Hairstory New Wash Reviews From My Personal Experience

You should buy Hairstory New Wash if you are ready to ditch the traditional shampoo-and-conditioner cycle in favor of a detergent-free, all-in-one cream that restores your hair’s natural texture and shine.

I have found that this product is a game-changer for those with dry, curly, or color-treated hair who suffer from the constant “strip-and-replace” routine of harsh soaps and heavy silicones.

However, if you are someone who strictly requires a high-lather “squeaky clean” feeling or isn’t willing to commit to a physical scalp-scrubbing ritual, you might find the transition period frustrating.

In this review, I will explain why this creamy cleanser has become a staple in my shower and how it can simplify your life.

My Personal Transformation with the New Wash Method

I remember the first time I squeezed a dollop of Hairstory New Wash into my hand; I was staring at a thick, white cream that felt exactly like a high-end conditioner and wondering how on earth this was going to get my greasy roots clean.

I am a person who has spent most of my life trapped in the “oily scalp, dry ends” paradox, where I would use a strong sulfate shampoo to feel clean, only to have to pile on a heavy mask to keep my hair from looking like straw.

I started my journey with the “Original” formula, and the first thing I noticed was the scent—a beautiful, herbal blend of peppermint and rose that made my bathroom feel like a spa.

I realized, however, that the application process is where most people get tripped up.

I found that because there is zero lather, I had to be much more intentional about where the product was going.

I am someone who used to just slap shampoo on top of my head and hope for the best, but with New Wash, I had to section my hair and really work the cream into my scalp with my fingertips.

I noticed that the product doesn’t “spread” on its own like foam does, so I learned to add a splash of water to help it emulsify into a milky texture.

I eventually noticed a significant change about two weeks into the process.

I realized that my scalp, which used to be an oil slick by day two, was actually staying balanced much longer.

I found that my natural waves, which usually required three different styling creams to look decent, were suddenly air-drying with perfect definition and zero frizz.

I finished my first pouch feeling like my hair finally had its “personality” back—it wasn’t just flat and fluffy; it had body and shine that looked healthy rather than product-coated.

I realized that while the process takes more physical effort in the shower, the time I saved by skipping conditioner and detangler was a massive analytical win for my morning routine.

Maintenance Tips for Your Hairstory Journey

• Always Use a Silicone Scalp Brush: You should realize that your fingers often aren’t enough to break down the sebum without foam. Using a dedicated scalp brush is the best maintenance tip for a deep clean, which I found ensures that the product reaches every square inch of your skin.
• Apply to Soaking Wet Hair in Sections: You should notice that the cream won’t travel through dry or merely damp hair. Sectioning your hair and applying directly to the roots is the best maintenance tip for coverage, which results in a more even cleanse and less wasted product.
• Double the Rinsing Time You Think You Need: You should realize that New Wash is much heavier than shampoo. Rinsing for twice as long as you did with traditional products is the best maintenance tip for texture, which I found prevents that “greasy” residue feeling on the back of the head.
• Switch Between Formulas if Your Hair Changes: You should notice that Hairstory offers “Rich” and “Deep” versions. Moving to the “Rich” formula in winter or “Deep” in the summer is the best maintenance tip for balance, which provides a customized approach as your environment or hormones fluctuate.
• Detangle While the Product is Still In: You should realize that the “slip” of New Wash is highest when it is fully saturated in the hair. Using a wide-tooth comb before rinsing is the best maintenance tip for manageability, which I found eliminates the need for any post-shower detangling sprays.
• Don’t Be Afraid to “Wash” Twice During Transition: You should notice that if your hair feels exceptionally oily during the first week, a second application in the same shower can help. Scrubbing twice is the best maintenance tip for early success, which results in a faster adjustment period for your scalp’s oil glands.

Pros and Cons of Hairstory New Wash

Pros of Hairstory New Wash

• Eliminates the Need for Separate Conditioner: It utilizes a dual-action formula that cleanses while keeping the cuticle sealed: I found that my hair was just as easy to detangle as it was with a heavy mask: this results in a streamlined shower routine that saves time and money: I noticed I no longer needed to buy expensive leave-in treatments.
• Restores Natural Scalp Health and Balance: It contains no harsh detergents like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: I found that my scalp stopped itching and flaking within the first month: this provides a long-term solution for those with sensitive skin or dermatitis: I noticed my hair didn’t get “greasy” as quickly as it did with soap.
• Protects and Extends Hair Color Longevity: It cleanses without stripping the artificial pigments from the hair shaft: I found that my expensive salon highlights stayed vibrant for weeks longer than usual: this results in fewer trips to the stylist for “toner” refreshes: I noticed the water running down the drain was clear, not tinted with dye.
• Enhances Natural Texture and Volume: It leaves behind the hair’s natural oils which provide weight and definition: I found that my curls were more defined and less “crunchy”: this provides a much better base for air-drying: I noticed my hair had a “second-day” grit and volume even on wash day.
• Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Packaging: It comes in a flexible pouch that reduces plastic waste by over 60%: I found the refillable “Better Bottle” system to be very sturdy and chic: this results in a smaller environmental footprint for your beauty routine: I noticed that using every last drop is much easier with the pouch design.

