I normally use a Men's shampoo (by Suave). When I moved in November, I purchased several household items from Sam's Club. I stocked up on a lot of paper products, and saw the Dove Moisturizing Shampoo. This shampoo comes in a combat-sized bottle (you know the kind, enough to clean and condition the hair of a Battalion of soldiers). This 40 ounce bottle came in a two-pack with a hefty price tag. I paid about ten dollars, but can't remember the exact price. This price is actually very reasonable given the amount of shampoo you get (not to mention the price of some of the products I've seen...Nexxus runs at least twice the price of Dove!)

My hair is very thick and tough to manage. The Suave shampoo was doing an adequate job of managing my hair, but it seemed like the shampoo would cause my hair to become clumpy. It was almost as if some of the chemicals in the Suave were building up in my hair and changing the texture. After using the Dove Moisturizing shampoo, I noticed an immediate difference in the texture of my hair. It felt clean and natural, without any buildup. The shampoo worked wonders in restoring the life to my hair, making it look natural instead of clumpy.

One of the things I like about my Monster bottle, is that there is a pump on the top. This may seem like a small thing...even gimmicky. But it's not. When you are soaping yourself up and you reach for the shampoo, you find yourself fumbling with a cap of some sort with soapy hands. With the pump, I simply put one hand under and push with the other. It's a breeze...AND, I'm not fumbling with a slippery plastic bottle that is covered in soapy debris. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has fumbled the shampoo bottle in the shower. (I shower alone, so picking up the shampoo bottle - or soap for that matter - is not a dangerous proposition).

One disadvantage to the Goliath of shampoo bottles is the shape and size. I have an average shower stall, with a built in ledge for hygiene products. This bottle is approximately three inches across at the widest point on the narrow side. My shower stall ledge is approximately three inches wide, too. That means that my bottle seems to teeter on the edge all the time. I have only knocked it over once...it's stable as long as you don't bump it. But there is very little room for error.

One of the main ingredients (immediately after Water) is Sodium Laureth Sulfate. I have seen notices circulate around the internet (and unfortunately, into my email) claiming that this chemical, commonly known as SLES or SLS is a very dangerous product. There are all sorts of claims that it is a skin irritant or a dangerous carcinogen. To put that Urban Legend to rest...Sodium Laureth Sulfate is not a carcinogen according to the American Cancer Society. So fear not, shampoo with all the sudsy comfort of knowing your hair will not fall out.

The Fragrance of this shampoo was a major concern for me. I didn't want to smell girly around the manly men I have to work with. The ever-so-slightly floral tinted fragrance has a nice smell when you are shampooing your hair, but fades quickly. The floral essences are not noticeable in your hair, leaving it smelling clean but not girly.

If you have youger or younger children around the house, this shampoo is an excellent value. It is also an excellent temptation. Don't be surprised if they get in the bathtub and start pumping the shampoo like it's a Play Doh machine. Something about kids and pump action that just creates problems. However, if they are old enough to understand that it's wasteful, you should be alright. (But I'm not replacing your shampoo if they pump it all anyway...you've been warned). My nine year old leaves the pump alone.

I have been using the first bottle of this shampoo for about three months and there is still quite a bit left. I am the only person using the shampoo, and I have short hair, so I don't use a lot (one squirt per shampoo). At this rate of use, I would estimate that both bottles will last me almost an entire year.

My overall impression of the Dove Moisturizing Shampoo is that it works well. It leaves my hair feeling clean and fresh and doesn't build up over time. The fragrance is nice during application but fades quickly so I don't get called a "sissy" at work. I would give this shampoo five stars out of five, in spite of the fact that it teeters on the ledge of my shower stall.

This review is part of Dianapinions Best Little Write Off.

Recommended: Yes