How many half-empty haircare products are currently collecting dust under your bathroom sink because they didn’t deliver on their promise to tame your frizz or plump up your lifeless locks? With this comprehensive haircare product guide for all hair types (even yours), you’ll never waste an expensive bottle of shampoo again. Whether your hair is curly or straight, thin or thick, short or long, or somewhere in between, here are 41 products for every type of hair that live up to the hype.
Best Products For Curly/Natural Hair
1. Meet the curl maker.
A lot of products designed for curly/natural hair promise to make your curls shiny, soft, and bouncy, but end up leaving your hair crunchier than a bag of half-eaten Cheetos. Say goodbye to crunchy curls with Camille Rose Naturals Curl Maker. This styling jelly contains a ton of nourishing ingredients, like marshmallow and agave extracts, vitamins E and B12, and aloe vera to give your curly hair ultimate softness and shine.
2. Milk makes your hair strong and healthy too.
Camille Rose Naturals Curl Maker really works best if you use it with their Curl Love Moisture Milk, a super hydrating leave-in conditioner containing rice milk, organic avocado, and slippery elm bark to help detangle curly tresses as it moisturizes. Camille Rose Naturals Curl Love Moisture Milk is the perfect product for curly hair in winter months, when cold temps can cause dry, brittle hair. Camille Rose Naturals Curl Love Moisture Milk can be used on wet hair or even dry locks if they’re feeling brittle.
3. Beat the heat and humidity with this amazing gel.
Madam CJ Walker Beauty Culture Coconut and Moringa Oils Humidity Block Curl Gel is definitely a splurge item, but it’s so worth the cost for a product that actually does combat humidity to tame frizzy, dry curls. This gel does double duty to protect your curls; it provides a protective barrier from moisture in the air to prevent frizz from forming while locking in your hair’s natural moisture to keep curls soft and manageable at the same time.
4. Perfect curls, every time.
An affordable alternative to luxe hydrating curl gels, Foxy Curls by TIGI Bed Head Screw It Curl Hydrating Gel promises soft, defined curls with every use. A three-ounce tube will last a long time, even on the thickest head of curly hair. You only need a tiny amount (think pea-sized) to work through hair. Pro tip: Apply starting at mid-length and work your way down to the tip to avoid weighing hair down at the root.
Best Products For Dry/Damaged Hair
5. Channel Cleopatra’s iconic look with this gel.
Perfect for hair that is prone to split ends and breaking, The Mane Choice Ancient Egyptian 24 Karat Gold Twisting Gel works best for twist outs and braided hairstyles but is an ideal choice for anyone looking to hydrate and repair damaged locks. While this product won’t make your hair grow faster, it is enriched with biotin and vitamin D, so the gold twisting gel helps prevent split ends, promoting natural hair growth and retention.
6. Treat your hair to an at-home spa day.
We love an at-home DIY spa day, but when was the last time you treated your hair to some TLC? Order a set of Ouai Treatment Masques, designed by celebrity stylist Jen Atkin, to restore damaged hair’s softness after just one use. These masques contain artichoke leaf extract, which helps seal each strand’s cuticle, resulting in less breakage and fewer split ends. Simply work through damp hair, leave on for 10 minutes, and rinse away for best results. Best enjoyed with a hot bath and cucumber face mask.
7. A few drops of this product help repair damaged hair.
Stylists and salon-goers alike rave about Moroccanoil’s Moroccan Oil Treatment for damaged hair. It’s infused with ultra-hydrating Argan oil and can be used right out of the shower, during styling, or even to smooth flyaways. And even though it’s an oil, because of its lightweight formula, it’s great for all hair types, even very thin hair, because it won’t weight tresses down.
8. Prevent dry, damaged hair in the shower.
It really takes a multi-step approach to tackle damaged hair. While the shampoo you got on clearance at the drugstore may be perfectly fine for the average user, if your hair is prone to split ends and breakage, we love this Aveda Dry Remedy Shampoo and Conditioner Duo. Not only will this leave your hair shiny and soft, but it smells great too, which makes sense considering it’s infused with certified organic bergamot, lavender, and ginger lily extracts.
For Straight Hair/Blowout Styles
9. Cross the line.
The invisible oil line, that is, with Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil, which features an enriching blend of six oils, including coconut oil, grapeseed oil extract, and sweet almond oil that won’t weigh hair down. Ideal for any type of hair, Invisible Oil is best used before styling to tame frizz, protect hair from styling tools, and prevent damage. You can also simply work a small amount through dry hair after a blowout for a sleek, polished look.
