Hair is never really just hair.
Our strands, whether curly, coily, straight, wavy, or any other texture, reflect who we are, our ancestry, and where we're from. It's like a crown we never take off, so making sure it's properly taken care of is paramount.
Since every texture, length, and style brings with it unique needs, for the year's Best Beauty Buys, we made sure to work with experts across the haircare industry who can speak to all hair types, to gather their recommendations for hair products worth buying right now. Then, we tested each and every product we're bringing to you to ensure they all work as promised.
From there, we were able to narrow down our list to the very best of the best. From shampoos and conditioners, to styling sprays and tools, we've got everything that will give you a professional finish right at home and on your budget.
So whether you're looking for color protection, something to make your curls pop, bond repair, or just want to slather your dry strands with a nourishing treatment product, you'll be fully covered.
Ready to find out our Best Beauty Buys winners? Discover the best hair products, ahead.
Best Haircare Brands Overall
Oribe
- Winning Category: Packaging & Design
This well-known luxury brand is beloved both by celebrities and their hairstylists, and for good reason. The brand has a line for every hair type and need and they all deliver professional results right at home.
MONDAY Haircare
- Winning Category: New Brand
Pick from MONDAY's Smooth, Volume, Moisture, or Gentle lines in order to customize your wash day.
adwoa beauty
- Winning Category: New Natural Hair Brand
Adwoa beauty has everything your natural hair will need for wash day.
Cleansing & Conditioning
PATTERN Hydration Shampoo
- Winning Category: Black-Owned Haircare Brand
Tracee Ellis Ross never misses, and with this product she's here to give your hair a fresh, very moisturized start.
PATTERN Medium Conditioner
- Winning Category: Black-Owned Haircare Brand
This medium shampoo is perfect for curlies who want to replenish moisture without weighing down their coils.
Carol's Daughter Hair Milk Cleansing Conditioner
- Winning Category: Co-Wash
Want to skip the shampoo this wash day? This cream co-wash gives your hair a good cleanse while still retaining moisture.
Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo
- Winning Category: Dry Shampoo
Greasy roots don't stand a chance against this dry shampoo. Bonus: Your hair (and you) will also enjoy the brand's signature fragrance.
Christophe Robin Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt
- Winning Category: Scalp Scrub
Believe it or not, the skin on your head needs love, too. Purify and detox your scalp with this physically exfoliating sea salt scrub.
Kérastase Discipline Smooth in Motion Shampoo & Conditioner
- Winning Category: Shampoo & Conditioner for Frizzy Hair
Curb frizz and enjoy smooth, sleek strands with this cleansing and conditioning duo.
Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Leave-In Conditioner
- Winning Category: Leave-In Conditioner for Natural Hair
If your in-shower conditioner just isn't giving your hair the oomph of moisture it needs, a few pumps of this leave-in will do the trick.
Camille Rose Sweet Ginger Cleansing Rinse
- Winning Category: Inexpensive Shampoo for Natural Hair
Seeking budget-friendly beauty? You truly can't go wrong with this invigorating ginger-infused rinse from Camille Rose.
OGX Extra Strength Hydrate & Repair + Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo & Conditioner
- Winning Category: Inexpensive Shampoo & Conditioner for Natural Hair
OGX has become a drugstore staple, simply because it works. The Argan Oil of Morocco line is beloved by nearly everyone — us, included.
Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
- Winning Category: Shampoo & Conditioner
If you've got weak, brittle hair, then you definitely need some Olaplex in your life. Your road to healthy hair starts with this bond-strengthening shampoo.
Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner
- Winning Category: Shampoo & Conditioner
Follow up with this bond-strengthening conditioner and you'll be well on your way.
Biolage Professional Color Last Shampoo and Conditioner
- Winning Category: Shampoo & Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair
This shampoo and conditioning duo is perfect for all types of color-treated hair. Add it to your routine and expect zero brassiness or fading any time soon.
Oribe Shampoo & Conditioner for Magnificent Volume
- Winning Category: Shampoo & Conditioner for Fine Hair
Got fine hair, and looking for a little more body? Use this Oribe line to add a little oomph to your mane.
TPH by Taraji Honey Fresh Shampoo & Make It Rain Conditioner
- Winning Category: Shampoo & Conditioner for Natural Hair
Taraji never lets us down, and she delivers at only $10 a pop with this moisturizing duo.
Treatment Products
K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
- Winning Category: Hair Mask
What if we told you there was a hair mask you didn't need to wash out. Well, here it is — and trust us, you'll notice softer hair after just one use. Another plus: it will stop breakage over time.
OUAI Leave In Conditioner x BYREDO
- Winning Category: Leave-In Conditioner
The hydration of a leave-in with the scent of a perfume. Does it really get any better than that?
Olaplex No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Serum
- Winning Category: Most Innovative
Olaplex's latest drop is the perfect product to use before your next blow out to keep your hair protected from heat, all while mending damage.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Scalp Serum
- Winning Category: Scalp Serum
Give your scalp a surge of moisture with this serum's blend of ATP, algin, and papaya extract.
