For the third year in row, model scouts Carina and Ben Camille, from the successful models.com.mt agency, are scouting the islands looking for this year’s Pantene Hair of the Year. Pantene users across the UK have recently voted Pantene the number 1 hair care brand for achieving noticeably healthy looking hair. In a recent online survey carried out by IPSOS, an independent company whose sole focus is survey-based market research, women in the UK were asked to assess six claims about hair. The findings concluded that there was one unanimous winning claim: that Pantene gives you noticeably healthy looking hair in 10 days. We asked Pantene Hair of the Year 2008 Winner Ilona Attard to take part in the challenge and this is her journal...

Ilona’s 10-Day Diary

I’m a medical representative so my appearance is an important part of my job. I like having my hair down and straight. My job keeps me very busy throughout the week so on the weekend I want to make the most out of it and experiment with different styles.

Day 1

Also included in the Pantene 10 day challenge are four simple tests to carry out on your hair that will allow you to determine your type of hair the products you need.

Smoothness test

In order to gauge how smooth my hair is I had to wrap a ribbon around a strand of hair, the quicker the ribbon unravels in your hair – or falls out of the braid – the smoother your hair. I was pleased to see that the ribbon didn’t take so long to unravel however I noticed how my hair wasn’t so smooth, especially at the ends.

Manageability test

In order to check how manageable my hair is I had to comb it with a wide toothed comb. The top part of my hair was easy to comb through however half way through it got terribly stuck and had I tried to comb the back of my hair it would have probably got stuck at the base of my head. I tend to have very knotty hair.

Shine test

Even in the harsh light I used, I was pleased to see that my hair was quite shiny.

Frizz test

This test involved rubbing a balloon to my hair to see the level of frizz. I must say I didn’t expect so many hairs to get stuck to the balloon it was quite funny actually but at the same time it made me realize how frizzy my hair was.

Day 2

Hair felt immediately really soft and found it easier to comb through wet.

Day 3

I washed it again didn’t leave conditioner so long but still had good results. Hair looked especially shiny when I blow-dried it. May be my impression!

Day 4

Didn’t need to wash it just brushed through it and fixed a bit the fringe in front that is and ran out to work.

Day 5

I’m finding it easier to style my hair and my hair still remains straight and looks great after a whole day running around.

Day 6

Not much to report as hair is still looking good.

Day 8

Seems less frizzy and shinier.

Day 9

Last day before tests. Hair feels good and looks good. Having no trouble keeping my style and using less time to blow dry it.

Day 10

Took the tests again. For the smoothness test I was pleased to see that the ribbon unravelled quickly. For the manageability test I saw a huge difference! My hair is much less tangled and this is what surprised me the most. The most annoying thing I find with my hair is the knots! But my hair is smoother and so much easier to comb through! Even the shine is better although it was shiny already but I think it’s all due to the smoothness, especially the ends, which now look less dry. That’s the problem with long hair- the ends tend to always to look a bit frail and dull. And finally for the frizz. Well there is still some frizz but much less than last time, and it is normal to have some.

Now at the end of the entire experiment I have to say it’s been quite a revelation for me to find that by using Pantene Smooth & Sleek my hair is so smooth, visibly shiny (not only to me), less frizzy and lovely to feel.

Conclusion

The winner of the Pantene Hair of the Year Award will get a one-year contract with top model agency models.com.mt, attractive gifts and will also feature in the main fashion shoot of a top local fashion magazine. The 12 finalists will also all feature in a glossy calendar, which will be shot by top local photographer Alexandra Pace and be distributed in Malta.

So if you think you’ve got what it takes to be the new Pantene face and want to stand out, pick up an application from leading supermarkets and pharmacies and turn up to the auditions which will be held on Tuesday, 15 September from 5pm onwards at MINT on Fond Ghadir, Tower Road. The application together with further details can also be downloaded from www.models.com.mt. For more information you can also call on 9947 2771 or 21236787.