This post was most recently updated on May 22nd, 2023
Given almost everything we do to our hair can damage it (think: brushing, coloring, heat styling), dry, lifeless hair seems almost inevitable. Our Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair review discusses the popular product line that can strengthen and hydrate your tresses with every use.
We take a closer look at the benefits of Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair, ingredient breakdown, authentic reviews, disadvantages, and alternatives for you.
Who is it for?
The Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair Collection is made of organic, hydrating ingredients that help add moisture and strength to each of your hair strands. It is exclusively tailored for dry, damaged, and brittle hair of all hair types (1a-4c) and textures (fine to thick).
In addition, Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair is also safe for color- and chemically-treated hair as it’s free of sulfates which won’t strip out your hair color vibrancy and tones.
However, hair that easily gets moisturized might find it too heavy. So in-between treatments in this collection, we suggest using Scalp Revival Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo to remove product buildup and sebum once a week.
Next, let’s check out the Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair product line.
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Line: Restores Your Hair’s Strength and Moisture From the Inside Out
In truth, most hair damage is actually permanent as we are dealing with dead cells. But don’t despair if you are tempted to use a pair of shears to chop it all away! The correct treatments can actually restore your hair to a certain extent and prevent further damage.
Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair got your back from lathering products to leave-in treatment. This article is going to take a closer look at:
- Don’t Despair, Repair! Rosehip + Algae Super Moisture Shampoo
- Don’t Despair, Repair! Almond Oil + Algae Super Moisture Conditioner
- Don’t Despair, Repair! Rosehip + Algae Deep Conditioning Mask
- Don’t Despair, Repair! Rice Water MegaStrength+ Protein + Moisture Strengthening Treatment
- Don’t Despair, Repair! Ceramides + Rose Flower Strengthening Treatment Oil
- Don’t Despair, Repair! Argan Oil + CeramidesMoisture + Damage Defense Leave-In Treatment
Now, let’s take a look at them one by one.
Don’t Despair, Repair! Rosehip + Algae Super Moisture Shampoo
- DEEP CLEANSING AND CONDITIONING FOR DRY, DAMAGED HAIR: Briogeo’s Don’t Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Shampoo is an ultra-hydrating, foamy, sulfate-free shampoo that brings a surge of intensive moisture while removing dirt, oil, and buildup from the hair. Perfect for anyone with dry and damaged hair, this shampoo features an innovative formula that merges the intense cleansing action of a shampoo with the moisture of a deep conditioning mask without weighing the hair down or stripping color.
- PACKED WITH POTENT NATURAL INGREDIENTS: This shampoo provides deep cleansing and hydration benefits through a unique combination of natural ingredients. Algae extract nourishes and revitalizes the hair while panthenol enhances hair elasticity, moisture retention and flexibility. Rosehip oil provides essential fatty acids which balance hair hydration and control frizz. Shea Butter moisturizes, softens and hydrates the hair.
- ADDITIVE AND CRUELTY-FREE: Briogeo is proud to say that Don’t Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Shampoo is 95% naturally derived. Specially formulated, this moisturizing shampoo for dry, damaged hair does not include sulfates, silicones, phthalates, parabens, DEA, or artificial dyes. It is certified gluten-free, cruelty-free and vegan so you can feel good about looking good!
Key Ingredients: Rosehip Oil, Algae Extract, Plant Proteins, and B Vitamins (91% naturally derived).
How to Use: Massage into your wet hair to form a lather, then rinse thoroughly.
For a sulfate-free shampoo, Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair lathers up and cleanses your hair very well without stripping the moisture or leaving your hair tangled. It has a creamy texture with a nice floral scent that goes away after drying.
This 2x award-winning, ultra-hydrating shampoo is loaded with proteins and moisturizers that also help strengthen and hydrate your hair in every use. It is a perfect shampoo for dry hair, but not the best solution for oily hair or oil scalps. It may be too heavy and somehow leave a buildup on it after a few uses.
Don’t Despair, Repair! Almond Oil + Algae Super Moisture Conditioner
- DEEP CONDITIONING FOR DRY, DAMAGED HAIR: Briogeo’s Don’t Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Conditioner is a daily, clinically proven, super moisturizing conditioner that strengthens damaged hair and helps prevent future breakage. Perfect for anyone with dry and damaged hair, this conditioner features an innovative formula that is clinically proven to decrease hair breakage after two uses.
- PACKED WITH POTENT NATURAL INGREDIENTS: This Conditioner provides deep hydration benefits through a unique combination of natural ingredients. Algae extract nourishes and revitalizes the hair while panthenol enhances hair elasticity, moisture retention and flexibility. Rosehip oil provides essential fatty acids which balance hair hydration and control frizz. Shea Butter moisturizes, softens and hydrates the hair.
