Haircare is important to each of us at The Amazing Blog, and as we all have different hair types, we welcome trying out all kinds, whether it’s for curly, textured or straight hair. Today, we are introducing three haircare products which we tested out which are from a new indie and inclusive brand, HokmahWise.
HokmahWise is a relatively new and in-development haircare brand, designed for all hair types, and in particular, for those who have experienced hair follicle damage from extensions. The brand name ‘Hokmah’ is the Hebrew word for wisdom, and ‘Wise’ is self-explanatory. Founded by Christine Aboagye and her sister, it was born from a need to find gentle haircare that would be kind to the scalp, encourage growth and work with textured hair. Christine said, “One of us was diagnosed with an overactive thyroid, which subsequently affected hair growth and where there was almost complete loss of hair. In a bid to cover up the near-baldness, there were lots of wigs, indulging in hair extensions, weaves and braids. Large sums of money were spent on these, yet this availed to nothing.” The two women then questioned their haircare routine, addressing scalp health, and a way to nurture hair regrowth and recover their lost self-esteem. They went on to say: “We discovered that our hair needed more moisture, rich protein treatments and more products with natural oils, butters and less harmful chemicals.” That’s why they created these products; to provide and inclusive, efficient, affordable and gentle haircare which could help others too.
We tried the Hair Stimulant Shampoo Watermelon Seed & Rosemary Oil first. It is free from sulphates and parabens and is also cruelty-free and vegan. This shampoo is for all hair types, although it’s particularly efficient for curly, textured and damaged hair. We must stress that this is NOT a natural shampoo, as we discovered that this and the other products in the range have a few haircare industry preservatives and additives. We were a little disappointed to find ingredient such as cocammide, DEA ccocamidopropyl betaine and acrylates crosspolymer-4 here. However, it does have natural ingredients such as rosemary oil, with anti-inflammatory properties to encourage scalp stimulation and improve nerve growth. Together with peppermint oil with nutrients and antioxidants to increase blood circulation in the scalp. Castor oil has antimicrobial properties which help fight off bacterial or fungal scalp infections and dandruff. The key natural ingredient here seems to be the watermelon seed oil, as it’s moisturising and strengthening. Finally, there’s geranium oil which acts on the sebaceous gland to regulate the sebum produced, making the hair healthier. We found it easy to use; it was efficient at cleaning and hydrating the hair and didn’t leave it dry or ‘stringy’ (like some do…) This Hair Stimulant Shampoo works (as it states) like a stimulant, while also repairing split ends and moisturising the scalp. Massage onto the scalp and let it sit for 10- 20 seconds, then rinse away, followed by the Ultra Nourishing Conditioner. You can purchase The 300ml Hair Stimulant Shampoo Watermelon Seed & Rosemary Oil for £11.50 here.
The Ultra Nourishing Conditioner with Avocado and Ylang-Ylang Oil is also all about promoting hair growth, as well as hydrating and repairing damaged hair. Again, this is not natural product; we found ingredients like phenoxyethanol which is a synthetic preservative, that we’re not very keen on. It has a moisturising effect thanks to rosehip oil, jojoba seed oil and ylang-ylang. Ylang-ylang helps combat hair and scalp dryness, broccoli seed oil and coconut milk protein contain vitamins C, E, B1, B3 and B5 to prevent dehydration. Together with the coconut and avocado oil, the rosehip oil seals the hair cuticles and prevents breakage. The sweet almond oil is rich in protein, omega-9 fatty acids, vitamins, and coconut oil improves the condition and shine. Our old friend lavender oil is also here, this time for helping to fight dandruff thanks to its antimicrobial properties. This was our favourite out of the three products. We noticed how it hydrated the hair and left it soft and manageable – it certainly passed the ‘wet hair and comb’ test. They recommend a deep massage, and leave for a few minutes to allow it to moisturise the hair, then rinse. The 350ml Ultra Nourishing Conditioner with Avocado and Ylang-Ylang Oil you can purchase here for £12.50.
The third product is the Effortless Shiny Detangler Spray Marshmallow Root and Grape Seed . This detangler spray is for knots and frizz. Checking the ingredients, again, we noticed that this too has some additives like DMDM hydantoin, an antimicrobial formaldehyde releaser preservative. We prefer the natural ones here, such as marshmallow root, full of rich vitamins and proteins to help hair growth and soothe itchy scalps. The grape seed oil, is full of vitamin E, minerals, proteins and linoleic acid, which nourishes the scalp. With chamomile and sage oil, make the hair is shinier and softener. The apple extract reduces dandruff and acts as an antioxidant. Finally, the hydrolysed soy protein improves porous hair. We think this is a faithful ally for protection against hot styling tools; and it left no oily residue. Although the three products work well together, we would like to suggest to the brand, that they consider replacing some of the questionable ingredients that we’ve mentioned to then make these, for us, a great haircare trio. You can purchase the Effortless Shiny Detangler Spray Marshmallow Root and Grape Seed for £8.99 here.