Review: R&Co Dallas Hair Care Line (#1 For Fine Hair?)

R&Co was a line I was initially introduced to by working in various New York City accounts as a Business Manager, a uniquely privileged job I feel humble to have had for many reasons, one of which was seemingly limitless supplies of free samples of every luxury quality cosmetics, skincare, haircare, fragrance, and home good item ones heart could desire. In terms of hair care, Oribe and Quai were my mainstays for quite some time.

But over time and via buzz from colleagues, I started learning more about R&Co, a slightly less expensive hair care line than the aforementioned competitors, and in doing some research found one of the single best beauty products I have ever owned. In fact, I hazard to guess, the single best hair care product tailored uniquely to my own “hair DNA”  (sorry Function of Beauty). According to the company founder, ” R+Co is about an experience. The packaging and fragrances were designed to enhance that experience and evoke a feeling, place, style or attitude. You’ll know just by looking at a bottle or tube what a product is meant to do, and the subtle yet sophisticated fragrances-meant for both men and women-are as individual as the members of our collective.” In fact, the packaging itself does create quite the immersive experience, witch images of motorcycles, leopard prints, twisters, and vintage logo design.

In looking at the products my first thought was brilliant marketing strategy, and perhaps one of the single best product aesthetic design I’ve seen to date, especially with a place in the luxury category. Normally, I would take this as a slight negative or approach with trepidation, because although I know psychologically it should be a positive sign regarding brand management, but the skeptic in me makes me wonder if there are any prospective shortcomings. I was initially attracted to a product called “Atlantis,” which smells of the beach at the Bahamas  (in the best way possible and like the aptly named hotel), which was nice, but not quite perfect for my hair. I then switched to the color treated option line called “Gem Stone,” with absolutely flawless results.

At this point R&Co’s Gem Stone line of color treated haircare beats any other single shampoo and conditioner I’ve tried for the hair to date.

But friends, colleagues, beauty bloggers and vloggers continually recommended trying the “Dallas” line, specifically the thickening spray, shampoo, and conditioner. Breaking down in normative shopping form, I forked over the card and tried them, happy to at least score a few goodies out of the process. There’s typically no reason to fix what is not broken, and I don’t typically use any “thickening” products with hair, as mine is already quite long and full.

However, the results were surprising, and perhaps life-changing (in the field of cosmetics, at risk of sounding like an incredibly vain soul devoid of a single iota of cultural experience). So do these products really deliver Texas style hair? This review will cover some main overview about the brand, more concise reviews for the shampoo, conditioner, and spray, as well as some key positives and negatives to bear in mind prior to purchase, and a final verdict, to help you make a more informed purchasing decision prior to any point of sale.

The Main Features

The idea behind the Dallas hair care line is to add vibrancy, shine, bounce and volume to thin and weak hair. While I have never suffered from brittle or thin hair, and this purchase would never have made my shopping list without lists of recommendations and reviews speaking the line praises, I figured I could mix and match using this product for added volume and my traditional “Gem Stone” favorite for a new combination, and mixing up shampoos and conditioning products every so often never hurts. Further, I had heard from colleagues with normal or even thicker (yet not unruly) state a desire for even more length and volume.

Apparently, they were able to eliminate the need for hot tools and simply embrace full, luxurious and natural hair, curly or not, and with restored vibrancy and shine. The shampoo is an 8.5 oz product designed to create big, beautiful, bouncy hair, and restore volume in those with thin or brittle hair types. It’s good for thin hair looking for a bounce, and designed to be applied from the mid section of the hair downwards. The Thickening Spray helps to add body, shine, and is also perfect for use with hot rollers or hot curling tools. Sprayed on moist hair while provide a less hold, while dry hair will provide firmer hold. This was my personal favorite product and I would recommend it to anyone, irrespective of hair type. I loved using this with hot tools and noticed a radiant, shiny finish that did not weigh down the hair at all or feel heavy or sticky. The Thickening Conditioner product is gluten free and free of any harsh additives, sulfates, or parabens, and designed for thin or medium hair in need of volume. The additional benefits of all of these products is preventing damage to the hair from heat, styling tools, and environmental toxins.

The Dallas Thickening Spray

This was definitely my favorite product out of the collection and I would highly recommend it, irrespective of any hair type, due to its versatility and effective multi-use benefits. It’s described as being the quintessential step to the mega blow-dry: It gives you the option of volume at the roots and control at the ends, as well as body and shine. You can also flip your hair upside down and apply underneath, and then add a brief touch up to the body and roots. Try to avoid the scalp due to a potentially greasy aesthetic, and it’s generally advisable to spray as far away as possible from the head as you can (never applying spray very close to the hair).

It’s also perfect for creating blowouts that will last the hands of time or a long night out, and perfect for adding to wet hair prior to a blowout for extra body. It also gives roots some bounce and helps in masking split ends, especially if paired with a tiny drop of oil. There is extra body as well as extra bounce, and the product smells lovely and never feels tacky or “crusty.” Would highly recommend, but use sparingly.

The Dallas Thickening Shampoo

To use the Dallas Shampoo apply to the middle of the hair and run through roots and ends. While its ideal for those with fine hair, even with normal-thick hair I really enjoyed using this product. The scent is warm and romantic, with a blend of Cardamom, Pineapple, Tangerine, Lavender, Bamboo, Blonde Woods. The special emulsion also includes Moringa Seed Extract, grown in India, this extract is naturally rich in antioxidants, helps protect hair against free radicals and repairs damage from oxidization. Advanced Polymers creates body and volume, while reducing static. Artichoke Leaf Extract, produced in Spain, defends the hair against environmental aggressors. Finally, Golden Root Extract, grown in Sweden, this extract provides antioxidant protection and combats thermal stress.

