NOW CLOSED Halos N Horns product test feedback thread

[KatieBMumsnet]

This thread is for the 200 Mumsnetters who are trying out the Halos N Horns Zingy Orange Hair & Body Wash with their DC. Below are some questions to get you started but please feel free to leave any other comments you may have too. Everyone who adds their comments to this thread will be entered into a prize draw to win a bundle of baby and toddler educational bath toys and a children's digital camera (RRP £105).

Questions

Q1. What were your first impressions of the product? What did you like? Was there anything you didn't like? How did it compare with other products you've tried?

Q2. How about your DC - was there anything they liked or disliked about the product (if they're not old enough to tell you what they thought, then your interpretation of their opinion is fine!)? Would you say it made bath time more fun at all? If so, why? If not, why not?

Q3. Overall, how did the product perform? Did it clean your child well? Was it easy to use or not? Did you find you used about the right amount to start with or did it take a few goes to get this right?

Q4. What did you think of the fragrance? Can you think of any other fragrances that you'd like Halos N Horns to use?

Q5. Is there anything about the product and/or its packaging that you think could be improved? If so, what and how?

Q6. Do you think you'd use this product again? If so, why? If not, why not?

Q7. If it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend Halos N Horns Zingy Orange Hair & Body Wash to your friends who have children? If so, why? If not, why not?

Thank you for taking part and good luck with the prize draw!
MNHQ

[HarrietJones]

1. I liked the fact it was thick & easy to use a small amount
   

2.Dd3 liked putting the tube in the water if that counts!
3,Easy to use, not wasting any, did a good job on a very messy toddler!

1. I liked the smell, I like fruity bath stuff so anything in that vein is good for me!
   
2. Nope!
   

6.Yes

1. Yes because I liked it !

[HarrietJones]

I used it on a flannel & lathered fine

[SpottySlippers]

Tested on DD1 (7), DD2 (4) and DS (1).

Q1: First impressions good; we liked the packaging, very different to the rest of the market. Although I did feel we would use it up quickly as the tube was small.
Q2: Children liked it, particularly the packaging, smell (which was actually quite mild) and colour.
Q3: Only a small amount was needed, however, a significant amount more was needed when used as a shampoo.
Q4: The fragrance was very mild.
Q5: Agree, a pump would make life much easier. The current packaging style would be perfect for travel.
Q6: Price dependent.
Q7: Probably not; unless the price was competitive and it came with a pump option.

[ILikeToMoveItMoveIt]

Bookmarking

[Tinkerisdead]

1. I liked the product, packaging was bright and excited dd for bathtime. I agree its not zingy and dd misheard me thinking i'd said minty orange and i thought hmmm yeah even minty orange would be more zingy. But there is a lot of product in the tube. I can see it would be good value as you dont need much. Ive tried numerous products as dd has sensitive skin. Mostly tescos own, little me organics, burt bees and green baby. This was far nicer as less herbally in smell but still had the good feeling of 'no nasties' in it.
   

1. Dd was excited to try it as it was bright and engaging. She asked for a bath with her 'minty orange' repeadedly.
   

1. This is a bit tricky. I understand that to keep the nasties out of it it doesnt have foaming agents etc in it that other products do. This is reassuring and was fine as a body wash but creates no lather under running water for example. As a shampoo i really had to pile it on as it was akin to trying to shampoo with conditioner to which i used too much and it took a fair bit if rinsing. It would have been better to have an advice note about it on the product as i inadvertently wasted a lot!
   

1. It smelled nice but wasnt zingy. Fruit scents are far better than the herbal scents of other organic ranges but if you look at say 'original source' products they seem to achieve a more vibrant fruity smell.
   

1. The packaging was good, the flip lid was handy when manhandling wet child although she was able to squirt it all out being downward facing.
   

6&7. It depends on the price. As i wasted a fair bit using it as shampoo. I'd recommend it though its a nice product. I liked the vibrance of it for a toddler compared to the 'sleepeasy' element you often get on kids products.

Thank you for letting us try as i was looking for something i could use in dd3 and dc2 newborn.

[lagrandissima]

I bought this when the DCs were younger, and liked the product, but at the price it retails at, we tend to use a cheaper family shampoo now.

[vogonmothership]

Q1. What were your first impressions of the product? Nice packaging, like the fact there are no parabens etc but absolutely no orange smell...

Q2. How about your DC - they were excited because it was new

Q3. Overall, how did the product perform? good on a sponge, not so good as a shampoo, realise this is because of the lack of sls which is a good thing

Q4. What did you think of the fragrance? THERE WAS
NO FRAGRANCE!!! And I have a really good 'nose'. Kids were disappointed

Q5. Is there anything about the product and/or its packaging that you think could be improved? If so, what and how? Pump action. Some smell!!!

