3 Editors Try Blake Lively's New Hair-Care Brand, Blake Brown

"Growing up on a strict 'Gossip Girl' diet and seeing Blake Lively's signature mane somehow get even healthier and more voluminous with age, I was beyond excited to hear that she was launching her own hair-care line — and naturally, get my hands on a few products. As someone with thick, curly hair, I'm always open to trying new hair-care techniques and formulas, especially ones that promise to nourish and leave my (notoriously dry) curls with a little more shine. After testing the collection for nearly a month, I've narrowed in on some favorites that deliver just that.

Per the directions from the brand, I've forgone my usual shampoo-and-conditioner strategy in favor of a routine that relies on this Blake Brown Sandalwood Vanille Fundamental Strengthening Shampoo ($19) and Blake Brown Sandalwood Vanille Fundamental Strengthening Mask Hair Treatment ($20). Besides their decadent scents (I'm now actively looking for perfumes with the same aroma), these products have genuinely transformed my hair. The shampoo is made with a proprietary plant protein complex that's designed to give hair a fuller, shinier look — as evidenced in photos, my frizz is slightly tamer and my hair now has a natural bounce I once presumed to be lost.

The strengthening mask is my new hero product for detangling; it's so effective, I don't even have to brush through my hair when I get out of the shower, which (fellow curly-haired friends will know) is unheard of. And when I need a little extra something, I'll spray this Blake Brown Amber Vanille Dry Shampoo ($20) on my roots and tussle hair for a more visible volume. My only complaint with this line is that for as beautiful as these products look in my shower, they're a little awkward to actually pour or scoop the solutions out of — turns out shampoo bottles are rounded for a reason." — Kyley Warren, assistant editor, shopping

Rating:
★★★★☆

"I wash my hair everyday (I know, controversial), so I was skeptical about pairing shampoo with a hair mask instead of a traditional conditioner. The Blake Brown line doesn't include a regular conditioner because Blake Lively herself doesn't use the product — earlier in her career, she found that hairstylists on set followed shampoo with a hair mask, so she's replaced conditioner and implemented that into her routine since.

I was worried about the Blake Brown Sandalwood Vanille Fundamental Strengthening Shampoo ($19) feeling too heavy or leaving my hair greasy afterward, but after a week of use, I didn't notice extra oil or weight — just soft and shiny hair. I'm also a fan of the decadent mix of vanilla, amber, and sandalwood scents. As someone who can be sensitive to fragrance, I was initially a little overwhelmed by the strong scent, but every time I washed out the product and dried my hair, I loved the warm, lingering notes." — Yerin Kim, editor, features

Rating:
★★★★☆

"I've been using shampoo and a hydrating mask in place of a conditioner for quite some time now, so I was intrigued to try out the Blake Brown system. I mainly used the Blake Brown Wild Nectar Santal Fundamental Nourishing Shampoo ($19) and Blake Brown Wild Nectar Santal Fundamental Nourishing Mask ($20), admittedly because I like the scent. I was surprised to notice that the shampoo felt more clarifying; it didn't leave a residue or hydrating feel that most moisturizing shampoos deliver, but rather, my roots felt clean yet not dried out. I love this because I often use clarifying shampoos to get rid of build-up, flakiness, and excess oil, but this is just a gentler option.

I applied the mask to my midshaft and ends, and let it sit for around five minutes. After washing it out, I noticed how silky-soft and smooth my hair felt. This, in combination with the Blake Brown Bergamot Woods All-In-Wonder Leave-In Potion Shampoo and Conditioner ($19) made it so easy to blow dry and detangle my hair; plus, it made it feel more manageable without weighing it down. Although I didn't see a big difference in terms of shine, my hair has more bounce and volume, and the scent lasts a few days." — Anvita Reddy, assistant editor, shopping

Rating:
★★★★☆

Kyley Warren is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on PS Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.