You know how there are some people who are all about skincare? I’m that—except for hair care. I’m a sucker for any and all hair care products, especially ones that promise a healthy sheen that’ll show off freshly-colored strands.
Post-shower hair products are usually my go-to, but I couldn’t help but be intrigued by the latest Briogeo Superfood shampoo and conditioner duo. After only a few weeks following its release on Sephora, it’s already become a bestseller in the hair category. I had to try it.
Why a green juice-inspired shampoo and conditioner?
The new Briogeo Superfood shampoo and conditioner look like bottles of your favorite cold-pressed juice. That’s no accident. (But please, they’re not meant for consumption.) The Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind shampoos and conditioner are, however, meant as an extension of your regular wellness routine. If you drink a nutrient-rich green juice for a healthy body (and, let’s be real, clear skin), doesn’t it follow that the same concoction will be good for your hair?
The Be Gentle, Be Kind Matcha + Apple Replenishing Superfood Shampoo and the Be Gentle, Be Kind Kale + Apple Replenishing Superfood Conditioner harness the powerful nutrients found in fruits and vegetables to support a healthy scalp and strong hair strands. Among the key ingredients are: kale (rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids), spinach (nutrient-rich for a health scalp), apple (rich in procyanidin for health strands), Vitamin C and matcha (powerful antioxidants).
According to the company, the Briogeo “Superfood” shampoo and conditioner contain the most vital fatty acids and fruit and vegetable extracts for tackling a lack of hydration in your hair. (Think: coarse, dry hair strands that resemble straw.)
It’s also “six-free,” meaning the shampoo and conditioner don’t contain any harsh sulfates, silicones, phthalates, parabens, DEA, or artificial dyes. Oh, and it’s cruelty-free too. Another win, in my book.
My own hair type
I regularly dyed my hair various shades of red for a decade before changing things up this year. With some professional help, a bit of bleach and a lot of patience, my hair strands morphed into a metallic shade of pink. As a result of my regular hair dye experiences, I’ve always approached shampoos and conditioners with a bit of a “meh,” attitude.
I’m well-aware they’ll only help speed up the color fading process and I’ve long been committed to deep-conditioning hair masks and leave-in conditioners that restore moisture to my hair strands. I was curious about whether my hair could get the same kind of healthy shine and moisture from just a shampoo and conditioner. Here’s what I found.
What I liked about the Be Gentle, Be Kind Matcha + Apple Replenishing Superfood Shampoo
First of all, you’ll notice the candy apple scent (yes, it’s derived from real fruit but the first thing I thought of was the Jolly Ranchers green apple candy). It’s a lovely and clean scent. The shampoo isn’t stripping so I didn’t feel as if my hair suddenly became coarse after washing it (remember, it’s been bleached!) I was happy to not see pink water washing down the drain (though, to be fair, my color has recently faded somewhat). It also gives a nice lather, which is a rarity among sulfate-free shampoos.
I wasn’t too big a fan of the texture of the shampoo, though. It was a little more runny (as opposed to being gel-like). And, because of the light green color, I almost felt like the product was going to slip right out of my fingers without me noticing it.
What I love about the conditioner
The directions on the bottle suggest applying the conditioner from the roots to ends of the hair. That’s a pretty uncommon tactic for conditioners, given that they are usually pretty heavy creams with a lot of oils. And, let’s put it this way, oily conditioners + your scalp = an oily scalp that looks unwashed.
I was nervous about applying the conditioner so close to my roots but I instantly noticed how quickly my hair strands began soaking up the product. I’ve read other reviews for the Briogeo Superfood shampoo and conditioner duo where users have recommended using only a teeny bit of product. I didn’t find this was the case for me, but I might be in the minority since my hair is color-treated.
I rinsed the conditioner out after only about two minutes and—let me tell you—I could instantly tell my hair was moisturized! My hair wasn’t tangled and, when I towel-dried it, wasn’t dry or harsh.
The verdict?
The final test came when I let it air-dry and walked in to the office with towel-dried hair. Usually, I follow up with a hair serum on hair tips or I use a leave-in hair spray for some extra sheen and moisture. I quickly noticed that there was a certain level of volume to my hair without it being weighed down.
I also forgot a hair tie so I kept playing with my hair. And guess what? I noticed how soft it was. If it wasn’t for the premium price ($28 per bottle) and the fact that I prefer a color-depositing conditioner, the Briogeo Superfood shampoo and conditioner would definitely be my go-to.
In the meantime, I’m happy to swap it in once a week for a good cleanse and some added sheen when I’m in a rush.
