Matrix • Amplify Root Lifter • Styling Products

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swtdreamsx3 on 9/12/2012 4:10:00 PM more reviews by swtdreamsx3

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

Now, before I go on and on about how much I love this product let me just say...

I'm asian, I have flat and heavy hair with NO volume what so ever lol

SO, with that being said, it should already be obvious that I've most likely tried every product known to man to give me that va va voom hair every woman seeks.

This product basically did it for me, I love how the bottle's pump produces the perfect about for a single use. It is a very cute bottle and totally travel friendly. Did I mention the pump has a twist lock/unlock feature?! *giddy*

After showering, towel drying my hair, I take one pump on my finger tips, rub them together and distribute the product onto the roots around my crown area (where I prefer more volume) then I flip my head down like a rock start and I blow dry it on a medium setting and again flip your hair back to normal and BAM. Instant volume, and it lasts for several hours! To me thats pretty great considering anything else I've used in the past weighed down my hair as soon as I walk out of the front door lol

Plus...it smells great!
*stamp of approval*

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babyurgleamin on 6/6/2012 2:11:00 PM more reviews by babyurgleamin

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Olive, Warm   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

To use this product, you have to know what you want and how to distribute evenly. If you use too much it will harden and clump hair but if you take it easy and spray aimed at the roots with your head turned down and allow to dry, it gives perfect volume hold and it has a pleasing scent. So its all about knowing how to apply.

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BigBlueEyes32 on 6/6/2012 2:04:00 PM more reviews by BigBlueEyes32

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

This stuff is the best! I use it everyday and it makes my hair so full and voluminous. Almost doesn't even matter what shampoo I use before using this, it just makes my hair so big and full. I have very fine hair too so that's not easy task. The trick is to not use TOO much though. If I use even a spritz or two too much, my hair feels kind dry and crunchy, so I have it down to a science of how much to use so that my hair still looks soft and full without the crispy look. The only pitfall to this product is it doesn't always make my hair really run-your-fingers-through type soft. But when it makes my hair look that amazing and voluminous, I don't want anyone running their fingers through it anyway! Will def buy again.

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htrrr0 on 9/12/2011 9:47:00 PM more reviews by htrrr0

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Medium, Neutral   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Black    

Its not bad, it feels very lightweight on my hair and smells decent, but I can't notice the difference in my hair when I use and and when I don't use it. Not a product I will purchase again. For $17, what a waste.

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*TOP REVIEWER* scopingforyou on 6/8/2010 12:56:00 AM more reviews by scopingforyou

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

PROS or CONS??: I'm not sure this did more than using absolutely nothing would have.


ALTERNATES: For big results when blow drying, I love TiGi's Catwalk Root Boost.

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*TOP REVIEWER* NYC22 on 5/2/2010 5:35:00 PM more reviews by NYC22

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

I flat iron my hair and I wanted something to give me a little lift at the roots for nighttime. I was excited to use this as the product claimed to be a root lifter and because the bottle seemed uniquely suited to do the job. Well, long story short is that I found the product to spray out in too large of an amount and in too forceful of a stream. The effect was that my hair was rather wet along the roots and then some - which made it want to collapse against my head even more than usual -- this is the exact opposite of what the product should have done. I am just glad that I tried this before getting into the shower instead of before going out for the night. I am a big advocate of trial and error with products but I have to say that I didn't see any potential with this one. I am looking forward to getting my $15 back.

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Heart433 on 8/27/2009 10:28:00 PM more reviews by Heart433

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Fair   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

Completely useless. Reduced even the natural volume I see in my hair when freshly washed. Left crunchy residue that made my blonde hair look dirty. I felt like washing it again. Was $20 and not worth it. The smell was somewhat pleasant and the spray nozzle distributed evenly and lightly.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

HeidiML on 8/26/2009 8:46:00 PM more reviews by HeidiML

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

I use this root lifter along with mousse and it definitely gives my fine, straight hair noticeable volume and fantastic lift. I like that it's non-aerosol; the pump/spray design gives it more control during application. The bottle has a thin nozzle on it which really helps direct the product to the exact location you want, and allows you to control the amount, which is a big plus for styling.

I think this would work great on any length hair; but especially shorter or layered styles. I will absolutely keep this product as part of my regular hair styling routine!

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*TOP REVIEWER* jatkins on 6/5/2009 9:17:00 PM more reviews by jatkins

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Medium, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

This review is actually for the General Value Products (GVP) version of Matrix Amplify Volumizing Root Lifter from Sally's. I love the GVP line. They are discounted versions of name brand items. They have the exact same ingredients, but are half the price. You are seriously wasting money if you are buying the name brand for this. That being said....

