Shampooing and conditioning your hair are probably what you’ve been doing since you could dress yourself, but just like how your skin changes over time with exposure to different internal and external elements, your scalp changes too.
That’s when signs like excessive oiliness, severe dryness, dandruff, and itchiness start revealing themselves and before long, you’ll feel frustrated with trying to resolve the problems. When that happens, it’s usually a sign that your hair and scalp need more than just the basic wash and condition.
Source: Tim Mossholder/Unsplash
When you start to experience that, it’s time to acknowledge that you need to put in a little more effort in your daily haircare routine to care for your scalp using the correct products so that it can regain its health once more.
Leading hair and scalp expert PHS Hairscience is a loud advocate for healthy scalp and hair, and a firm believer in double hair cleansing – the idea is that you first perform a deep cleanse to remove scalp surface dirt and grime, and then go in with a second cleanse to target specific scalp concern.
For that, PHS Hairscience specially curated the ADV Purify and ADV Soothe 3-step daily regimes to help with oily, dandruff-plagued scalp and sensitive scalp respectively. To put each range to the ultimate test, we invited 10 readers to try the relevant series for three weeks.
They were tasked to swap out their regular haircare products with the PHS Hairscience 3-step daily regime according to their scalp type, where they would double cleanse their hair with two shampoos, then moisturise with a conditioner before treating the hair with a final step of a hair tonic to see if this new extensive routine makes a positive difference to their crown.
Spoiler alert: The average verdict was a 4.9-star rating out of 5! Read on to find out more about both the regimes and have a look at the in-depth reviews.
About PHS Hairscience ADV Purify 3-step daily regime
The ADV Purify set arms you with all the essentials you need to address dandruff and scalp oiliness by effectively getting rid of dandruff flakes and sebum clogs daily as well as regulating sebum production and relieving scalp itching.
This in turn helps to rebalance the scalp and eliminate dandruff-causing bacteria, so the scalp stays cleaner, fresher, and stronger against bacterial infections, dandruff, and other scalp-related disorders.
The key lies in two botanical ingredients: salicylic acid, which helps keep sebum and dandruff under control, and ribwort plantain extract, which contains anti-inflammatory properties to calm itchiness. The range also contains rice and lotus stem cells, which are said to promote scalp circulation while healing and strengthening hair follicles.
As with all PHS Hairscience products, the ADV Purify series is made with the purest botanical essences and do not contain harmful additives such as parabens, mineral oils or benzophenone.
PHS Hairscience ADV Nutrition Shampoo, ADV Purify Shampoo, and ADV Nutrition Conditioner all retail for S$48 each, while the ADV Purify Tonic retails for S$108 at all PHS Hairscience outlets and authorised retailers as well as online.
About PHS Hairscience ADV Soothe 3-step daily regime
Designed specifically for dry and sensitive scalp, this is a healing and restorative set that restores much-needed balance and enhances natural scalp immunity to prevent inflammation and irritation.
While you get immediate relief for scalp itching, redness, and swelling, this series also helps you improve blood circulation so that your hair roots receive nutrients better and becomes reinforced over time thanks to rosemary and Japanese pepper fruit extracts.
The ADV Soothe range is also formulated with rice and lotus stem cells which helps encourage scalp circulation while healing and fortifying hair follicles.
Like the ADV Purify series, all the products under the ADV Soothe range are made with the purest botanical essences and do not contain harmful additives such as parabens, mineral oils or benzophenone.
PHS Hairscience ADV Nutrition Shampoo, ADV Soothe Shampoo, and ADV Nutrition Conditioner all retail for S$48 each, while the ADV Soothe Tonic retails for S$108 at all PHS Hairscience outlets and authorised retailers as well as online.
PHS Hairscience ADV Purify and Soothe series review: 10 readers give their honest opinions
PHS Hairscience ADV Purify and Soothe series
Summary
All reviewers were thoroughly impressed with both the PHS Hairscience series as well as the benefits of double hair cleansing. Most of them liked that the products aren’t like anything they’ve tried in the past, and are still easily absorbed or washed off without any greasy residue.
Reviewers with oily, dandruff-ridden scalp noticed significantly reduced sebum production with the ADV Purify 3-step daily regime, while those with dry and sensitive scalp felt that their scalp discomfort (redness, itching, and swelling) has visibly improved after using the ADV Soothe 3-step daily regime. All reviewers said they would continue using the specially curated trichology sets.
Andrea, 32
Hair type: Straight
Hair/scalp concerns: Hair fall
Usual haircare routine: Shampoo, conditioner, serum/hair oil, hair tonic
I wash my hair once a day and while I always double cleanse my skin even when I just wear sunscreen, double hair cleansing is a first for me and I’m pleasantly surprised that this method has made my hair stay clean for longer (two days)!
