New affordable hair brand alert at Target! The Emerge hair care brand is exclusive to Target. This is a review of two of the products from the line; the Style Goals Gel and the Emerge Back to Life Deep Conditioning & Hair Revive Mask and how they work in wavy hair. Both of these were bought by me, and I’ve tried them out on my wavy hair. This is a first impression review BUT I tend not to change my mind too often. One was good, one wasn’t. I will make notes of where technique & timing could’ve mattered for these products specifically in wavy hair. I’ll cover a few different product aspects beyond only my thoughts so you can get to know them a bit better, and give a few other options in the same price point. I’ll also finish with my thoughts on Emerge as a brand. Let’s review the Emerge Style Goals Gel and the Emerge Back to Life Deep Conditioning & Hair Revive Mask
note: this post contains affiliate links, which cost you nothing but keep this website running. You can read the full Website Disclaimer here. I sincerely appreciate each click! -Rachel
- Used a low poo (in this case it was this shampoo/low poo by Aveeno)
- Detangle with a normal conditioner (this time it was GVPCB)
- Condition with GVPCB and then rinsed out fully.
- Rinse thoroughly while standing up. Get all of the conditioner out (this is good when using gel)
- Raked in UFD Curly Magic Curl Stimulator*** (this was problematic I think!)
- Scrunched in the Emerge Style Goals Gel
- Wrap hair in microfiber turbie twist
- Sleep overnight in turbie twist
- Wake up and added this $3 mousse to coat
Now onto the review:
Emerge Style goals Pros:
- Price Point – this 11.7oz bottle is $6.99
- Packaging is super cute
The Cons:
- It left my hair frizzy and stringy. To be fair, I did rake through the UFD Curly Magic, so that could’ve affected it.
- Scent – not super important, but I found it perfume-y and not in a good way.
- This is another Unilever brand, which unfortunately I did not notice until I was home with the product. You can read my thoughts in this post about Why I Didn’t Support Love Beauty and Planet Until This Line…
The “Meh”
- Not much in terms of hold.
- The second ingredient is glycerin, so this could do better in non-humid times of year. For humid times, check out my Summertime Wavy Hair Routine for Heat and Humidity
Conclusion:
This product says it is meant for curly, coily textures. So I’m going a bit easier on it since it does not claim to be for wavy hair. BUT, my first impression is that Aussie Instant Freeze Gel is much more effective and also a great price point. I would be curious
Bottom Line: Cute but not good. Would not currently Recommend. Will try in the fall/winter and I’ll update if my opinions change (or write a full update post!)
- Used a low poo (in this case it was this shampoo/low poo by Aveeno)
- Detangled with KCKT
- Rinsed hair and removed the KCKT fully
- Squished/Scrunched in the Emerge Deep Conditioning mask
- Let the deep conditioner sit in the hair for about 8 mins. note: The mask says leave on for up to 15 mins, and even add heat. I just was in the shower doing my body wash, shaving etc.
- Rinsed completely
- Wrapped hair in microfiber turbie twist
- Slept overnight in turbie twist
- Wake up and added this $3 mousse to coat
Now onto the review:
Emerge Deep Conditioning Mask
- Good slip (slip is how easy it is to move your fingers through the waves when wet with the product).
- My hair was noticeably shiny the next day (and I’m SORRY I forgot to take pictures!)
- Price Point – this is the best priced deep conditioner that is sulfate free & silicone free that I’ve seen. You get a huge tub (15 oz!) for $6.99
- Packaging is super cute!
- Contains a lot of plant-based oils including sunflower seed oil, sweet almond oil, and more
The Cons:
- The SMELL. Super cheap perfume smell that I thought was much worse and stronger than the gel. I don’t usually care too much but it was on my hair for 8 mins and annoyed me the whole time.
- My hair did not feel more hydrated after. and it’s a “deep conditioning” mask
- Also the Unilever thing.
The “Meh”
- My hair had build up about a day earlier than normal. This happens about half the time I use a deep conditioner so not a huge deal. I washed after 4 days and needed it. Usually I go 4-5 days without grease/build up.
- There are a few ingredients (glycol stearate, glycerin) that can cause frizz in the summer months. I didn’t have that issue, but if you don’t use a styling product with hard hold then you could have frizz later on.
Conclusion:
Time will tell how this product works long term, but I’m excited to use it up (besides the smell). Great value for what you get. A similar price point comparison is the Maui Moisture masks.
Bottom Line: It’s a good value & deal! I’d recommend trying it for this price.
Emerge seems to be Unilever’s “curly hair” brand. Unilever is the parent company of MANY brands, and this was a new addition to their portfolio. It’s amazing how many new wavy and curly hair products are on the market and available in drugstores etc. I like the fun, bubbly packaging, but it seems like cute packaging on dirt cheap ingredients.
Hope this helps!
-Rachel