- ADDITIVE AND CRUELTY-FREE: Briogeo is proud to say that Don’t Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Conditioner is 95% naturally derived. Specially formulated, this moisturizing conditioner for dry, damaged hair does not include sulfates, silicones, phthalates, parabens, DEA, or artificial dyes. It is certified gluten-free, cruelty-free and vegan so you can feel good about looking good!
Key Ingredients: Almond Oil, Algae Extract, Vitamin B5, and Argan Oil (95% naturally derived).
How to Use: Apply onto your strands from mid-lengths to ends. Leave it on for two minutes before rinsing. Use between Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Conditioning Mask for deep moisture and intense hair strengthening.
If you’re quite low maintenance but want hair that feels healthy, Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Conditioner is a must-have. It is a rich, creamy conditioner but light in consistency and has a similar scent to the shampoo. You can immediately feel how soft and shiny your hair is after rinsing it out.
Briogeo’s 7x award-winning conditioner is rich in antioxidants, amino acids, and vitamins and is scientifically proven to strengthen and protect your hair from breakage. You’ll need to wash out thoroughly to avoid it from weighing your hair down.
Don’t Despair, Repair! Rosehip + Algae Deep Conditioning Mask
- WHO IT’S FOR: For those with dry, damaged or color treated hair. Hair types: straight, wavy, curly and coily hair.
- WHAT IT IS: A weekly, clinically proven hair mask and deep conditioner that strengthens damaged hair and helps prevent future damage.
- WHAT IT DOES: Clinically proven to decrease hair breakage after two uses. This hair mask is clinically proven to boost hair strength, shine, and silkiness and improve the long-term health of damaged hair.
Key Ingredients: Rosehip Oil, Algae Extract, Almond Oil, and Biotin (97% naturally derived).
How to Use: After washing or conditioning, evenly apply on your hair and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing. For a more intense treatment, cover your hair with a shower cap and sit under a hair dryer for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
This 15x award winner comes in a soft creamy texture that’s thick enough to give a deep treatment to your fragile hair. It leaves your hair feeling moisturized and smooth to the touch afterward. The floral scent is also very pleasant and not harsh or overbearing.
This weekly treatment is scientifically proven to strengthen your hair 2x after three uses and reduce breakage after two uses. However, some reported that it’s not intense enough for very damaged hair and doesn’t quite help to tame frizz. You may want to try Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask if you have severely damaged hair.
Don’t Despair, Repair! Rice Water MegaStrength+ Protein + Moisture Strengthening Treatment
- WHO IT’S FOR: Those with dry, damaged or color treated hair. For all hair types.
- WHAT IT IS: An intensive weekly hair treatment that delivers the optimal balance of protein + moisture and is scientifically proven to strengthen hair after 1 use.
- WHAT IT DOES: This dual-action formula protects hair from future damage, while deeply hydrating ingredients work to nourish dry, brittle hair and support healthy elasticity in your strands. Formulated with 98% naturally derived ingredients.
Key Ingredients: Rice Protein Complex, B Vitamins, Algae Extract, and Rosehip Oil (98% naturally derived).
How to Use: After shampooing, apply throughout damp hair and let it sit for at least 10 minutes or overnight. Rinse it out and follow with the Don’t Despair Repair Super Moisture Conditioner and/or Deep Conditioning Mask.
This weekly or bi-weekly treatment is an intensive rinse-off formula that effortlessly leaves your hair feeling softer and healthier. It has a lightweight, creamy texture that spreads and rinses out easily. The scent is also subtle and not too strong, which is a plus.
The Don’t Despair Repair Rice Water Strengthening Treatment features a dual-action formula that hydrates and protects your hair from breaking off. This 9x award winner is also scientifically proven to reduce breakage by 60% after one use. The drawback is that it’s a bit pricey.
Don’t Despair, Repair! Ceramides + Rose Flower Strengthening Treatment Oil
- WHO IT’S FOR: Those with dry, damaged or color treated hair. For all hair types.
- WHAT IT IS: A silicone-free hair oil treatment fortified with repairing ceramides.
- WHAT IT DOES: This treatment hair oil repairs the hair cuticle and bonds split ends.
Key Ingredients: Ceramides, Macadamia Nut Derivative, Rose Flower Oil, and Sweet Almond Oil (97% naturally derived).
How to Use: Apply a small amount of oil throughout damp hair from mid-lengths to ends. Add a few drops to Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask for extra moisture.
If repairing hair is your main goal, then Briogeo Strengthening Treatment Oil is a great option for you. It is a lightweight, concentrated oil that improves your hair’s elasticity and shine over time. The scent is citrusy floral-like, but it is quite strong (especially if you’re sensitive to it).