Sleek packaging aside, I really like the texture and scent of the ADV Nutrition and Purify Shampoos, which are more lightweight and foamy compared to my current shampoo.
After using both formulas, my hair and scalp feel extremely clean and cooling but after a while, my hair started to feel a little dry and mildly over-cleansed. Luckily, the ADV Nutrition Conditioner helped tremendously in pumping up the hydration without any greasy after-feel.
That said, the shampoos not only left my mane softer and smoother to the touch but also looked voluminous and shiny without weighing down on my hair. My scalp also feels less oily, itchy, and smelly after using them; instead, it just stays refreshed all day.
As I’m no stranger to hair tonics, I really enjoy using the ADV Purify Tonic as I feel that it covers more areas on the scalp compared to other products I’ve tried. Apart from the pleasant aroma, it really makes my scalp feel clean and less irritated without being dried out.
Overall, these four products seem like a very good combination for me, as it has made my hair feel smoother and look more voluminous. I’m also secretly hoping that it will help retain my hair colour for longer too.
I can say that I see major differences after trying the products and double hair cleansing for three weeks, and I look forward to washing my hair every day even if it takes longer than usual.
Zoey, 26
Hair type: Straight
Hair/scalp concerns: Flat hair
Usual haircare routine: Shampoo, conditioner, serum/hair oil
Double hair cleansing is a novel concept to me; I’ve never tried it before and have always had the impression that the method may result in excessive sebum reduction and induce the scalp to overcompensate by producing more oil instead. But boy, was I wrong – I use the ADV Nutrition and Purify Shampoos once a day and I really like the after-effects double hair cleansing has given me.
My scalp feels very clean without being dried out and also cooling, thanks to the minty sensation that the ADV Purify Shampoo gives. On the other hand, my hair feels soft and smooth to the touch without feeling greasy. Additionally, I appreciate the user-friendly packaging of the shampoos which dispenses plenty of foam to remove dirt and grime during shampooing.
I follow up with the ADV Nutrition Conditioner, which I found to be gentle and also pleasant to use as I don’t feel that it’s loaded with too many chemicals in the formula. I equally enjoy using the ADV Purify Tonic too, which sprays onto the scalp as easily as it gets absorbed into the scalp.
After using it consistently for three weeks, my scalp feels less oily and stays clean and soothed throughout the day. I can see the difference in my scalp and hair, and will consider purchasing this range once I’m done with my current one.
Hanisah, 28
Hair type: Straight
Hair/scalp concerns: Hair fall, frizziness, oily scalp
Usual haircare routine: Shampoo, conditioner, hair mask, hair tonic
While I’ve been double cleansing my skin for as long as I can remember, double hair cleansing is something new that never once crossed my mind until I got the opportunity to review this haircare range.
After washing my hair with the ADV Nutrition and Purify Shampoos once daily for three weeks, I realise that I scratch my scalp a lot less which is a major improvement for me. Double hair cleansing has made my scalp feel cleaner than ever, and the best part is the minty after-feel that I get after rinsing off the shampoos.
I also enjoy using the lightweight ADV Nutrition Conditioner as it left my tresses softer, more moisturised and most importantly, tangle-free. Not only does my hair not feel greasy after using the product, I find that it’s also much easier to brush my hair now compared to before.
The ADV Purify Tonic is equally pleasant to use too, as it leaves my scalp feeling less itchy and also reduces any lingering bad odour. While it makes my scalp feel clean and refreshed, I like that it’s significantly less drying compared to my current scalp tonic.
Overall, I find that while this purifying haircare set didn’t do as much for my hair, it has definitely made a positive difference to my scalp. The products do what they promise and effectively relieve scalp itching – I no longer scratch my head from time to time throughout the day anymore after practising double hair cleansing and using these four formulas.
Jia Li, 24
Hair type: Straight
Hair/scalp concerns: Oily scalp, frizziness, damaged hair
Usual haircare routine: Shampoo, conditioner, serum/hair oil
Personally, I feel that double cleansing is very important as it thoroughly preps your skin to absorb whatever you’re using afterwards, giving you the most out of the skincare you invested in.
I would think the same concept applies to hair, so if you’re using hair serum or oil after shampooing, double-cleansing would help prep your hair strands absorb the oil better and that’s exactly what I observed after practising double hair cleansing for three weeks for the purpose of this review.
My hair oil seems to work better – I find that it stays on longer and I don’t need to reapply during the midday when my hair usually gets dry. After using the ADV Nutrition and Purify Shampoos once daily, I also notice that my hair feels a lot cleaner yet still moisturised while my scalp feels calmer.
