  • A weightless volumizing styler that gives you lift and long-lasting fullness.
  • Has a grapefruit and mint smell.
  • To use: Work through wet hair gently, for volume.

  When the kit first came, I decided to try the dry shampoo on a whim. I've never used a dry shampoo before, mainly because my hair type never required one. However, I was between washes, and was very curious. So, I sprayed some in my hair. Too much, actually. (Tip--do NOT treat the dry shampoo like hairspray!) Obviously, it looked really weird in my hair. Since most naturals don't brush their hair dry, I kinda had to work the product through with my fingers. After I finished, I sorta had a "White Christmas" effect in my tresses. Irritated, I let it dry for a while. About an hour later, I touched my hair. It felt squeaky clean--almost like it does after I've washed with a regular shampoo. For naturals, I think that it would be great in small doses as a refresher agent. For those with non-coarse hair, it could be a staple replacement for days when you can't wash your hair right away.

  When I decided to use the rest of the kit, it was New Year's Day. I had a party to go to, and had about two hours to get ready. This was a test--would this product line help me achieve my quickie wash n go afro puff updo? This was a style that required puff, bounce, and plenty of volume to look ultra funky and cute. I have to admit this--I really didn't think the product was going to agree with my hair type. I was so wonderfully surprised when I started working the shampoo into my hair. It has this wonderful, lightly scented citrus aroma that lathers softly as you massage it into your hair. It left my tresses feeling squeaky clean and a little bouncy after I rinsed.

  The conditioner was a little thick and creamy, with a slight candied grapefruit scent. I put a generous amount in my hair, making sure to reach from root to tip. I let it sit for a while, then rinsed it out. My hair stayed fluffy
and weightless, even after I wrapped it up in a big cloth. When I was ready to do my hair, I ran the Mousse in the kit through my hair. After slicking my ends and edges with Totally Twisted Curl Scrunching Gel, and scrunching the top a bit, I teased my hair with an afro pick. After that, I tied my hair up with a long scarf. I added a little more Mousse, teased to style, and was on my way.

  I REALLY love how everything turned out. I think this is the perfect kit for anyone of any hair type looking for a volumized look. My afro puff stayed up all night long, happily obeying my light styling and standing tall against the chilly Chicago weather.

CLICK HERE for a very short highlight reflection video!

Disclosure: I was invited by Herbal Essences and Coyne PR to participate in a product review for the Herbal Essences Naked Volume Kit. I was gifted a $50 WalMart gift card to purchase the kit. Any information as to what each product can do was provided in an introductory email. My opinion on how the products worked for me, however, are 100% all my own. ;)