What: The Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Shampoo is said to be a gentle hair and scalp cleansing product suitable for daily use on fine hair, greasy hair and oily scalps. Users with coloured hair are encouraged to alternate this shampoo with their regular shampoo.

The product contains "onsen-inspired ferment"; made from volcanic sources in California. Tthis ingredient is supposed to cleanse the hair and scalp, whilst making hair lightweight and radiant. The cleansing oil shampoo also contains glycerin, gentain extract and a Vitamin F derivative; ingredients that are purported to nourish and soothe the scalp.

The Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Shampoo retails at $65. The product is exclusive to Shu Uemura Art of Hair salons; call 6738 3113 for salon locations.

Review: The shampoo lathers well with some just a few drops of water and the formula is gentle and soothing, as advertised. Due to the "onsen-inspired ferment", the Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Shampoo does have a unusual scent. While it isn't unpleasant, it can take a while to get used to this scent. Personally, I'm not bothered by it as my grandmother used to make Chinese rice wine at home, so the scent reminds me of the familiar smell of rice wine ferment.

The hot and humid weather in Singapore does aggravate my scalp, especially since I’ve started growing my hair past shoulder-length. I’ve also coloured my hair a few months ago. While my hair does feel smooth, soft and clean hours after a shower — the cool December weather has helped too — this Shu Uemura cleansing oil shampoo hasn’t dealt with the problem as adequately as I would hope; I’ve still had to switch back to my usual shampoo on the more humid days.

This shampoo would probably work better for fine hair and for short to mid-length haircuts; hairstyles that are easier to care for and manage. For hairstyles of thicker and longer lengths, users may need a shampoo with a stronger formula to keep their hair and scalps clean in the warmer periods in Singapore.

Think of this Shu Uemura cleansing oil shampoo as a gentle alternative for high maintenance hairstyles, when your usual shampoo feels too strong for daily use.

Rating: 3.5/5