So, I have never used the name brand version of this stuff, but I have the GVP. This stuff is amazing! I spray it on my damp hair roots and then blowdry my hair upside down. Once my hair is pretty much dry, I flip my head over and follow up with my In-Styler (spinning curling iron) and I have awesome volume all day. It doesn't fall flat or make nasty creases. Usually my hair is flat on top of my head by mid day without product. With this stuff, it's just the opposite. Love it, but refuse to pay for the name brand when I can get the exact same product at Sally's for less than half the price.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* rickisyed on 5/21/2009 9:29:00 AM more reviews by rickisyed

Age: 25-29   Skin: Very Oily, Tan, Warm   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I have used the Amplify Root Lifter and it is the best product in the market for volume. I can actually feel the volume in my hair and lasts all day. I have also tried the generic version from Sally's, its not like the original and I would rate it as a 4. The brand name Amplify Root Lifter has firm hold for the roots and doesnt make my hair crunchy because its not watery, but its has more like a hairspray dry consistency, basically being hairspray for the roots to make them more volumized. The generic version can make the hair crunchy (its more watery rather the hairspray-like dryness) and it has light to medium hold, great for scrunching. So what I do is, when I want my hair straight I definitely use the original Amplify Root Lifter and use a blow dryer. When I want my hair wavy yet have some hold, I use the generic Sally's root lifter on my roots to have a slight volume and it also provides light/medium hold for my curls at the ends. So I do recommend this product for someone who suffers from fine limp or even thinning hair to try either to Amplify Root Lifter or the generic from Sallys (depending on what kind of hold you desire).

4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

citizendumonde on 9/15/2008 11:15:00 PM more reviews by citizendumonde

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

This product WORKS while being easy on the wallet. Just make sure to brush and dry hair thoroughly, or the strands will be hard. It's a bit sticky in summer, so I keep it away from my face and just use it around the crown of the head. The nozzle is very annoying for travel. It doesn't smell amazing, but it looks good.

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laitaliana on 6/23/2008 5:44:00 PM more reviews by laitaliana

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

This did nothing for me. Seriously, nothing at all....

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sugarbrokespice on 2/11/2008 2:17:00 AM more reviews by sugarbrokespice

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Hazel    

I've tried a lot of different root lifters and this is the only one that I like. It has it's flaws, but over all I'm really pleased with it.
Pros:
a. Adds lots of volume and lift that lasts all day, and even on days when I don't wash my hair it still has body from the previous day.
b. Adds shine.
c. Smells great.
Cons:
a. Can make hair "crunchy" if you don't comb it through before it dries (the plus side is that the crunchiness goes away when you brush it out, and the volume stays).
b. I also noticed that the product would sometimes start to flake off in little white pieces, but I believe that only happens when I use too much in one area.
None of the cons are bad enough to bother me, since they all seem to be simple problems that are easily avoidable. I will definitely be repurchasing.

6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

sjl82kal on 11/30/2007 2:05:00 AM more reviews by sjl82kal

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I applied this product on my damp hair targeting the scalp/roots. I used a blow dryer and round brush to style. Overall, this product just did not perform that great I did not notice any real volume, it's not terrible-just not great. I would not buy again!

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*TOP REVIEWER* JClarke on 11/4/2007 12:40:00 PM more reviews by JClarke

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Red   Eyes: Green    

I have tried a lot of volumizing products as I have fine hair and not a lot of it! This is definitely one of the better ones although not perfect. I can see a difference after I have used it but it doesn't last more than a day. If you wash your hair everyday this is ok. Otherwise it does say on the instructions you can use it on dry hair and I have to say this does work, although you do need to use the hairdyer and it's a lot of faffing about if you're in a hurry.
Instructions also say to massage in. If you don't do this then it goes crunchy at the roots and doesn't work properly. Also best not to use too much. I find the nozzle attachment on the end very good for getting it right into the roots.
Finished result - fuller thicker looking hair (but for 24 hours only).
I'll use it until I find something better.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* ECMac25 on 10/11/2007 11:17:00 PM more reviews by ECMac25

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Black    

I was told this was the HG root booster/volumizing product for straight hair. Tried it only 1x and immediately went back to my tried and true Tigi Catwalk root lifter & Redken Inflate hairspray. This product did absolutely nada for me. I sprayed it on first when my hair was still damp and then blow dried. Roots looked as flat as they would had I dried my hair without any product. Okay --- so then, I spritzed the stuff on some more on my dried hair, and blow dried again....still nothing! My hair might have been a *tad* fuller at the roots, but the effects of this doesn't even do justice to the Tigi & Redken stylers that I already use. Very disappointing :(

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*TOP REVIEWER* tinkerrbelle on 10/9/2007 1:58:00 AM more reviews by tinkerrbelle

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Warm   Hair: Blond, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

WET HAIR - When I use root lifter to in damp hair after cleansing with another brand of shampoo this makes my hair super dry and frizzy. The terms scarecrow or "rats nest" describe it perfectly. But if I use with the matching Amplify shampoo from the 3-step system, my hair looks in great condition. So recommend using with the matching shampoo and probably conditioner too to get best result. Anyway, in wet hair it gives an OK amplied result but doesn't last long, needs hairspray to fix or it flops, so I'm not too impressed with using to style damp hair.


