Dawn Images

For years, frizzy hair has been my biggest challenge. To manage the unruly strands that seemed to have a mind of their own, I resorted to using a straightener — a familiar tool for every girl in the 90s. However, it wasn’t until I uncovered the truth that my sulfate-laden shampoo was the culprit behind the persistent frizz that things started to change.

A quick switch to sulfate-free shampoo L’Oreal proved to be a blessing until recently when unsettling images of Israeli atrocities in Gaza prompted me to join the collective boycott against products tied to Israel. Sadly, this meant bidding adieu to L’Oreal and searching for a worthy replacement.

Cue Pure Desi’s shampoo from their Baby Boo pack, a recommendation from my sister who successfully used it to combat my niece’s inherited frizz. Despite its baby-friendly label, I decided to give it a shot.

Priced at Rs500 for a 125ml bottle, the shampoo lasted almost two weeks with me washing my hair every day. I skip using it on Sundays because that’s when I oil my hair. I learned the hard way about the importance of using a shampoo with sulfates to effectively remove the oil from my hair.

According to the brand, the ingredients used to make the shampoo include glycerine, soap base, amla, shikakai, jojoba oil, coconut oil, coconut milk, and aloe vera, which all have a great impact on the hair. The fragrance-free formula was a promising start and a tablespoon sized amount of shampoo lathered my hair sufficiently.

While the initial impact was subtle, by the third day, the transformation was evident — smoother, frizz-free hair that allowed me to bid farewell to my straightener.

Not only did my hair gain a new bounce, but it also remained oil-free throughout the day, a departure from its usual greasy tendencies.

The brand’s claim of homemade products with fewer preservatives and freshly brewed essential ingredients holds. What set this purchase apart wasn’t just the positive impact on my hair — it extended to supporting the local economy, participating in the boycott against Israel, and embracing genuine, locally sourced products that safeguarded the health of my hair.

Looking back, it wasn’t just a shift in shampoo; it was a conscious choice aligned with principles and a testament to the effectiveness of locally crafted solutions.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

This article is part of an ongoing series on supporting local products. All the products are independently evaluated and reviewed by a member of the Images team and reflect their personal opinions. If you’re a local business and would like to be featured, reach out to us at imagesdawndotcom@gmail.com.