As someone who’s dealt with everything from an oily scalp to dry, damaged ends, I know how frustrating it is to find the right hair care. My fine hair often feels weighed down by buildup, and finding a routine that adds volume to my hair while also maintaining hair and scalp health has always been a challenge.
Over the past few months, I tested three standout brands—Hairstory, Briogeo, and Amika—to see which could refresh my scalp, protect my strands, and simplify my routine. Here’s what I discovered:
For The Cleanest Hair That Doesn't Start Looking Greasy In 3 Days…Hairstory
Hairstory’s New Wash is unlike anything I’ve tried before. It’s a detergent-free cleansing cream that replaces both shampoo and conditioner. Made with aloe vera and essential oils, it cleanses without stripping your hair of its natural oils. My hair felt clean, soft, and balanced from the first wash—and I could go longer between washes without feeling greasy.
While Briogeo’s Superfoods Banana + Coconut Shampoo and Conditioner smells divine, I found it didn’t perform as well in controlling oil or extending time between washes.
Amika’s Hydration Shampoo & Conditioner offers a luxurious lather and left my hair shiny, but it didn’t feel as nourishing as Hairstory. Plus, it relies on sulfates, which I try to avoid.
For Scalp Care That Doesn't Leave You Itching…Hairstory
A healthy, balanced scalp is the secret to preventing greasiness, flakes, and buildup while keeping your hair fresher for longer. Hairstory’s Pre-Wash took scalp care to the next level with its prebiotic micellar formula that gently removed buildup and balanced my scalp’s microbiome. It only took three minutes to work its magic, and unlike other clarifying products, it wasn’t harsh or drying.
Briogeo’s Rosemary Pre-Wash Oil offered some nourishment but didn’t deliver the same scalp-refreshing benefits—I still noticed buildup after regular use. As for Amika, their Hydration Happy Hour Set doesn’t include a pre-wash, focusing more on shine and styling.
For Hydration That Leaves Your Hair Looking Shiny…Hairstory
Hairstory’s Primer was a game-changer for hydration and styling. This lightweight mist deeply moisturized, detangled, and protected my hair from UV damage and heat up to 450°F. My hair felt soft, smooth, and frizz-free with no greasy residue—and it’s perfect for all hair types, including my fine strands.
Briogeo’s Avocado + Kiwi Mega Moisture 3-in-1 Leave-In Spray provided lightweight hydration but didn’t deliver the same long-lasting moisture. I needed extra styling products to achieve the same smoothness.
Amika’s Soulfood Nourishing Mask and The Wizard Detangling Primer added hydration and shine but required extra steps and didn’t penetrate as deeply as Hairstory’s Primer for lasting results.
For an Uncomplicated, Time-Saving Routine…Hairstory
This is where Hairstory’s 3-step routine truly shined. With just three products—Pre-Wash, New Wash, and Primer—I could detox, cleanse, and style my hair with minimal effort. The steps were intuitive, and the results were impressive: clean, hydrated, frizz-free hair with less time spent in the shower.
Both Briogeo and Amika required four or more products to achieve similar results:
- Briogeo: I had to combine the Rosemary Pre-Wash Oil, Shampoo & Conditioner, and Avocado + Kiwi Leave-In Spray, which added extra steps and time.
- Amika: Their Hydration Happy Hour Set includes a Shampoo, Conditioner, Soulfood Mask, and The Wizard Primer, making the process feel more like a chore.
For a More Affordable Upfront Cost…Briogeo & Amika
If price is your main concern, Briogeo and Amika are the more affordable upfront options. But after trying all three, I realized that Hairstory’s $88 price tag is justified—and with the 20% first-time buyer discount and 10% off refills, it became even easier to commit.
More importantly, it offers a true scalp reset and multifunctional benefits like UV and heat protection, saving money on additional products over time.
The Ultimate Winner…Hairstory
Hairstory isn't just your ordinary wash day routine - it's actually given me the healthiest hair of my life! My scalp feels healthier, my hair stays fresher longer, and the Primer adds a level of protection and polish I didn’t realize I needed. With just three simple steps, it tackles everything from buildup to frizz, while Briogeo and Amika focus more on surface-level fixes.
