If you’ve been looking for the Merlin Botanical Plus Daily Combination Power Shampoo and can’t find it, you’re not alone — and we want to help you find the right alternative.
We’re no longer able to source and supply this product which is a real shame as the Botanical Plus was a genuinely brilliant shampoo with a loyal following, and we understand how frustrating it is when something that works for your hair suddenly isn’t available. So rather than just leaving an empty product page, we wanted to explain what it did, who it was for, and what we’d recommend in its place.
What the Botanical Plus did
The Botanical Plus was designed for dry, damaged, weak and naturally low-protein hair — including chemically treated, permanently waved, coloured, frosted and lightened hair. What made it special was its combination approach: a botanical complex of fourteen plant extracts (Comfrey, Ginseng, Witch Hazel, Rosemary, Nettle, Sage and more) alongside active strengthening ingredients — Magnesium Sulfate, Hydrolyzed Collagen and Glycosaminoglycans.
It cleansed gently, rebuilt protein-deficient hair, soothed the scalp, helped control mild dandruff and left hair smooth and manageable. One shampoo was all you needed, and it was particularly popular with professional stylists for not drying the hands during continuous use.
Our recommended alternative: Merlin Inception Super Clean Weekly Prepping Power Clenzer
Of all the products in the Merlin Professional range, the Inception Clenzer is the closest match. Here’s why:
- Same core surfactant base — Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate — thorough but gentle
- Contains Glycosaminoglycans and Magnesium Sulfate — the same active combination for moisture-balancing and body
- Features a similar broad botanical extract complex working at scalp level
- Designed as a prepping and purifying step — excellent before treatment services, exactly as the Botanical Plus was
The main practical difference is that the Inception is a weekly prepping step rather than a daily shampoo. If you were using the Botanical Plus every day, we’d suggest pairing the Inception (used once a week) with the Merlin Hydro Lubricating Moisturising Clenzer for your remaining washes — a deep botanical reset once a week, with gentle daily hydration in between.
How to use it as a replacement
- Use the Inception Clenzer once a week in place of the Botanical Plus
- On other days, use a gentle daily clenzer such as the Merlin Hydro Lubricating Moisturising Clenzer
- Always follow with a Merlin Daily or Weekly Power Sealer to lock in the benefits
- If preparing for a chemical service, follow with the Merlin Central Balance Weekly Treatment for maximum protection
We know it’s not exactly the same. But the Inception Clenzer is the product we’d put in our own kit as the closest thing to the Botanical Plus, and we’re confident it will deliver for the same hair types and concerns.
If you have any questions about which products are right for you or your clients, get in touch — we’re happy to help.
