In this comprehensive review, we delve into the world of Dae Hair, a clean beauty brand founded by blogger Amber Fillerup. Known for its distinctive Arizona-inspired citrus scents, vibrant packaging, and user-friendly formulas, Dae Hair has garnered attention over the years. While some products have fallen short of expectations, the brand as a whole offers a reliable selection, particularly excelling in the realm of incredibly scented styling products.
This review will cover individual product assessments, highlighting recommendations and items to reconsider, along with practical tips for cost savings on Dae products.
Dae Hair Shampoo and Conditioner Reviews
Dae currently offers a few distinct shampoo and conditioner options: the Signature Shampoo and Conditioner, and the Violet Hour Shampoo. Additionally, the Monsoon Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner set was tested, though it appears to be discontinued.
Overall Recommendation: Skip all Dae shampoos and conditioners. While their scents are undoubtedly amazing and long-lasting, these products have a tendency to excessively dry out hair, even the conditioner. Initially, they may seem effective, but after a few weeks of use, a noticeable decline in hair quality was observed. Hair felt like straw, and breakage around the face emerged, a new concern for someone who has been coloring their hair for years. To ensure these findings weren't isolated, a test was conducted with a mother whose hair is thicker and not color-treated. She reported similar results, experiencing a significant moisture loss from her hair.
Despite the enticing fragrances, these shampoos and conditioners are not recommended, and future releases in this category are unlikely to be revisited.
Dae Violet Hour Shampoo Review
Toning shampoos are inherently known to be more drying than traditional shampoos, a characteristic that was anticipated with the Violet Hour Shampoo, especially considering the slight brittleness already experienced with the signature shampoo. The Violet Hour Shampoo is potent and effectively combats brassiness, but it is equally, if not more, drying. Consequently, it is not a favored product.
A personal preference leans towards using toning conditioner, as it is gentler on the hair. Furthermore, there are superior toning shampoos available on the market that offer more hydrating properties.
Dae Monsoon Moisture Mask Review
The Dae Monsoon Moisture Mask is considered good, but not exceptional. There are other, arguably better, options available on the market, including those that are certified clean-beauty. The Dae mask possesses a very fresh scent; a perfume version of this fragrance would be a welcome purchase. Its consistency is notably thick and buttery, yet it applies to the hair smoothly. While it initially renders hair silky soft and effectively tames frizz, similar to their shampoos and conditioners, prolonged use resulted in dryness.
It remains uncertain if the fragrance contributes to this drying effect, but at $32, this mask is not a recommended purchase.
Dae Prickly Pear Hair Oil Review
The Prickly Pear Hair Oil stands out as one of the top two favorite Dae hair products, described as an absolute dream and an indispensable part of the reviewer's haircare routine. Its versatility as a hair oil offers excellent value for money. It effectively hydrates and imparts shine without leaving a superficial slickness, a common issue with some hair oils that merely sit on the surface of the hair.
Despite being one of the thicker hair oils available, it is not excessively heavy for fine hair, and its scent is described as incredible. The dual function as both a styling product and a hair treatment is highly appreciated, allowing for daily treatment without the need to schedule masks or coordinate with wash days. Instead of a shine-enhancing hair spray, a pump of this hair oil serves as an ideal finishing touch after curling hair.
Dae Mirage Mist Leave-In Conditioner Review
The Mirage Mist Leave-In Conditioner is another highly favored Dae product and a cult favorite for valid reasons. Earlier versions experienced issues with the spray nozzle, but a reformulation has resolved this, and it now functions perfectly. It effectively detangles, hydrates hair, and leaves it exceptionally soft.
While some users apply this to damp hair before blow-drying, the reviewer prefers to air dry. Overapplication can lead to a slightly crunchy texture, but it does not cause hair to dry out. If forced to choose only one Dae product to repurchase, the hair oil would be the primary choice, with the leave-in conditioner as a secondary, perhaps gifted, item.
Dae Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream with Taming Wand Review
The Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream with Taming Wand is another standout product from Dae, described as incredible. In the past, brow gel was used to tame flyaways, but Dae's offering is deemed superior and worth seeking out. The accompanying wand effectively captures every baby hair, achieving a perfect slicked-back appearance and smoothing hair without creating a stiff, crunchy finish.
