Briogeo Scalp Revival Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo Review
This Deliciously Minty Exfoliating Shampoo Cured Winter Flakes
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If you're someone who's blessed with natural glossy hair that falls perfectly silky and frizz-free postwashing, I say, "Congratulations . . . go count your blessings!"
The rest of the world, myself included, has a much different hair-washing experience that involves panic, heartache (bye-bye, blowout), and strategic planning in order to whip our unruly manes into socially acceptable shape. Not only does wash day bring back the frizzy, untamed bends of my natural hair texture, but even the most nourishing formulas leave my scalp stripped and admittedly flaky (ugh!). That is, until this unassuming white tub of Briogeo Scalp Revival Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo ($42) came into my life and forever changed the shampoo experience. From the exfoliating bits that slough away flakiness to the dreamy minty scent, here's everything you need to know about the unique formula.
First Impressions
The thick charcoal cream looks more like a mask than a shampoo. Everything from the large tub to the dark gray gritty formula packed inside is misleading. But it all combines to deliver the most unique shampooing experience imaginable. It feels almost counterproductive rubbing dark gray cream over your hair in an effort to clean it, but one tszuj of the minty, refreshing formula and you might actually start to look forward to hair-washing day.
The Feel
It's a far cry from a traditional pearlescent liquid squeezed from a shampoo bottle and worked into a foamy, sudsy lather. Instead, this thick, mask-like cream is scooped from a tub and feels gritty, thanks to tiny vegetable-derived micro exfoliators that help to gently buff away product buildup and dead skin at the scalp. The bits are fine, so it feels more massaging than irritating as you scrub, and they dissolve as they buff so you aren't left with little particles in your hair.
The dark gray cream gets its color from Binchotan charcoal, which is infused in the formula to help draw out gunk from your scalp (similar to the way it does in your favorite charcoal face mask). The formula is also sulfate-free, so the frothy lather is minimal but satisfying. But the real satisfaction comes from the cooling (and slightly tingling) feeling that's attributed to a blend of tea tree, peppermint, and spearmint oils.
Together, these oils work to reduce itchiness and scalp irritation, which is a welcome benefit for anyone who suffers from dry Winter scalp, like me. Any then there's the smell . . .
The Scent
Where to begin? If you're a lover (or obsessor) of Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies or mint chocolate chip ice cream, this sweet chocolaty yet refreshing blend will hook you from the minute you crack open the tub. And even if you're more of a Tagalong or Lemon Cookie fan, it's almost impossible not to love this minty, fresh scent.
The Results
Between the cool mint tingle and the gritty exfoliating bits, the formula is sensory overload for your scalp in the best way possible. The deep cleanse somehow manages to be incredibly gentle despite all the detoxifying and exfoliating, and for anyone who experiences dryness or flakes, you'll notice a difference after the first washing.
My typical Winter flakes were nonexistent, and I even noticed my overall hair texture and glossiness improved after continued use. Whether it's to soothe an itchy scalp or for the minty experience alone, this exfoliating shampoo is worth scooping into.