It features clinically proven technology that seals in your cuticles to protect against hair breakage. The third-party trial testing also shows that this treatment oil can repair damage by up to 88% after two uses. However, it may weigh down oily and fine hair if used too much.
Don’t Despair, Repair! Argan Oil + CeramidesMoisture + Damage Defense Leave-In Treatment
- WHO IT'S FOR: Dry, brittle, damaged hair of all types and textures
- WHAT IT IS: A lightweight leave-in spray scientifically proven to reduce hair breakage after 2 uses. Provides deep moisture to boost hair's resilience
- WHAT IT DOES: This strengthening and moisturizing leave-in mask boosts hair’s strength and harnesses a unique microencapsulated argan oil to restore essential hydration and natural vibrancy to dry, damaged hair.
Key Ingredients: Argan, Coconut + Rosehip Oils, Algae Extract, Naturally Derived Repair Copolymer, and Ceramides (97% naturally derived).
How to Use: Apply a small amount to damp hair from mid-lengths to ends. Comb your hair and style it as usual.
When it comes to split ends, trim seems the only way to get rid of them. But if you aren’t ready to chop your hair, then you should try this one. It is a light, milky leave-in treatment that leaves your hair soft and frizz-free without weighing it down. The scent is also pleasant, nothing overpowering.
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Leave-In Treatment is packed with biomimetic lipids and scientifically tested to seal up split ends up to 100% after two uses. However, some notice that it makes their hair feel stiff and can be heavy on fine, thin hair if you overdo it with this cream.
Overall, you can use them together to get the best results, starting with the shampoo, the megastrength treatment, and the conditioner or hair mask. If you have dry, dull hair, opt for the strengthening treatment oil. You can try the leave-in treatment if split ends are your particular concern.
Next, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients of Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair line.
Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair Main Ingredients Breakdown
Each of Briogeo’s Don’t Despair, Repair! product is formulated with a vegan ingredient blend, plus it’s Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free. They’re all safe from controversial ingredients, such as sulfates, parabens, silicones, phthalates, artificial colors, and DEA.
We uncovered the benefits of key ingredients of the Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair Collection.
These are the key ingredients of the Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair collection and what they do to your hair individually. Now, let’s take a look at the customer reviews.
Real-Life User Experiences with Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair!
To back up our review, we’ve collected several authentic reviews from various sources and see how the Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair collection works for their hair.
Results of a woman with extremely dry hair and brittle hair due to constant hair coloring after using Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Shampoo. She noticed improved hair quality after one use and less shedding after a few washes.
Results of an Asian woman with platinum blonde-bleached hair after using Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Conditioner. Her hair feels stronger over time and well-hydrated all week.
Results of a curly-haired woman after using Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask for a couple of weeks. Her clumped curls started forming again and look shinier, moisturized, and healthier.
Results of a woman with curly, color-treated hair after using Don’t Despair, Repair! Rice Water MegaStrength+ Protein + Moisture Strengthening Treatment. Her hair looks shinier and her curls are bouncier than they were before.
Results of a woman with wavy hair after using Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Strengthening Treatment Oil. Her hair instantly looks shinier and the frizziness is completely gone.
Results of a woman with straight hair after using Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Strength + Moisture Leave-In Treatment. It takes away frizz and leaves her hair softer and shinier.
Now we know that the Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair collection really helps promote well-hydrated and healthy hair to dry, damaged hair of all hair types. Next, let’s check out the side effects of the products.
Possible Side Effects of Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair
The Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair collection might be free of harsh chemicals, such as sulfates, parabens, etc. However, some ingredients may cause unnecessary effects to people who are sensitive to them. Here we cover the possible side effects of Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair.
- Some Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair products contain sweet almond oil. If you have a nut allergy, it is best to stay clear from Don’t Despair Repair Conditioner, Mask, Rice Water Treatment, and Treatment Oil.
- Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair Deep Conditioning Mask contains hydrolyzed wheat protein and hydrolyzed soy protein. Kindly avoid using it to prevent unwanted effects if you are allergic to wheat and soy.
- All Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair products are not fragrance-free. If you are sensitive to it, you can choose the Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind collection as it is formulated without fragrance or essential oils.
- Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair contains plant-based ingredients (rosehip oil, by leaf, and rose oil) that may cause allergic reactions (rash or hives) in some people.
- Some Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair (the shampoo, hair mask, and leave-in treatment) contains benzyl alcohol that may cause itching or redness if you have sensitive skin.
- You may experience eye and skin irritation as Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair Conditioner, Hair Mask, and Rice Water Treatment contain Behentrimonium Chloride and Cetrimonium Chloride. It is best to do a patch test before using the products, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Always double-check the ingredients and allergies you have to avoid adverse effects while using the Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair collection. If you notice allergic reactions, kindly stop using the products and use OTC hydrocortisone cream to soothe your skin.
