Before I became a beauty editor, buying and trying fancy latest hair products wasn’t a reality for me, especially if you add my long, thick, wavy hair into the equation. It’s the sort and texture that excites hairstylists, plus its length and girth — visible even when wrapped up in ponytail — so I’ve gotten used to hearing, “Look how much hair this girl’s got!” at salon appointments.

And so they’re right, it is a variety of hair, which implies it takes a variety of TLC — and money — to administer all of it. Fortunately, I discovered a latest $10 fix, Garnier Fructis’s Hair Filler + Bonding Pre-Shampoo Treatmentwhich does not break the bank and leaves my hair shinier, smoother, and frizz-free after only one use.

The bond-repairing, rinse-out formula, which took Garnier chemists seven years to formulate, breaks down product buildup, gives my waves a giant burst of hydration, and again, costs lower than my lunch (there is a girl-math joke in here somewhere). But don’t just take my word for it: Read on to listen to from other Allure editors who share their honest opinions and first impressions of the pre-shampoo treatment we have named this month’s One to Watch.

• Emma Naiberk is an associate principal chemist for Hair Care, Scalp, and Manageability at L’Oréal.
• Annie ChiuMD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founding father of The Derm Institute in Manhattan Beach, California.
• Stephen Thevenot is a hairstylist at David Mallett Recent York Salon in Recent York City.
• Kelly Drummer is a cosmetic chemist based in Cincinnati.

• Overview
• The Ingredients
• How I Tested It
• Before and After
• More Allure Reviews
• Pricing and Value
• Where to Buy It

Yes, Garnier’s Hair Filler + Bonding Pre-Shampoo Treatment is yet an alternative choice within the ever-evolving market of bond-targeted products. However it’s also in a category of its own because its price tag is more accessible than competitors’ and it might be used on a variety of different hair types, textures, and colours. It’s creamy, lightweight, and designed for fast use within the shower: just five minutes before sudsing up (hence, the “pre-shampoo” in its name).

Emma Naiberkassociate principal chemist for Hair Care, Scalp, and Manageability at L’Oréal, reminds us that this pre-shampoo is meant to be a universal treatment for damaged hair, but you will need to at all times follow it up with shampoo and conditioner, as this product will not be a co-wash. Nabiberk recommends using the corresponding Hair Filler products (which we’ll get into later) after the treatment, but, in line with cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos, you do not have to — any shampoo or conditioner will do. “I do not see any issues using this pre-shampoo treatment with other shampoos or basic conditioners, but brands typically design and test a latest product together with their very own, to make sure compatibility and achieve optimal results,” she explains.