Bumble and Bumble Review: Salon-Approved Brand or Just Styling Hype?

Bumble and Bumble is a haircare brand known for its styling products and haircare services. The brand focuses on supporting multiple hair types and textures by providing comprehensive haircare support.

Bumble and Bumble provides shampoos, conditioners, leave-ins, sprays, creams, and serums. These formulations may help tackle different haircare concerns, such as frizz, hair thinning, damage repair, and brittle hair strands.

In this review, we cover everything you need to know about Bumble and Bumble, including its bestselling products, advantages, pros/cons, and potential brand limitations. The review also discusses some essential factors on which we evaluated the Bumble and Bumble brand.

About Bumble And Bumble

Founded by hairstylist Michael Gordon, Bumble and Bumble was established in 1977 in New York City as a boutique salon. Over the years, the brand expanded beyond salons and now offers various haircare formulations, which may help support hair growth, enhance volume, minimize frizz, and support scalp health.

Some popular formulations offered by Bumble and Bumble include the Don’t Blow It styling cream, which is meant for fine and thick hair types and could help air-dry your hair without heat. The brand also offers the Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil, which consists of oils that may help control frizz and boost shine.

Through salons, educational programs, and ongoing salon‑industry collaborations, Bumble and Bumble aim to bring salon expertise directly to you. The brand can also connect you with a stylist or its responsive customer support team through live chat, which may help address any queries or complaints.

Bumble And Bumble Best Selling Products

1. Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Leave-In Conditioner

   Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Leave-In Conditioner could help support hydration, frizz control, and heat protection. It is formulated for use on straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair types and has a lightweight texture, which aims to condition your hair without weighing it down.

   As per the official site, Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Leave-In Conditioner features a Featherlight 6-Oil Blend comprising coconut, argan, grape seed, Macadamia nut, sweet almond, and safflower seed oils.

   Coconut oil in the Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Leave-In Conditioner may penetrate the hair shaft, reduce protein loss, and strengthen hair strands. Its argan oil content comprises unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E, which may provide antioxidant protection and enhance moisture retention in hair strands.

   Other ingredients like butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane in Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Leave-In Conditioner may act as a broad-spectrum UVA filter, absorbing and converting harmful ultraviolet radiation into heat, thus protecting hair and scalp from sun-induced damage and color fading.

   Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (octinoxate) is a UVB filter that may absorb UVB rays, further shielding hair from the damaging effects of sunlight.

   The makers state that Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Leave-In Conditioner may provide thermal protection from heat styling tools up to 450°F (232°C). It could help detangle your hair, decrease visible frizz, and help maintain color-treated hair for extended periods. The formula is intended for daily use and may be applied to both damp and dry hair.

2. Thickening Dryspun Texture Spray

   Thickening Dryspun Texture Spray may help you create the look of fuller, more voluminous hair. It has a lightweight texture that may be particularly helpful if you have fine to medium hair or if your hair strands are straight or wavy. The formula aims to tackle concerns like flatness or dryness and may work well on untreated or heat-styled hair.

   According to the official site, Thickening Dryspun Texture Spray contains zeolite that can absorb excess oil and provide a grip for better hair structure. It also includes silk powder to deliver a soft, matte finish to your hair strands.

   Other ingredients like hydrolyzed wheat protein and glycerin may help retain moisture and support strand strength.

   The inclusion of antioxidants like sunflower seed extract and tocopherol (vitamin E) may help in improving hair density due to their potent antioxidant properties.

   The Thickening Dryspun Texture Spray is infused with a layered fragrance comprising notes of lemon and bergamot, followed by apple and water lily, and balanced by subtle hints of cedarwood and white musk.

   The makers suggest shaking the bottle well, holding the can about 10 inches away from dry hair, and spraying it evenly on areas where you want to lift, texture, or provide definition to your hair.

3. Thickening Blow-Dry Prep Spray

   Thickening Blow-Dry Prep Spray from Bumble and Bumble may provide volume and thickness to your hair strands. The spray is compatible for use on wavy or straight hair types.

   According to the official site, the Thickening Blow-Dry Prep Spray contains styling polymers like VP/VA Copolymer and Polyquaternium-11, which may bind to the hair strands to create a thicker, fuller appearance.