10. Protect your mane with this budget-friendly spray.
Good haircare doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. That’s why we love L’Oreal Paris Sleek It Hair Spray as an alternative to pricier heat protectants. As an added bonus, Sleek It is available in most drug stores. It’s perfect for straight styles that require frequent blowouts to protect hair from high heat, seal in moisture, and prevent frizz from forming. And, at less than four bucks per bottle, it’s a must-have styling product that won’t break the bank.
11. Shine on.
How do celebs and hair models in commercials get such impossibly shiny, frizz-free locks? While they probably have a small army of stylists ready to combat the smallest flyaway, you just need one product for hair to shine: Saints & Sinners Illuminati Divine Shine Holographic Serum. The serum works for all hair types but is perfect for giving straight hair high shine thanks to its blend of protective botanical oils. This Saints & Sinners serum is also phthalate-, paraben-, and palm oil–free, so you can feel good about what you’re putting on your hair.
Best Products For Fine/Thin Hair
12. Bounce back with this shower set.
It’s so hard to know what to do with thin hair. Products containing oils can easily weigh hair down, causing it to appear lifeless and flat. Volumizing products can plump strands up but leave frizz behind. So what’s a girl with fine hair to do? Try Herbal Essences Bio-Renew White Grapefruit and Mosa Mint Shampoo and Conditioner for your go-to shower routine. Like most Herbal Essences products, this shampoo and conditioner set smells divine and lives up to the promise to gently restore volume to thin hair without drying it out.
13. Big hair, don’t care.
It’s easy to pump up hair’s volume with Big Sexy Hair Powder Play, a texturizing spray powder that magically lifts and locks in style for any type of fine hair. Simply spray on hair at the root (and remember that a little bit goes a long way with this product), work through hair, and style as you normally would for lift that lasts all day.
14. Fake thick hair fast.
Living Proof Thickening Cream is a lifesaver for any woman with thin, fine hair. This silicone-free cream actually deposits thickening “dots” to plump each strand up to five times longer than other similar products. The end result? Hair that looks so voluminous and thick, it could be mistaken for one of Dolly Parton’s wigs. Okay, so maybe not that voluminous, but you get the idea.
15. Take care of your scalp to prevent thinning hair.
Preventing thin hair begins with taking care of your scalp. Use Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Scalp Care Anti-Thinning Shampoo to cleanse your scalp and stimulate hair growth. Featuring a blend of clover, ginseng, and other stimulating botanicals, this color-safe shampoo is perfect for daily use on curly or straight hair that’s not as thick as you’d like it to be.
Best Products to Fight Frizz
16. Sleek, shiny hair all day, every day.
It’s been such a muggy, humid summer, we’ve just stopped trying to combat frizzy flyaways. That is, until we found OGX Anti-Frizz Hydrating Kukui Oil. This Hawaiian oil is perfect for helping hair maintain moisture and shine, while providing a protective barrier against humid temps that can cause your hair to frizz out. Best of all, this oil is light enough for any type of hair; just spritz through before styling, or rub a small amount through dry hair for luminous, sleek shine.
17. The best way to combat frizz isn’t an oil or a serum.
Getting rid of frizz starts before you even begin to style your hair—as soon as you step out of the shower. Use a microfiber hair towel, like this 2-Pack Anti-Frizz Turban For Sleeping and Showering to quickly absorb water without having to rub your hair in a cotton towel, which can cause major frizz. These microfiber towels dry quickly and feature an elastic band, so they stay put until you’re ready to brush and style your hair.
18. Sleep on satin for luxe locks.
Keep frizz at bay between washes by sleeping on a satin or silk pillowcase, like this Shop Bedding Blissford Satin Pillowcase, instead of cotton. Cotton soaks up moisture and oils (think about how quickly cotton balls soak up oils and residue on your skin and nails) which can leave hair dry and brittle the next day. But silk and satin allow hair to retain moisture, allowing your blowout to last days longer. Plus, it just feels extra glam to sleep on satin, you know?
Best Products For Thick/Coarse Hair
19. Finally, a hair tie that holds ALL your hair!
Scunci, the makers of those ubiquitous black hair ties that somehow end up wherever lost socks and extra bobby pins hide, finally has a product for all the ladies with #thickhairproblems: Scunci Thick Hair Black Elastics. This hair tie two-pack contains 48 hair ties, so you won’t be desperately searching for hair ties on your way to the gym or work. They’re also metal-free for an all-day, no-damage hold. And with this double pack, you’ll never have to hunt for a hair tie again.
