If you’ve spent any time on Instagram in the past few years, chances are you’ve come across Crown Affair – the haircare brand that somehow made brushes, towels and oil feel impossibly chic.

Founded with the philosophy that haircare should be more about ritual than routine, Crown Affair has built a loyal following thanks to its elevated packaging, simplified product lineup and a very intentional approach to hair health.

But beyond the aesthetic? I wanted to know: do the products actually deliver?

After testing several of their bestsellers over time, here’s my honest Crown Affair review: what’s worth it, what I’d skip and who I think the brand is best suited for.

Crown Affair Review

About Crown Affair

Launched in 2019, Crown Affair positions itself as a “less is more” approach to haircare. Rather than an overwhelming number of SKUs, the brand focuses on a tightly edited collection of essentials designed to support long-term hair health.

The ethos is rooted in:

• Scalp health first
• Gentle, nourishing formulas
• Creating a daily ritual rather than a rushed routine

It’s very much aligned with the broader shift we’ve seen in beauty toward intentionality and simplicity.

What I Have Tried from Crown Affair

Over the past several years, I’ve incorporated a handful of their products into my routine to test in anticipation of writing this post:

• The Oil
• The Leave-In Conditioner
• The Towel
• The Brush
• The Shampoo
• The Overnight Serum
• The Scalp Serum
• The Dry Shampoo
• The Hair Gel
• The Finishing Spray

So let’s get into my review of those products I’ve tried from the brand…

The Leave-In Conditioner

This is one of the first products that made me a fan of the brand. This leave-in conditioner is designed to hydrate, detangle and protect hair while enhancing your natural texture.

What I liked:

• Leaves hair noticeably softer and more manageable
• Doesn’t feel heavy or sticky
• Great for air-drying

What to note:

• If you have very thick or coarse hair this may not be thick enough or provide enough hydration for you. (My hair is more on the fine side).

Verdict: Good for low maintenance hair days and when your hair feels like it needs extra TLC.

The Towel

Made from a waffle microfiber material, this towel is designed to reduce frizz and speed up drying time. I love, love, love this towel. So much so I have two – one for use at home and one for use when I travel. 

What I liked:

• Lightweight and easy to secure so it actually stays put!
• Helps minimize frizz compared to traditional towels
• Dries hair gently without roughing up the cuticle

Verdict: I love it and also love to gift it to friends. 

The Brush No. 02

This boar bristle brush is designed to distribute natural oils and promote scalp health.

What I liked:

• Helps smooth hair and reduce flyaways
• Great for creating a polished finish

What to note:

• Not ideal for detangling (I recommend the Wet Brush).
• Didn’t feel as high end as the rest of the line

Verdict: I won’t hold onto this. I much, much prefer my Mason Pearson and La Bonne Brosse brushes.

The Oil

Lightweight and silicone-free, it’s designed to smooth, add shine and support scalp health without weighing hair down.

What I liked:

• Absorbs quickly without leaving hair greasy
• Adds a subtle, healthy-looking sheen
• Works well on both damp and dry hair

What to note:

• If you have very fine hair, you’ll want to use a light hand
• The price point is high for the size

Verdict: I don’t reach for it that often. 

The Overnight Repair Serum

This is one of Crown Affair’s newer launches. It’s a lightweight, leave-in treatment you apply before bed so that it can work overnight to strengthen, smooth and hydrate strands while you sleep.

What I liked:

• Feels incredibly lightweight. I didn’t find there to be any residue on my hair or pillow after use
• Noticeably improves softness and manageability by morning
• A great low-effort way to support hair health over time

What to note:

• Best used consistently to see real results
• More of a long-term repair product vs. instant transformation

Verdict: If you like the idea of “doing something” for your hair without adding time to your routine, this is a worthwhile addition.

The Scalp Serum

I suffer from Seborrheic Dermatitis and when I get flare ups I need products to help soothe and heal. 

The formula is designed to hydrate, soothe and rebalance the scalp with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe and tea tree oil.

What I liked:

• Instantly soothing if your scalp feels dry or irritated
• Easy to apply thanks to the nozzle design
• Encourages a healthier scalp environment over time

What to note:

• Can leave the scalp looking slightly wet right after application so don’t use this before you plan to go out
• Best suited for dry or sensitive scalps vs. oily

Verdict: A nice add-on if you’re prioritizing scalp health but I don’t think this is essential for everyone.