   Hydroxypropyltrimonium honey is also included to help enhance hair manageability and provide light conditioning effects. Ingredients like PEG-75 Lanolin and polysorbate 80 may help ensure smooth, even application of the spray.

   The makers state that Thickening Blow-Dry Prep Spray has a fragrance profile that pairs notes of cassis, watery cyclamen, and a mint leaf base.

4. Prêt-à-powder Post-Workout Dry Shampoo Mist

   Prêt-à-powder Post-Workout Dry Shampoo Mist aims to help you refresh your hair after physical activity or during busy days. The dual-phase, non-aerosol mist is formulated for use on damp, sweaty hair and allows you to clean up without a full wash.

   The Prêt-à-powder Post-Workout Dry Shampoo Mist formula pairs bamboo extract and silica to decrease post-sweat buildup. Bamboo extract offers mild astringent and antimicrobial properties, while silica may absorb oil and moisture, leaving your hair strands feeling cleaner. The shampoo mist also comes with a light fragrance comprising notes of clementine, wild hyacinth, and sandalwood.

   Prêt-à-powder Post-Workout Dry Shampoo Mist also includes calendula flower extract to soothe the scalp, tocopherol (vitamin E) for antioxidant support, and humectants like glycerin, butylene glycol and pentylene glycol to help maintain moisture balance.

   As per the official site, you need to section your damp or sweaty hair and spray 2 to 4 pumps directly at the roots from about six inches away. Let the mist sit for 15 to 30 seconds, then shake it out with your fingers or brush through. If you have a fine hair type, you need to start with 1 to 2 spritzes per section and brush before and after application for even distribution.

5. Thickening Volume Shampoo

   Thickening Volume Shampoo by Bumble and Bumble may help lift your hair strands at the roots while gently removing buildup. The formula could be used on multiple hair types, including wavy, straight, color-treated, or dry hair.

   As per the official site, Thickening Volume Shampoo contains ingredients like panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) to help hydrate and strengthen your hair strands. Other ingredients include aloe vera leaf juice to provide softness to hair strands, while polyquaterniums 10 and 11 may help condition your hair.

6. Thickening Volume Conditioner

   Thickening Volume Conditioner aims to enhance hair volume without weighing down your hair strands. The conditioner may help provide hydration to your hair strands, improve the appearance of limp hair strands, reduce breakage, and enhance shine with consistent use.

   As per the official site, the Thickening Volume Conditioner utilizes a Strand-Plumping technology, which helps expand the appearance of hair strands from root to tip, contributing to a fuller look with natural movement. The conditioner’s non-stripping and color-safe formulation could make it safe for routine application.

   Thickening Volume Conditioner includes panthenol, which could help hydrate hair strands and improve elasticity. Arginine may help support the hair’s structural integrity, while lactic acid and lauroyl lysine may help refine hair texture and support the scalp’s pH balance.

   Other ingredients in Thickening Volume Conditioner include apple fruit extract, coconut oil, and sunflower seed oil to provide nourishment to your hair strands.

7. Sumotech Flexible Hold Cream

   Sumotech Flexible Hold Cream is a hybrid styling product that pairs the characteristics of wax, paste, and cream in a single formulation. It may provide structure and definition to hair strands while maintaining a low-shine finish that supports natural hair movement and shape.

   According to the official site, Sumotech Flexible Hold Cream includes PVP and tribehenin to support hold and light conditioning benefits, while tridecyl stearate and PEG-8 beeswax might contribute to texture and moisture balance.

   Sumotech Flexible Hold Cream also contains emulsifiers like ceteareth-25 and film-formers like acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, which may help support hair hold and texture.

Bumble And Bumble Advantages

1. Follows Ethical Standards

   Bumble and Bumble is a certified cruelty-free brand that does not test products or ingredients on animals, nor does it allow suppliers or third parties to conduct animal testing anywhere in the world. The brand is PETA-certified and avoids selling in markets where animal testing is required by law. Beyond its commitment to animal welfare, Bumble and Bumble emphasizes ethical ingredient sourcing and fair labor practices throughout its supply chain. It suggests that when you choose Bumble and Bumble, you’re supporting a brand that places integrity, fairness, and social responsibility at the core of its values.

