Trying to figure out which hair product is actually worth your money?
We tested dozens of shampoos, conditioners, oils, serums, sprays, and styling tools — and read through hundreds of user reviews — to bring you the real standouts.
No fluff. Just the stuff that actually works.
Table of content
Best hair products: Our top picks
- Best overall: Bio-Pilixin Activation Serum
- Best shampoo for thinning hair: Briogeo Destined For Density Caffeine + Biotin Shampoo
- Best heat protectant spray: Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray
- Best budget shampoo and conditioner: Dove Daily Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner
- Best hair oil: Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil
- Best moisturizing shampoo and conditioner: L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron Plump
- Best at-home hair color: Phyto Phytocolor Permanent Hair Color
1. Best overall: Bio-Pilixin Activation Serum
This serum is made for anyone dealing with hair shedding or thinning patches. It’s powered by plant-based ingredients like Capilia Longa®, niacinamide, and a mild warming agent that helps wake up the scalp.
No harsh chemicals. No drugs. Just a science-backed formula that’s easy to use every day.
What stands out? It actually has clinical data to back up the claims. Most people noticed less hair fall within weeks.
The one downside? It’s not cheap. But if you’ve tried everything and nothing sticks, this one’s worth looking into.
2. Best shampoo for thinning hair: Briogeo Destined For Density Caffeine + Biotin Shampoo
This one’s like a wake-up call for sleepy roots. It’s got caffeine, biotin, and copper peptides — all ingredients that help thinning hair look fuller over time. It smells clean and doesn’t leave buildup.
It’s not a miracle in a bottle, but it works if you’re patient. Use it a few times a week, and it may help reduce hair shedding. The downside? It’s pricey for the size. You’ll probably want to pair it with a conditioner or mask, too.
3. Best heat protectant spray: Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray
If you use a blow dryer, flat iron, or curling wand, this spray has your back. It protects up to 450°F and keeps your hair from feeling dry or crispy afterward. Works on damp or dry hair, and it also detangles surprisingly well.
It’s light, not sticky, and doesn’t leave a weird film on your hair. Some folks might want more volume from their products, but if your goal is healthy, smooth hair — this one’s a solid pick.
4. Best budget shampoo and conditioner: Dove Daily Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner
If your hair’s dry and your wallet’s tighter than a braid on prom night, this pair gets the job done. It hydrates just enough, doesn’t leave buildup, and leaves your hair feeling clean and soft.
It won’t deeply repair damaged hair, but for an everyday wash that’s gentle and affordable, it’s hard to complain. It’s lightweight, smells fresh, and honestly works better than some expensive brands.
5. Best hair oil: Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil
This little bottle does a lot. It smooths frizz, adds shine, and protects from heat — all without weighing your hair down. It’s also a bond builder, so it actually helps fix damage over time.
A few drops go a long way, which helps justify the price. It does have silicone, which some folks avoid, but if you want sleek, soft hair that behaves, it’s a favorite for a reason.
6. Best moisturizing shampoo and conditioner: L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron Plump
This duo is like a glass of water for your hair. Infused with hyaluronic acid, it adds softness and hydration without feeling heavy. If your hair’s been feeling dry, dull, or rough — this can help bring it back to life.
It smells nice and leaves your hair bouncy and light. One note: it’s not super rich, so if your hair is super thick or coarse, you might need to layer with a deeper treatment.
7. Best at-home hair color: Phyto Phytocolor Permanent Hair Color
Coloring your hair at home can be messy and nerve-wracking, but this dye keeps things simple. It’s ammonia-free, gentle on the scalp, and leaves hair feeling surprisingly soft after coloring.
The shade range isn’t massive, but the color comes out even and lasts well. If you’ve had bad luck with box dyes in the past, this might change your mind.
8. Best dry shampoo: Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo
This dry shampoo actually makes your hair feel clean — not just smell clean. It absorbs oil without leaving that weird chalky white layer, and it helps stretch your wash days by two or three days.
It’s a bit on the expensive side, but if you’re tired of dry shampoos that don’t do much or make your scalp itch, this one stands out. Great for fine hair too.
9. Best for colored hair: Redken Acidic Color Gloss Shampoo and Conditioner
This shampoo and conditioner help keep color-treated hair looking fresh, shiny, and soft. They’re sulfate-free, gentle, and made to help your color last longer — which is nice if you paid a lot at the salon.