Q6. Do you think you'd use this product again? If so, why? If not, why not? No, Purely because there was no fragrance. Did I mention that?!

Q7. If it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend Halos N Horns Zingy Orange Hair & Body Wash to your friends who have children? If so, why? If not, why not?
If you want body wash with no nasties then good for price

[DorisIsWaiting]

Q1. What were your first impressions of the product? What did you like? Was there anything you didn't like? How did it compare with other products you've tried? I liked the idea of less 'nasties' in the product, the packagaing was nice and bright. It lathered less than other products but I was happy to accept that as a consquence of less 'nasties'

Q2. How about your DC - was there anything they liked or disliked about the product (if they're not old enough to tell you what they thought, then your interpretation of their opinion is fine!)? Would you say it made bath time more fun at all? If so, why? If not, why not? dd3 loved the idea of a bath product just for her (she has been less than impressed with the subsquent trials by other dd's!) all dd's have like it (possibly due to the 'newness' rather than anything specific! there were less bubles to play with as above but it didn't dent the bath time experience too much.

Q3. Overall, how did the product perform? Did it clean your child well? Was it easy to use or not? Did you find you used about the right amount to start with or did it take a few goes to get this right? Children all appeared clean and smelled freshly washed post baths and showers so thumbs up on cleaning!

Q4. What did you think of the fragrance? Can you think of any other fragrances that you'd like Halos N Horns to use? The fragrences for children all seem to be fruit based so not too objectionable for most boys (I would imagine) or cloyingly sweet (Ariel perfume anyone!). A gentle daisy or rose flower type fragrance would be nice (although obviously may appeal to a more female market) as my girls love my bath smellies.

Q5. Is there anything about the product and/or its packaging that you think could be improved? If so, what and how?Packaging was bright and attractive for the girls.

Q6. Do you think you'd use this product again? If so, why? If not, why not? Will depend entirely on the price having it free is fantastic but I haven't seen it's normal retail price.

Q7. If it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend Halos N Horns Zingy Orange Hair & Body Wash to your friends who have children? If so, why? If not, why not? It's not genrally the kind of thing I discuss in conversation! But I would be happy to say I used it (and not at all embarassed like our usual products...the cheapest we can find!!).

[fluffywhitekittens]

Marking place for after bath time :)

[Abirdinthehand]

1. First impressions ok. I didn't like the graphics or the reference to 'little devils', my kids are not devils thanks. I liked the upside down bottle.
   

1. Don't think they had an opinion really! They like pictures on packaging, so that was good.
   

1. I liked using it, it was easy to dispense, but perhaps a bit too runny? It kind of rushed out, so I got too much the first time. Their skin felt clean afterwards. I have not used it on their hair yet, as I didn't feel sure about it getting in their eyes, it looked like it would hurt iykwim!
   

1. I didnt like the smell that much. It was ok I guess, not objectionable, but smelt nothing like oranges! Because it was a natural product I expected it to smell of real orange.
   

5 I think it should be either clear, or properly orange, not the pale washed out colour it is. Improve the smell, and ditch the 'devils' reference!

6 I only buy natural products for my kids, but I'm not sure I'd buy this. I don't like the 'halos and horns' name or devil references. I think the packaging is not clear enough that it is paraban / sls free etc. I do like the good size of the bottle.

7 I would be happy to mention I'd tried it, but I don't think I'd recommend it. I think the downsides I've mentioned would mean there are other brands Id prefer to recommend if asked. Plus, I have looked at this in shops and been put off by price.

[Tee2072]

Q1. What were your fist impressions of the product? What did you like? Was there anything you didn't like? How did it compare with other products you've tried? bright colourful package, smelled good when I sniffed

Q2. How about your DC - was there anything they liked or disliked about the product (if they're not old enough to tell you what they thought, then your interpretation of their opinion is fine!)? Would you say it made bath time more fun at all? If so, why? If not, why not? Son, 2.7, loved all the bubbles it made!

Q3. Overall, how did the product perform? Did it clean your child well? Was it easy to use or not? Did you find you used about the right amount to start with or did it take a few goes to get this right? It seemed to work well and, most importantly, did not cause his eczema to flare! In fact, for the first time in a long time, he scalp, while dry (an ongoing issue) was a looser dry, if that makes sense, so I could brush some of the flakes out!

Q4. What did you think of the fragrance? Can you think of any other fragrances that you'd like Halos N Horns to use? It's okay. Orange isn't really my favourite scent. Lavender would be nicer, I think.