Next, let’s find alternatives to Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair.
Alternatives to the Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair Collection
In terms of remedies for damaged hair, you have plenty of options out there as an alternative to Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair. For instance, Olaplex, Pureology, and SheaMoisture. Keep scrolling to figure out which one is the right fit for you.
Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector
- Repairs damaged and compromised hair, strengthens and protects hair structure, restores healthy appearance and texture
- Apply a generous amount from roots to ends on unwashed towel-dried hair.
- Comb through once and leave on for a minimum of 10 minutes or more. Rinse from hair, shampoo, and condition.Healthy hair
Thanks to their patented ingredient, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, Olaplex has a reputation for being a cult-favorite brand for extremely damaged hair. Read our full review of Olaplex to learn more about the brand.
One of their best products is No. 3 Hair Perfector, a weekly pre-poo treatment that repairs and prevents damage, giving you strong and well-moisturized hair. You can get it for $30 (3.3 fl oz) on Amazon. It works best if paired with No. 0 Bond Building Treatment and No. 8 Moisture Mask.
Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo
- Strengthening Shampoo: Strength Cure vegan Shampoo repairs hair damage, strengthens all hair types and textures with damage and split ends from heat styling, physical wear and tear or overprocessing
- Reparative Formula: This fortifying formula restores hair back to health; plant-based protein Keravis strengthens strands and prevents damage while powerful antioxidant Astaxanthin heals breakage
- Key Benefits: Repairs all varieties of hair damage by up to 97%, heals damage for all hair types and textures, not just safe for color-treated hair, actively protects color, cleanses and softens hair
For a multitasking option, Pureology Strength Cure is pretty much all you need, especially if you have damaged, color-treated hair. It is designed to repair damage, strengthen & soften, and preserve your hair color tones.
Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo is a stress-free option that provides a gentle cleanse while also restoring your hair strength. It is also infused with patented Antifade Complex which protects your hair color from instant fading. A pack of this shampoo costs you $36 for 9 fl oz.
SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Leave-in Conditioner
- SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leave In Conditioner is a reparative leave-in conditioner that softens and detangles hair while controlling frizz
- Leave in conditioner that is perfect for those who regularly straighten, perm or heat style their hair, as well as kinky hair, curly or wavy natural styles. Also, works great on color treated hair
- SheaMoisture leave-in conditioner, formulated with Jamaican Black Castor Oil and fair trade Shea Butter, helps to nourish, moisturize and support elasticity to resist breakage when detangling
If you have damaged, curly hair, then the SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil line may be the perfect fit for you. It is specially designed for the 3A-4C type of hair that looks for a reparative formula without jeopardizing the curls.
SheaMoisture Strengthen & Restore Leave-in Conditioner is formulated with Jamaican Black Castor Oil and certified organic Shea Butter that helps improve your hair elasticity while also reducing frizz. When it comes to pricing, this leave-in treatment costs around $9.97 for 11.5 fl oz.
Bottom Line: Hydrates, Strengthens, and Repairs Damaged Hair
The Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair collection is the perfect fit if dry, damaged hair is your current issue. It has pretty much everything you need, from shampoo to leave-in treatment that helps restore your hair strength and moisture.
As the products may leave residues over time, we recommend using Briogeo Scalp Revival Micro-inflammation Shampoo weekly to help remove build-up and sebum. Learn more about top Briogeo products.
Hope this review was useful and helped you decide if this is the right fit for you. Leave us with questions or thoughts in the comment section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Briogeo worth the money?
Yes, as long as you pick the formula that’s specifically designed for your particular issue. If you have dry, damaged, and brittle hair, Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair is the best option to achieve moisturized, healthier-looking hair after regular use.
Is Briogeo dermatologist recommended?
Yes, especially the Be Gentle, Be Kind product line that’s dermatologist approved and safe for sensitive skin. Although Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair isn’t dermatologist-approved, most of its products have received numerous awards and have been featured in prestigious beauty platforms, such as Allure, BuzzFeed, Byrdie, and more.
Karmelia is a writer at Reactive hair with a background in International Relations. She is usually glued to her laptop exploring the skincare & haircare world. She loves writing quality content that help people get a better understanding of the safety of the products they are using for better hair health.
Driven by her enthusiasm, Karmelia strives to empower ordinary individuals in making informed choices about their haircare routines. Recognizing the overwhelming number of products available in the market, she understands the importance of reliable guidance to navigate through the options. Through her articles, she aims to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and everyday haircare, ensuring that her readers can easily grasp the benefits and suitability of various products.