20. Quench coarse hair in under five minutes.
A deep-conditioning treatment for thick or coarse hair that provides real results in under five minutes really is a miracle, and so is Aussie’s beloved 3-Minute Miracle Moist Conditioning Treatment. This deep-conditioning cream is perfect to lather on when you first hop in the shower so you can rinse it away a few minutes later. It’s gentle enough to use several times a week, or anytime you feel like your hair needs a triple-shot of moisture.
21. Untangle even the thickest hair with this brush.
How many times have you simply had to throw your impossibly thick hair up into a messy bun because you just didn’t have time to brush it out and style it before work? May we suggest giving the Wet Brush Custom Care for Thick Hair a try? This brush is designed specifically to navigate thick hair, combing out even the knottiest tangles with strong, sparse bristles that gently massage the scalp.
Best Products For Color-Treated Hair
22. Restore color-treated hair to its former glory.
You love your new rich fall-hued color, which pairs perfectly with pumpkin spice season, but adding color to your hair can leave locks brittle if they‘re not cared for properly. Enter Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3 Repairing Treatment, a restorative treatment free from phthalates, parabens, and sulfates with a cult-like following. Apply a generous amount through damp hair, leave on for ten minutes, and watch your color-treated hair come back to life.
23. Phase out the fade out.
Do you spend a small fortune to keep up your signature shade, only to have the color fade to a tarnished hue after a few washes? Well, no more, thanks to Matrix Biolage Colorlast Shampoo and Conditioner. This shampoo and conditioner set has a low pH, meaning it won’t wash color out over time, meaning you can keep your new hue from fading for up to nine weeks. More good news, this shampoo-and-conditioner duo is gentle enough for daily use.
24. Go ahead, skip wash day.
Washing hair too often can fade color fast, which is why we thank the hair goddesses every day for this ultra-affordable Suave Professionals Color Care Dry Shampoo. Like most dry shampoos, Suave Color Care absorbs oil away from the scalp, keeping your mane looking fresh between washes. It also protects color from becoming dull thanks to its keratin-infused technology.
Best Products For Blonde Hair
25. Do blondes really have more fun?
Well, we can’t actually answer that question, but we can recommend Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo to keep your bleach-blonde tresses looking their best. We know it’s pretty pricey for shampoo, but this sulfate-free violet shampoo is beloved by stylists who know it can help correct brassy tones and illuminate natural highlights, making it worth every penny.
26. Blonde haircare that doesn’t cost a fortune.
For a more affordable daily blonde shampoo, turn to the OG John Frieda Sheer Blonde Colour Renew Tone-Correcting Shampoo and Conditioner Duo. This shampoo promises to counter brassy tones and bring back your bright blonde ’do in just three washes. It’s appropriate for every shade of blonde, from ash to platinum, and can be used as part of your daily shower routine.
Best Products For Postpartum Hair
27. Hide thin spots fast with this postpartum miracle.
Okay, so Nioxin Thickening Spray isn’t a product made specifically for postpartum hair loss. Unfortunately, nothing can really stop your hair from falling out after having a baby (thanks, hormones), but this spray can minimize the appearance of extremely thin or patchy spots. It works for every hair type and adds instant, lasting volume thanks to its ProThick technology.
28. Gently detangle hair to hang on to every strand.
It’s the most disheartening thing to watch your postpartum hair fall out by the handful every time you run a brush through it. A good detangling cream, like Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner, can help save strands as you comb hair out post-shower. The weightless formula ensures that thinning hair doesn’t get weighed down by product, which leaves you with bouncy, voluminous hair.
29. Give your hair a strength-training session.
Just like you practiced kegel exercises all through your pregnancy, your postpartum hair needs strengthening too, which is why we love this Shea Moisture Strengthen, Grow & Restore Shampoo and Conditioner Set. The main ingredient, Jamaican black castor oil, helps hair grow stronger, prevents breakage, and gently cleanses the scalp to promote new growth over time.
30. Trick everyone into thinking new mommyhood is just a day at the beach.
Yeah, right! But the right texturizing spray, like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, can really help add volume to thinning or patchy hair. Similar to a dry shampoo, texturizing spray plumps up hair by absorbing oils that weigh hair down and adds dimension as you work the product through dry hair to give it a tousled look. No one will ever know you haven’t showered or slept in three days with Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray!