BREAD Beauty Supply hair-oil
- Winning Category: Hair Oil for Natural Hair
Add shine and luster, all while nourishing your curls with this weightless oil.
Mizani True Textures Define Pudding
- Winning Category: Curl Definer for Natural Hair
Finger comb this through your hair after wash day to get show-stopping defined curls and coils.
SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Treatment Masque
- Winning Category: Deep Conditioner for Natural Hair
Is your hair extra thirsty these days? Well, this masque, infused with Jamaican Black Castor Oil, is like the tall glass of water your curls have been yearning for.
Cantu Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque
- Winning Category: Hair Mask for Natural Hair
Let this shea butter-rich masque do all the work when it comes to moisturizing your curls on wash day. Just make sure to leave on for 30 minutes before you rinse.
Styling Products
L'Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Unscented Hairspray
- Winning Category: Hairspray
Looking for extra strong hold without the fragrance? Well, you won't need to look any further with this L'Oréal classic.
Living Proof No Frizz Instant De-Frizzer
- Winning Category: Anti-Frizz Product
Trying to combat frizz after a long day outdoors? Let this dry conditioning spray do all the work.
Nexxus Weightless Style Prep & Protect Leave-In Spray with Hyaluronic Acid
- Winning Category: Heat-Protecting Spray
Hyaluronic acid isn't only good for your face. Prep your hair with extra hydration before you begin styling with this gem.
rahua Voluminous Spray
- Winning Category: Natural/Eco-Friendly Styling Product
Yep, you can absolutely achieve extra volume using clean ingredients — rahua Voluminous Spray is evidence of that.
ColorWow Root Cover Up
- Winning Category: Root Coverage Product
Looking for a quick way to cover up grays or stretch out your next color appointment? ColorWow's tried-and-true Root Cover Up is guaranteed to get the job done.
Kinky-Curly Knot Today
- Winning Category: Detangler for Natural Hair
This OG detangling product has been a favorite among naturals for decades, simply because it works.
Camille Rose Moroccan Pear Conditioning Custard
- Winning Category: Inexpensive Conditioner for Natural Hair
Apply this conditioning custard to freshly washed, damp hair, then allow it to sit for five to 10 minutes for unbelievably soft curls.
Amika Curl Corps Enhancing Gel
- Winning Category: Curl Definer
Use it for a wash-and-go or use it for your next twist out. Either way, expect your curls and coils to be perfectly defined.
Miss Jessie's Pillow Soft Curls
- Winning Category: Styling Cream for Natural Hair
Looking for all the definition without the crunch? Then you truly cannot go wrong with this staple from Miss Jessie's.
PHYTOVOLUME Volumizing Blow-Dry Spray
- Winning Category: Volumizer
Get the most volume out of your blow out. Simply spritz on before styling, and you'll be left with bombshell results.
R+Co Sail Soft Wave Spray
- Winning Category: Wave Enhancer
Give yourself lived-in beachy waves in just one step. Simply spray on, use your fingers to tousle your hair, and voila.
Color Wow Extra Mist-ical Shine Spray
- Winning Category: Shine Product
At the end of your styling session, spritz on Color Wow's Extra Mist-ical Shine Spray for the perfect glossy finish.
Virtue 6-In-1 Styler
- Winning Category: Styling Cream
This all-in-one styler works hard to add softness, shine, and light hydration, all while strengthening, and protecting hair from hot tools. Seriously, can't go wrong with that.
Tools
Dyson Supersonic
- Winning Category: Blow Dryer
There's a reason why Dyson products have a cult following — they're among the best on the market.So while the price may be a bit steep for some, it's well-worth the investment.
Yves Durif Vented Brush
- Winning Category: Eco-Friendly Hair Tool
Finally, a paddle brush you can really use with your blow dryer. Enough said.
ghd platinum+ styler
- Winning Category: Flat Iron
With this flat iron, you'll never have to second guess your temperature setting. This one sits at 365°F, which is safe for all textures, while still giving results.
Denman Brush, D38 Power Paddle
- Winning Category: Paddle Brush
Known as one of the go-to paddle brushes, trust the Denman to safely detangle, define curls, and even help you achieve a silky smooth blow out.
Ibiza Hair CC4
- Winning Category: Round Brush
Use this round brush for your next blow out to guarantee a smooth and shiny finish.
T3 Whirl Trio
- Winning Category: Curling Iron/Wand
Whether you want wand curls, or you're looking to create beach waves, this trio will give you everything you need to create your perfect finish.
Crown Affair The Comb No. 002
- Winning Category: Comb/Tool for Natural Hair
Expect to be wowed by this detangling comb. Use in-shower, out-of-shower, or whenever you need it.
Curl Queen The Glove
- Winning Category: Most Innovative for Natural Hair
Curl Queen's The Glove is truly the one tool you need for wash day. Use it to stimulate your scalp, apply product, and even detangle.
Hair Accessories
Lelet NY Hair Clips
- Winning Category: Hair Clips
These one-of-a-kind hair clips are sure to take your style — whatever it may be — to the next level.
Lele Sadoughi Headbands
- Winning Category: Headbands
Add a pop of color or a pop of glitz to your hair using on of the brand's many flashy headbands.