DRY HAIR - If I use it in clean dry hair (any brand of shampoo + conditioner) I can scrunch hair up in my hands and let dry without heat and I get defined frizz-free non-sticky curls that last, with lots of VaVoom! height on top. Really quick and easy style change with no heat & looks beautiful. Awesome for travel when no time to fuss. Slightly crunchy hair but I'm so happy for that No frizz + curl definition + super volume so I'd forgive that minor point. And its got no alcohol, and has silk proteins, so it should be kind on hair condition, too.


HIGHLY SCENTED - Nice slightly fruity "fresh" smell, which smells STRONG and lasts throughout the day. But it makes my scalp itch like crazy, so I recommend avoiding getting this on your scalp. What makes it so bad is the nozzle sprays a narrow directional jet only, not a fine mist. So when the hair is wet and parts easily, most of it shoots through the hair and onto the scalp instead to irritate it. The squirt nozzle makes it hard to distribute evenly over the hair, I think thats why it was only so-so at giving volume in damp hair. But in dry hair its not so bad as the scalp is covered by hair to protect it from spray contact.


I love the dry-hair frizz-free volume curl thing. So I'm going to use up the bottle happily. But I wish this was fragrance-free also and won't buy again till its changed! And that stupid nozzle while they're at it. Then I'd buy again and give it a 5/5. Till then I'm looking for a similar instant big volume curl definition spray for using in dry hair if anyone knows of one.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

chiggysmom on 6/2/2007 11:10:00 AM more reviews by chiggysmom

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

This is my must have stylying product. I have very thick, heavy, naturally curly/wavy hair and this lifts my hair up a little so I don't have helmut head. My hair is so heavy that it pulls my hair down. The only thing is that I think they shoud sell it in a refill size but I can't seem to find it anywhere. I used to have a hair dresser years ago that had her own shop and she bought it for me in the 1 liter size but she has moved away. Does anyone know of a website where you can buy a refill size. I think it's rediculous to pay for the little 8 oz bottle with the snozzle every time you buy it! The product is great though. Although, I must say I haven't tried anyone else's root lifter product. Any recommendations?

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* zernelle on 4/26/2007 7:15:00 PM more reviews by zernelle

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I love this stuff. It gives my stick-straight, fine-but-thick hair some body without looking or feeling heavy (no cones to build up). I haven't experienced the drying that other reviewers have mentioned. My only complaint is that sometimes it does make my sensitive scalp itch a little bit (probably from the fragrance--I wish more hair products were fragrance-free). Overall, I definitely intend to repurchase, unless I decide to try the Sally's version that the previous reviewer mentioned. Ingredients: Water, PVP, Chitosan, Lactic Acid, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Fragrance, PEG-60 Almond Glycerides, Methylparaben, Polysorbate 20, Chlorhexidine Dihydrochloride, Ethylparaben, Panthenol, Citronellol, Benzyl Benzoate, Amyl Cinnamal, Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Silk Amino Acids, Hexyl Cinnamal, Geraniol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Green 3.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

jenkenne on 4/21/2007 6:54:00 PM more reviews by jenkenne

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I purchased "Generic's" version of Matrix Amplify Root Lifter in search of more volume for my hair. I'm asian american, and my hair is straight and fine, but I also happen to have a decent amount of it. Regardless, it's really flat against my head if I leave it product free, which I find HIGHLY unflattering for me!! Anyway, at the time I didnt have much experience with using hair products, so I would just spray it directly into my roots when my hair was 95% dry, massage lightly, and leave as is with NO BLOW DRYING. This produced NEGATIVE results - crunchy top roots that clearly looked product ladden.

I now use the same approach (spray into roots when 95% dry, massage in) but I section off my hair at the crown, hold chunks up in the air, and BLOW DRY. AMAZING RESULTS! My hair truly looked and felt much thicker... Its like the heat activated the thickening results. I usually finish off with Aveda's Air Control, since it doesn't seem to have much lasting power on its own. I havent used Matrix's authentic version, but the ingredients are exactly the same. I purchased this at my local Sally salon for like 5 or 6 bucks.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No