The first two-in-one products, such as Wash & Go, were fairly crude, but technology has advanced in the past five years and now it is much easier to incorporate conditioners into shampoos, and have dual-purpose styling products. Ninety per cent of shampoos now contain conditioning agents.

Rene Rust, senior scientist with P&G Beauty

d:fi Style and Finish Spray Mousse, £8.75 (01282 613413)

They say: Use at close range as a mousse or at a distance as a hairspray.

We say: The hair looked well-styled and bouncy, even after a windy walk into work. It left the hair feeling a little dry, though. Great for special occasions.

Mark: 8/10

Philip Kingsley Swimcap, £16 (020-7629 4050)

They say: Water-resistant to give hair protection from the sun, and from chlorine and salt water.

We say: The cream took some time to apply and a third of the tube was used. It did form a waterproof barrier, but a swimming hat would have been easier.

Mark: 4/10

Aveda Sun Care Hair and Body Cleanser, £12.50 (0870 0342380; aveda.co.uk)

They say: Gently removes chlorine and salt from hair and body.

We say: Very convenient - perfect for travelling. It worked well on the hair and body, and both felt clean after swimming. Mark: 9/10

Aussie Dual Personality Volume and Gloss Spray, £3.49 at supermarkets

They say: Bringing styling and conditioning benefits together.

We say: Lots of volume and shine but left hair stiff. Brushing was needed to achieve a more natural look. Mark: 7/10

Klorane Golden Highlights Shampoo, £5.45 (01582 820165)

They say: Enhances volume and contains camomile to give golden highlights.

We say: After leaving the shampoo on for a few minutes, it really did brighten the highlights. The hair was full and soft, too.

Mark: 8/10

John Frieda Weather-Proofing Shampoo, £5.49 (020-7851 9890)

They say: The formula cleanses and seals the hair from adverse weather conditions.

We say: This lathered beautifully and left hair soft. However, hair was still flyaway and serum was still needed.

Mark: 6/10

Leonard of Mayfair Conditioning Shampoo, £9.99 at Fenwick (020-7629 9161; leonardofmayfair.com)

They say: Gently cleanses and conditions the hair.

We say: This is salon beautiful - it had a great smell and lathered really well. Left the hair soft, clean and bouncy. Just a bit on the pricey side.

Mark: 9/10

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