Where does a high-quality, effective haircare line like Briogeo get its start? In New York City.
Nancy Twine grew up experimenting with homemade haircare in her grandmother’s kitchen. After moving to NYC she discovered that store-bought natural haircare just wasn’t up to snuff. And so Briogeo was born.
Briogeo gets its name from “Brio”, an Italian word meaning “vibrant and full of life,” and “Geo”, a Latin word meaning “of Earth and nature.”
But any beauty store in NYC will have thousands of haircare options. What make Briogeo haircare products so different?
They’re diverse.
With a number of regimens, Briogeo offers something for everyone. Not every Briogeo product will work for you, and they aren’t meant to. You can focus on your specific hair concerns
The routines also won’t overload your shower shelf; Each regimen is two, three or four steps.
They’re clean.
Briogeo is free of harsh sulfates (SLS/SLES), silicones, parabens, phthalates, DEA and synthetic color. All products are at least 90% naturally derived. Lastly, the formulas are cruelty-free, gluten free and mostly vegan. For me, this has made Briogeo a haircare brand I know I can trust, no matter what my hair is feeling like on a given day.
They’re transparent.
When you read an ingredient list on a Briogeo bottle, you can see the exact percentage of naturally derived ingredients (and their source). I love that they hide nothing.
How I Started Using Briogeo Haircare
My love affair with their products started over two years ago. I first tried the Be Gentle Be Kind shampoo & conditioner and was instantly hooked! My hair felt so smooth, soft and shiny. I also immediately noticed a healthier feel to my hair.
Since then I’ve purchased countless restocks of that same shampoo & conditioner. Even though I’ve tried other great hair products, I just keep coming back to Briogeo. I’ve also gone through at least ten tubs of the scalp revival shampoo and gotten so many friends hooked. The shining moment of my Briogeo haircare journey was getting to work with them for my Instagram page, first on a review of their Scalp Revival line and then on a release this past spring of their Don’t Despair Repair Treatment Oil.
A Comprehensive Ranking of Every Briogeo Haircare Product I’ve Tried
You may be saying “OK. I get it – Briogeo is amazing. But they have so many different lines! Which products are right for me and my hair?”
In this section I’ll review every Briogeo haircare product I’ve tried, organized by their line, and give a rating of whether it’s worth it or not. These are just my personal experiences – your mileage may vary!
Scalp Revival Line
Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo
Product Info: Sick of regular shampoos? This is most unique shampoo you will ever encounter! Infused with Binchotan charcoal to draw out impurities from the scalp and hair follicle, this works to provide the foundation for optimal scalp health. Vegetable-derived micro-exfoliators remove dead skin cells and product build up. A cooling blend of peppermint and spearmint oils reduces itchiness while tea tree oil exercises its antiseptic and healing properties.
What it Does: detoxifies, exfoliates, soothes, and balances the scalp.
How to Use: Apply to wet hair and vigorously massage into the scalp and through to the ends (personally, I tend to only use it on the scalp/roots). Rinse and repeat as necessary (especially helpful if you’re on day three of four post-wash!) Instructions say to follow with conditioner, but I always follow with a regular shampoo before moving onto conditioner.
My Review: I am obsessed with this product! I have been gifted one tub but have purchased TWELVE (and counting!) I will never be without it. As an athlete who sweats a ton under a helmet, I need a high-powered shampoo that will make my scalp feel fresh and clean. This is, in all my years of washing my hair, the only shampoo that achieves that! I feel completely revitalized after using. I incorporate this into my shower routine 2-3 times a week.
My rating: 10/10.
Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Cooling Hydration Mask
Product Info: A cooling and hydrating hair mask made with similar ingredients to the rest of the scalp revival line. Binchotan charcoal draws out impurities while a blend of aloe vera and hyaluronic acid increases scalp hydration. A refreshing combination of tea tree, peppermint, and spearmint oils instantly soothes with an immediate cooling effect. This serves as the in-between step after you shampoo, before you use conditioner.
What It Does: Works to soothe and cool your scalp to promote hair health. It also hydrates, making it a nice treat when pairing. with the exfoliating shampoo.
How to Use: Apply directly to the scalp & massage in. Leave on for up to 10 minutes then rinse out. Follow with conditioner.
My Review: I’ve used this for about a week’s worth of washes (so 3 times) and so far have been very impressed. I love pairing it with the charcoal shampoo, so I start with some exfoliation then follow up with this hydrating mask. It has a pleasant sensation while applied. Once rinsed out, it leaves my scalp feeling fresh and cool – huge for me as a rider who wears a helmet for 4+ hours a day. I’ve also noticed that it makes my scalp feel clean for longer after I shower. You can read my full thoughts on the mask here.
