We Tried Rihanna’s Fenty Hair on 4 Different Hair Types

You could teach a college-level class on how Rihanna’s hair correlates to her rise to each of her iconic eras. Her Rated R era was defined by undercuts and updos, her 2010 album Loud ushered in her cherry red hair, and throughout the decade, she would experiment with blonde and brown shades until landing on her sleek jet-black color for the Anti era. It’s not an exaggeration to say the multi-hyphenate has tried on every color and cut possible, so it was only time until Rihanna ventured into the haircare market.

The time has finally come, and in late June, Rihanna finally dropped Fenty Hair, a collection of hair care and styling products made for all types and textures. With that in mind, we put the collection to the test on four Byrdie staffers with different hair types. Read on for all the details and our honest reviews.

The Inspiration

“Hair has always been personal to me—my hairstyles have been markers of my evolution and growth over the years—so launching Fenty Hair was something I was really passionate about,” said Rihanna of the launch. “Creating products that were easy to use, no matter your hair type or texture, and included repair in every step and could keep up with me, was crucial,” she added. “From my curly people to those who love protective styles, to those with straight or wavy hair, or short hair or long hair, there’s something for you.”

The whole brand is based around its Replenicore-5 blend, which includes amino acids, antioxidants, and proteins that help repair, strengthen, and hydrate hair. The line is also just as thoughtful and intentional as Fenty Beauty—the luxe pastel packaging is made of 100% PCR (post-consumer recycled) aluminum and 50% PCR plastic, and each product is clinically tested, vegan, sulfate- and silicone-free. Each product is scented with a warm, ambery floral fragrance with notes of vanilla and yuzu.

The Products

The Fenty Hair collection consists of nine products: one shampoo, two conditioners, one treatment, four styling products, and one tool. The Rich One Moisture Repair Shampoo is lightweight but adds a moisture back to the hair without weighing it down. It’s meant to help repair everyday breakage and mend split ends and damage over time. The Rich One Moisture Repair Conditioner melts into the hair, conditioning and de-frizzing strands.

The Richer One Moisture Repair Deep Conditioner is a richer formula for those with medium to thick, textured, or colored hair and helps to deeply condition and moisturize the hair. The Comeback Kid Instant Damage Repair Treatment is a hair mask that can be used on all hair types to bring strands back to life—from color to heat damage. Then, there’s The Protective Type 5-in-1 Heat Protectant Styler, which is just what it sounds like: It’s a heat protectant cream that smooths, detangles, hydrates, and preps the hair for styling.

Made for those with coily, curly, and textured hair types, The Homecurl Curl Defining Cream repairs and adds hydration to the hair while giving it a bit of bounce and definition. The Gelly Type Strong Hold Gel is a hair gel for all types with repairing benefits, and The Controlling Type Hair-Thickening Edge Control Gel locks and smooths edges in place. Last but not least, there’s The Sidestick 3-in-1 Edge Tool, a double-sided bristled brush, comb, and precision tip that can be used with the Edge Control Gel, transforming the styling process into an art form.

The Reviews

Jasmine Phillips, social media editor

“One thing about Rihanna: She’s going to switch up her look and I stan. I usually am not super excited about celebrity beauty brands but I was intrigued by the Fenty Hair lineup. So far I have tried the gel and edge control gel, which claim to have a strong hold. But after testing both products on a 90 degree day in NYC with type 4 hair, I’d say these products offer more of a medium hold. I think the formula, or the entire hair line in general, is meant to work across all hair types so I can understand why those two products have a lighter hold than I’m used to. Overall, I still find myself reaching for both products and think they’ll work even better for me once the summer is over.”

Adelaide Giesey, editor

“Overall, I think the packaging and aesthetics of Fenty Hair are very cute. I like how the different colors indicate the different product categories. Starting with the shampoo and conditioner, I think these are great and reliable formulas to have in your shower—I’m a very big fan of the pump packaging which made the application process seamless. My hair felt clean (extra points for the amount of lather) without being stripped and my roots even had some volume to them once dry. The conditioner left behind a nice shine and delivered hydration without weighing my strands down.

“My only note was the scent of the products was not my favorite and it does linger on my hair for a day or two post-use. However, that did not take away from the quality of the product, in my opinion. Similarly, I felt like the heat protectant absorbed nicely onto damp hair and was a great prep step before I used my Dyson Airwrap. Out of all three I can definitely see the heat protectant making its way into my everyday routine.”

Olivia Hancock, editor

“I prepped my hair for knotless braids using the Moisture Repair Shampoo and Moisture Repair Conditioner. Before cleansing, my hair had tons of buildup from applying heavy styling products (like gels and hairspray), so I hoped the Fenty Hair shampoo was up for the job. After saturating my partially-detangled hair with water, I applied the shampoo and began massaging it on my scalp and running it through the ends of my hair. I immediately appreciated the ultra-rich, foamy lather that formed as I massaged my scalp. After two cleanses, the formula effectively removed all the dirt and oil without making my hair feel stripped (the moisturizing claims are very true). In fact, my hair looked shiny and felt softer after rinsing the shampoo out. The conditioner was the icing on the cake as it further amplified my hair’s moisture levels. The creamy formula melted onto my curls, making working through any remaining tiny knots easier. After rinsing the conditioner, my curls looked smooth, shiny, and defined.

“Together, the Fenty Hair shampoo and conditioner made cleansing, detangling, and conditioning a much gentler, effective process. When I sat down at my braiding appointment, and they began parting my hair, my scalp was totally free of dirt and flakes (which is vital). I’m excited to continue using the shampoo and conditioner (and other products from the line) in my wash day routine after I take my braids down.”

Bella Cacciatore, news editor

“I was lucky enough to test the line with a blowout at the launch event, and I could tell I loved the shampoo instantly, even though someone else was washing my hair. It smells amazing—very earthy and sophisticated—and has an excellent lather, nice and fluffy. It left my hair feeling so soft and smooth, yet not at all weighed down with some great volume. My hair looked and smelled so good that I was sad to wash it a few days later.

“Back at home, I tried the Instant Damage Repair Treatment, which is basically the brand’s answer to a K18 or Olaplex—the bond-builder strengthens hair from the inside-out. The brand offers up two ways to use it, depending on your hair type or needs: as a wash-out product in place of conditioner for finer hair, or as a leave-in after conditioner for thick or extra-dry hair. I tried it as a wash-out, though I think I would like it better as a leave-in as I like the slippery-ness conditioner leaves behind. That being said, it definitely made my hair feel soft and strong, and has that same great smell as the shampoo and conditioner. My hair looked and felt super healthy, so I’m excited to keep testing it.”