The clean beauty movement has come a long way since Briogeo first shook up the haircare scene. While they deserve credit for helping popularize clean formulations, a new wave of innovative brands has emerged, each bringing fresh perspectives to the industry. We've discovered seven noteworthy alternatives that are taking unique approaches to haircare, from waterless formulas to cold-processing technology.
: Turning the Tide on Plastic Waste, One Shampoo Bar at a Time
The math behind Superzero's impact is striking: A single shampoo bar saves up to three plastic bottles from entering our oceans and landfills. This brand has cracked the code on creating concentrated, waterless formulations that deliver professional results without the environmental baggage.
We're intrigued by their manufacturing process, which generates 90% fewer carbon emissions than traditional liquid haircare production. Their Strengthening & Scalp Stimulating Shampoo packs more active ingredients per ounce than typical liquid formulas, simply because they've removed water from the equation. The result? A concentrated bar that's both powerful and planet-friendly.
Why we like Superzero
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Waterless Innovation
Revolutionary waterless formulas that eliminate plastic waste
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Eco-Friendly Production
90% reduction in carbon emissions during manufacturing
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Concentrated Formula
Higher concentration of active ingredients per ounce
We've tried it, and we love it
: Where Japanese Craftsmanship Meets Modern Hair Rituals
Crown Affair's founder Dianna Cohen brought her experience from building brands like Away and Outdoor Voices to create something entirely different in the beauty space. The brand's signature hair tools, particularly The Clips, showcase the kind of attention to detail you'd expect from traditional Japanese craftsmen.
Their philosophy centers on transforming daily hair maintenance into intentional moments of self-care. We appreciate how they've managed to create products that feel special without falling into the trap of overwrought luxury marketing. The brand's minimalist aesthetic and focus on quality materials reflect a deeper understanding that true luxury lies in the daily experience of using well-made tools.
Why we like Crown Affair
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Japanese Craftsmanship
Exceptional attention to detail in tool design
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Mindful Approach
Transforms daily maintenance into self-care rituals
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Quality Materials
Premium materials with minimalist luxury aesthetic
: Bottling Arizona's Natural Beauty Secrets
Deep in the Sonoran Desert, indigenous communities have long known about the protective properties of local botanicals. Dae has tapped into this wisdom, creating formulations that harness these time-tested ingredients for modern hair care needs. Their Desert Detox Scalp Scrubber exemplifies this fusion of traditional knowledge and contemporary design.
The brand's connection to its Arizona roots runs deeper than just aesthetics. Their formulations incorporate desert-native ingredients that have naturally evolved to retain moisture in extreme conditions. We find it fascinating how they've translated these survival mechanisms into effective hair care solutions.
Why we like Dae
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Indigenous Wisdom
Incorporates traditional desert botanical knowledge
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Local Sourcing
Uses native Arizona ingredients adapted to extreme conditions
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Modern Integration
Combines traditional ingredients with contemporary design
: Reclaiming Latinx Beauty Traditions for Modern Hair Care
In a beauty industry that often appropriates cultural practices without credit, Ceremonia stands out for its authentic celebration of Latinx hair care traditions. Their Spa Headband might look simple, but it's part of a larger mission to preserve and modernize generational beauty wisdom.
The brand has created something rare: products that feel both nostalgic and forward-thinking. Their formulations honor traditional Latino ingredients while incorporating modern scientific advances. We're drawn to how they've sparked important conversations about heritage and representation in the beauty industry.
Why we like Ceremonia
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Cultural Authenticity
Genuine celebration of Latinx beauty traditions
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Heritage Preservation
Modernizes generational beauty wisdom
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Inclusive Innovation
Combines traditional ingredients with modern science
: Cold Processing Meets Cutting-Edge Hair Science
The science behind Act+Acre's Cold Processed® technique reads like something from a chemistry textbook, but the results speak for themselves. Their Stem Cell Scalp Serum represents a genuine breakthrough in ingredient preservation, maintaining the potency of active ingredients in ways that conventional manufacturing can't match.
Helen Reavey, a certified trichologist, developed this proprietary method with her husband Colm to challenge industry norms. Instead of following the usual heat-based manufacturing playbook, they've pioneered a technique that keeps ingredients in their most effective state. Their transparent approach to sharing the science behind their methods has earned them credibility among skeptical beauty enthusiasts.
Why we like Act+Acre
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Innovative Processing
Proprietary cold-processing technique preserves ingredient potency
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Scientific Approach
Developed by certified trichologist
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Transparency
Clear communication about scientific methods and benefits
: When Food Science Meets Curl Chemistry
Curlsmith brings an unexpected culinary perspective to curl care, treating formulations like gourmet recipes. Their Shape Up Aqua Gel demonstrates this unique approach, combining food-grade ingredients with serious curl science to create products that enhance natural texture without weighing it down.
The brand's development process involves rigorous testing by a panel of curl experts, ensuring their formulas perform across different curl patterns and textures. We find their food-inspired approach refreshing – it's a reminder that what we put on our hair should be as thoughtfully sourced as what we put in our bodies.
Why we like Curlsmith
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Food-Grade Quality
Uses culinary-inspired, food-grade ingredients
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Expert Testing
Rigorous testing across different curl patterns
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Texture-Specific
Formulated specifically for curl enhancement
: Bridging the Gap Between Professional Results and Home Care
Celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin created OUAI to solve a common problem: the disconnect between salon results and at-home maintenance. Their Detox Shampoo embodies this mission, incorporating professional-grade ingredients in formulations that don't require a stylist's expertise to use effectively.
The brand has managed to translate insider knowledge into practical solutions for everyday use. Their products strike an interesting balance between scientific efficacy and lifestyle integration, making professional-level hair care feel more accessible without dumbing down the formulations.
Why we like OUAI
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Professional Grade
Salon-quality formulations for home use
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Accessible Expertise
Professional knowledge translated for everyday use
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Lifestyle Integration
Balances efficacy with practical usability
The Future of Hair Care
These brands represent more than just alternatives to Briogeo – they're pushing the industry in new directions, whether through waterless formulas, cold processing, or cultural preservation. As the clean beauty movement continues to evolve, we expect to see even more innovations emerge, further expanding our options for effective, thoughtful hair care.