Not only is the pump packaging really convenient to use, but I also think that the shampoos did a good job in both cleansing and hydrating as my scalp feels thoroughly cleaned and refreshed but my hair doesn’t feel as dry or stiff as it normally would with other shampoos.
The texture of the shampoos are thicker than what I’m used to in my shampoos, which I think contributes to the hydrating factor, but it is just the right consistency to make me feel like it’s sealing in my hair’s moisture. My hair feels more moisturised, and less brittle, dry, and frizzy. It doesn’t seem to break as easily anymore and it doesn’t feel weighed down by the thicker-textured shampoos either.
I think the ADV Nutrition Conditioner also helped provide longer-lasting hydration for my hair with its thicker-textured formula. Apart from detangling my hair easily and making it less frizzy, I can tell that my locks feel significantly softer and smoother compared to my current conditioner too.
I especially enjoy using ADV Purify Tonic with its thoughtfully designed nozzle which spritzes onto specific areas of the scalp very well instead of getting the product everywhere but the scalp. In addition to the herbaceous scent, the tonic is very lightweight in texture which allows it to be easily absorbed into the scalp.
After using it for diligently for three weeks, I find that my scalp feels a lot more cleaner and soothed throughout the day and even though it’s an extra step in my haircare routine, I actually look forward to using the product every day because of the benefits it offers to my scalp.
Tessa, 29
Hair type: Straight
Hair/scalp concerns: Oily scalp
Usual haircare routine: Shampoo, conditioner, serum/hair oil, hair tonic
I shampoo my hair every other day and find that double hair cleansing has helped to clean the scalp more thoroughly, leaving it feeling not as greasy or oily. I find that this method has also helped me visibly reduce dandruff too.
Additionally, I like that the products are formulated with rice and lotus – ingredients that I know are popular in skincare formulas – as the combination offers a really lovely aroma that makes me enjoy using the products a lot.
With the ADV Nutrition and Purify Shampoos, both my hair and scalp now feel a lot more moisturised and refreshed without feeling any heaviness or oiliness at all – the itchiness has also diminished significantly as well.
Combined with the ADV Nutrition Conditioner, my hair is much more manageable now as it feels softer and smoother to the touch now and can be easily combed through. The final step, which is the ADV Purify Tonic, proved to be as beneficial as I’m seeing lesser dandruff and don’t scratch my scalp as much as before after incorporating it into my routine.
Overall, this four-piece regime is a haircare ritual that I look forward to doing whenever I wash my hair.
Jessie, 37
Hair type: Straight
Hair/scalp concerns: Dry and sensitive
Usual haircare routine: Shampoo, hair treatment, serum/hair oil, hair tonic
I cleanse my hair once every two to three days, and find that the double hair cleansing method has helped improve my hair texture as well as scalp immunity. Not only do the ADV Nutrition and Soothe Shampoos feel gentle and mild on the scalp, but they have also made my hair feel stronger and less sensitive.
The addition of rice and lotus ingredients in the formulas also boosted my confidence greatly in using the products without any worry. Apart from deep cleansing my scalp to lift away dirt and impurities, the shampoos have also reduced scalp flakiness for me without drying out my scalp.
I also enjoy using the ADV Nutrition Conditioner because it feels more like a hair treatment product for me rather than a conditioner – the rich nourishing formula leaves my hair feeling moisturised, silky soft and tangle-free with a healthy sheen.
The ADV Soothe Tonic is another great product as my scalp feels less sensitive and irritated after using it. The ultra-light formula is gentle on the scalp and offers soothing comfort and protection all day, so much so that my scalp feels healthier now than it’s ever been.
Sin Yee, 29
Hair type: Straight
Hair/scalp concerns: Damaged hair
Usual haircare routine: Shampoo, conditioner, hair mask, serum/hair oil
I’ve been double cleansing my skin for years, and started the method for my hair two years ago and I’ve never looked back since. I say that because my mane feels a lot smoother and more moisturised ever since I began double cleansing my hair.
I shampoo once daily with the ADV Nutrition and Soothe Shampoos, and I love how these formulas leave my locks feeling cleaner without any dryness in sight. Apart from giving me significantly glossy, moisturised hair that’s stronger and less sensitive, I also like that the shampoos are formulated to be really gentle on the scalp without compromising its efficacy.
The ADV Nutrition Conditioner also gets two thumbs up for me, thanks to its pleasant, non-artificial aroma. Due to its rich texture, I only need a small amount of the product to keep my hair hydrated and knot-free without feeling weighed down.
The ADV Soothe Tonic, on the other hand, is a lightweight liquid that protects and alleviates itchiness effectively. On top of feeling fresher and less sensitive, I can tell that my scalp feels healthier than before too.