Cons of Hairstory New Wash: The analytical drawbacks:

• Demands Significant Manual Labor in the Shower: because the product has no foaming agents to lift dirt and oil: I found that I had to scrub my scalp vigorously for at least three minutes: this results in tired arms if you have very thick or long hair: I noticed that if I was lazy with the scrubbing, my hair wouldn’t feel clean.
• Challenging and Time-Consuming Transition Period: because the scalp needs time to recalibrate its oil production after years of detergent use: I found that my hair felt a bit heavy and “waxy” for the first ten days: this provides a hurdle for people who want instant results: I noticed that many users give up during this “greasy phase.”
• Requires a Generous Amount of Product: because you must thoroughly saturate the scalp for the cream to work: I found that I used much more New Wash per session than I ever did with traditional shampoo: this results in the pouch disappearing faster than expected: I noticed that “less is more” does not apply to this specific cleansing method.
• High Upfront Cost per Ounce: because it is positioned as a premium, boutique hair care solution: I found the $50 price tag for a single pouch to be a bit shocking initially: this provides a barrier for those on a strict budget: I noticed that while it replaces conditioner, the cost is still higher than most high-end pairs.
• Risk of Product Buildup if Not Rinsed Properly: because the fatty alcohols and oils are designed to cling to the hair: I found that if I didn’t spend an extra minute under the water, my hair felt tacky once dry: this results in a “stiff” texture that can be unpleasant: I noticed that a scalp brush is almost mandatory for a successful rinse.

Comparison with Others

• Hairstory New Wash Vs. Wen by Chaz Dean

I found that Wen was the original pioneer of the “cleansing conditioner” movement, but I noticed that it often felt much heavier and more prone to buildup than New Wash. 

You should realize that Hairstory is formulated without the heavy silicones that eventually made Wen controversial for some users who experienced hair thinning. 

I noticed that New Wash has a much thinner, more modern consistency that rinses away cleaner than the thick, buttery Wen formula. 

I found the scent of Hairstory to be more botanical and sophisticated, whereas Wen can sometimes feel overly sweet and perfumed.

• Hairstory New Wash Vs. DevaCurl No-Poo

I noticed that DevaCurl No-Poo is specifically engineered for curls, while Hairstory is designed to work across all hair types from stick-straight to coily. 

I found that New Wash provides a bit more of a “cleansing” sensation due to the peppermint oil, whereas No-Poo feels strictly like a conditioner. 

You should realize that DevaCurl has gone through several reformulations, but Hairstory has remained consistent in its ingredient philosophy. 

I found that my scalp felt significantly less “congested” when using Hairstory compared to the heavier DevaCurl alternative.

• Hairstory New Wash Vs. Unwash Bio-Cleansing Cream

I noticed that Unwash is a more affordable entry point into the world of co-washing, but I found that it didn’t have the same “scalp-healing” properties. 

I found that Unwash leaves a bit more of a “film” on the hair, which I noticed made my fine hair look a little bit flat by the end of the day. 

You should realize that Hairstory’s essential oil blend is much more potent for balancing oil production than the Unwash formula. 

I noticed that Hairstory’s pouch packaging is far more sustainable than the standard plastic bottles used by Unwash.

• Hairstory New Wash Vs. Purely Great Hair Cleanser

I found that Purely Great is a very “clean” brand, but I noticed the texture was a bit more watery and harder to distribute than New Wash. 

I noticed that New Wash has a more “luxurious” feel in the shower, making the transition from shampoo feel like an upgrade rather than a sacrifice. 

You should realize that Hairstory has a much larger community and more “troubleshooting” resources available if you struggle with the transition. 

I found that Hairstory’s “Deep” formula is a superior option for those who have truly oily hair compared to the one-size-fits-all approach of Purely Great.

• Hairstory New Wash Vs. Traditional Sulfate-Free Shampoo

I found that even the best sulfate-free shampoos still use mild detergents that create a small amount of foam. 

I noticed that these shampoos still require a separate conditioner to be effective, which I realized keeps you in the multi-step routine. 

You should realize that New Wash is a total category shift, not just a “gentle shampoo,” because it replaces the conditioning step entirely. 

I found that my hair color lasted twice as long with New Wash compared to even the most expensive “color-safe” sulfate-free shampoos on the market.

Also Read: My Thoughts On LaLa Anthony Hair Serum

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

You should buy Hairstory New Wash if you are tired of the complicated “wash, rinse, condition, repeat” cycle and want to see what your hair actually looks like in its healthiest state.

I have found that while it requires a mindset shift and a bit more elbow grease in the shower, the reward is hair that stays clean longer and looks better with zero effort.

However, you should stick to traditional products if you aren’t willing to endure the two-week transition period or if you have a deep emotional attachment to bubbles.

I believe that once you cross the “no-shampoo” bridge, you will never want to go back to detergents again.

Simplifying your hair care is the best gift you can give your scalp!