Getting to Know the Brand Behind the Buzz
Founded in 2019 by Harvard-trained dermatologist Dr. Iris Rubin, Seen Haircare was born out of a desire to address a common patient complaint – scalp breakouts and irritation associated with rinse-off hair products. After seeing patient after patient struggle with these pesky symptoms, Dr. Rubin set out to get to the root cause.
Her published research found that residual product left on the scalp after rinsing was a major culprit. Standard shampoos and conditioners contained irritating ingredients that sensitized the scalp when left on skin.
Armed with this insight, Dr. Rubin developed the Seen Haircare product line – crafting luxury formulations free of sulfates, silicones, perfumes and other irritants. Her evidence-based approach combined with a commitment to thoughtful ingredients positioned Seen as a trailblazer in scalp-conscious haircare.
Today, Seen‘s line has expanded beyond its clinical origins to address all hair textures and types with two key collections:
The Skinify Collection features dermatologist-approved formulations to nourish hair without aggravating scalps prone to sensitivity.
The Soothe Collection offers fragrance-free formulations focused specifically on scalp health, aiming to soothe and prevent flare ups associated with conditions like dandruff, psoriasis and eczema.
In just a few short years, Seen has made impressive strides, garnering attention from top beauty publications while securing partnerships with prestige retailers like Sephora and Bluemercury.
Analyzing the Seen Haircare Line
Seen sets itself apart with thoughtful ingredients backed by research. Let‘s analyze some key components of Seen‘s skin-friendly approach:
Hemisqualane
This plant-derived ingredient mimics skin‘s natural oils, allowing Seen to forgo problematic silicone ingredients. It smooths and conditions hair minus the pore-clogging, scalp-irritating qualities of conventional smoothing agents.
Prebiotic Oatmilk
The scalp has a microbiome just like our gut, containing billions of bacteria that can get knocked off-balance. Prebiotics help nourish healthy microbes, supporting the scalp microbiome‘s happy state.
Matcha Butter
This antioxidant-rich ingredient provides protection against damage from UV rays and pollution while locking in moisture.
Niacinamide
A soothing, versatile ingredient that tackles signs of sensitivity by calming inflammation and redness.
Bisabolol
Nature‘s answer to chamomile, bisabolol is another soothing agent that reduces irritation and inflammation.
Blue-Green Algae
Contains protein, vitamins and minerals to nourish hair follicles while protecting strands from environmental stressors.
Seen goes beyond ingredient selection to develop silicone-free cleansers that actually rinse clean. Their research found that many shampoos left behind residue even after thorough rinsing. This residual gunk aggravates the scalp over time. Seen‘s thoughtful formulations ensure a truly clean cleanse.
How Seen Compares to Popular Sensitive Scalp Brands
Seen enters a market with entrenched competitors like Briogeo, Playa and Innersense who also cater to sensitive scalps. Here‘s how Seen stacks up:
Ingredients
Seen sets itself apart with clinical-based formulations that combine soothing, balancing agents with hair-healthy nutrients. Their skin-centric approach feels more treatment focused.
Price Point
Seen falls on the pricier end compared to alternatives, likely owing to their positioning as a derm-backed brand. Expect to spend $26-$29 for standard sizes. Sales help offset costs.
Effectiveness
Buzz around Seen focuses heavily on genuine relief from scalp irritation. While reviews indicate most customers see positive results, Seen (like any brand) won‘t be universally effective.
Scalp Specificity
Alongside scalp-soothing shampoos and conditioners, Seen also offers targeted scalp masks and scrubs. This shows a real commitment to scalp health beyond mere sensitivity.
Sustainability
Seen takes measures to reduce waste but lacks robust sustainability commitments seen from green-centric companies like Playa. Room for improvement here.
While newer to market, Seen‘s clinical origins and focus on scalp science help distinguish the brand from competitors. Let‘s see how real customers rate the formulations.
Exploring Genuine Customer Perspectives
Seen‘s website and product reviews paint a mostly favorable picture. Happy customers praise everything from packaging to performance. However, I wanted to dig deeper to cut through the commercial veneer.