It's important to note that the wand is designed for baby hairs or on-the-go touch-ups; attempting to use it to brush hair into a bun may result in damage to the wand. This product is highly recommended as a travel-friendly alternative to pomade and is a repeat purchase.
Dae Fairy Duster Dry Texturizing Spray Review
The Fairy Duster Dry Texturizing Spray is an excellent product, offering a rare combination of clean ingredients and effective performance in a texturizing spray. It is instrumental in creating piece-y, beachy waves and accentuating natural texture. For those who use hot tools, it helps to achieve a more undone and lived-in curl style.
A little of this product goes a long way. While not a dry shampoo, it lightly absorbs oil at the roots, providing significant volume. Priced at $22 less than a favored Oribe dry texturizing spray, this Dae product is a clear winner and merits consideration.
Dae Sunsetter Strong Hold Hairspray Review
The positive aspects of the Dae Sunsetter Strong Hold Flexible Hairspray include its ability to make hair shinier compared to other hairsprays tried. It is lightweight and carries the signature citrus scent that has become a favorite. However, the packaging presents a significant drawback, as the nozzle tends to clog easily. This results in either a failure to spray or an uneven application, making it difficult to work with. Consequently, this product is currently considered a skip.
Given Dae's history of reformulating packaging based on customer feedback, there is hope for improvement, allowing for a potential reconsideration of this hairspray in the future.
Dae Fairy Duster Dry Shampoo Powder Review
As a infrequent user of dry shampoo, direct comparisons are limited. However, the Fairy Duster Dry Shampoo Powder is considered a miss. The appeal lay in its non-aerosol formulation and environmentally friendly packaging. Unfortunately, it proved ineffective. This dry shampoo left a film and slightly weighed down fine hair, resulting in a noticeable "product feel" regardless of the amount used, even with the Dae blending brush.
While this product might work for individuals with thick, very dirty hair, it is not recommended for those with dark hair due to the residue it leaves. Even with highlighted hair, where roots are not extremely dark, the application area of the dry shampoo was still visible.
Dae Agave Dry Heat & Hold Styling Mist Review
The Dae Agave Dry Heat and Hold Styling Mist is a highly praised product, particularly as a favorite heat protectant. Its lightweight feel is a significant advantage, as it feels virtually undetectable in the hair. Despite its lightness, it effectively holds curls throughout the day, validating its "hold styling" claim. The scent is fruity but not overpoweringly strong, avoiding headaches.
It enhances hair shine and does not contribute to dryness. The frequency with which compliments are received when using this product is notable.
Dae Hibiscus Wave Spray Review
The Hibiscus Wave Spray is a product that can be hit or miss. For individuals with straight hair lacking layers, it is likely to be less effective, as the illusion of texture significantly enhances the results. This wave spray performs best on second-day hair, particularly when hair is styled into a messy bun (dry or damp), providing bends for the product to adhere to, similar to the "scrunch" method effective for wavy or curly hair.
When used on curled hair, it imparts a beachy texture and a slightly "undone" appearance. The spray does not tangle hair or leave it feeling dirty, and it also adds shine. While most Dae hair products have pleasant scents, this particular product's fragrance is stronger than the rest of the line. It is advisable to skip this if sensitive to fragrance, as the scent is noticeably long-lasting. The reviewer opts to forgo perfume when using this product, though it is not so intense as to cause a headache.
Dae Stargloss Shine Treatment Gloss Review
The Stargloss Shine Treatment Gloss is considered good, but more of a "cute" product than an essential one. It aligns well with Dae's "romanticize your life" aesthetic but may not be the most functional. This is a pre-wash treatment applied a few hours before shampooing, designed to smooth and hydrate hair while imparting a subtle, glittery finish.
It is believed that better hydrating hair products are available, and the difficulty in applying this gloss evenly to the hair makes it not worth repurchasing.
Are Dae Hair Products Worth It?
To be entirely candid, the value of Dae Hair products varies. Overall, the brand is commendable, offering beautifully scented, colorful, and enjoyable products, positioning itself as one of the better clean beauty hair brands on the market. The reviewer has made direct purchases from Dae and experienced prompt shipping and helpful customer service, including a seamless replacement for a damaged candle.
For cost savings, subscribing through Amazon is recommended, or purchasing through Sephora if a member of their loyalty program.