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I'm ashamed to admit it, but it was only a few years ago when I realized how lucky I am to have such thick, curly hair. DIY hair masks soon took the place of my worn-out flatiron, and I started to do just about anything to revive my Shirley Temple “boing-boings” (as my mom would call my head of curls) I was blessed with growing up.
Pinterest led me down a messy path of coconut oil, mayonnaise, and avocado recipes as I searched desperately for hydration. I pored over reviews of the best hair masks and bought a few, but nothing truly impressed me or provided longer than a day or two of moisture. This all led to overwashing, which eventually did more harm than good.
Then one day I heard about a pop-up event in my neighborhood where Briogeo—a Black-owned brand famous for taking the guesswork out of getting healthy curls—was hosting a spa day open to the public. The invite listed a multitude of activities, but personalized hair consultations basically jumped out at me. Guess how fast I RSVP'd? When I was growing up, no one around me (my sisters included) had a hair texture similar to mine. I was frustrated about how to style, no less treat, curly hair, so this consultation seemed to be my saving grace—and it was.
From the Do Not Despair, Repair Deep Conditioning Mask to the Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner, my hair began to soften and regain its natural curl pattern, which meant wash days were reduced significantly. I no longer saw a need to wash my hair just for the pleasure of freshly conditioned hair; the products were doing their thing.
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After listening to Nancy Twine, the founder of Briogeo, discuss and answer questions about her personal hair journey, I decided to make my hair health a priority. I chopped the curls that once hung down to my waist, threw out the products and Pinterest concoctions I had, and started over.
Since that fateful day, I've remained loyal to Briogeo, so when I heard the brand was launching a new hair mask—ironically inspired by the superfood ingredients Pinterest boards swear by—I got my hands on it as fast as I could.
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Can I just say “wow”? Hello, hydration. My hair has been particularly thirsty during quarantine, so it couldn't have come at a better time. Its ingredients list reads like a Pinterest recipe: avocado oil to nourish and condition, kiwi fruit and spinach extracts that are rich in protective antioxidants, plus chia seeds and cocoa seed butter to help lock in and retain moisture. After just 10 minutes, my hair was noticeably softer and shinier—and that was only one use.
Not only that, but the smell is absolutely delicious, which I was pleasantly surprised about from the salutary ingredient list—it's not too sweet, just light and pleasant. Texture can either be a hit or a miss when it comes to a hydrating hair mask; some feel too thick, while others feel too greasy. This one is a perfect medium, suitable for finger-combing the product evenly into damp hair.
Although I don't think it’s possible to overdo a hair treatment such as this, two times a week is more than enough tender love and care for the mask to work its magic. For those prone to breakage, think of it as your saving grace as it conditions and nourishes brittle strands and unwanted split ends.
This mask has made its way to the top of my list for a multitude of reasons. The number one being its immediate frizz-free results suitable not only for curly and kinky hair but also chemically and color-treated hair. Still not convinced? The five-star reviews on Sephora will be my final sell as to why you should be adding this one to your cart—immediately. To put it short, Briogeo has done it again.
Talia Gutierrez is the beauty assistant at Glamour. Follow her on Instagram @taliamichelee.