Here are candid takes from beauty community members:
"These products ended my war against dandruff. For years I struggled with an itchy, flaky scalp that no drugstore shampoo could fix. I was hesitant to try yet another product but I‘m glad I took the risk on Seen. After about a month of consistent use, my scalp completely calmed down. I can finally wear black shirts again without embarrassment!" Alicia H. via Influenster
"I decided to give Seen a try after struggling with irritation and eczema around my hairline for years. I love the simple, clean ingredients and that the brand really caters to scalp sensitivities. The Mask and Cleanser are weekly staples in my routine. While I haven‘t found a perfect solution for my issues, Seen products are really soothing and don‘t exacerbate the problem like some I‘ve tried." Sandra C. via TrustPilot
"These products just didn‘t work for my scalp. I have seborrheic dermatitis and need strong formulas to keep flare ups at bay. I used Seen religiously for 6 weeks and saw no improvement. My scalp was just as itchy and irritated as before. I wanted so badly for this cleaner, gentler approach to work but it simply wasn‘t effective enough for my sensitivity." Taylor R. via Amazon
"Saw an ad and bought in to the clean scalp promise but honestly felt no difference using these products. They made my hair feel nice but didn‘t alleviate any of the itchiness or flakes I constantly deal with. And at almost $30 a bottle I expect truly transformative results. Just wasn‘t worth the splurge for me when the drugstore alternatives work just as well at a fraction of the cost." Julia T. via Influenster
"I decided to try Seen after struggling with irritation from hair dye. My scalp always freaks out and gets incredibly itchy. I‘m pleasantly surprised by how soothing and relaxing these products are. Instead of aggravating things like most shampoos, they provide genuine relief. I‘m finally able to color my hair without weeks of an angry scalp aftermath." Alex G. via Facebook
Like most hair products, Seen receives mixed reviews. Results seem to depend heavily on underlying scalp condition and sensitivity levels. For those with mild irritation or dryness, Seen‘s soothing formulas deliver noticeable relief. However, customers coping with more severe medical conditions like eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis see little improvement.
Despite some critical feedback, most reviews praise Seen‘s clean formulations and focus on scalp science. And their robust return policy ensures risk-free trial.
Answering Key Haircare Questions
Considering trying Seen but still have some questions? Below I tackle some key haircare FAQs as they relate to Seen:
Is Seen safe for color treated hair?
Yes – Seen formulated their line to play nicely with color treated locks. Their gentle cleansers won‘t strip or fade dye.
Does Seen contain gluten, silicone or other irritants?
Nope – true to their sensitive skin focus, Seen products are free of gluten, silicone, sulfates, phthalates and other common irritants.
Can Seen products be used on kids?
While Seen hasn‘t undergone specific pediatric testing, their dermatologist-backed formulations cater to sensitive skin. Always exercise caution introducing new products to children. Monitor for reaction and discontinue use if any irritation occurs.
How does Seen compare to personalized brands like Prose and Function of Beauty?
Unlike tailored brands that custom blend formulations based on questionnaires, Seen offers one-size-fits-most products designed for broad sensitive scalp appeal. Those seeking a more customized solution may prefer haircare built around their unique needs.
Is Seen worth the cost?
Seen costs notably more than conventional options but lower than some clinical brands. Given their scientifically-backed formulations and focus on skin safety, Seen feels appropriately priced. Sales help offset the investment. Commit to at least a month of consistent use to properly gauge results.
What‘s the best way to use Seen?
Seen designed their line for daily or twice weekly use depending on hair needs. Apply their pre-wash scalp serum before cleansing then follow with their shampoo and conditioner. For added scalp TLC, use their soak-in treatment mask weekly. Consistent use is key to seeing results.
Hopefully this breakdown gave you a better idea of what makes Seen such a standout! Next let‘s get into my personal take.
The Final Take: Who Should Buy Seen
At the end of the day, Seen sets out to care – genuinely care – for scalp health. In an industry crammed with surface level promises yet plagued by irritants, this skin-focused mission feels important.
Of course, no brand delivers universal perfection. Seen still warrants constructive feedback around sustainability and pricing. And formulas don‘t resonate for those coping with severe medical conditions.
However, for the everyday person looking to show their scalp some TLC or even ditch daring dye due to irritation, Seen offers noticeable relief. The brand makes clinical-backed care clean, cruelty-free and surprisingly enjoyable.
While investing in Seen may not permanently solve all scalp woes, the brand‘s thoughtful formulations promote scalp health over the long haul – and that commitment is worth supporting.
So join me in raising a bottle of shampoo-toast to Seen…here‘s to scalps everywhere finally getting the gentleness they deserve!
