I Tried Briogeo’s Don’t Despair, Repair! Hair Mask—and My Hair Has Never Felt Softer
We picked up the Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Hair Mask and put it straight to work. I’ve been using it like a real person would—no lab coats, no perfect lighting, just tired hair and high hopes. Here’s how it actually held up.
The Bottom Line
If your hair feels dry, fried, or just plain fed up, this mask really shows up. The Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask deeply hydrates and softens without feeling cheap or greasy. It feels like a calm, reassuring reset for hair that’s been through a lot.
Most of us heat-style way too often. I know I do. When hair starts to feel brittle, having a solid mask you trust makes all the difference. This one earns its spot on the shelf.
What I Loved
- Rich, high-quality ingredients
- Makes dry hair feel softer fast
- Hair feels stronger over time
What I Didn’t
- Can feel heavy on very fine hair
- Price is definitely premium
About the Brand
Briogeo was founded in 2013 by Nancy Twine. The brand is built on clean formulas inspired by her grandmother’s DIY hair recipes. Today, it’s a Sephora favorite, and this mask is easily one of its best-known products.
About My Hair (a.k.a. the struggle)
My hair is long, box-dyed, and regularly dunked in chlorine. I swim four times a week, which dries it out fast. Without good products, it turns rough and dull.
Hair masks are non-negotiable for me. I use one once or twice a week and always look for deep moisture and repair. That’s why this mask caught my eye right away.
First Impressions
After one use, my hair felt softer and easier to manage. Not “magic-commercial” perfect, but noticeably better. After a few weeks, the improvement felt more real and more lasting.
This mask feels like it’s actually doing something, not just coating the hair and calling it a day.
Texture & Feel
This mask is thick. Think buttery frosting, not runny conditioner. A little goes a long way, and it clings to the hair instead of sliding off and vanishing down the drain.
Even with that rich feel, it rinses clean. My hair felt hydrated, not heavy or dirty.
How I Use It
I shampoo first, then squeeze out excess water. I apply the mask to my ends, then work it up through the mid-lengths. I avoid my roots.
I leave it on while I shave or wash my face. Before rinsing, I comb it through with a wide-tooth comb. Easy and low effort.
The Results
My hair felt soft right away. It also looked shinier and felt stronger, not limp. That’s a big win for damaged hair.
I usually finish with a light oil and air-dry. The final result? Smooth, glossy hair that feels healthy again.
The Scent
The scent is subtle but lovely. Clean, slightly sweet, and lightly floral. It smells expensive without being loud.
Best part? It doesn’t linger forever. You can still wear perfume without everything clashing.
Ingredients (The Good Stuff)
This mask is made with 97% natural ingredients. That includes oils like argan, rosehip, avocado, and sweet almond, plus algae extract and B vitamins.
It’s also vegan, cruelty-free, and free from sulfates, parabens, and silicones. Your hair—and conscience—can relax.
Is It Worth the Money?
It’s not cheap. Let’s be honest. But you don’t need much per use, and the smaller size is a good way to try it first.
I see this as a “hair emergency” staple. When your hair feels rough and sad, this mask earns its keep.
Similar Masks Worth Trying
If you want options, the Davines Nounou Nourishing Repair Mask is great for softness with strength.
For serious bond repair, Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector works deep inside the hair.
Both are solid, but Briogeo sits nicely in the middle—repairing, softening, and easy to use.
Final Verdict
This mask feels like a hug for damaged hair. It’s rich, comforting, and genuinely effective. After each use, my hair feels calmer, softer, and more resilient.
If you color your hair, heat-style often, or just need a reset, the Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask is well worth trying. It won’t fix everything overnight—but it gets your hair back on the right track.
