Caution: do not eat these!
Foreword
I have two very special products to review for you guys today. Yes, it is about time we talked about Briogeo again. So far I have had a great experience with the brand and in this post we are going to chat all about Be Gentle, Be Kind Banana + Coconut Superfood range.
Curious? Then please keep on scrolling.
My Hair: fine, virgin (i.e. never been colored etc. before), 2B/2C curls, sensitive scalp.
About the Product
At the moment the range includes: shampoo, conditioner and body lotion. In this article I will focus on haircare only.
Be Gentle, Be Kind Banana + Coconut Nourishing Superfood haircare products (28 USD each; Made in USA) are designed to nurture, protect and essentially bring your locks back to life without causing any damage or stripping.
All products are gluten-free 🌾, cruelty-free 🐇 and vegan 🍃
Packaging: both Shampoo and Conditioner come in a recyclable plastic packaging that looks a lot like a bottle of fresh juice/smoothie. There is a generous amount of product here (12.5 oz/ 369 ml), which is more than what you normally get for the same price from similar brands. Although I adore this fun design, I am not a fan of flimsy caps on both bottles. Since they do not close properly, I won't be able to travel with these (who else has experienced a shampoo leakage in their suitcase?) and I also have to be extra careful in the shower; if you drop this Shampoo it will spill everywhere.
Formula: the brand is known for using some of the World's best and most nourishing "superfoods" in their products. This collection does not only look like something you could eat (please don't!), but it also has some of the juiciest ingredients: Banana, Coconut, Papaya, Mango, Pineapple and Acai to name a few. Everything I love seeing on my breakfast plate basically. And if that wasn't fabulous enough, Be Gentle, Be Kind Banana + Coconut Nourishing Superfood products are labeled as "clean" and are made without any harsh chemicals or nasties that are usually associated with hair damage.
Texture: Shampoo has a very runny, syrup-like consistency. It is easy to accidentally pour out more product than you actually need, so just be mindful of that. Conditioner, on the other hand, has more of a moussy texture; it feels quite creamy, which makes it easy for you to distribute and rinse the product.
Scent: OMG, these products smell like a tropical dream. It is a perfect blend of banana, pineapple and coconut, which I absolutely love. Now, if you don't like the sound of it, chances are this line is not for you (FYI the scent lingers). I find that my hair smells amazing all day long and even the day after. There is something about this fragrance that reminds me a lot of my childhood and those sweet, fruity haircare products that my mom used to buy for my brother and I.
Funny thing, as a professional swimmer I exercise in a silicone cap and usually when I take it off at the end of every training I can still smell this delicious Briogeo scent on my hair, which is fantastic. Pero like, who wants their hair to smell like chlorine?
Use: since I train almost every day, I have to wash my hair often. I have a sensitive scalp, which can get dry and itchy easily. With Be Gentle, Be Kind Banana + Coconut Nourishing Superfood products I have experienced zero issues. I find that with my fine hair type, I can get away with the smallest amount of product and I still get great results: scalp feels nourished and locks look glossy, healthy. Although Briogeo suggest that you can apply this Conditioner from root to tip, if your hair is extra fine or it gets greasy easily - avoid the roots at all costs (the formula is quite potent).
Styling: for me the ultimate test is (when trying out new shampoos and conditioners) whether I am able to style my hair effortlessly or not. I have experimented with both my hair dryer and/or curling iron and am here to report that both Briogeo products made my hair look silky smooth, soft and extra glossy.
Who is going to like it?
I can see how this Be Gentle, Be Kind Banana + Coconut Nourishing Superfood line should work well for people with different hair types, colors and lengths. It is packed with antioxidants and is rich in fatty acids, vitamins and all other magical goodness. When used moderately, even someone with fine hair can benefit from a range like this (my mantra with all haircare products in general is "less is more"). It is particularly great for those with drier or heat-damaged hair, that needs all the love and care.
If you are a fellow swimmer and need something potent to get rid of yucky chlorine residue in the most gentle way possible, do not even sleep on it. Also nice for people, who exercise every day and wash their hair regularly. I have the most sensitive scalp and even with daily use, my hair is feeling and looking great (it gets less frizzy too). I am not sure how a duo like this would work for someone with color-treated hair though, but I would still give it a try.
Verdict
Both Be Gentle, Be Kind Banana + Coconut Nourishing Superfood Shampoo and Be Gentle, Be Kind Banana + Coconut Nourishing Superfood Conditioner deserve A++. This comes from someone, who has been exclusively using OUAI for the last three-four years; I do not think I will be buying their shampoos and conditioners any time soon, because I have fallen in love with these gems by Briogeo. Not only does my scalp feel amazing, but my hair is beaming with a healthy shine (unexpected bonus: bathroom smells like a tropical vacation). If you are on a hunt for a gentle vegan, cruelty-free haircare that gives you a lot more than just a basic cleanse - look this way!
What do you guys think about this line? Let's chat some more in the comments!
Available online: sephora.com / cultbeauty.com
Purchased products; full disclaimer here