First Clairol changed the whole persona of Herbal Essences. They went from a romantic hippy basking in the invigorating blends of 3 botanical herbs to an in-your-face fragrant punch of an overly excited athletic bimbo.
I hate everything about the new Herbal Essences. The old Herbal Essences was whimsical, sophisticated with a variety of kinds to choose from. My favorites include: for fine and limp hair: Marigold Flowers, Angelica, and Thyme, the fruit essences, the Rainforest Flowers- passion flower, patchouli and vetiver (despite the reoccurring image of someone trampling through a rainforest, picking flowers.) And the Citrus Lift with pink grapefruit, verbena, and bergamot.
Even the directions were better: “Massage into wet hair and indulge in the luxurious lather. Surrender to the intoxicating fragrance…”
But best of all was the Herbal Lore: “In India, vetiver is known as the oil of tranquility. It is thought to settle nerves and create a feeling of balance and grounding.”
Now it’s called “Herbal Head Games”. One of which dares you to ponder: “What is the most popular sported played in the nude? Answer on conditioner” Are you kidding me? First of all: a) it’s obviously volleyball b) who cares? c) shut up
Also, the colors of the bottle and shampoo are way too obnoxious. I for one, really like bright colors, but even I can not stand they’re use of eye pulsating yellows, greens, and pinks – all in one bottle. It’s just too much to see first thing in the morning, when your eyes haven’t fully adjusted.
And, yes I will agree it smells delicious, but the old ones smelled really great too – and with more variety too. But really, it's almost overpowering.
But anyway, the switch all happened a few months ago and when it did I stocked up on the old herbal essences before it was too late. But the other day I had to get some conditioner. I decided on Garnier Fructis, but I took a glace over at the Herbal essences – to see if they had come to their senses and switched back – and they had raised the price. It used to be $2.50 and now it’s 3something - which is still really cheap, but they’re pretty much making the consumer pay for the cost of changing the bottle and product – at least to some degree. Not only that, before the change they would always have coupons for a dollar off or buy one get one free. And/or they would them bundled up so you would get 2 shampoos for the price of one. You don’t see that anymore, and I suspect you won’t for some time.
I just cracked open my last bottle of Herbal Essences – one of the originals- Rosemary, Jasmine and Orange Flower. It will be the last of the soothing colors and aromas enjoyed in my morning routine. Let’s enjoy the Herbal Lore for old time sake: “Scholar in ancient Greece tucked fresh rosemary sprigs in their hair to boost their memory. Others used it to ward off evil spirits. Could be the secret to an unforgettable hair day.”