Love it: the Eithne Curran Black Collection

I have known hair and makeup artist Eithne Curran since I was in my late teens, which in all honesty was some time ago (shhhh)! She was passionate about her craft then and she still is now, and her latest creative endeavour is one of her most exciting yet.

Called the Eithne Curran Black Collection, it’s a luxurious New Zealand-made haircare lineup that blends “rich heritage, ethical science, and luxurious natural ingredients” and is set to give new meaning to the phrase ‘beauty with a conscience’. Beautiful to look at and a joy to use, it is also refreshingly simple in an age of multi-prooduct lines that can confuse the average consumer.

Made up of a Shampoo, Conditioner and Restore Treatment, it uses a ‘Botanical Cleansing System’ of 20 pure plant essences across the range that complements the hair and skin’s natural essences. All products in Eithne’s range are pH neutral, contain no parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, mineral oils, petroleum or synthetic dyes, are 100 per cent vegan and never tested on animals, which if you’ve ever met her you will know is a given! To bring her vision to life, Eithne partnered with New Zealand scientist and philanthropist Sir Ray Avery, who was able to provide the scientific insight that she needed alongside her expansive industry knowledge.

“Over the years, I found myself quite often coming across hair that lacked natural volume and body and was difficult to work with,“ Eithne says. “Rather than add product after chemical-laden product on top of the hair to create the effect I was after, I realised beautiful, healthy hair starts at the basin – you need to target the root of the problem, and it can be done entirely naturally.” 

Above all, Eithne is passionate about creating a product that conveys an inherently ethical and sustainable brand ethos that reflects her own beliefs. Her Irish and Polynesian heritage has played a part in shaping her brand over the years, and she strives to continue in the footsteps of ancestors who understood the importance of the ethical use of nature in beauty care, without sacrificing results. Clearly an advocate of the ‘slow beauty’ ethos, she says the Black Collection is “not just designed to completely care for hair naturally, but also to make you think about and acknowledge simplicity, purity and integrity in every aspect of your life”. 

Eithne firmly believes that less is more and all hair types need just one beautifully and carefully scientifically formulated range to thrive. “These products are truly for everyone – yourself, your children, your friends, your husband, your mum, whoever!,” says the stylist and creator. “We’ve done the scientific research for a reason – so that you don’t need to read the fine print or worry whether or not it’s going to work for your hair.” 

So what are they like to use? Well I have tried them on the whole family and received two thumbs up and then some for all and sundry (I have yet to try them on the dogs but hey, give me time!). The shampoo smells incredible and leaves your hair feeling cleansed but no stripped clean of all goodness, whilst the conditioner – which uses a lush blend of botanicals and rich ingredients like avocado oil, shea butter and jojoba oil – is an absolute revelation. Last up, the Restore Treatment has done wonders for my damaged ends, and will definitely be getting a workout when I’m in the sea and the pool over the summer months. Luxury hair treatment self care time? Bring it on with this beauty!

I think this kit would make a lovely Christmas gift for that difficult person to buy for - check out the packaging, above - or just for a conscious treat to one's self. Eithne Curran products are available online at www.eithnecurran.com and selected salons nationwide. For more information or to locate your nearest stockist visit www.eithnecurran.com