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Today's self-care movement of Netflix, regular face masks, and dinner from DoorDash may serve us with good intent, but prior to our high-streaming next-day-delivery realities, we relied on in-person experiences to serve us with those moments of relaxation and rejuvenation. Going to the hair salon was more of a half-day retreat than a time-crunched appointment on our lunch breaks, and Biolage was one of the hair industry's pioneers in offering a level of hair care that, in our opinion, we all still need to make the time for.
As a brand that has always been rooted in providing clients an escape from their fast-paced lifestyles, Biolage has managed to remain a mainstream staple and at-home go-to for our hair's self-care needs—especially as our desires when it comes to the salon experience have shifted and evolved throughout the years. Those memorable experiences are now easily accessible through Biolage's uplifting signature fragrance and rich, conditioning textures. (Which makes it easy to understand why model Khadijha Red Thunder names her Biolage conditioner as the beauty product she cannot live without.)
Biolage
Founded: Arnie Miller, 1990
Based In: New York City
Pricing: $$
Best Known For: Botanical-infused conditioning products.
Most Popular Product: All-In-One Multi-Benefit Spray, ColorLast Deep Treatment Packs, HydraSource Shampoo and Conditioner
Fun Fact: Biolage was one of the first brands to introduce a silicone-free conditioner, which they dubbed a "conditioning balm."
Other Brands You’ll Love: Pureology, Kerastase
"As a brand, [we] always innovate in product textures and put the condition of the hair first," says Biolage senior vice president Mounia Tahiri, who notes that the brand's products are designed for both the hair and the scalp. Biolage's products don't just create a healthy synergy between hair and scalp by eliminating any excessive or unnecessary ingredients—they create that synergy thoughtfully, innovating cleaner and more environmentally-friendly products that have never been tested on animals. According to Tahiri, the brand uses the principles of classic aromatherapy when blending fruits, flowers, and oils into each formula to give it a mood-boosting effect.
This balanced, well-rounded approach to what goes into our hair care products is at the heart of Biolage's mission. "[We've] always believed in the power of botanicals, herbal extracts, and essential oils," says Tahiri. The level of quality found in each formulation isn't something you merely see in your strands, but something you feel with each and every use. It's no surprise that the Biolage products you watched your mom use as a kid have withstood the test of time. We're confident this iconic brand will be a long-lasting favorite of yours, as well.
Read on for some of our top-rated Biolage products.
All-In-One Multi-Benefit Spray
My personal favorite product from Biolage is this multi-purpose conditioning spray. I'm a sucker for its jack-of-all-trades perks and how soft and strong it makes my strands feel. "This coconut-infused formula not only conditions but also protects from heat, primes the hair, fights frizz, and detangles—no matter the hair type," states Tahiri. "The Biolage All-In-One Spray can help you maximize product benefits without cluttering your shower." As far as we're concerned, there's nothing not to love about that.
ColorLast Deep Treatment Pack
Everyone's hair deserves a little TLC, and that's exactly why these deep treatment conditioning packs are at the top of our list. With options for color protection, hydration, and recovery, these masks are loaded with benefits to restore your hair back to its healthiest state. Each pack contains at least four applications and according to Tahiri, you'll see results in just five minutes. Plus, they're lightweight and easily transportable, making them a great travel-friendly companion.
Ultra Hydrasource Shampoo and Conditioner
If you have dry, parched hair and are looking to re-balance your moisture levels, this aloe-infused formula is a must. It will leave your hair shiny, healthy, and extremely manageable.
Advanced Full Density Thickening Shampoo
For finer hair types or those prone to hair loss and/or breakage, the Biolage Full Density Thickening Shampoo is your dream come true. Not only will it gently remove build-up and impurities, but according to the brand, consistent use can minimize breakage up to 95 percent. Its specialty formula includes biotin, zinc PCA, and a gluco-omega blend to help plump up your strands and strengthen them from the inside out. Even if thinning or breakage isn't your primary concern, this shampoo is sure to leave you with a fuller, shinier head of hair.
Gelée Medium Hold Styling Gel
Finding a hair gel to lock in your 'do without leaving a dry, crunchy finish can be tricky to navigate. We love this styling gelée for its soft, conditioning finish and controlled hold. It's creamy rather than sticky, though that doesn't compromise the level of control it offers to your hair's shape and movement. Plus, it has proven excellent for taming flyaways or frizz. Seriously, what more could you ask for in a flexible hold gel?
ColorLast Shampoo
"Our ColorLast Shampoo and Conditioner are a pro and consumer favorite for maintaining color-treated hair," says Tahiri. And here at Byrdie, we know how important it is to prioritize hair care from home after getting a color service. "With a pH balanced formula, ColorLast gently cleanses the hair while maintaining the color’s depth and tone, and providing shine," Tahiri adds.
This gentle formula not only helps to preserve salon-worthy color for up to nine weeks post-service, but it could also delay your needs to pop in for a gloss or toner treatment, offering a much lower maintenance salon routine in exchange for consistent at-home use. Sign us up.
Thermal Active Spray
In order to keep our hair healthy, having a reliable heat protectant on hand is a must. Biolage's Thermal Active Spray is a blue agave nectar-infused medium hold shield for your strands. This magic ingredient is responsible for the strengthening guard that helps hair lock in its moisture before heat application. We recommend not spraying too close to the hair to help with an all-over, even disbursement of product—it only takes a little of this product to go a long way for the health and integrity of your hair.