Act+Acre
5 months ago
This brand finally got rid of my scalp eczema, and that alone is worst about 5000 stars. Further, this brand keeps my long, dense curls manageable (albeit NOT with their Curl + Wave line). I have found a superior detangler (hello LolaVie!), but almost everything else is highly effective. I have zero skin or scalp reaction to this brand, even with the added scent. The scent -- clean + petrichor + resin. It is absolutely beautiful. It did NOT trigger my migraines, asthma, or skin allergies, which is a huge deal for me. I usually have to go completely fragrance free. Both of the pre-treatments (the Scalp Detox and Scalp Exfoliator) -- are legitimate. I use Scalp Renew every 3rd or 4th washday, and Scalp Exfoliator every other time (when I'm not using the other). The Scalp Detox breaks down all the nasty buildup at your roots and generally helps to thin out the oily buildup that shampoo is usually responsible for tackling alone. It works VERY WELL. The Scalp Detox basically helps calm my scalp and neutralize any eczema or pH issues, which is why I only need it occasionally. I consider both essential. The original shampoo -- this is a gentle but very effective shampoo. With a double-wash (which I do for every shampoo, not just this one), I achieve consistent squeaky clean (literally) hair. I believe it is a good clarifier, especially in conjunction with the pre-treatments. I don't have hard water, so can't speak to it's efficacy in that scenario. The hair mask -- I use this as my main conditioner, and it does a good job without weighing down my curls. It also rinses out easily. My only complaint is that it takes longer than I'd like to detangle after using it, although that may be because of using an inadequate detangler (I just found LolaVie's detangler and expect this to no longer be an issue). Stem Cell Scalp Serum -- it's expensive AF and I feel guilty every time I buy it, BUT I've been using this ONLY on my scalp post wash and the allergic reactions, eczema, and itchiness ARE GONE. It's really quite soothing and (luckily) it doesn't take much to cover your whole scalp. It has a very mild, apple-like scent. I've been looking for a less expensive replacement brand, though. Cold-Processed Leave-In -- I'm not sure this does anything at all. I'm going to give away what I already purchased of this product now that I've found a non-irritating replacement. Argan Repair Oil -- this particular hair oil is nicely balanced and is especially effective on the length of my hair. I'll use it primarily when I'm nearing washday and my lengths begin to dry out a big. It effectively moisturizes my hair without making it greasy, and a little goes a long way. Fulvic Acid Dry Shampoo -- a big miss for me. It wasn't effective at all at the dispenser was a complete waste of time. It had to open it up and apply it to my scalp line with a makeup brush ... then it proceeded to not work AT ALL. The 3/4 of the Curl + Wave line -- a HUGE miss for me, even though I'm a curly girl. The Curl Shampoo was ineffective (especially when placed beside the hugely effective Original) and I had to wash my hair too often to rectify the problem. The Curl Conditioner did nothing for my hair at all. The Curl Spray is like ... tacky water? Not moisturizing at all and left a nasty residue on my hair that made it LESS managable. The only redeeming product from this line is the: Curl Lotion -- this is a good, lightweight defining cream. I detest defining creams as a rule, because I don't like the texture or manageability of my hair after using them. This is one of the better one's I've tried and it doesn't a moderate job of holding my style.
