What They Say: "...a natural shine enhancing serum for dull, coarse or brittle hair. Smooths, protects, and adds luster to even the most unruly hair. Contains rice bran oil to improve the condition and manageability of hair. Place 3-4 drops in the palm of your hand and rub hands together. Distribute evenly on damp or dry hair. Style as usual."

Melissa Says: To be perfectly honest, it was hard to focus objectively about the shine power of this product at first because I was distracted by the scent. It really isn't too pleasant. However, I did notice it faded a while after application. It's very...herbal. I have nothing against herbal scents, of course, as long as they're pleasant. This one wasn't something I'd want to smell like all day, that's for sure.

Shine-wise, I wasn't incredibly impressed. I've certainly used some serums that are more effective, and I felt like it would have certainly taken more than 3-4 drops to make a the difference I was looking for. I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to handle that much more of the scent at once.

Retail Price: $16.00 / 1.7 oz (go to abbahaircare.com to find a salon near you)

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What They Say:

"Pure Volume Conditioner is a natural conditioning treatment for fine, limp hair. Body Building botanicals combined with neutral henna and seaweed extract help add volume, smooth and deeply hydrate lifeless hair while controlling static and adding shine. Volume therapy allows this conditioner to actually increase the diameter of hair adding thickness, fullness and texture. 100% vegan, healthy pH, sulfate and dye free."

Alissa's Opinion: This conditioner really delivers in the volume department. My normally fine hair definitely felt thicker smoother even with my regular styling routine. The product itself is very interesting. It's full of natural ingredients, vitamins and proteins and has a light, pleasant citrus scent. It looks like a milky shampoo and it rinses a lot cleaner than most conditioners. This does mean that there are less moisturizing properties, so I wouldn't recommend it for those who need a heavier conditioner. My mother borrowed it during a visit and found that it left her mane full of static. This product would be best for those with fine hair that is not dry or damaged.

Retail Price: $14.99 (Visit AbbaHaircare.com to find a salon near you)

Rating:

What They Say: Conditioner"Moisturizes, shapes and revitalizes curls. Contains Lemon Grass and Orange Peel Oil to add luster and sheen to hair. 100% vegan, 100% free of synthetic dyes, DEA and cruelty free."

Prep "A moisturizing, curl enhancing tonic that utilizes a cocktail of herbal extracts to restore shine andd curl pattern to dry, lackluster locks. No chemical preservatives, cruelty-free, 100% free of synthetic dyes."

Finish "A versatile organic acidifier that locks in curls and colors, enhances styling support, and shields against environmental damage. Low pH formula seals instantly, ensuring dazzling shine and manageability. Light balancing aromatherapy fragrance ripe with Japanese flower essence."

Jamie's Thoughts: I have gotten the wonderful opportunity to review some earth and animal friendly products here at Delush, for which I am so grateful. Abba is one of the brands of which I would have never otherwise been aware, let alone purchase for my own use. Without touching too heavily on personal politics, I will simply say that I very much appreciate Abba's commitment to purity - both in their approach and ingredient lists.

That being said, I wholeheartedly endorse this grouping of products for curly haired folks. These three fantastic offerings smell AMAZING - crisp, fresh, and perfectly suited for both women and men. The scent perks up your morning routine without being cloying or oppressive. The conditioner combed easily through my ratty bedhead, rinsed cleanly, and moisturized well. My hair was bouncy, shiny, and looked lovely. Potential buyers should note that this is designed as a daily conditioner - it has the ideal texture, weight, and effect for daily use. I would not recommend it for deep conditioning.

As for the prep tonic, my feelings are mixed. I initially used it only in combination with the other Abba products, and didn't think it had enough hold for my natural curls. To ensure that I wasn't blaming a fault of the hairspray on the tonic, I started using it on a solo basis and I have to admit it works better by itself. It's okay within the manufacturer-suggested lineup, but I like it better as a "refresh" spray on dry hair - something to perk up this morning's curls before a night out (or a late morning when there's no time to shower and reset my curls).

The finish spray is great. It smells fantastic (but doesn't linger or distract) and does an above average job at holding my finely textured frizzies in place. I usually use a pomade to style, so it took a week or so of continuous Abba usage before I got comfortable with my bigger, softer curls. After I gave up the heavier approach, I really learned to appreciate the lighter hold. I'm not sure it would be enough in the humid summer months, but while it's cold and dry outside, this works just fine.

Overall, I would recommend all three products - especially the conditioner.

Retail Prices: All three products are $17.00 (available online at www.pureabba.com)

Delush Ratings:
Conditioner
Prep
Finish

What They Say: "A non-petroleum based pomade made from unique avocado lipids that provide control to tame frizz, add styling detail and achieve sleek, shiny results. Provides soft control and extreme shine on wet or dry hair. ...Contains avocado to create hold without buildup. Mica crystals offer heat protection and shine. ...100% vegan. Sulfate-free. 100% free of synthetic dyes. Cruelty-free.

Application: To smooth and control medium to coarse textured hair with shine and softness, emulsify a small amount between palms, work through hair and blow dry.

To sculpt (mold), add texture, separation and shine to all hair types, emulsify a small amount between palms and work amount between palms and work through dry hair."

Melissa Says: It's always nice when you know that the product you're using came from a company making strong efforts to be cruelty-free and close to nature. It's an added bonus when the product creates results you love. That's the case with this pomade, at least when I use it on my hair before blow drying.

I was very impressed with the difference it made in the smoothness and texture of my hair, without making it feel greasy. I was very careful about concentrating the product on the ends after thoroughly warming the small amount in my hands first, and then lightly smoothing the remainder on my palms up the rest of the surface of the strands. This also created a good amount of shine.

On dry hair, I thought this significantly reduced flyaways and added great shine, but when the hair is dry you have to be extra careful to use a tiny amount so it doesn't accumulate in some areas and weigh your hair down (if it's longer). My husband tested this out on dry hair as well, and thought it had a finished look and flexible light hold for short hair, but said he'd prefer something with a bit more holding power and texturization.

Retail Price: $16.00, 2.65oz (at fine salons - go here to locate one near you)

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