Some folks find the conditioner tricky to squeeze out of the bottle, but the results are worth it. It’s especially good if your hair tends to fade or feel dry after coloring.
10. Best scalp massager: Leonor Greyl Massaging Scalp Brush
Feels like a mini spa session in your shower. This little tool helps lather shampoo better, exfoliate the scalp, and even work in oils or treatments. It’s great if you deal with buildup, dandruff, or just like a good scalp massage.
It’s easy to hold, doesn’t tangle hair, and works on all textures. No real downsides unless you forget to use it — which, honestly, is easy to do until you remember how good it feels.
11. Best luxury shampoo and conditioner: Joico InnerJoi Strengthen Shampoo and Conditioner
If your hair feels weak, flat, or just “blah,” this duo brings it back to life. It’s loaded with plant oils and proteins to gently cleanse and strengthen without stripping your color. It leaves hair feeling fuller and more manageable — especially after a few washes.
It does take a bit longer to rinse out, which can be a small hassle. But if you’re after salon-quality results at home and don’t mind the extra rinse time, this set really does deliver.
12. Best curl definer: Pattern Beauty Curl Mousse
This airy foam defines curls without making them feel stiff or crunchy. It adds bounce, helps control frizz, and enhances your natural curl pattern without weighing anything down. Bonus — it smells nice without being overpowering.
Some users find the floral scent a bit strong, but the performance makes up for it. Whether you air dry or diffuse, it helps curls stay intact all day.
13. Best leave-in conditioner: It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product
This one’s a classic. It detangles, smooths, adds shine, and protects from heat — all in one spray. It’s great for all hair types, especially if you’re in a rush and don’t want to pile on five different products.
It can be tricky to spray at times, and the bottle isn’t the most ergonomic. But if you’re looking for a no-fuss solution to soften and protect your hair, it’s a go-to for good reason.
14. Best root touch-up: Clairol Nice 'n Easy Root Touch-Up
Covering grays or outgrowth doesn’t have to mean a trip to the salon. This root touch-up kit is easy to use, comes with a brush, and blends really well with your existing color. It’s a solid fix between dye jobs.
Some folks say it doesn’t last as long as they hoped, but it’s great for quick cover-ups and emergencies. Especially handy if you’ve got an event and no time for a full dye session.
15. Best hair thickening spray: Kristin Ess Instant Lift Thickening Spray
If your hair tends to fall flat, this spray adds noticeable volume and texture right at the roots. It’s lightweight, not sticky, and gives hair a fuller look without making it feel like straw.
The spray nozzle can be a bit unpredictable — sometimes it squirts instead of mists. But when it works, it works. Ideal for fine or limp hair that needs a little extra body.
16. Best styling cream: John Frieda Frizz Ease Secret Weapon Touch-Up Crème
This little tube smooths flyaways, softens dry ends, and helps reshape hair between washes. It’s light enough to use on the go and doesn’t leave any greasiness behind.
It won’t give heavy definition, so if your hair’s very thick or coily, you might want something richer. But for everyday touch-ups, it’s a handy tool to keep nearby.
17. Best straightening shampoo and conditioner: Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Shampoo & Conditioner
This duo helps tame frizz and adds sleekness from the shower — no heavy serums needed. It’s infused with protein to smooth the hair and works well in humid weather too.
Some users with thick or colored hair find it not quite moisturizing enough. But if you’re after smooth, straight styles with minimal effort, it’s a great base.
18. Best blowout crème: Joico YouthLock Blowout Crème
This lightweight cream helps you get that salon-style blowout at home. It protects from heat, adds shine, and keeps hair moving and soft — not stiff or sticky.
Just don’t overdo it, especially if you have fine hair. A little goes a long way. But when used right, it gives you a smoother, healthier-looking finish that lasts for days.
19. Best texturizing spray: TRESemmé One Step 5-in-1 Texture Mist
Great for adding movement and a bit of grit to clean hair. This spray gives light hold, a little volume, and soft texture — like second-day hair, but on purpose.
It doesn’t make hair stiff, which is a big win. Just note that if your hair is very fine or soft, it might leave a slightly fuzzy finish depending on how much you use.
20. Best smoothing hair product: L’Oréal Paris Elvive 8 Second Wonder Water
This treatment works fast. You apply it in the shower, and in just eight seconds it helps make your hair smoother and shinier. It’s water-light and doesn’t weigh hair down.