My Rating: 8/10
Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Scalp Treatment
Product Info: This treatment, like the micro-exfoliating shampoo, infuses Binchotan charcoal to draw impurities from the scalp and hair follicle. A cooling blend of peppermint and spearmint oils reduces itchiness while tea tree oil exercises its antiseptic and healing properties to reduce scalp irritation and inflammation. Witch Hazel water helps normalize oil production to prevent an oily scalp, while sodium hyaluronate and aloe maintain hydration. This is a high-powered scalp serum that anyone who struggles with dry or itchy scalp will love to have!
What it Does: Detoxifies and smooths itchy, irritated or flaky scalp, while also hydrating the area.
How to Use: Part the hair into sections, apply 1-2 drops to each partition and massage into the scalp. You should apply this treatment after washing and before styling.
My Review: I never knew I needed this type. of product, but now I’m obsessed! I struggle with itchy scalp constantly and this is so soothing. The cooling feeling is so relaxing, and gives the product a spa-like quality. My scalp feels noticeably less irritated when I apply this treatment.
Rating: 8/10, because it isn’t necessarily a must-have but it’s extremely nice to have in my routine. My scalp feels ten times better when I use it.
Scalp Revival Charcoal + Biotin Dry Shampoo
Product Info: Made for anyone with oily hair or buildup. This dry shampoo uses Binchotan charcoal to detoxify the scalp and hair, clay and tapoica & rice starches to absorb excess oil at the roots, witch hazel extract to normalize oil production and biotin to provide essential nutrients to the hair follicle.
What it Does: Cleanses and refreshes the hair to extend the life of your blow out, detoxifies and draws out impurities, and normalizes oil production.
How to Use: Shake well before use and twist the cap to reveal spray dispenser. Squeeze the bottle and dispense evenly five inches away from hair, focusing at the roots. Let the dry shampoo sit for two minutes and then the brush or finger through the hair thoroughly until the powder is removed.
My Review: If you had asked me what I thought of this shampoo when I originally bought it, I would not have been a fan. It took me a while to figure out. As it isn’t aerosolized, the product dispensed is a bit clumpy if you hold it too close to the scalp. Once I worked out how to use it, I found it to be the most effective dry shampoo I had used. It not only soothes dry and itchy scalp but absorbs oil so my hair looks almost as good as new. It’s the only dry shampoo I’ve found that actually dries up oil and makes my hair feel fresh, rather than just temporarily restored.
Careful – on extremely dark hair (like mine after months of being indoors) you don’t want to use too much or you’ll have white patches.
My rating: 9/10 because if I’m reaching for a dry shampoo, I’m almost definitely reaching for this one.
Be Gentle Be Kind Line
Be Gentle Be Kind Matcha + Apple Replenishing Superfood Shampoo
Product Info: a nutrient rich, green juice inspired shampoo that hydrates dry hair and replenishes dull, lifeless strands with daily nourishment for healthy looking hair.
What it Does: This green-juice inspired shampoo contains a supercharged boost of matcha and apple to protect and replenish dull, parched hair. With fruit and vegetable fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, your hair will be more vibrant and hydrated.
How to Use: Apply to wet hair and vigorously massage for 30 seconds as the lather builds, then rinse.
My Review: This is such a great shampoo! It makes my hair feel clean without feeling stripped or dry. It also makes my hair smell amazing.
My rating: 10/10.
Be Gentle Be Kind Kale + Apple Replenishing Superfood Conditioner
Product Info: A nutrient rich, green smoothie inspired conditioner that hydrates dry hair and revitalizes dull, lifeless strands with daily nourishment to create healthy-looking hair.
What it Does: Infused with kale and apple to visibly strengthen, and replenish dull, parched lock with nourishing vitamins and hair healthy ingredients. Like the shampoo, it supports vibrancy and strength.
How to Use: After shampooing, apply and massage into the hair from root to tip. Leave in for up to two minutes before rinsing.
My Review: I really enjoy this conditioner! It is very hydrating without overly weighing my hair down. The superfood ingredients create this nice natural smell – everyone is always telling me my hair smells like apples! It’s also very effective at detangling.
My rating: 8/10. It is totally a holy grail conditioner for me but it’s not the only one I like (I’m also a fan of the Verb ghost conditioner). I also have to use so much to detangle my thick hair, so I go through bottles like crazy.
