V05 Showerworks Vs. V05's Original Hot Oil

When it comes to home hot oil treatments for your hair, V05 has always been there. Their best-known product is the V05 hot oil that can be heated in the microwave and then used in the shower. But now they present a product that claims to have the same moisturizing power of their original hot oil without the hassle of heating it up. Let's see how it compares, shall we?

Ease of use

The biggest seller for the Showerworks Hot Oil is the ease of use. You don't have to heat it up. It uses the heat of the shower to work its 'magic.' For those of you who haven't tried hot oil treatments from your home it is fairly easy to use in its traditional form as well. The original Hot Oil from V05 can be heated up in the microwave in a mug of water to get the temperature needed to work into your hair. While you are in the shower, wet your hair and apply the hot oil. In the case of the original kind, the tube contains one application, and the Showerworks version contains 4. Leave either one of them in for a minute or less, and then rinse off; then you will shampoo and condition your hair like normal afterwards.

I've found that the Showerworks version is only slightly easier to use than the original. Showerworks comes in a snap lid bottle that can be easily dispensed when needed. However, figuring out the 'dosage' is a little left to chance, because you have to apply it quickly throughout your hair and start counting to a minute. Leaving the product in your hair longer will result in 'stringy' hair afterwards. The original variety can be heated up in your shower too if you fill a mug with the hottest water you can get from the tap in your bathroom and place the tube into it for about a minute before using it in the shower. The only extra 'device' is keeping a mug in the bathroom for this use. There is no measuring with the original, you just use the entire tube.

Price

The original formula costs a few dollars less than the Showerworks, but it only comes with two applications, whereas the later comes with four. You'd expect to pay $4-5 for either one of these products. This isn't unreasonable for weekly, not daily, treatments.

Effectiveness

Effectiveness is the real decider when it comes to purchasing products. The Showerworks version is only slightly less of a moisturizing experience than the traditional formula. If you have fine hair, than the Showerworks version will work fine (excuse the pun). However, for thicker hair, or ethnic styles, you will need to use larger amounts each time than suggested to cover all of your hair. On the other hand, the one that is heated before use will give you better moisture restoration and shine. The effectiveness is only slightly less with the Showerworks, however. So it really depends on your hair type and your budget on such items to know whether it is worth it. If you are looking for a better moisturizing experience, stick with the old standard formula and keep a mug handy.