It never leaves the hair feeling greasy or sticky, and the lovely scent lingers throughout the day. The reason I liked this shampoo even though it definitely would not be the one traditionally recommended to me is because it did not create any frizz or unruliness, and rather let me develop a soft, tousled way or sleek curly style without any heating tools. For the first time I was happy to embrace my natural hair and feel there was a lot of natural shine radiating throughout waves and curls. I’d prefer this to a stick straight look any day (simply for myself). However, I would still generally recommend this item for women and men who are experiencing very fine hair and seeking more volume, or if they are starting to see signs of weak or brittle hair, or hormonal changes.

However, if you have extremely dry hair I would recommend the addition of an oil product following conditioning as well. This is ideal if you’re looking for a great shampoo to add body and shine, without creating any frizz or unruliness.

The Dallas Thickening Conditioner

While the conditioner was nice and had a lovely scent, for my very dry hair I will likely stick to the “Color Gem” option in the future. However, I think a lot of others would absolutely love this product and it is formulated with only the highest quality ingredients, free of any parabens or sulfates. Some key ingredients in the formulation are advanced polymers; this complex creates body and volume, while reducing static. It also contains Cyperus Root Oil From Spain, this oil nourishes dry and damaged hair and improves elasticity. Artichoke Leaf defends the hair against environmental aggressors, while Moringa Seed extract is naturally rich in antioxidants, helps protect hair against free radicals and repairs damage from oxidization.

A lot of fans seem to adore the texture, scent, and feel of the product, especially those with oily types who still prefer conditioning. However, the vast majority of reviewers, myself included, still felt dry following use (akin to a shampoo and conditioner two in one).

Positives and Negatives

While I would probably not consider purchasing the conditioner, I really enjoyed use of the spray and shampoo, for achieving radiant and natural curls or waves free of frizz. The downside here is the cost, however it is important to bear in mind a minimal amount of product goes quite a long way. Here are some key pros and cons to bear in mind prior to your prospective purchase:

Pros

• Vegan company that does not test on any animals or use any animal product during its manufacturing processes, fully cruelty- free
• Products actually really work and support, if not exceed, initial claims of benefits with use
• Products all have a lovely scent that lingers and is devoid of any harsh chemical odor or perfume
• Products are all free of any parabens or sulfates, or harsh chemical additives
• All products are gluten-free and environmentally friendly
• Product longevity: just a little bit of product goes a very long way (about a quarter sized amount),  and a minimal amount is needed to treat the entire hair and scalp
• Makes the hair look clean, fresh, and added lusture, with a lot of healthy body
• Adds body and bounce to the hair that lasts for days and can be styled in accordance with individual preference
• Shampoo provides a deep cleanse without stripping the skin at all or drying out the scalp
• Conditioner leaves hair hydrated, soft, and supple, and the scent lingers throughout the day
• A lot of women use this product for aging hair, or after experiencing hormonal shifts (in conjunction with other therapies and medications)
• All products are designed with high quality naturally based ingredients to protect the hair from heat damage and environmental damage.
• The shampoo is lovely irrespective of hair type, and adds radiance and shine
• The spray is an excellent multi-use product, that can be used for different forms of heat styling, blowouts, or simply adding to the hair for increased body and health

Cons

• Price, while the products certainly work much better than a lot of others in its category, and even more expensive items, this line is certainly still and indulgence and in the luxury category, but it is important to remember how only a quarter sized amount of product is required for treating the entire hear and scalp
• It is important to bear in mind that while this is certainly going to add bounce and restore fullness in the hair, this is not intended to be a hair growth supplement of any kind, so if you are experiencing hair loss it is best to consult with a physician as well
• Irrespective of hair type, the conditioner is not very well reviewed for the Dallas line, and overall users prefer to use the shampoo and spray (I agree with this sentiment but when in knowing this), for those who prefer more hydration I highly recommend the Color Gem formulation, even if you do not color treat

Money-Back Guarantee

The manufacturer, R & Co, has a strong return and exchange policy that honors full refunds upon dissatisfaction or allergy, and this policy favors the consumer, both new and returning, upon any issues, dislikes, or reaction. If you are dissatisfied with the use of the hair products, or if they do not work for your hair to provide suitable hydrating or volumizing benefits, or you experience any product allergy or reaction to the formulation, you may elect to return it at any time. If you find you don’t experience improvements or benefits to the hair at all, you may also elect to return any of the products. In this case, you will receive a full refund equal to the entire purchase price of the item.

If the item was received as a gift (without receipt), the policy applies for an even exchange, and this policy is applicable to online purchase, as individual store policy may vary depending on location and distributer. I was happy to discover that the formulation was gentle enough to use even with very sensitive skin on the scalp and was a pleasure to use, but due to price barriers or sensitivity concerns this policy may help assuage fears.

The Final Verdict

If you are experiencing dry, fine, or brittle hair, the R&Co Dallas Collection may be an ideal option for adding body and bounce to your hair. It’s also a wonderful gifting option. While it is pricey, it tends to outperform other products in the category at much higher costs, and the brand also always employs all naturally based ingredients free of any harsh chemical additives.

While it is important to realize this is not a solution for hair loss or potential regrowth, all of the aforementioned products can help add body, vibrancy and volume to finer hair types. I even enjoyed the spray and shampoo with longer, thicker hair! The Dallas line is great for treating fine hair, adding bounce and life, and the spray in particular is a wonderful multi-use product. If the price point scares you, you can bear in mind the generous money back guarantee policy and bear in mind product longevity as a little goes quite a long way. Highly recommended!