Be Gentle Be Kind Avocado Kiwi Mask
Image from briogeohaircare.com 
Product Info: A protein free, nourishing hair mask formulated with highly emollient ingredients to boost moisture for softer, more manageable hair.
What it Does: Green-smoothie inspired phytonutrients like avocado, kiwi, spinach, chia seeds, and cocoa seed butter help resotre, maintain and lock in moisture.
How to Use: After shampooing, massage into the hair from mid-length to ends. Leave in for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. Can be used once or twice per week in place of conditioner.
My Review: I thought their limited edition Honey Bear mask was good, but this mask completely knocks every other hair mask I’ve tried out of the park! It’s like that DIY mask you tried to make in middle school with avocado and honey, but actually effective. When I use this, my hair is silky soft and feels so hydrated. I would recommend this to everyone!
My rating: 10/10.
Be Gentle Be Kind Aloe + Oat Milk Ultra Soothing Shampo
Product Info: Formulated without fragrance and essential oils, this shampoo is good for those with sensitive skin and scalps. A hypoallergenic, dermatologist-approved, vegan, cruelty-free, 99% naturally-derived shampoo, it comes in an eco-friendly 100% recyclable bottle and packaging made from 100% post-consumer resin.
What It Does: This shampoo is formulated with skin-soothing ingredients like aloe vera, oat extract, and natural oils to calm, nourish and hydrate for healthy-feeling hair & scalp.
How to Use: Apply to wet hair. Massage for 30 seconds to build lather, then rinse. For best results, pair with Be Gentle, Be Kind Aloe + Oat Milk ultra soothing conditioner and detangling spray.
My Review: I like how this shampoo made my hair feel but it takes a lot of product to get it to larger enough. For thin-haired gals or for light washes this would work, but it’s not enough of a deep clean for after workouts personally.
Be Gentle Be Kind Aloe + Oat Milk Ultra Soothing Conditioner
Product Info: Formulated without fragrance and essential oils, this conditioner is good for those with sensitive skin and scalps. A hypoallergenic, dermatologist-approved, vegan, cruelty-free, 98% naturally-derived conditioner that comes in an eco-friendly 100% recyclable bottle and packaging made from 100% post-consumer resin.
What It Does: This conditioner is formulated with skin-soothing ingredients like aloe vera, oat extract, and natural oils to calm, nourish, and hydrate for healthy-feeling hair & scalp.
How to Use: After shampooing, apply and massage into the hair from root to tip. Leave in for up to two minutes before rinsing. For best results, shampoo first with Be Gentle, Be Kind Aloe + Oat Milk ultra soothing shampoo and finish with our ultra soothing detangling spray.
My Review: This is a nice conditioner and definitely leaves my hair feeling soft. However, like the shampoo, I found I had to use a lot of product to get a softening and smoothing effect.
Be Gentle Be Kind Aloe + Oat Milk Ultra Soothing Detangling Spray
Product Info: Made for those with sensitivities to fragrance, essential oils, lactose, soy, and gluten. A dermatologist-approved, vegan, cruelty-free, 99% naturally-derived detangler that comes in an eco-friendly 100% recyclable bottle and packaging made from 100% post-consumer resin.
What It Does: This leave-in detangler is formulated with skin-soothing ingredients like aloe vera, oat extract, and natural oils to calm, nourish, hydrate and leave hair shiny with a lightweight finish.
How to Use: Prior to air or blow-drying, spray throughout clean, damp hair with focus on mid-length to ends of hair. Do not rinse out. For even better results, first cleanse and condition your hair with our Be Gentle, Be Kind ultra soothing shampoo and conditioner.
My Review: This is the best product from the new launch, in my opinion. It works super well at detangling my hair and leaves it soft and smooth. I love the spray bottle – easy to dispense the correct amount.
Don’t Despair Repair Line
Don’t Despair Repair Super Moisture Shampoo
Product Info: This shampoo combines the hydrating benefits of a hair mask with the cleansing benefits of a shampoo. Ultra-moisturizing and sulfate-free, it is formulated with coconut oil, algae extract, and panthenol to intensely moisturize and repair dry hair.
What it Does: Provides deep cleansing and hydration benefits through a unique combination of algae extract, panthenol, and biotin. Algae extract nourishes and strengthens the hair while panthenol enhances hair elasticity, moisture retention and flexibility. Biotin strengthens the hair shaft and hair follicle to prevent future damage.
How to Use: Apply to wet hair and vigorously massage from root to tip, then rinse.
My Review: I was super meh about this product. It didn’t really leave my hair feeling clean, and it also felt a little dry afterwards. I think this could work for extremely dry hair, but for mine it just didn’t do the job.
