I love reviewing new salon products. I test the products on my own thick, curly, slightly frizzy, color enhanced hair and on other types of hair when it is possible.

The first thing I noticed when I received Orchids Oil by White Sands was the very attractive packaging. The frosted glass bottle with silver lettering and cap more closely resembles a bottle of fine perfume than it does a hair product. The tiny picture of an orchid adds just the right touch of color.

The bottle is designed to inhibit the flow of the product, allowing only a small amount to escape. I found this helpful when using a few drops of Orchids Oil on dry hair but more difficult when collecting the prescribed nickel sized amount to be used on wet hair.

The literature says that the product will
• Restore and balance moisture
• Soften thick coarse hair
• Control frizz and fly-aways
• Promote shine
• Detangle and is great for round brush styling
• Make hair soft and silky.

I used Orchids Oil on wet hair and then applied more after drying it. When my hair was dry and styled, it felt very soft and conditioned without an oily or product feel. It had a nice healthy shine. I did not use a round brush but my hair handled very easily and was without tangles.

• Enhance healing properties when infused with treatments
• Strengthen elasticity to brittle hair

  In my trials, I had no way of testing these claims.

• Reduce drying time.

  My hair did dry fast but with out a control area, I couldn’t tell if Orchids actually reduced the drying time.

• Soften and moisturize skin.

  I used a few drops on my arms. Orchids Oil went on smoothly, seemed to absorb into the skin and left my skin feeling smooth. It imparted a subtle glow and light pleasant fragrance without any oily look or feel.

• The literature says that Orchids Oil may also be added to other treatments such as hair color or lightener.

  I plan to investigate this in the future.

Ingredients:
The literature states that it takes about 2.2 pounds of orchid roots to produce one gram of orchid extract. This, of course would be cost prohibitive in any hair care product so it is mixed with other ingredients stretch the product while keeping the conditioning properties. The label lists just four ingredients.
1. Cyclomethicone is a clear, odorless, silicone-based oil that is often used in bath & body recipes. Since it evaporates quickly, it is commonly used as a carrier for fragrance or essential oils in cosmetics. It is widely used in hair care treatments.
2. Dimethiconol is derived from silica, a naturally occurring substance found in sand and rocks. It is used as a non greasy lubricant for hair conditioners. The cosmetic industry uses Dimethiconol to cause hair and skin to look smooth and silky and to add shine.
3. Bulbophyllum sp –This is the orchid.
4. Fragrance: The fragrance used in Orchids by White Sands is a light fragrance that reminds me of orchids.

Final thoughts:
I liked the results of using Orchids Oil. It is very light and is perfect for fine hair – imparting a healthy frizz free look while leaving in the body. My hair has more natural body than I like, so I will most likely use Orchids in combination with other heavier products.

Orchids Oil was provided to me free of charge for review by Janice McCafferty Communications.

Find out more about Orchids Oil by White Sands by visiting the White Sands Website.

Comment on this article in this forum posting.