I did not really know the Bondi Boost brand until I received their HG Shampoo and HG Conditioner as part of the Beautycrew top 50 reviewers' Crewkit. Once I posted a picture of the kit on Instagram, I received many questions from friends on what I think about Bondi Boost and some requests for review. I was curious about the popularity, and found out that this brand is very good at their social media marketing: no wonder I knew nothing about this brand... So many things are overhyped on socials. Is this one of them?
Claims
Hair Growth Shampoo: This Australian made power-packed formula was engineered to intuitively target and transform hair while being free from parabens, sulphates and DEA agents. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that revitalise the hair shaft, plus gentle cleansers to help whisk away scalp build-up. Want softer, fuller, healthier-looking strands? This zingy, peppermint-scented shampoo will get you there.
Hair Growth Conditioner: A must-have for anyone serious about reaching their #hairgoals, this Australian made power-packed conditioner is the ultimate hair treat. No parabens, no silicones, no sulphates and no animal testing.
Usage
So far, I have been using Bondi Boost shampoo and condition for 6 weeks. I shampoo and condition my hair every second day.
First impression
I did not mind the peppermint scent in both the shampoo and the conditioner which is refreshing and slightly cooling. I usually like my shampoo foaming, but this one is not easy to lather up, especially if I have used dry shampoo or root colour spray the day before. If I do a second cleanse, the second cleanse would lather much better (3 pumps for first cleanse, and 2 pumps for second). I also need more conditioner than usual (6 pumps) for my shoulder blade-length hair. Otherwise it cannot tame my frizz. The products can be rinsed off fairly clean without a slimy feeling. I also like that there is no residue build-up after continuous use.
Dandruff and scalp itchiness
I never had any dandruff issue before this, so I was alarmed when I noticed significant dandruff developed at about 10 days (approximately 5 washes) into using Bondi Boost. The dandruff was particularly noticeable on non-wash days, with my scalp feeling itchy and uncomfortable.
Against common sense and rational advice, I pushed on with the trial (this is what beauty addicts do, right?). After some experiments, I found that double cleansing reduces some dandruff and itchiness the next day, but both problems never really go away (see below for a picture after 5 weeks).
Hair growth
As everyone's hair grows at a different rate, there is no utility to show any before use/after use pictures on total hair length. Rather, I observe my hair growth by looking at the rate of my grey hair regrowth. I usually have my roots touched up every 4-5 weeks. If I need it any sooner, it means my hair has been growing quickly.
By looking at both my black and grey hair regrowth during the same amount of time, it looks like there is indeed an increase in growth rate after using Bondi Boost. Notably though, dandruff (discovered at Day 10) is still persisting at Week 5.
Hair condition
Two weeks into the trial, my hair was very frizzy. Since then, I have increased the amount of conditioner from 3 pumps to 6 pumps. The condition of my hair was better. However, my hair feels slightly knotty if I do not use an additional leave-in treatment - another problem that I do not usually have with a good shampoo/conditioner duo! Other than that, my hair does not feel any different.
One good thing I noticed is that the products are quite good in preserving the colour in my hair.
Summary
Pros
- hair grows quicker
- colour-fast
Cons
- significant dandruff has developed
- scalp itchiness
- a larger amount of shampoo and conditioner is needed
- expensive for what it is (RRP $74.99 for what I received)!
I must say I am quite surprised that it lives up to its claim that it gives hair a boost (in growth). Nonetheless, the dandruff and the itchiness are each a deal-breaker for me (not to mention both!). On top of that I am not really looking to grow my hair quickly so unfortunately it is a fail for me.
About me
Makeup artist and hair stylist based in Sydney. Founder of the well-known award-winning bridal specialist team Faces Makeup & Hair. Beauty junkie with an obsession for skincare.