My rating: 4/10 because I do like the ingredients, the product just didn’t work for my hair.
Don’t Despair Repair Deep Conditioning Mask
Product Info: An intensive weekly treatment to restore essential hydration and enhance hair’s resilience to protect against future damage.
What it Does: DDR blends rosehip, sweet almond and argan oils with vitamin b5 and biotin to revitalize dry, damaged hair while protecting against future damage. Shine and moisture are enhanced, so hair looks and feels visibly healthier and stronger.
How to Use: After shampooing, massage into the hair, ensuring the conditioner is evenly applied. Leave in for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing. For a deeper conditioning treatment, cover the hair in a plastic cap to retain moisture while sitting under the dryer for 30 minutes, then rinse.
My Review: This mask is nice, but I honestly don’t see that much of a benefit with it – nothing compared to the Be Gentle Be Kind mask. It kind of makes my hair feel a bit heavier. I think it would be very good for extremely parched hair, but for my normal hair type it’s too much.
My rating: 5/10
Don’t Despair Repair Limited Edition Honey Bear Mask
Product Info: This product is basically the DDR Deep Conditioning Mask, but with the added nourishing benefits of honey.
What it Does: Honey Bear blends rosehip, honey, almond oil, and B-vitamins to nourish and revitalize hair.
How to Use: After shampooing, massage into the hair, ensuring the conditioner is evenly applied. Leave in for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing. (Some days, I would leave this in for 1-2 hours!)
My Review: This mask is a bit lighter than the original DDR and worked very well for my hair. I also love anything with honey in it, so that’s a bonus. Unfortunately, this was limited edition, but I’m hoping they bring it back!
My rating: 10/10
Don’t Despair Repair Strengthening Treatment Oil
Product Info: This silicone free lightweight oil is densely packed with hair essential ingredients and a clinically proven repair technology that works to repair damage, seal split ends, and reinforce hair cuticles to protect against future breakage.
What it Does: The DDR Strengthening Treatment Oil contains a clinically-proven repair technology that seals down hair cuticles that have been lifted through environmental damage and damaging treatments.
How to Use: Apply a few drops to dry or damp hair, focusing on mid-length to ends or other areas of damage.
My Review: First off, this oil smells amazing! It’s a very thick, heavy oil that may not work for thinner hair types. I found that applying this all over my hair left it kind of greasy. Instead, applying just a few drops to my ends made them softer, smoother, and less frizzy. It’s also great at taming flyaways. If you don’t use too much, it’s a very good product.
My rating: 8/10, because it’s not a necessary product for my hair but it does make my ends feel nice.
There are still so many Briogeo products I have to try, and I’ll continue to update this review as I do! Let me know if I’ve missed any amazing ones.
Where to Buy Briogeo Haircare
You can buy Briogeo directly on their website, or from Sephora. There are also a few other select authorized retailers.
Final Thoughts
Briogeo haircare stands out in an oversaturated market of hair products for three reasons:
- their formulas and ingredients
- their effectiveness
- and the diversity in hair problems that the products can address
- their formulas, effectiveness, and diversity in hair problems that their products address.
You can find something for every hair type in their line. They are 100% worth it, and I would recommend it to anyone who isn’t happy with their current haircare routine. And if you’re curious to see the effects they have had on my hair, you can find a photo of my hair after using my Be Gentle Be Kind shampoo & conditioner here.
If this article helped you, let me know! I’d love to hear what products you’re thinking of picking up from Briogeo.
Very good reviews of Gisou and Briogeo but I am wondering if you have tried “The Hair Routine” yet and how it compares to Gisou. I live in Toronto, Canada. I just recently tried the Gisou Hair oil and I agree totally amazing. I have the honey mask too but wondering which shampoo and conitioner I should get – Briogeo or the The Hair Routine shampoo and conditioner. The Hair Routine website does not explain why you need 3 different treatment options but there is a hair quiz which I thought was good because I have several issues going on and the quiz seemed to cover most of the ones I had. It is hard to know between all the marketing and hype which ones will work for your hair type. I did the float test with a strand of hair and found out my hair has low porosity, maybe that is why some of the lines I have been using are not working. Thanks, Bonnie
I can’t speak to the Hair Routine, but Briogeo is my ride or die haircare brand – I have been using their scalp revival & be gentle be kind line for years and it truly makes my hair the healthiest (so much that every hairdresser I go to comments on it!) They have a lot of different options for various hair concerns, so that would be my first recommendation.