Q5. Is there anything about the product and/or its packaging that you think could be improved? If so, what and how? Nope, it's fine with me.

Q6. Do you think you'd use this product again? If so, why? If not, why not? I might, if it was priced competitively. I haven't seen it in the shops so I am not sure how much it actually is.

Q7. If it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend Halos N Horns Zingy Orange Hair & Body Wash to your friends who have children? If so, why? If not, why not? Sure. It seems to work, didn't dry his skin and the bubbles were a big hit!

[Figgyrolls]

Q1. What were your fist impressions of the product? What did you like? Was there anything you didn't like? How did it compare with other products you've tried?

I thought the packaging looked a little tacky if I am honest, however size was good as I would possibly pick it for travelling abroad. Otherwise I would prefer something bigger at home as the dc's like to play with the soap
Also, Zingy Orange - was much more subtle than zingy and didn't really smell very orangey.

Q2. How about your DC - was there anything they liked or disliked about the product (if they're not old enough to tell you what they thought, then your interpretation of their opinion is fine!)? Would you say it made bath time more fun at all? If so, why? If not, why not?
It didn't disperse in the water very well and dd was a bit disconcerted by the orange blobs in the bath, the bubbles were ok but I think she would have preferred longer lasting bubbles. She knows that it is especially for her and she is trying it, she hasn't specifically asked for it or asked not for it though when having a bath.

Q3. Overall, how did the product perform? Did it clean your child well? Was it easy to use or not? Did you find you used about the right amount to start with or did it take a few goes to get this right?

She was definitely cleaner post bath with it, she enjoyed putting a little on the sponge and then washing herself. I found that it was fine to judge as the sponge makes up lots of bubbles.

Q4. What did you think of the fragrance? Can you think of any other fragrances that you'd like Halos N Horns to use?

As I said above, zingy orange wasn't very zingy or orange, infact I think the name made me expect something else.

Q5. Is there anything about the product and/or its packaging that you think could be improved? If so, what and how?

I really thought that the packaging was a little bit Tesco/Sainsbury tbh, I was expecting something a little bit more "classy" or a little bit more "wacky" but it didn't really fit either box.

Q6. Do you think you'd use this product again? If so, why? If not, why not?

I possibly would to go on holiday with, am not sure day to day I would as am not sure of the price of it.

Q7. If it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend Halos N Horns Zingy Orange Hair & Body Wash to your friends who have children? If so, why? If not, why not?

Not necessarily but neither would I say it was dreadful. It doesn't have the wow factor of some other things I have tested and subsequently purchased again. I may well purchase but I don't know the price and as I say if too high might be a holiday purchase rather than an every day one. I do like that it is "nasty" free but I really don't think that the packaging reflects this well in comparison to other brands. I appreciate that it is to appeal to children but I am not sure it is bright/sparkly enough with regards to luring dd away from the Mr Matey and Tinkerbell products and I think it is a bit garish to lure me away from the Organics range.

Tested on DD4 and DS1, I would like to point out that I started to write this before looking at any other posts, then went up to see if I could find the price anywhere so I noticed that some of the things I have commented on, I am not the only one! Thanks for picking me though, I hope this doesn't stop me from being picked in the future

[oldteacher]

Q1. Looked fun and appealing, smelt very nice, children very excited at the prospect of using it (doesn't take much in our house). I even wanted to try it out.

Q2. They liked the smell very much and DD says it didn't make her feel itchy at all.

Q3. Easy to use container, made enough bubbles to keep the kids happy without producing loads.

Q4. The fragrance is one of its most appealing features. Fresh- child friendly (they kept opening the lid to smell).

Q5. Can't think of anything. I like to be able to use the last drop of every product so would need to eventually hack into it with a pair of scissors.

Q6. Yes I would look to buy and use again. I wouldn't go out of my way to find the product if it wasn't sourced locally though, so getting it into mainstreams shops/supermarkets would be good for me.

Q7. Yes I would, and especially if someone wanted to try a product more suitable for dry skin.

[Figgyrolls]

Meant to say re other scents - mint would be nice and lemon vebena (not as sickly as lemon sometimes is), Lavender? Melon?(don't know where that one came from!!!) Apple? Fresh things though, I personally love the herby stuff but the dc I think prefer the sticky sweet smell

[SpottyTeacakes]

Q1. Good size, I liked the design on the front very fun and child orientated. We usually use a pump soap as it is easier to us one handed, which is preferable.

Q2. Dd is 19 months and really couldn't care less, she never takes much notice when we wash her.