The Dry Shampoo

Crown Affair’s take on dry shampoo really put the brand on the map I think. (It’s an Allure Best of Beauty award winner and was named one of WWD’s top 100 beauty products).

Instead of a traditional aerosol, it’s a loose powder applied with a brush. It uses ingredients like tapioca starch to absorb oil and persimmon powder to deodorize hair.

What I liked:

• Doesn’t leave that heavy, chalky buildup
• Blends surprisingly well — even on darker hair
• The brush application helps distribute product well

What to note:

• It can be messy. 
• Takes a bit more time to apply than a spray
• Not ideal if you want a quick, on-the-go refresh

Verdict: I will continue to reach for my forever favorite Klorane Dry Shampoo but I am so glad the brand did just release this cult favorite dry shampoo in a travel size that looks like an applicator I will prefer.

The Finishing Gel

If you typically associate hair gel with crunchiness or that overly “done” look, this one feels like a modern reimagining. I first borrowed some from a friend while traveling together and immediately bought it after use because I was so impressed with it. Now, I can’t live without it.

The formula is more of a gel-cream hybrid, offering light, buildable hold with zero residue. Hair is smoothed and tamed without any stiffness. 

What I liked:

• Smooths flyaways and frizz beautifully
• Works well for slicked-back buns or polished ponytails
• Can be used on wet or dry hair depending on the look you want

What to note:

• Hold is on the lighter side unless layered
• Not ideal if you want that ultra-slick, lacquered finish

Verdict: A very wearable, everyday styling product — especially if you like a more undone, natural finish.

The Finishing Spray

Crown Affair’s take on hairspray is a nice last step in your hair routine after you’ve heat styled. And given I am obsessed with the smell of this brand’s fragrance, I love using it as a combo hairspray-hair fragrance. 

Unlike traditional hairsprays, this formula is alcohol-free and uses ingredients like acacia gum and panthenol to provide a light, brushable hold while still keeping hair touchable and hydrated. 

What I liked:

• Gives a soft, flexible hold without any crunch
• Helps smooth flyaways and add a bit of polish
• Leaves hair feeling like…hair (not stiff or sticky)

What to note:

• Not strong enough for structured styles or long hold
• Better suited for everyday styling vs. events in my opinion

Verdict: A great “finishing touch” product if you prefer a natural look, but definitely not one to reach for when you need serious hold.

Crown Affair Accessories

The brand makes such thoughtful, chic hair accessories. I love their scrunchies and dainty hair clips. 

Is Crown Affair Worth It?

Short answer: it depends on what you value.

If you’re looking for:

• Aesthetic, elevated essentials
• A simplified routine
• Products that support long-term hair health

Then yes, Crown Affair is worth exploring.

Who I Think Crown Affair Is Best For

• Those who enjoy a more minimal, intentional beauty routine
• Anyone focused on scalp health and long-term hair care
• People who appreciate design-forward products
• Those who want to embrace their hair air dried as the brand makes several products geared towards this. Sadly, I am not a contender for those personally with my hair in its current state.

I will note I wasn’t a fan of the Shampoo when I tried it awhile back as it caused me to breakout all along my neck and hairline. It was the “Ritual” Shampoo I tried which I no longer see on their site so maybe they’ve re-formulated? 

Final Thoughts

Crown Affair feels like the haircare equivalent of “quiet luxury.”

And while not every product is a must-have, there are a few standouts that have earned a permanent place in my routine.

FAQ: Crown Affair Review

Is Crown Affair good for fine hair?

Yes, especially the Dry Shampoo and Gel. But with products like The Oil and The Leave-In Conditioner, you’ll want to use them sparingly.

Is Crown Affair worth the price?

Worth it is of course subjective. I don’t think the whole line is for everyone but there are some definite standouts and as mentioned, I love how this line smells making it quite worth it in my opinion from a sensorial, user-experience. 

Where can you buy Crown Affair?

You can shop the full line on the brand’s website and at retailers like Sephora.

You can save on Crown Affair when you build a bundle on their website. 

. . .

Have you tried Crown Affair? Do you have any favorite products? Read more of my Beauty Reviews.

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