Hairstory Shampoo and Scalp Brush Review 2021
This All-in-One Product Replaced My Shampoo and Conditioner — I'm Surprised, Too
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Since I've long had a challenging relationship with curly, processed hair that's prone to breakage and dryness, I'm always on the lookout for things to help it stay healthy and hydrated. Over the years, that's led me to mostly co-washing to keep moisture locked in . . . but nothing makes my hair feel as clean as shampoo does, so I've never totally eliminated that either.
Ever since a friend mentioned Hairstory's New Wash — which she dubbed "the anti-shampoo" — I was excited to try its naturally derived cleansers that I hoped would make my hair feel fresher than just using conditioner. Now, I can't say it was just this product that pleased me, because the cleansing/conditioning combo also comes with a nubby brush to really scrub a scalp. Facts, I'm never washing my hair without this again, as it felt at least 10 times better than just my fingers.
Facts, I'm never washing my hair without this again, as it felt at least 10 times better than just my fingers.
I tried the Rich version meant for dry hair, but all three formulas are free of sulphates, detergents, and parabens. It's important to know there will be no lather present for any of them. I was used to that feeling from other products I've used in the past. You don't get that same slippery, almost-coated feeling that can be another result of co-washing, but if you know to expect that, it's OK. Best yet, my scalp wasn't left stripped (which has happened with some sulphate-free picks) and didn't feel like styling products were still stuck there either.
Of course, just one product makes my wash day easier than ever, so I'm sold — and to be honest, sometimes I just use the scalp brush on my dry hair for a mini massage while sitting on the couch. Check out the three cleanser and conditioner combos, and a few other Hairstory products, ahead.
Hairstory New Wash (Rich) Hair Cleanser and Conditioner, 8oz Pouch + Scalp Brush
I opted for the Hairstory New Wash (Rich) Hair Cleanser and Conditioner, 8oz Pouch + Scalp Brush ($50), which adds extra conditioning to textured, colour-treated, or heat-damaged hair like mine. (To me, this product feels like a thick styling cream versus a traditional, soapy shampoo or slick conditioner.) As I noted, there are no sulphates or detergents (and thus no lather), but scrubbing it in with the included scalp brush still made my hair feel incredibly clean.
Hairstory New Wash (Deep) Hair Cleanser and Conditioner, 8oz Pouch + Scalp Brush
The Hairstory New Wash (Deep) Hair Cleanser and Conditioner, 8oz Pouch + Scalp Brush ($50) is great for oilier hair types as there's bonus apple cider vinegar to help with grease and product buildup.
Hairstory New Wash (Original) Hair Cleanser and Conditioner, 8oz Pouch + Scalp Brush
This Hairstory New Wash (Original) Hair Cleanser and Conditioner, 8oz Pouch + Scalp Brush ($50) has equal parts cleanser and conditioner, so it is a good place to start if your hair is neither extra dry nor extra greasy.
Hairstory Leave-In Conditioning Balm For Curly Hair and Frizziness
When I scrunched this Hairstory Leave-In Conditioning Balm For Curly Hair and Frizziness ($36) into my curls and let them air-dry, not only was there no crunchy feeling, but my hair also didn't frizz up even after spending a day in the summer sun.
Hairstory Dressed Up Heat Protectant Lotion For Blow Dryer, Curling Iron, and Flat Iron
Pick this Hairstory Dressed Up Heat Protectant Lotion For Blow Dryer, Curling Iron, and Flat Iron ($36) if you want something that's lightweight but still offers thermal and UV protection for hair. (I've also used this to just air-dry my hair, so it's not only good for hot styling.)
Hairstory Wax For Men and Women, High Hold and Matte Finish
A tiny bit of this Hairstory Wax For Men and Women, High Hold and Matte Finish ($34) goes a long way, and it's easy to slick back flyaways or help get a sleek ponytail.
Hairstory Undressed Light Hold Texturizing Spray For Dry Volume
This Hairstory Undressed Light Hold Texturizing Spray For Dry Volume ($38) is like a salt spray without the salt, so it can be used to create beachy waves without stripping away moisture.
Hairstory Dry Shampoo Powder For Natural Volume, All Day Restoration, and Refresher
To extend time between washes (or to help oilier textures), the Hairstory Dry Shampoo Powder For Natural Volume, All Day Restoration, and Refresher ($36) mattifies greasy hair and boosts volume at the same time.
