If you're anything like me, you've probably spent hours falling down Brad Mondo's YouTube rabbit hole. The charismatic hairstylist-turned-entrepreneur has built an empire on honest reviews and viral transformations, and now he's throwing his hat into the shampoo bar ring with his XMONDO line. But in a market flooded with options, does this celebrity-backed bar actually deliver?
What Makes This Shampoo Bar Different?
Most shampoo bars fall into one of two categories:
- Old-school soap bars: High pH, potentially stripping
- Modern surfactant bars: Gentle, pH-balanced cleansers
Brad's formula lands firmly in the second camp, featuring some serious haircare heavyweights:
- SCI (Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate): A coconut-derived cleanser that lathers like a dream
- Behentrimonium Methosulfate: The secret weapon against dryness
- Hydrolyzed Rice Protein: For that Instagram-worthy shine
Who's It Really For?
After testing it for weeks, here's who I think will love it:
- Oily scalp warriors who need deep cleansing
- Color-treated hair folks (that pH balance is clutch)
- Jet-setters tired of TSA shampoo explosions
But if you've got ultra-dry curls or scent sensitivities, you might want to keep scrolling - this isn't your holy grail.
The Sustainability Question
Let's keep it real - no plastic bottles is a win, but:
- Good: Lasts 60+ washes (bye-bye, bathroom clutter)
- Not-so-good: That fragrance isn't exactly "clean beauty"
- The jury's out: Palm oil derivatives hiding in the SCI?
Bottom line? It's a step in the right direction, but hardcore eco-warriors might want something greener.
Final Verdict: Worth Your Hard-Earned Cash?
Here's the tea:
- Buy if: You want salon-quality in solid form and dig Brad's vibe
- Skip if: You need fragrance-free or maximum moisture
At the end of the day, it's a solid (pun intended) option that bridges the gap between conventional and clean haircare. Not perfect, but pretty darn good for a celeb product.