I’m always wary of admitting that I’m picky about my hair products without sounding like that person. But the truth is, it’s not snobbery, it’s survival. Years of trial, error and very questionable hair decisions will do that to you. When I was younger, my routine consisted of whatever shampoo and conditioner duo was on offer and the occasional spritz of heat protectant… if I remembered.
Then I got into beauty writing, started colouring my hair, overused hot tools and quickly realised my strands needed far more TLC than I was giving them. Cue a complete 180. These days, wash day is a multi-step, multi-product affair – and I don’t apologise for it.
After testing more shampoos, conditioners, oils and masks than I can count, I’ve learned exactly where you can save and where it pays to splurge. I love a good drugstore find as much as the next person, but when my higher-end shampoos started outperforming their cheaper counterparts, I didn’t look back.
That said, old habits die hard – and curiosity got the better of me when M&S stormed TikTok with a seriously affordable haircare range. At just £4 a bottle, the supermarket’s new shampoos and conditioners seemed to go viral overnight, with users raving not just about the price point, but the results too.
Naturally, I had to try them for myself. While there’s also a volumising duo available, I went straight for the Nourishing Shampoo (£4) and Nourishing Conditioner (£4). My hair – and honestly, my skin too – has been crying out for a little extra care lately.
Both formulas are infused with a microalgae extract designed to rebalance the scalp, alongside bergamot water and coconut oil for hydration. I was particularly pleased to see they’re silicone- and sulphate-free – ingredients that often sneak into budget formulas. As someone with fine hair and an oily scalp, I tend to avoid both, as they rarely give me a clean that actually lasts between washes.
Sustainability-wise, the range also ticks a lot of boxes. The formulas are vegan, smell gorgeously fresh thanks to a sea salt and green bergamot scent, and come in fully recyclable packaging. My only gripe? The bottles don’t have pumps, which makes getting the product out with one slippery shower hand a bit of a workout.
Once I’d actually squeezed the shampoo out, though, I was impressed. The formula is lightweight, emulsifies easily and works into a rich lather with minimal effort. After two rounds, my scalp felt clean but comfortably hydrated – never tight or stripped.
The conditioner was where I really braced myself. One of my biggest budget-haircare pet peeves is that plasticky coating some formulas leave behind – all shine, no substance. Thankfully, the Nourishing Conditioner avoided that entirely. I worked the silky, cream-like formula from roots to ends, left it on for around five minutes, and rinsed. While the shine was slightly more subtle than I’m used to, my hair felt noticeably softer, with none of the dryness that usually follows.
The verdict? I was genuinely impressed. The beachy scent lingered for days (I even got compliments two days later), and once styled, my hair looked bouncy, smooth and healthy. The results lasted around three days before my roots needed another wash, which is pretty standard for me.
Most telling of all? On my next wash day, I found myself instinctively reaching for the M&S bottles over my usual go-tos.
For someone as particular as I am about haircare, these £4 moisture boosters have more than earned their place in my routine. TikTok may have tempted me, but M&S truly delivered – and at that price point, I’m happy to admit I’ve been humbled.
Beauty Assistant Urmi works across Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper's Bazaar, Red and Prima.
She fell into the world of beauty following a Masters in Magazine Journalism, and has been knee-deep in maximalist makeup, seasonal nail trends, and skincare myth-busting ever since. Both in and outside the office, she is best recognised by her signature red hair and elaborate set of acrylics.
