There are fewer things more frustrating than going online to order something and seeing very split, very decisive reviews. What sounds promising is then confusing; is it a good product, or is it a nightmare like half of the reviews suggest?

This was the case for me when it came to Dae’s Signature Shampoo and Conditioner. I had previously tried their now-discontinued Monsoon Moisture shampoo and conditioner, but my lackluster experience (and other bad reviews) had me hesitant to try the signature line.

That said, I’m such a fan of some of Dae’s products and can’t get enough of their signature citrus scent, so I wanted to ignore all of the chatter and actually try the shampoo and conditioner for myself.

I’ve tested the Dae Signature Shampoo and Conditioner on my fine, color-treated, dry hair. I have highlights, so my hair is somewhat damaged, and I was excited to see if these cleansing products would actually add shine and reduce frizz like they promise to.

Keep reading for my full, unsponsored review, tips for using the duo (or if you only need to purchase one), pros, cons, and if they’re worth the money!

PS: I’m reviewing both the shampoo and conditioner together because I had the same results using them together or separately. Even when I used my go-to shampoo with the Dae conditioner (or vice versa) my results were pretty much the same. That said, you can purchase them together or separately. I hope this review helps you!

dae signature shampoo & conditioner review: are they worth it?

Put simply, no, the Dae Signature Shampoo and Conditioner are not worth it. I tested the duo together and separately on my fine, straight, damaged hair and just didn’t love my results. My hair felt dry, was frizzier, harder to style, and felt a lot more fragile. I’ve never had such lackluster results from a conditioner before, especially one that is priced above $20 and sold at Sephora.

What was interesting to me is that I got the same results from the Dae Signature Shampoo and Conditioner even if I used each product separately with my go-to favorite shampoo/ conditioner. In that way, the Dae duo stands out as a stronger formula. This is also why I don’t suggest just trying one; I still needed repair and hydration via a hair mask treatment after using either, even the conditioner.

My results weren’t just mine, either. My mom has thick, wiry grey hair and struggled with these products; so did another friend who has medium, short hair.

One thing to note is that when I used the sample packets, my hair responded better. I’m not sure why that is (I’ve also noticed it with travel sized mascaras vs the full-size tubes), but it’s something to keep in mind if you are thinking of getting the travel sizes to test before buying the bigger bottles.

The best part of the Dae Signature duo is the scent; it is Dae’s signature citrus scent and SO good. It smells just like a creamsicle but isn’t too overpowering or child-like. I get compliments anytime I use their 3-in-1 Styling Cream (same scent), and if there’s anything that Dae consistently excels at, it’s the scent of their products as I also love the fruity scent of their Prickly Pear Oil.

Sadly, the Dae Signature Shampoo and Conditioner were not for me but I have heard better reviews from those who have oily scalps or curly/ coily hair. I’m not able to vouch for that as I have a different hair type, but you may want to try them for yourselves if you do. As I mentioned, some people really love the Dae duo, many of whom have oily scalps or curly hair, so you may end up with a different result than mine.

pros

Smells great (Dae’s signature citrus scent)
Shampoo lathers well
Shampoo provides a deep clean; feels similar to a clarifying shampoo (though I prefer Dae’s Detox Shampoo to this formula if you need something that clarifies)
Conditioner is lightweight yet still has a creamy consistency
Both products make your hair shiny (used separately or together)
Vegan and cruelty-free
Sulfate-free

cons

Both products made my hair feel dry and straw-like (used together or separately)
Too harsh to be used regularly if you have color-treated or bleached hair
Not moisturizing enough for normal to dry hair (fine, medium, or thick)
Makes your hair frizzy
Does not repair damage
Expensive for the lack of results

who it's best for

The Dae Signature Shampoo and Conditioner are best for:

Non-color-treated hair
Curly or coily hair (based on what I have heard from others; I can’t personally speak on it!)
An oily scalp
Strong hair that does not get dry easily
A lightweight conditioner that doesn’t really need hydration
Those who want to add shine
Those who want a great-smelling shampoo and conditioner (i.e. scent is more important than function)

who should skip it

You may want something more hydrating or balanced if you have:

Dry or brittle hair
Damaged hair
Hair that is prone to breakage
Hair that is prone to frizz
A dry or sensitive scalp
Hair that needs hydration

Overall, I don’t think the Dae Signature Shampoo and Conditioner are worth it. Shampoo and conditioner are the most straightforward, simple products in your haircare routine and while I have seen feedback on how to make Dae’s shampoo and conditioner work better, that’s simply too much work for me. Not every product will be a 5-star obsession and that’s okay.

I actually really love Dae’s other shampoos (Violet Hour for toning and Desert Detox for clarifying), so if you are wanting Dae’s signature scent to be a part of your cleansing routine, those two shampoos are much better options. See my Dae Violet Hour Purple Shampoo Review and Dae Desert Detox Clarifying Shampoo Review for more information.

frequently asked questions

is the dae signature shampoo and conditioner worth it?

Honestly, for most hair types, no. I have seen some rave reviews from those who have curly or coily hair, so if you do, it may be worth trying! I have fine, straight, damaged hair and didn’t like either product. My mom has thick, wiry grey hair and struggled with these products; so did another friend who has medium, short hair.

is dae shampoo good for fine hair?

The Dae Signature Shampoo does a great job of cleansing fine hair, but it will work best if you have an oily scalp. Those with dry, sensitive, or normal scalps might find this shampoo to be too harsh.

is the dae conditioner heavy?

No; it’s a lightweight formula.

is dae shampoo safe for color-treated hair?

Yes, the products are color-safe per the brand’s website. That said, both products made my hair dry, so to keep my color-treated hair healthy, I prefer more hydrating formulas.

does the dae shampoo and conditioner repair damaged hair?

No. They’re better for adding shine. If you need to repair damage, check out Amika’s The Kure Bond Repair Shampoo and Conditioner.

can you use the dae shampoo without the conditioner?

Yes. Based on my experience, you will want to use a hydrating conditioner if you get the Dae Signature Shampoo.

can you use the dae conditioner with another shampoo?

Yes. I don’t find the conditioner to be very hydrating, though, so I do not recommend pairing the Dae Signature Conditioner with a purple toning or clarifying/ detox shampoo.

what doe’s dae shampoo and conditioner smell like?

The Dae Signature Shampoo and Conditioner are formulated with their citrus scent. It’s fruity and fresh yet slightly warm and creamy (just like a creamsicle), without being overpowering or sickly sweet.

I am sensitive to fragrance and don’t get bothered by this scent, but you may want to smell it in stores before purchasing since it is a little strong (especially if you get both the shampoo and conditioner).