About two years ago, I was blonde, which is hard to believe if you look at me now. Ever since I’ve been on a mission to get back to my natural dark brunette color, but because I live in the Sunshine State, the blonde always peeks through my hair in an unflattering orange hue after four weeks weeks in the sun. And I don’t exactly enjoy the hair salon; the thought of sitting in a chair for hours on end is just not for me, so I need to prolong my color as long as I can between appointments. Enter Herbal Essences Grapeseed Sulfate-Free Color Nurture Shampoo and Conditioner, a game-changer for my hair.
I initially started using this duo during our 2024 Best of Beauty testing, and from the very first use, I could tell this line was different. Let’s start with the shampoo. It’s sulfate-free, so it doesn’t strip my color or dry out my hair. In the shower, it turns into a soft, creamy lather that feels like you’re using something much more expensive than a $10 shampoo. The formula rinses out easily, no multiple runs of water through my hair are needed and it leaves strands feeling clean but not stripped.
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What’s a shampoo without its matching conditioner? Nothing! Okay—I’m being dramatic, but the conditioner is another win for me. It’s rich and creamy without being overly heavy, which is a big deal for my long wavy hair that tends to tangle. After applying it, my hair feels instantly smoother, and it’s so much easier to comb through afterward.
What both of these have in common is the eponymous grapeseed oil, which is known to lock in moisture to keep color-treated hair soft and manageable. This oil sinks into each strand, which is key—so it’s not just sitting on the hair, it’s actually penetrating the hair. Plus, it’s lightweight, so it doesn’t weigh down my strands, making my hair feel clean and bouncy when dry. Alongside grapeseed oil, there’s aloe and sea kelp extract, which are both known for their hydrating effects.
Also, can we talk about the scent? This duo smells amazing and is way more expensive than its low price tag would suggest. Think of a fresh, slightly fruity aroma that lingers—a dream. But what’s even better is that after finishing a bottle of each, I notice a real difference in the longevity of my color. It appears more vibrant and I can (finally) go longer between wash days—a win-win in my book.
The Herbal Essences Grapeseed Sulfate-Free Color Nurture Shampoo and Conditioner snagged a 2024 Best of Beauty award and is available for $10 each on target.com.