7 Hair Care Brands That Make Briogeo Look Like Yesterday's News

Published on: November 18, 2024
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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

  • 1

    Waterless Innovation

    Revolutionary waterless formulas that eliminate plastic waste

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    Eco-Friendly Production

    90% reduction in carbon emissions during manufacturing

  • 3

    Concentrated Formula

    Higher concentration of active ingredients per ounce

The Verticale

The Verticale

02/07/24

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

  • 1

    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

  • 1

    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

  • 1

    Cultural Authenticity

    Genuine celebration of Latinx beauty traditions

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    Heritage Preservation

    Modernizes generational beauty wisdom

  • 3

    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

  • 1

    Innovative Processing

    Proprietary cold-processing technique preserves ingredient potency

  • 2

    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

  • 1

    Food-Grade Quality

    Uses culinary-inspired, food-grade ingredients

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    Expert Testing

    Rigorous testing across different curl patterns

  • 3

    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

  • 1

    Professional Grade

    Salon-quality formulations for home use

  • 2

    Accessible Expertise

    Professional knowledge translated for everyday use

  • 3

    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.