Speed Review: Espa Purifying Shampoo and Nourishing Conditioner

Earlier this year, spa brand Espa introduced Purifying Shampoo and Nourishing Conditioner to accompany their existing and highly popular Pink Hair & Scalp Mud, taking their haircare offering to three items. Whilst a spa brand wouldn't immediately be my go-to for haircare products, there is a synergy because the products are pitched as being pampering and after all, I tend to wash my hair after a spa treatment as a result of the oils, etc.. which are used so in that regard, it makes sense for Espa to offer them.

Espa Purifying Shampoo and Nourishing Conditioner are presented in green plastic bottles with functional pumps. The packaging is chic and looks expensive, in line with the spa branding. They feature clear directions and I liked that it is easy to distinguish between the shampoo and conditioner in the shower because the conditioner is presented in a different shade of green bottle, which is transparent. The downside of this is that the shampoo plastic bottle is opaque and as such, it's difficult to tell how much of the product is remaining.

Espa Purifying Shampoo has a thick, gel-cream texture which the pump is well suited to (I needed a few pumps to release sufficient product). Despite being free from SLS & SLES (as well as silicones), the shampoo produced a generous, creamy lather thanks to the inclusion of plant-derived cleansers and as such, a little goes a long way.

I absolutely loved the botanical scent which is in keeping with the spa branding. It's the result of a 100% essential oil blend of fresh bergamot, sensual jasmine and warm cedarwood and smells wonderfully luxurious- without doubt, it's one of the most luxuriously scented shampoos I've ever tried! Sadly, it didn't linger in my hair once it had been dried & styled.

The only downside was that it took a little more effort than I'm accustomed to to rinse out the rich formula so I probably wouldn't use Espa Purifying Shampoo if I were in a hurry.

Espa Nourishing Conditioner has a rich, thick & creamy formula and whilst the pump works perfectly adequately, a tube would be even better suited to the job. Again, a little goes a long way. Despite the thick texture, I found it easy to work the conditioner through my hair and likewise, to rinse it out. The same blend of essential oils as the shampoo meant that the conditioner was also beautifully scented although I found that I preferred the scent of it in the shampoo during use. Once my hair had been dried & styled, the scent lingered pleasantly when using the conditioner.

Following use, my hair was left feeling wonderfully soft and looking smooth, with flyaways diminished. Whilst my fine hair looked nourished and healthy, it wasn't weighed down but instead had body and movement.

Overall, I was highly impressed with both the usage and results of Espa's new hair offering. At £20 each for 295ml, it's a pricey duo but the luxurious experience lives up to the expectations that the hefty price tag brings.