2. Strong Design Aesthetic

   The Bumble and Bumble brand uses packaging and labels with clean, typography-driven styles that look bold and professional. For example, the brand uses elegant scripts in logos and product titles, which may provide a recognizable look across different product lines. This could help make it easy for you to identify Bumble and Bumble’s formulations and communicate the brand’s premium and professional image. Navigation is smooth, with well-organized menus and quick access to different product categories. The strong design aesthetic may help make your shopping experience enjoyable and give you confidence in the quality of the brand’s formulations.

3. Paraben-Free Commitment

   The Bumble and Bumble brand clearly states that it does not use parabens in any of its formulations. Parabens, once widely used as preservatives, have raised concerns due to their potential hormone-disrupting effects. Bumble and Bumble also emphasize that they focus on providing clean formulations that are free from harmful chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and mineral oil. The paraben-free commitment of Bumble and Bumble reassures that the brand prioritizes ingredient integrity, safety of formulations, and ethical standards.

Bumble And Bumble Limitations

1. Regulatory Risks

   Bumble and Bumble operate in a tightly regulated cosmetics industry, where agencies like the FDA and international authorities enforce strict rules on product claims and data privacy. For you as a customer, this means the brand must use carefully vetted language about product benefits, focusing on clinically verified ingredients rather than bold promises, and may need to update packaging or marketing suddenly to comply with new requirements. These regulatory demands can lead to gradual price increases as the brand covers compliance costs.

   Your buying experience also involves more privacy consent prompts due to laws like GDPR and CCPA, though this comes with the risk of potential data breaches exposing your information. Depending on where you live, certain products may be unavailable due to regional regulations.

   If Bumble and Bumble face fines or legal action over misleading claims or privacy violations, it could temporarily affect your trust in the brand. While these regulations exist to protect you, they create a more cautious purchasing environment with additional disclaimers and evolving standards.

   These constraints ensure greater transparency and safety but may limit product availability, marketing claims, and pricing flexibility, factors that directly shape your experience with the brand.

2. Limited Offline Presence

   Bumble and Bumble’s retail presence is primarily tied to the brand’s salons in New York City and an extended network of partner salons, which you may locate through the brand’s salon finder on its official website. However, Bumble and Bumble does not maintain a widespread presence of branded retail outlets across multiple geographic regions. Because of this, you can miss out on the chance to try Bumble and Bumble formulations firsthand or get a full brand experience before you commit to purchase.

Bumble And Bumble Alternatives

1. Living Proof

   Bumble And Bumble and Living Proof are two reputed names in the premium haircare industry, but they stem from different origins. Living Proof was founded in the year 2005 by biotech scientists at MIT and hairstylists, with a focus on scientific research and molecular innovation. Meanwhile, Bumble and Bumble was established in 1977 as a hair salon in New York City, gradually transforming into a haircare brand focused on salon expertise and hair styling.

   One of the key differentiators between the two brands is their approach to product development and innovation. Living Proof utilizes the Sili‑CLONE™ technology, which may replicate the smoothing or shine benefits of silicones without buildup or heaviness. The brand also utilizes a 3D Fortifying Technology, which develops a 3D network within the hair fiber to rebuild its structure and minimize damage. However, Bumble and Bumble does not highlight proprietary technologies but claim to offer salon-quality styling formulations.

   There are also variations in the pricing between similar formulations from Living Proof and Bumble and Bumble. For example, one bottle (8 fl oz) of Living Proof’s Full Conditioner is available at a one-time purchase price of $34. On the other hand, one bottle (8.5 fl oz) of Thickening Volume Conditioner by Bumble and Bumble costs $38.

2. MONAT

   When comparing MONAT with Bumble and Bumble, the brands differ in aspects like approaches to haircare, pricing, product lineup, and distribution channels. MONAT offers cruelty-free formulas, emphasizing the exclusion of sulfates, parabens, and harsh chemicals in its formulations. Bumble and Bumble also avoids parabens and animal testing, but its focus is on performance-driven formulas. The brand uses seaweed extract and Dead Sea salt in its formulas to support hair health.

