When summer rolls around, the blonde lob is out in full force. I have been getting tons of questions about how I style my hair in general. I absolutely love styling my hair for summer. A beachy wave has always been my vibe - it’s easy and effortless.
That being said - my scalp has been in dismal shape for months and the summer heat hasn’t helped. I’ve always struggled with an irritated scalp that is dry one moment and oily at the roots the next day. I’ve never been able to go a single day without washing my hair.
Pantene actually reached out and mentioned their use of activated charcoal in hair products. Color me intrigued. Charcoal has actually done amazing things for my skin - it’s like the ultimate cleanser. So yeah, I was very down to try out the new Pantene Charcoal Collection.
I’m always an over informer and love to learn about the ingredients inside my products and their benefits - so let’s kick this off by breaking down what activated charcoal is and what this shampoo and conditioner combo has done for my hair.
How your scalp is different than your skin.
Unlike your skin, your scalp does not have a built-in purification system. Your scalp can’t cleanse itself. Everything from your natural oils to your hair products build up on your scalp.
It’s a thing - and it’s gross. Fun fact: if you go days without washing your hair, that build up can result in hair gaining 4% of its own weight.
Grossed out yet? Me too.
In my case, I really don’t think I was washing my scalp properly. I would typically focus on my hair and not necessarily my scalp, likely leaving plenty of hairspray and salt spray behind.
Why use activated charcoal in your hair products?
Activated charcoal is a purifying ingredient. Pantene homed in on this need for a truly “detoxing” hair care routine.
SAVE THE SCALP!
But seriously. The Pantene Charcoal Collection utilizes activated charcoal to detox hair by attracting impurities like a magnet, while simultaneously releasing antioxidants (which helps hair look fresh and clean). The collection comes in two parts, both of which I’ve been using religiously to test out this activated charcoal situation.
Pantene Charcoal Collection’s Shampoo
The Pantene Charcoal Collection Shampoo is packed with Pantene’s Pro-V blend of activated charcoal, pro-vitamin B5, and antioxidants. You know what it doesn’t have? Parabens, silicone, and dyes - all irritants that drive my scalp insane. I’ve kicked my irritation and oils to the curb because this shampoo has helped reset the balance while cleaning my scalp at the same time.
Pantene Charcoal Collection’s Conditioner
BIG NEWS, PEOPLE: this is actually Pantene’s first ever silicone-free conditioner ! I typically apply a dime to a quarter sized amount (a little goes a long way) and apply focusing on my ends instead of my roots.
This conditioner is the bomb dot com. It seriously leaves my hair soft and full after every use. I have a lot of hair, but it’s actually very fine (my stylist likes to say “I have a lot of trees in my forest”). Basically it’s super easy to weigh down my hair with conditioner or product. I love how lightweight this bad boy is. It’s also packed with nutrients (pro-vitamin B5, white charcoal, and
antioxidants) and is paraben free. I’m into it.
My results.
Never in my life have I been able to smoothly run my fingers through my hair. Never in my life have I not had an itchy, irritated scalp. I don’t feel the bumps anymore. I also don’t get the crazy oily roots anymore. Most importantly - I don’t feel insecure anymore.
Turns out, my scalp just needed a good detox.
Check out Target in mid-July to purchase the new Pantene Charcoal Collection!
Give this whole activated charcoal thing a whirl this summer and tell me about your results in the comments below!
A huge thank you to Pantene for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions are completely my own. Thanks to you for supporting the brands that make Blondes & Bagels possible!