- I actually discovered some patience and persevered in using it instead of having a mild paddy, stamping my feet and launching it in the direction of the bin.
- After figuring out how to apply it easily, the hold and finish kicked most other hair styling products into the long grass.
Sumotech came with a batch of other hair products for me to try, and here I will give my balanced thoughts on the compound, particularly my first impressions, why you should take your time when using it and why if I could afford it on a regular basis this would give some of my favourite styling products a run for their money.
When I say if I could afford it this is because it costs so much, it is expensive I think for a hair styling product. Maybe I’m just getting tight with cash in my old age. For a small 50ml tub of the compound it costs £21.50, yes, £21.50.…(insert expletive).
What do Bumble and bumble say about Sumotech?
‘Flexible hold, lightweight structure, matte finish, water-soluble, pliability
What: It's not a wax, not a paste and not a creme, but a midweight moulding compound that's a combination of all three (and a miracle of modern technology).
Who: Anyone; a natural for short hair; won't overwhelm fine hair; perfect for highly textural cuts.
When: Anytime; after Prep or Tonic Lotion; use on damp or dry hair to style.
How: Spread a pea-size dab or two onto palms and work through barely damp or dry hair with fingers and style; work quickly and try not to overwork; spray down with Tonic Lotion (or Bb.Shine) to rework or to cut hold.’
OK, the first time I used this my hair was far too long - it was actually so long I had developed a full blown Shawcrest (a massive quiff, the name comes from a very funny former colleague blending my surname with crest - if Carlsberg made communications folk…..). Had I taken the time to read the packaging instead of diving in fingers first to see what it felt like I would have seen that this compound is actually for shorter styles.
Trust me, in my head there is a man continually slow clapping my original efforts. It was just too fiddly to style and I had to use quite a bit to get the hair moulded and styled how I wanted it, and even then, in the end it just didn’t have that oomph so I used something else. Total time wasted, 30 minutes.
Had I read the blurb above I wouldn’t have been so frustrated, but after having my hair taken down to two inches in length I decided to have another go. With hair slightly damp after washing I took just a pea sized amount (shown below) and massaged it into my palms.
This is where it gets tricky to describe - to the touch when scooping it out of the pot it has the feel of a wax, but isn’t a wax. It’s almost like a solidified cream that had gone hard in the sun. As it warms though it takes on more of a pomade feel, silky in nature making it really easy to run through hair from root to tip. The fragrance is nothing to write home about but that really doesn‘t matter, personally if it doesn‘t smell like Fructis (fresh apples) I would prefer them to be scent free.
Styling the second and third time around took just minutes - result. What I found really interesting (well, novel) is the way you can feel the hair becoming more and more rigid as you style. As this happens the shine from damp hair and the product starts to fade down to the final matte finish. It doesn’t look like any hair products have been used and that is a big thumbs up from me.
The hold is excellent - the style and hair isn’t crunchy in a way some gels, glues and pastes can set. As an example, I styled my hair using this on Friday morning, didn’t wash my hair on Saturday morning and headed out fishing (and wrapped up, even with a ridiculous hat). In the evening the style was still there, a quick brush with my hand and it was back, some forty hours later. As an additional bonus, the residue on hands is negligible and if it doesn’t bother me then it is unlikely to bother others.
For short hair this is perfect and when worked into a choppy style I have to say that even I find myself nodding in quiet agreement that my hair looks fabulous (and that is rare).
Yes the initial purchase price probably will put people off, but you shouldn’t let it. A 50ml pot, using just a pea sized amount daily will mean that will still be hanging around waiting to be used in six months, with more to give. A little goes a long way and when you consider that in my opinion it has the best matte finish ever then you should give it a try.
Is it a wax, is it a creme, is it a wax paste? No, it is a cracking little compound that keeps hair in place and looking great for days on end.
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I am always scared my hair styling products, it hard to find one that work well for fine hair. However this sounds great it definitely would be something that the bf would use. Love finding out about new brands. x
ReplyDeleteThis sounds absolutely amazing, my partner has been looking for something like this so he will have to give it a try x
ReplyDeleteHa I can imagine you sat there slow hand clapping yourself, is that bad? x
ReplyDeleteYes - that is all.
DeleteIt sounds like it's worth the money, if a little goes a long way it is often worth the extra spend.
ReplyDelete#UKBloggers
Sounds good value for money as it lasts so long. Love the fact that you've revisited the product.
ReplyDeleteA man admitting he's wrong?! That's a first :p This sounds like a great product that would be perfect for my oh and son!
ReplyDeleteI'm man enough to admit when I get things wrong - on past experience I'm due to make another admission in 2031. Thanks for taking a peek at the post.
Deletethat sounds like a fab cross between! i will be mentioning this to hubs ;-)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds ideal for my husband, the kids can get a saturday job if they want to use it though ;-)
ReplyDeleteI think my other half would like this, he always struggles between wax and moulding...stuff! What do you even call it anyway?
ReplyDeleteIt's a bit on the pricey side, maybe I should treat him for his birthday?
It's one that I can't recommend enough if the initial price isn't a consideration - it's great stuff but as a bloke I would be miffed to receive it for my birthday ;o)
DeleteI'm always put of B&B because of the price but this actually sounds really worth the money. Also I have short hair so it might be worth investing:-) X
ReplyDeletewww.allaboutthatmakeup.blogspot.com
It looks like a good investment and even though it is a bit pricey as you say it will last ages and do the job very well :)
ReplyDeletesometimes spending a little bit more on a products pays off. If you only need a little at a time it seems like a good investment x
ReplyDeletethis would probably be ideal for my son.
ReplyDeletewow nice hair ;)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds expensive but like you said it will last for a looong time so maybe it is worth it
ReplyDeleteThis definitely sounds worth the month to me :) xxx Thou Shalt Not Covet
ReplyDeleteI think my 17 year old would get on well with this product
ReplyDeleteMr Dad is always looking for something that works in his hair but he would definately shy away from this if he saw the price
ReplyDeleteMy hubby would probably suit this but he hates paying loads of money for hair products for himself. silly really as he'll happily buy them for me! xxx
ReplyDeleteMy hubby would probably suit this but he hates paying loads of money for hair products for himself. silly really as he'll happily buy them for me! xxx
ReplyDeleteI think my cousins will love this one! They're suckers for anything like this.
ReplyDeleteHair products are always the hardest to test out and see how they work especially if they are a gel or wax xxx
ReplyDeleteI have heard great things about the brand, but haven't tried anything from the brand yet.
ReplyDeleteLaura
Pink Frenzy
Popping into the shopping list to treat the hubby
ReplyDeleteIf only OH had more hair
ReplyDeleteIt does sound expensive but it also sounds like a pot would last for ages so worth it.
ReplyDeleteMy son would be very interested in this - oh and so would my nephew come to think of it
ReplyDeleteIt's a bit pricey in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteLooks very good in your hair and doesn't give it a weird shine or look dirty!
ReplyDeleteThis looks great in your hair! I'm glad it worked out for you in the end :) xx
ReplyDeletei wouldnt mind trying this when i have loose curls
ReplyDeletelove that it has that matte finish!
ReplyDeleteThis looks fab - my teen would love this
ReplyDeleteI can see why people would be put off by the price but as you say, a small amount goes a long way so it will deffo last!
ReplyDeleteThe name sounds really fun. The OH has no hair on which to try this, though :-)
ReplyDeleteI think my son would like this
ReplyDelete