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BeautyBody CareWellness

Better Than Pantene: Fresh Takes on Traditional Hair Care

Ioli Baltas

Ioli Baltas

Editor @ Marmalade

Published on: November 25, 2024
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Walk down any drugstore aisle and you'll spot those familiar Pantene bottles, promising salon-worthy results at budget-friendly prices. Yet as we've grown more aware of what goes into our products and their environmental impact, a new wave of innovative hair care brands has emerged. These companies aren't just challenging the status quo – they're reimagining what hair care can be, from revolutionary packaging to groundbreaking formulations.

HiBAR
- Turning Shampoo Solid (And Saving Oceans)

Anyone who's watched those heartbreaking videos of plastic-choked oceans knows we need serious solutions, not just good intentions. Enter HiBar's Moisturize Shampoo Bar, a concentrated puck of hair-cleaning power that's making waves in the beauty industry.
These aren't your typical soap bars masquerading as shampoo. We're intrigued by HiBar's chemistry-forward approach – they've managed to pack premium ingredients into a completely plastic-free format. Their Saint Paul facility has even retrofitted standard manufacturing equipment to handle their unique solid formulations, showing just how serious they are about innovation.
The numbers tell an impressive story: nearly 5 million plastic bottles prevented from entering landfills since 2018. And while other brands slap eco-friendly labels on their packaging, HiBar goes all-in with paper packaging and vegetable-based inks. They've even convinced major retailers like Urban Outfitters to modify their shipping requirements – no small feat in the rigid world of retail logistics.

Why we like HiBar

  • 1

    Zero Plastic Packaging

    Completely plastic-free format with paper packaging

  • 2

    Innovative Formula

    Chemistry-forward approach to solid shampoo

  • 3

    Environmental Impact

    Prevented 5 million plastic bottles from landfills

  • 4

    Sustainable Manufacturing

    Retrofitted facility for solid formulation production

Emma Leuchten

Emma Leuchten

09/18/24

This has been my go-to shampoo bar for 5 years! It lathers up super well and leaves my hair feeling soft. Other bars either moisturize and leave my hair greasy, or clean it but strip its oils, and I like that this bar actually cleans my hair without drying it out. I recommend it to anyone who will listen 😄

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Curlsmith
- Where Food Science Meets Curl Chemistry

Who knew that treating your curls could be as methodical as following a recipe? Curlsmith's Shape Up Aqua Gel embodies this culinary approach to hair care, treating each ingredient like a carefully chosen component in a well-crafted dish.
We're fascinated by their "gourmet" philosophy, which views hair products through the lens of food science. Their development process reads like a master chef's playbook – rigorous testing, expert panels, and multiple iterations before any formula makes it to market. The result? Products that work across different curl patterns without the usual compromises (think crunchy finish or deflated volume).
Their clean ingredient stance isn't just jumping on the natural bandwagon. Instead, they're proving that science-backed formulations don't need harsh chemicals to deliver professional results. It's a refreshing take in an industry often caught between natural ideals and performance demands.

Why we like Curlsmith

  • 1

    Food Science Approach

    Unique culinary perspective on hair care formulation

  • 2

    Universal Curl Solutions

    Works effectively across different curl patterns

  • 3

    Clean Formulations

    Science-backed products without harsh chemicals

  • 4

    Rigorous Testing

    Expert panel testing and multiple formula iterations

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Odele Beauty
- Minneapolis's Answer to Gender-Neutral Hair Care

In a world of pink razors and masculinity-scented shampoo, Odele Beauty's Dry Shampoo offers something revolutionary: exceptional performance without the gendered marketing baggage.
This Minneapolis-based brand has thrown out the traditional beauty industry playbook. Instead of creating separate lines for different demographics, they're focusing on universal formulations that work across hair types and textures. Their fragrance-free options and dermatologist testing reflect a deeper understanding of what inclusivity really means in hair care.
We appreciate how they're tackling accessibility from multiple angles – not just through their formulations, but through community initiatives like their Odele Gives program. It's proof that quality hair care doesn't need artificial market segmentation or luxury pricing to make an impact.

Why we like Odele Beauty

  • 1

    Gender-Neutral Approach

    Universal formulations without gendered marketing

  • 2

    Inclusive Formulas

    Works across all hair types and textures

  • 3

    Community Focus

    Active community engagement through Odele Gives program

  • 4

    Accessibility

    Professional quality at affordable price points

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Verb Products
- Austin's No-Nonsense Hair Heroes

When a brand maintains the same price point across their entire line, you know they're doing something different. Verb's Sea Spray exemplifies their straightforward approach: professional-grade results without the usual salon product complexity.
Born in Austin and refined in New York, Verb has stripped away the pretense often associated with professional hair care. Their development process involves real-world testing in working salons – no ivory tower formulation here. The result? Products that deliver salon-quality results without requiring a stylist's expertise to use.
We're particularly impressed by their price consistency strategy. By removing the cost variable from the equation, they're letting consumers focus on finding the right formula for their needs. It's a bold move in an industry that often equates higher prices with better quality.

Why we like Verb Products

  • 1

    Consistent Pricing

    Same price point across entire product line

  • 2

    Salon-Tested

    Real-world testing in working salons

  • 3

    Professional Quality

    Salon-grade results without complexity

  • 4

    Straightforward Approach

    No-nonsense formulations and marketing

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OUAI
- Where Hair Care Meets Lifestyle Design

While most brands focus solely on hair, OUAI's Detox Shampoo represents a broader vision of beauty routines as lifestyle rituals. Their apple cider vinegar and keratin-infused formula shows how traditional ingredients can be reimagined for modern needs.
The brand's expansion into fragrance and body care isn't just product line extension – it's a reflection of how contemporary consumers view beauty routines as part of their overall wellness practice. We're seeing a thoughtful integration of hair care into a larger self-care ecosystem.
Their approach acknowledges that modern beauty routines aren't just about achieving specific results – they're about creating moments of pleasure in our daily lives. It's a sophisticated take on hair care that resonates with today's wellness-minded consumers.

Why we like OUAI

  • 1

    Lifestyle Integration

    Beauty routines as wellness rituals

  • 2

    Modern Formulation

    Traditional ingredients reimagined for today

  • 3

    Expanded Vision

    Thoughtful integration into broader self-care

  • 4

    Wellness Focus

    Emphasis on pleasure in daily routines

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Ceremonia
- Latinx Beauty Rituals for Modern Life

Sometimes the simplest products speak volumes about a brand's philosophy. Ceremonia's Spa Headband might seem basic, but its thoughtful design elevates an everyday task into something more meaningful.
Drawing from Latinx beauty traditions while embracing modern innovation, Ceremonia offers a fresh perspective on hair wellness. Their focus extends beyond surface-level concerns to address both scalp and strand health, creating products that honor cultural wisdom while meeting contemporary needs.
We admire how they're bridging traditional Latin American ingredients with current science, proving that heritage and innovation can coexist beautifully in modern hair care.

Why we like Ceremonia

  • 1

    Cultural Heritage

    Incorporation of Latinx beauty traditions

  • 2

    Holistic Approach

    Focus on both scalp and strand health

  • 3

    Modern Innovation

    Blend of traditional ingredients with current science

  • 4

    Thoughtful Design

    Elevated everyday hair care accessories

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The Future of Hair Care Is Here

These brands represent more than just alternatives to mainstream products – they're glimpses into hair care's future. From zero-waste pioneers to cultural innovators, each brings unique solutions to common hair care challenges. As we continue seeking products that align with our values while delivering results, these brands show us that better options exist beyond the familiar drugstore shelves.