An Honest Review of Every JVN Hair Product

Let's begin with the shampoo and conditioner sets. First up: the JVN Hydrating Shampoo ($21) and Hydrating Conditioner ($21). This set is my favorite of the three shampoo and conditioner duos. Along with hemisqualane, the shampoo contains aloe-leaf juice and panthenol to soften and hydrate, while the conditioner uses camellia-seed oil and amino acids to add shine and moisture. After using both of these, my hair really did feel extra soft and smooth; my only gripe with the shampoo is that it takes quite a few pumps to get a good lather.

Rating:
★★★★

Next, the JVN Strengthening Shampoo ($21) and Strengthening Conditioner ($21). I love that these two products include ceramides to help strengthen the bonds of hair, just like they do for the skin barrier. I didn't see any immediate effects after one or two washes, but with long-term use, these ingredients can only get better. Plus, it smells really, really good.

Rating:
★★★★☆

I have to say, I've never really understood volumizing shampoos and conditioners — perhaps it's because I have rather fine hair and can only achieve volume through a blow dry and hot tools. So the JVN Volumizing Shampoo ($21) and Volumizing Conditioner ($21) didn't do much for me. That being said, for a thicker or more coarse hair texture, you may find different results.

Rating:
★★★☆☆

The JVN Deep Moisture Mask ($24) is one of my favorite products in the lineup; I truly can't find anything to complain about. I've been using it once every few washes in place of a full shampoo/condition — I leave it on anywhere between three and 10 minutes and have gotten solid results every time. My hair immediately feels so incredibly luscious and soft (due to the rice protein in the formula), and that lasts whether I blow-dry or air-dry. I also prefer this tube packaging over a tub of product for in-shower use.

Rating:
★★★★★

The Blowout Styling Milk ($29) is my other favorite product from the collection. As someone who blow-dries their hair and styles with a curling iron every few days, I know the value of heat protection — and I can feel the difference when a product is actually delivering on that protection. This milky cream does just that; it's thin enough that it doesn't weigh my hair down before drying, but thick enough to coat from root to tips with just a pump and a half of product.

Rating:
★★★★★

This is probably a very subjective review of the JVN Air Dry Cream ($26) since it will likely work very differently on different hair textures. For my fine, wavy hair, it was a bit too crunchy. However, it held my curls very well after scrunching while wet through to after brushing out when dry. I have a feeling that for someone with thicker or more coarse hair, the crunchiness won't be so noticeable. For what it's worth, another editor (who has thicker hair) said this product "left soft, moveable body in my hair that looked completely natural."

Rating:
★★★☆

The JVN Conditioning Mist ($18) doesn't quite apply like a true mist to me. It's actually quite thick when you spray it, which means you have to spritz it into your hands and then work the product through your hair. That being said, it did make my hair feel nice and smooth — however, I prefer the Blowout Styling Milk over this one.

Rating:
★★★☆

If I want something a little more hardcore than the Blowout Milk, I turn to the JVN Instant Recovery Serum ($29). It's a little heavier than the milk, but as effective at protecting against heat. This product has been my go-to during the summer when my hair is feeling a little more brittle from soaking up the sun and swimming in chlorinated pools. The magic of this product is that it opens up the porosity of your hair's follicles, making all the other products you layer on top of it more effective — this is especially genius for people with color-treated (read: damaged) hair.

Rating:
★★★★★

I have mixed feelings about the JVN Pre-Wash Scalp Oil ($29). On the one hand, the few times I did use it, my hair felt very soft and supple. However, while the product is effective (and smells nice!), I don't think it's the most practical. You have to apply it 10 to 15 minutes before getting in the shower, which, um, I inevitably forget to do. But if you're into that kind of thing, give the oil a try.

Rating:
★★★★☆

The JVN Nourishing Shine Drops ($24) is my least favorite of all the products. Again, this may be highly subjective, because my main issues with it are the smell (which I didn't like) and how it made my fine hair feel (way too slick and oily). I'd guess that on someone who has very thick or coarse hair, this would work much better. And who knows, others may love the smell, it's just a bit too sweet for me.

Rating:
★★★☆☆