As a hair-obsessed beauty editor, there's nothing I love more than when a bona fide hair expert launches their own brand—particular when it's made up of affordable hair products. There's no denying that we've been spoilt for choice for expert-led haircare brands over the last few years. From Jonathan Van Ness's nourishing line-up to colour maven Justin Anderson's range, there are so many brilliant brands from established industry professionals. But, for me, there's one that stands out amongst all the others and that's Adam Reed's Arkive Headcare.
I’ve been a big Adam Reed fan for a long time, admiring his editorial flair, clear craft and the warmth of his personality, so I was expecting to like his products when they finally launched. However, I never expected to be so obsessed. Firstly, there’s something for everyone, from fine hair to thick locks, we are all catered to and the formulas are all vegan.
The products really work (more on that later) and are affordable, starting at just £3. This is so important as a lot of the haircare we beauty journalists recommend are professional products to preserve the life of your colour or cut, but these are hairdresser-made, salon-quality products without the steep price-tag.
Keeks on wash-day, after using the Arkive shampoo, conditioner, primer, and oil.
Even better? Every single product in this range smells heavenly. As an admitted exaggerator I often say things are ‘the best thing ever’ but I’m not exaggerating when I tell you these are some of the best-smelling hair products I have ever used. And I'm not alone—the fragrances of the Arkive products are so adored that the brand has recently launched a line of fragrances based on the scents in their formulations. You can tell that a lot of thought went into the sensorial experience of doing your hair and it made the products all the more fun to use.
Ahead, my honest review on all of the products in the range and the ones that I think are worth investing in.
1. Arkive All Together Now Co Cleanse
Perfect for naturally curly to coily hair. Personally, I’m not a fan of co-wash in general as I need a heavy-hitting shampoo to cleanse away product build-up. But this is a lovely, gentle cleanser and actually I found it perfect for when I had to wash my hair twice in one week- which I never normally do- and it didn’t strip my strands, instead my hair felt healthy and hydrated.
For
- Gentle and conditioning
Against
- Doesn't provide a clarifying wash
2. Arkive The All Day Everyday Shampoo
Yes, you can use this shampoo everyday if you wash your hair that regularly but I would use this as my weekly wash and it works fine for that too! It lathers well but isn’t drying when you rinse it out. I followed with the mask but my hair isn’t gasping for it.
For
- Perfect for fine hair types who wash daily
Against
- Not great for oilier scalps
3. Arkive The All Day Everyday Conditioner
This conditioner isn’t overly rich so works for fine-to-medium hair types best. The protein in the formula is great for delicate hair too.
For
- Lightweight hydration
Against
- Not rich enough for thicker hair
4. Arkive The Future Youth Treatment Mask
A real treat for dry hair types, I prefer this in place of the conditioner so if you have thicker hair, you’ll probably prefer it too. It contains baobab oil and shea butter for great nourishment and made my hair feel easy to detangle too.
For
- Deeply moisturising
- Great packaging
Against
- Might be too heavy for finer hair
5. Arkive The Crown Scalp Scrub
I’m not the biggest fan of physical scalp scrubs as I find them way too hard to rinse out but I gave this to a friend to test and she loved it. It contains a blend of oils, fruit enzymes, menthol for exfoliation and scalp health.
For
- Rids scalp of build-up
Against
- It's gritty so won't be to everyone's taste
6. Arkive The Root-Ine Scalp Serum
A great addition to your scalp care routine to soothe and hydrate. I applied the night before my hair wash and it was fine to sleep in.
For
- Soothing on irritated scalps
Against
- Oily scalps might find it too much
7. Arkive The Prologue Hair Primer
This is my favourite product in the line-up. It preps your hair perfectly for heat styling, protects against super high heat and sets hair for hold and frizz protection without crunch.
For
- Protects hair from heat and sets styles
Against
- It's strongly-scented (I love, but some people prefer unfragranced)
8. Arkive The New Form Blow Dry Spray
If you like a bouncy blow-dry but find it drops and loses volume easily this is for you. Spritz in damp hair from root to tip and blow-dry. It gives freshly-washed hair some guts without being sticky or too drying.
For
- So volumising
Against
- Thicker hair types will need to apply liberally
9. Arkive The Mastery Hairspray
I would say this is like an amped up version of the hair primer. It’s a non-aerosol so the formula is liquidy but can be set with heat. You don’t get the same hold you do with a can hairspray but you also don’t get the crispiness either.
For
- Non-sticky and crunchy with great hold
Against
- Not as long-lasting as a classic hairspray
10. Arkive The Good Habit Hybrid Oil
This oil is a top tier finishing serum. Smooth through the lengths and ends to seal in your style and enhance shine. It’s not a hair care oil but a great styling product that is lightweight and concentrated.
For
- Boosts shine and gloss
Against
- It's all about the finish rather than providing hydration
11. Arkive The Movement Dry Texturising Spray
When you need texture and volume but still want your hair to retain movement, look no further.
For
- Effortlessly undone texture in a can
Against
- Lightweight hold
12. Arkive The Reset Dry Shampoo
These days every haircare brand has a dry shampoo, but I have to say that Arikve's is one of the very best. Not only does it banish greasy roots, but it adds volume and texture, and doesn't leave chalky residue.
For
- Smells amazing
- Soaks up excess oil
Against
- I find you have to apply quite a bit
13. Arkive The Body Hybrid Mousse
This multitasking mousse is nothing like old-school formulas—no crunch and no stickiness. Instead, it adds a glossy shine and longlasting hold, while maintaining flex.
For
- Lovely airy, volmue-boosting mousse
Against
- The hold is quite lightweight and natural
14. Arkive The Headliner Modern Definition Gel
This gel is one of the latest launches from Arikve, but I'm certain it's going to become a bestseller. It's perfect for adding definition to curls, and (thanks to aloe vera) keeps hair hydrated in the process.
For
- Hydrating, non-crunchy gel
Against
- Might have to re-apply towards end of the day
15. Arkive All Day Extra Shampoo
Fellow beauty editor and Who What Wear contributor Mica Ricketts rates this shampoo: "I tried the original All Day Shampoo but didn't find it deep-cleansing enough for my oily scalp! This one really clarifies at the roots to leave my hair feeling squeaky-clean yet light and airy. I adore it."
For
- Perfect for oilier scalps
Against
- Probably too rich for finer hair
16. Arkive All Day Extra Conditioner
A gel-cream texture that delivers nourishment without weighing hair down, alongside an array of peptides to thicken and boost bounce. Special mention to the beautiful smell too.
For
- Normal to dry hair types will love this
Against
- Thicker hair will need a few pumps
This story was previously published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