Q3. Nice and easy to use, didn't need as much product as with other body washes. Cleaned fine and left skin softer than some others.

Q4. Wasn't as strong as I had thought it would be. We like strawberry in this house, but anything fruity will do!

Q5. Would like it available in pump form.

Q6. Yes, it left dd's skin soft and had a nice fragrance.

Q7. Yes, I like the convenience of having a hair and body was in one plus normal baby shampoo smells pretty awful.

[CamperFan]

I really liked the product though the DCs did not express an opinion! Contrary to other posters I found it lathered fine, and a little goes a long way - one bottle would last months and months for us. I wouldn't expect it to lather under running water - its not bubble bath! Love the packaging and the smell (although the flip top means I have to keep it out of the way of 1 year old DS2 as he can open it with his teeth). If it is priced the same as other Horns n Halos products then I am sure the price will be extremely reasonable for that kind of product. I would buy it.

[Tyson86]

Q1. What were your first impressions of the product? What did you like? Was there anything you didn't like? How did it compare with other products you've tried?

I thought the packaging was nice and it seemed as though it may last longer than better known brands. I feel as though there is nothing I didnt like about the packaging and product.


Q2. How about your DC - was there anything they liked or disliked about the product (if they're not old enough to tell you what they thought, then your interpretation of their opinion is fine!)? Would you say it made bath time more fun at all? If so, why? If not, why not?


My dd who tried it is only 1 but seemed happy when I was using the product, no screaming when I washed her hair which she does with other no tear formula shampoo's so I feel it must be very good.


Q3. Overall, how did the product perform? Did it clean your child well? Was it easy to use or not? Did you find you used about the right amount to start with or did it take a few goes to get this right?

Dd is going through a messy stage of pulling her nappy off, so really did put the product to the test It certainly did clean her well and I found it foamed up fine, I used a body puff. Whilst washing her hair it made her hair feel rather dry but once she got out the bath and her hair dried it was clean and fluffy maybe a little too fluffy
Because of the squeezy tube, I found finding the right amount easy.


Q4. What did you think of the fragrance? Can you think of any other fragrances that you'd like Halos N Horns to use?

I liked the fragrance, it was not to strong which appeals to me when choosing products for my dc.
Please bring out Apple and Lime That would be a top seller for me! :)


Q5. Is there anything about the product and/or its packaging that you think could be improved? If so, what and how?

No I think it is great


Q6. Do you think you'd use this product again? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes but would depend on price.


Q7. If it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend Halos N Horns Zingy Orange Hair & Body Wash to your friends who have children? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes for certain, much better than a certain brand for sensitive skin which has no scent at all,

[CharlotteBronteSaurus]

1. Liked the packaging. Neat and clean and not too twee - no little ducks or teddies. I like the squeezy tube as well.
   

2.dd2 (14mo) liked the squeezy tube - it's soft enough for small hands to squeeze. she can't talk yet though, so that's about it. dd1 (4) liked the smell.

3.It was a bit runny - a tube probably wouldn't last long. Easy to rinse off though.

1. dd1 liked it because it smelt like Haribo. I disliked it for the same reason. we use a detangle spray by Naked for Kids with a much more natural orangey smell which I prefer.
   

1. didn't like the smell or the runniness. Did like the packaging though.
   

1. Depends on price. If it was cheaper, say £1.49ish, then it would be more likely.
   

1. I'm not sure. I think it's at the more expensive end of things, and this would make me hesitate to recommend it.

[shrinkingnora]

1. Packaging looked nice and clean, product smelt nice (I thought, but DH says it smells chemically to him)
   

1. DS2 liked the way that you could make tiny bubbles come out of the tube.
   

1. It cleaned him well but brought him up in a rash (also gave DD hives but she's 8 and out of the age range for the product test), so we were a bit disappointed.
   

1. I liked the fragrance, I'd like more citrussy scents.
   

1. Not much I would change except for the rash giving properties.
   

1. Wouldn't use again due to the DCs' reactions.
   

1. I would but only if their DCs do not have sensitive skin.

[Combinearvester]

Q1.You get loads in the tube, it smells really lovely and there's no waste when you squeeze it out. Thicker / less watery than the stuff I usually use. Unisex packaging, not at all babyish. DS2 is 2 and as he says " I isn't a baby".

Q2.He sniffed it a lot and said 'smell nice'. He liked the fact that he was able to squeeze it out himself (I don't let him do the one we currently use as loads comes out and it is wasted). So it probably made bathtime a bit more fun as he could do it himself!

Q3. Definitely cleaned well, easy to use. A little bit went quite a long way which is unusual as we live in a hard water area. Did not cause dry skin as products often do on DS2.