   The two brands target different haircare needs and concerns. MONAT appeals broadly to people seeking hair repair, hair conditioning, and scalp health, often sharing transformation stories and before-and-after results. Bumble and Bumble offers formulations that may cater to multiple hair types and needs, such as curly, straight, fine, thick, color-treated, or damaged hair, with an emphasis on professional results at home.

   In terms of pricing, there are some variations between similar formulations from both brands. For instance, one bottle (8 fl oz) of MONAT’s Volumizing Revive Shampoo costs $49 as part of a one-time purchase. On the other hand, Bumble and Bumble’s Thickening Volume Shampoo costs $37 for one bottle (8.5 fl oz).

Also Check: The Rootist Review

How Did We Evaluate Bumble And Bumble?

1. Real Customer Feedback

   As part of our evaluation of Bumble and Bumble, we closely examined real customer feedback of the brand and its formulations across authentic review platforms like Amazon and Trustpilot to understand how the brand performs in everyday use.

   On Amazon, many customers appreciated the Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil (Frizz-Reducing Hair Oil’s) lightweight formula, frizz control, and shine-enhancing properties. It appears to be effective across various hair types, especially for users with color-treated or heat-damaged hair. Customers also highlight its pleasant scent and ease of use, although a few consumers felt that the product did not deliver the same softening effect on coarser hair textures.

   We also assessed feedback on the Thickening Blow-Dry Prep Spray across Amazon. Many customers highlighted that the spray helped add texture and volume to fine hair over time. Customers noted that it also provided them with a light hold without stiffness and worked well in humid conditions. However, some customers found that over-application made their hair feel dirty or weighed down. A few reviewers even compared Thickening Blow-Dry Prep Spray unfavorably with cheaper alternatives in terms of value for money.

   However, the customer sentiment towards Bumble and Bumble appears polarized on the Trustpilot platform. Many reviewers on Trustpilot cited issues with delayed orders, poor communication, and a lack of responsiveness from the support team. Difficult return processes and automated replies were among the common complaints, pointing to operational shortcomings.

2. Brand Reputation

   When evaluating Bumble and Bumble’s brand reputation, we considered both its long-standing history and how it is currently perceived across third-party review platforms. Founded in 1977 as a salon in New York City, Bumble and Bumble has built its reputation as a professional haircare brand known for providing premium haircare and styling formulations.

   On Trustpilot, Bumble and Bumble holds a rating of 2.5 out of 5, based on 20+ reviews. The reviews on Trustpilot indicate a mixed response, suggesting that while some customers are satisfied, others have raised concerns about formulation effectiveness or customer service.

   The Bumble and Bumble brand does not have a Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, limiting transparency regarding formal complaints or dispute resolution efforts.

   Meanwhile, TenereTeam provides Bumble and Bumble a 4.0 out of 5 rating based on over 1,790 ratings. However, only five reviews are publicly visible on the TenereTeam platform, which may offer limited insight into the specifics of customer satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Bumble and Bumble Formulations Fragrance-Free?
   No, most formulations from Bumble and Bumble contain added fragrances and scents, which might be a concern if you are allergic to fragrances or prefer to avoid added scents in haircare products.
2. Can Bumble and Bumble Products Cause Build-Up?
   Yes, it is a possibility, as some formulations from Bumble and Bumble may contain silicones, polymers, and resins that may trigger scalp buildup over time. Frequent use of these formulations without proper cleansing may cause the hair to feel heavy, dull, or greasy at the roots.

Conclusion

Bumble and Bumble can provide you with haircare formulations and styling products that may tackle your specific haircare needs. The brand focuses on providing hair products for straight, coily, coarse, curly, or fine hair.

Bumble and Bumble may help tackle various hair concerns, such as volume maximization, frizz control, damage repair, or curl definition.

However, there are some limitations to keep in mind. Bumble and Bumble have a limited retail footprint, which is limited to two of the brand’s salons in New York and a few partner locations. Lack of retail availability can be particularly disadvantageous if you prefer an in-person purchase experience.

Moreover, personal experiences with Bumble and Bumble formulations might vary from person to person. Factors like your age, hair texture, hair condition, and frequency of use may impact the duration it takes to notice any difference in your hair quality.