Road Test: O&M’s New Mineral CCT Range

Fri, 18 May 2012 2:36PM

I was recently introduced to the lovely Jose Bryce Smith, CEO of Original & Mineral, and creator of the brand’s well-loved haircare range as well as the new natural hair colour line, Mineral Clean Colour Technology (CCT). The range was born when co-owner and Jose’s husband Alan Buki, experienced contact dermatitis as well as swelling and allergy-like symptoms after coming into contact with chemical-filled hair colourants, like so many of their clients and other hairstylist colleagues.

Without getting too technical, the Mineral CCT line is a permanent hair colour line free of PPDs, resorcinol and ammonia. These three chemical ingredients are known causes of the irritations that Alan and co. experienced, which can also lead to more severe symptoms and illnesses. Although ammonia is one of the chemicals that allows our hair to absorb colour, it’s also the reason for that strong, chemical-like smell.

Now Primpettes, I’m a blonde and for my fellow fair-haired friends out there, you know what a tricky process it is to get your perfect shade, whether you’re partial to ash or a fan of  yellow-blonde. I headed over for an appointment at Atlantis Hair in Sydney’s Paddington with Wayne Lewis, Technical Director for Original & Mineral and Colour Director of Atlantis, who tended to my tresses using the Blue Pearl Lightener, part of the Mineral CCT range. It’s infused with aloe vera and kaolin, a mineral that protects against colour fade and an integral part of any permanent hair colour, particularly for blondes.

Wayne says the new Mineral CCT range makes hair colouring a whole lot more user-friendly. “With the Mineral CCT range we’ve cut out the three major chemical ingredients. Ultimately, a lot of people don’t know they are allergic to these chemicals and suffer in pain when they have a colour or take antihistamines whenever they have an appointment. Along with this, the best parts about the range is that there’s no smell, as well as the condition of the hair – you aren’t breaking it down as much. Ammonia tends to open the hair cuticle quite quickly to absorb colour, and with Mineral CCT, it’s actually a slower process and the hair cuticle is more gently opened. It keeps the hair in better condition.”

Enriched with mineral mix which Alan refers to as their “secret herbs and spices,” includes sunflower seed wax for added moisture, as well as nourishing oils including argan, macadamia and sweet almond. Each of these ingredients aid in the colour process, creating and maintaining the optimum condition of your hair.

After my colour was set, my hair was washed and O&M Seven Day Miracle, $31.95, was applied. Now you can use this in the shower as a weekly treatment, but it also doubles as part of a mini-indulgent pampering session at home. After shampooing your hair, apply the treatment, without giving too much attention to the roots and then – here comes the best part – wrap your hair in a hot towel, and leave in for as long as humanly possible. Truly, it’s heaven. Afterwards, rinse and follow with a conditioner if required, and I guarantee your hair will feel silky-soft, super-smooth and hydrated.

Atlantis stylist Emily Brown then introduced me to the O&M Atonic Thickening Spritz, $28.95, which she applied while my hair was still wet. The atonic, aka my new best friend, does double-duty as both a heat protectant spray while providing a whole lotta volume, leaving a smooth finish. After a blow-dry, Emily spritzed Original Queenie, $31.95:

Queenie, named after owner Jose, is a firm hold hairspray that 1) smells delicious and 2) provides enough grip without giving a gritty, sticky sheen. In other words, perfect for my fine hair as it doesn’t weigh it down.

And Primpettes, here’s the outcome:

The verdict: Honestly, I am extremely impressed with my shiny new locks. Personally I’ve always felt with blondes that it’s a fine line between looking greasy and glossy, but no more. My hair is softer, more hydrated and I feel that the colour turned out to be a beautiful, natural-looking shade of blonde. And of course, added bonus points for the all-natural products, with a few native Australian ingredients thrown in there, too.

Quick Tip: If you have had any allergic reactions to hair colour in the past, Alan recommends having a patch test to ensure that the colour is suitable for you. All salons that use the O&M range offer a free patch test, which is applied behind the ear and left for 48 hours to see if it has any adverse effects.

Tell me Primpettes…

Do you like the sound of O&M’s new Mineral CCT range?

Have you used any of the O&M products before?

Have you ever experienced a reaction to hair colour?

Hayley x

Atlantis Hair is located at 2 Regent Street Paddington, NSW. For more information, head over to www.originalmineral.com. For O&M stockists, call 1300 724 635

Posted by: Hayley Bennett

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Tags: ammonia-free, hair colour, jose bryce smith, natural hair colour, O&M, Original & mineral