All in all, the products have significantly improved my hair and scalp condition, and I can safely say that I will purchase the products after finishing the current review set. I also plan on recommending it to my family and friends who struggle with the same hair and scalp issues as I do – that’s how much I’m in love with these products.
Hanna, 34
Hair type: Straight
Hair/scalp concerns: Dry and sensitive
Usual haircare routine: Shampoo, conditioner
I shampoo once a day, and always have it in my mind that double hair cleansing is time-consuming and wasteful in the sense that I have to use another product to wash my hair for the second time in one sitting.
After doing it for three weeks, however, I could see and feel the difference in my hair and scalp, which I think is better for me in the long run as I find that I can save my time and money by stretching out the interval between my salon visits for a professional hair treatment.
Not only do the ADV Nutrition and Soothe Shampoos smell good and feel light in texture, but they have also helped turn my hair dullness and dryness around without weighing down on my locks. Another plus point? It’s alleviated my scalp discomfort and doesn’t leave my crown feeling oily at all.
While my hair feels stronger and more moisturised now, my scalp doesn’t feel as irritated as before, thanks to the gentle shampoo formulas. I follow up with the ADV Nutrition Conditioner, which I find hydrates my hair without any heaviness whatsoever. Plus, it can be easily washed off and doesn’t leave any tackiness on my hands or hair at all.
The ADV Soothe Tonic is also a favourite of mine, so much so that I bring it with me in my workout bag whenever I hit the gym because it’s that convenient and easy to use. Not only does my scalp feel healthier and refreshed all day after using it, but I also find that the swelling and redness have reduced and as a result, I don’t scratch my scalp as much as before.
Ching Wee, 28
Hair type: Straight
Hair/scalp concerns: Dry and sensitive
Usual haircare routine: Shampoo, conditioner
I shampoo once daily so have always been apprehensive about trying double hair cleansing as I find that it’s just too much work, especially since it’s more laborious to shampoo and rinse it out afterwards.
Having said that, I somehow look forward to using the ADV Nutrition and Soothe Shampoos every day because of the way they make my hair and scalp feel. While my hair is now softer, smoother, and more moisturised, my scalp has certainly taken a turn for the better too – it now feels less sensitive and itchy, and generally feels clean without being dried out.
Apart from the refreshingly cooling sensation that the gentle shampoos leave behind, I also appreciate that they don’t come with a strong chemical-like scent which can be really off-putting.
Unfortunately, I didn’t notice any difference in my hair when I used the ADV Nutrition Conditioner but with the ADV Soothe Tonic, I notice a positive effect on my scalp – the irritation is much lesser and I can feel it’s refreshingly clean without any tautness on the skin. I also appreciate that the tonic doesn’t leave a strong lingering aroma at all, and is easily spreadable with your fingers thanks to its lightweight texture.
Having incorporated the double hair cleansing method to properly cleanse and soothe my hair for three weeks, I can say that it’s made me want to put in a more conscious effort to massage my scalp in order to restore its health.
Kaylee, 27
A small reddened area near Kaylee’s scalp looked a lot calmer after using the PHS Hairscience ADV Soothe series for three weeks
Hair type: Wavy
Hair/scalp concerns: Dry and sensitive
Usual haircare routine: Shampoo, conditioner, serum/hair oil
I wash my hair once every two to three days, but it’s my first time trying out the double hair cleansing method in my routine and I have to say that I’m genuinely impressed. I feel that it gives my scalp a thorough cleanse; in fact, it feels much cleaner than the usual one-time cleanse that we’re all accustomed to. As hair is thoroughly wet after the first cleanse, I find that the second shampoo will be able to work better and foam up easier too during the second cleanse.
Using the ADV Nutrition and Soothe Shampoos for three weeks effectively addressed my dry, sensitive scalp problems – it now feels less itchy, oily, and sensitive and my hair has also grown to be softer and smoother too. I also like that rice water and lotus – ingredients that are much more prevalent in the skincare world – are used in the products as I’m always open to trying new beauty ingredients to test their effectiveness.
I also notice visible differences in my mane after using the ADV Nutrition Conditioner – the rich, moisturising formula has taken care of my hair dullness and frizziness without leaving my hair with a greasy after-feel. Additionally, I find myself touching my hair a lot more now as well because it’s so much softer and smoother – smells good too!
On top of that, the ADV Soothe Tonic has certainly helped mitigate all the scalp discomfort that I used to face regularly. My scalp now feels reinvigorated and soothed throughout the day yet still moisturised at the same time after using the gentle scalp tonic.
Not only is my hair healthy and happy, but the skin near my scalp is also a lot less angry now after I started on this regime in my beauty routine.