31. If all else fails, just cover it up.
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, it is almost impossible to disguise postpartum hair loss. If that’s the case, don’t despair! Treat yourself to these adorable Boho Criss Cross Hair Wraps for a polished look when you just can’t deal with your hair. And remember, even though it may not seem like it, postpartum hair loss does not last forever. One day, your luscious locks will return, we promise.
Best Products For Gray Hair
32. Treat your silver locks right with this shampoo.
Silver-haired goddesses, rejoice. Women in their twenties, thirties, and beyond are rocking the silver look with good reason: It looks amazing on everyone! Whether you’re going gray naturally or you’ve chosen silver-hued hair, take care of your tresses with Clairol Shimmer Lights Original Shampoo for blonde and silver hair. Gray and silver hair can start to look dull over time, but this blue shampoo helps remove residue and yellow undertones to reveal shimmering strands.
33. Hydrate your hair for soft, silver strands.
As our hair grays, it loses moisture and becomes much coarser over time. That’s why keeping silver hair hydrated is ultra important. Keep moisture locked in with Redken Diamond Oil Shatterproof Shine Intense Oil Treatment. With its patented hybrid oil technology, Redken Diamond Oil delivers high shine and locks in moisture for thirsty hair. Unfortunately, this amazing product has been discontinued by Redken (say it ain’t so!), but you can still get it from verified third-party sellers on Amazon.
34. Cover silver hair up, if you must.
We think rocking silver and gray hair is totally awesome, but we understand that not every woman may feel that way. If you do choose to cover your gray with a permanent all-over color, make sure you visit a professional to get the perfect style and color. But, if you’re looking for a temporary solution to gray hair, how about trying L’Oreal Colorista 1-Day Spray in 10 different unique shades, including rose gold. This one-day color is totally temporary and washes out immediately in the shower, so unlike permanent hair color, there’s no commitment (and no risk of a botched at-home dye job!).
Best Products For Short/Shaved Hair
35. Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate!
Just because you’ve shaved your head doesn’t mean you get to skimp on taking care of your scalp and hair. Exfoliate your scalp to keep flakes away with Kiehl’s Deep Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Treatment. Gently massage it all over your scalp, leave it on for about five minutes, and rinse the treatment off before shampooing your hair like normal for a scalp that’s clean and dandruff-free.
36. Super Goo to the rescue.
Kevin Murphy Super.Goo sounds like a kids’ bath product, but it’s actually the perfect pomade for super-short hairstyles. This water-soluble, firm-hold gel promises to mold hair without leaving annoying flakes as your style dries. It’s formulated with nettle, bamboo, and green tea extracts that’ll nourish hair all day long.
37. Get that James Dean look.
Just because you have short hair doesn’t mean you’re not at risk for breakage and split ends. Take care of your hair from root to tip with Kristin Ess Depth Defining Water Based/Soft Matte Pomade. Unlike a lot of pomades, this water-based matte pomade won’t leave a sticky residue in your hair that’s hard to shampoo out. Instead, hair is left with a soft, smooth texture while holding your style all day long.
Best Products For Long Hair
38. Nip split ends in the bud.
Okay, so we’re never ones to advocate for cutting your own hair, but when you have extremely long hair, split ends can cause irreparable damage to hardwon hair growth. If you can’t make it to the salon for frequent trims, keep this set of Professional Hair Cutting Barber Scissors with Comb and Case nearby for the occasional nip off the ends. Just don’t go overboard and decide to give yourself a bob. Leave the major cuts to the professionals—trust us!
39. The best product you’re not using on long hair.
You probably use dry shampoo a few times a week to extend the life of your ‘do, but are you using dry conditioner regularly? If not, we strongly suggest you order Eva NYC Forget Me Knot Dry Conditioner right now. It’s essential for long locks. Keep them hydrated and soft between washes. This lightweight dry conditioner won’t weigh long hair down and is perfect for throwing in your gym or work tote to refresh hair during the day.
40. Say bye-bye to hair ties.
It’s ultra annoying to have your long hair whipping around in your face when you’re working out, but hair ties can spell major damage and split ends for long tresses. Instead of using a billion bobby pins to hold back your hair, give these spiral hair pins a whirl. They provide a strong hold, without doing damage to your locks.
41. Viva la resistance!
Choosing a shampoo that will prevent breakage is key when you’re trying to maintain long hair. That’s why we love Kerastase Resistance Bain Force Architecte Reconstructing Shampoo, which conditions and strengthens hair for optimal growth without breakage.
