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I’ve made the mistake more times than I care to admit this year of using the complimentary shampoo and conditioner at the hotels where I’ve stayed. I don’t want to generalize about all hotel toiletries, especially since there are occasional exceptions, but let me share what might happen to your hair if it’s dry or color-treated and you take the gamble on that free shampoo.
We’ve all found ourselves in those situations. You don’t need to wash your hair, but maybe a little comfort wash will help a slight hangover. Or the shower’s spray is so strong, it drenches your hair unexpectedly, leaving you smelling like a wet dog. Or you finally have a moment to yourself on a trip and decide to indulge in a long, luxurious hair wash.
Except, washing your hair in a hotel with their free shampoo is often far from enjoyable. It feels like their products are designed to strip every bit of moisture, leaving your hair frizzy and unmanageable. No matter how promising the conditioner seems, it doesn’t soften or smooth your hair like it should. Instead, it feels like your hair’s been through a harsh chemical treatment, making it so dry it could break with a light breeze.
It’s surprising how often I’ve walked out of a luxury hotel looking like I’ve brushed my hair with steel wool. You’d think I’d learn by now, but not even using all the conditioner, body lotion, and cream they provide can repair the damage from a bad shampoo. Occasionally, there are exceptions when hotels stock quality brands like REN or boutique ranges like Bramley, but mostly, my experiences have been terrible. Thankfully, I usually have a Tangle Teezer to help me manage the mess without using one of those flimsy, free combs.
And while we’re on the topic, who decides the free items in a hotel room? Who thought people need a shoe-shining sponge more than ear plugs? You’re more likely to be disturbed by noise than worry about dull shoes. And why does a loofah always make the cut, while a toothbrush and toothpaste require a request to the front desk? It’s baffling!
Anyway, I’m digressing. It took me nearly two weeks to get my hair back to normal after a particularly bad hotel shampoo incident. It felt like I’d accidentally used a cleaning product instead of shampoo, leaving my hands shriveled and my scalp desperate for moisture.
I’d love to hear your thoughts: What are the best and worst hotel shampoos you’ve encountered? Share your stories with me!