Q4. I thought the fragrance was great, it's nice to have citrus fragrance in a child's product. I also think apple or strawberry work quite well in children's products and mint makes them smell clean.

Q5. I can't think of anything to improve it, agree pump form would be handy for hair washing, you could do it in a handwash style bottle.

Q6. Yes definitely it's a bit different, as long as it isn't too expensive.

Q7. Yes, it smells lovely and works well on DS' sensitive skin. Also looks like it will last a long time.

[WithAYoHoHoAndABottleOfRum]

1. First impression good, like the bright orange packaging, liked the consistency.
   
   
2. The DC liked it, the 3 yr old wanted to squeeze it onto the sponge himself and enjoyed doing so. He liked the colour. Though I wouldn't say it actaully made bathtime more "fun", being as it is a functional product.
   
   
3. Seemd to work well, children clean at the end. Did use too much to start with but soon got the hang of the right amount.
   
   
4. I agree with others the fragrance wasn't very strong, certainly not as much as I was expecting. Whether or not this is agood thing depends on one's view. As for new smells DD suggested "flowers".
   
   
5. Not sure how I'd improve it.
   
   
6. Yes I'd use it again though as so often it would depend on the price.
   
   
7. Yes I 'd recommend it, it works well, is a fun product as far as it possible with body/hair wash.

[missmuddle]

Questions

Q1. What were your fist impressions of the product? What did you like? Was there anything you didn't like? How did it compare with other products you've tried?

We liked the pakaging, colours compared to other kids products for this age its quite nice in that its not associated with a cartoon character, not twee or too plain.

Q2. How about your DC - was there anything they liked or disliked about the product (if they're not old enough to tell you what they thought, then your interpretation of their opinion is fine!)? Would you say it made bath time more fun at all? If so, why? If not, why not?

Loved trying a new product and both washed their hair and did not complain about eyes.


Q3. Overall, how did the product perform? Did it clean your child well? Was it easy to use or not? Did you find you used about the right amount to start with or did it take a few goes to get this right?


As a bubble bath it worked really well much better than the aurora bubble bath we have been using since christmas - i think we used the right amount. Only a tiny bit was needed for the hair - as we have tried the cherry before we know it lasts a long time as you don't need to use alot.



Q4. What did you think of the fragrance? Can you think of any other fragrances that you'd like Halos N Horns to use?

I thought it was a bit too sickly and sweet,, Dc3 like the smell and thought it was orangy. DC2 thought it smelt of pommegranate

They both smelt lovely the next day

Fragrances that they would like to try would be lemon, lime, purple grapes


Q5. Is there anything about the product and/or its packaging that you think could be improved? If so, what and how?

Would like more halos and less horns as my child is an "angel"

Q6. Do you think you'd use this product again? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes occasionally or more depending on cost.



Q7. If it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend Halos N Horns Zingy Orange Hair & Body Wash to your friends who have children? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes I would because it does not sting the eyes it smells lovely and is mild.

[EvianBaby]

Q1. What were your fist impressions of the product? What did you like? Was there anything you didn't like? How did it compare with other products you've tried?

Quite liked the packaging, quite refreshing compared to the rest on the market. Although I think it could say more about being chemical free etc.

Q2. How about your DC - was there anything they liked or disliked about the product (if they're not old enough to tell you what they thought, then your interpretation of their opinion is fine!)? Would you say it made bath time more fun at all? If so, why? If not, why not?

DS is 3 (DD is 10 months). He was very excited that he had his own product. He really liked the smell and the packaging. He enjoyed having something new so yes, it probably did make bath time more fun!

Q3. Overall, how did the product perform? Did it clean your child well? Was it easy to use or not? Did you find you used about the right amount to start with or did it take a few goes to get this right?

Cleaned DS really well and the fragrance lasted on his hair after it was dry (although perhaps not as long as i would have liked but that's a personal choice). Very easy to use.

Q4. What did you think of the fragrance? Can you think of any other fragrances that you'd like Halos N Horns to use?

Liked the fragrance, as did DS. Would quite like a herbal, rose, cammomile, possibly lime. I'm not a huge fan of fruity fragrances but only buy 'clean' and natural smelling products. I would't consider anything with an artificial fragrance (no matter how effective!)

Q5. Is there anything about the product and/or its packaging that you think could be improved? If so, what and how?

Maybe just a range of fragrances

Q6. Do you think you'd use this product again? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, at the right price

Q7. If it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend Halos N Horns Zingy Orange Hair & Body Wash to your friends who have children? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, if I thought it was worth the price and there was a range of fragrances.