It’s not a deep conditioner, so you might need more hydration if your hair’s super dry. But for quick, visible results — especially on frizzy or dull hair — it’s a game changer.
21. Best hair serum: Matrix Food For Soft Multi-Use Hair Oil Serum
This serum has a silky, lightweight texture that works on both damp and dry hair. It softens strands, adds shine, and helps your hair look more polished without the greasy feel.
It’s especially nice if your ends feel dry or your hair looks dull. Just go easy if your hair is fine — too much can weigh it down. But for everyday softness, it’s a solid pick.
22. Best budget hair oil: Herbal Essences Bio: Renew Argan Oil & Aloe Mist
This one’s affordable and actually works. The mist hydrates, detangles, and smooths without feeling heavy or oily. It’s great for taming frizz or refreshing hair between washes.
Some folks find the floral scent a bit strong, but the results are hard to beat for the price. It’s also nice that it works well on both damp and dry hair.
23. Best hair mask: Joico HydraSplash Hydrating Gelee Masque
If your hair feels thirsty but gets weighed down easily, this gel-based mask is a nice middle ground. It adds hydration, smoothness, and softness — especially for fine to medium hair.
It might not be rich enough for thick or curly textures, but if you’ve avoided masks because they feel too heavy, this one might surprise you.
24. Best for frizzy hair: Kérastase Discipline Anti-Frizz Smoothing Spray
This spray helps keep frizz in check without adding weight or crunch. It’s light, smells great, and gives your hair a smooth finish that holds up even on humid days.
It is expensive, no doubt. But if you’ve tried cheaper anti-frizz products with no luck, this one feels like it actually does what it promises.
25. Best thickening shampoo and conditioner: Kérastase Densifique Bodifying Set
This set helps fine or thinning hair feel fuller without making it stiff or sticky. The shampoo cleanses gently, and the conditioner adds body while still feeling light.
Some users didn’t love the twist-off caps, but the formulas themselves are strong. It’s especially helpful if you want more volume without sacrificing softness.
26. Best hair pomade: Nexxus Slick Stick Strong Hold Wax
Perfect for taming flyaways and baby hairs, this wax stick is quick, easy, and doesn’t make your hair feel sticky or stiff. It’s great for sleek buns or ponytails.
Just don’t overdo it — a little goes a long way. Some users noticed flaking with heavy use, but when applied sparingly, it keeps everything in place without fuss.
27. Best hair dryer: Hot Tools Pro Artist Black Gold Ionic Dryer
This dryer dries hair fast and doesn’t fry it in the process. It has multiple heat settings, a cool shot button, and comes with attachments for different hair types.
It’s a bit heavier than some newer models, and the settings might be confusing at first. But for the price and performance, it’s a strong pick for everyday styling.
28. Best flat iron: BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Dual Ionic Flat Iron
This iron heats up in seconds and glides smoothly through the hair. It’s lightweight, easy to handle, and helps fight frizz thanks to the ionic technology.
It works best on fine to medium hair — those with very thick hair may need to go over each section a couple of times.
Still, it’s a reliable tool that gives sleek results without frying your strands.
29. Best recovery mask for wavy hair: Function of Beauty Pro Conditioner Mask
Tailored for wavy textures, this mask softens and defines without making your hair feel heavy. It’s especially good if your waves lose shape or get puffy.
The scent isn’t for everyone — some love it, some find it strong — but the formula itself works well to add bounce and manageability without extra styling.
30. Best root lifter: Fekkai Root Lift
This root spray gives noticeable lift without the sticky feel of some volumizers. Just spray it at the roots before styling, and you’ll get that fuller, more lifted look.
Remember to shake the bottle before using. Some folks skip that and end up with uneven spray. But if your roots fall flat fast, this can perk things up in seconds.
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How we tested the hair products
We tried more than 50 different hair products over several weeks, covering everything from salon-level shampoos to under-$10 drugstore finds.
Each one was used by real testers with different hair types — curly, straight, wavy, thin, thick — and judged on how it felt, how it worked, and how long it held up.
Beyond hands-on testing, we also read hundreds of reviews from buyers who’d been using these products for months.
If something consistently underperformed or felt more hype than help, it didn’t make the cut.
How to choose the right hair products for your hair type
Hair products aren’t one-size-fits-all. What works for someone with oily, fine hair probably won’t work for thick, dry curls. Here’s how to pick what fits your hair best.
Straight hair
Straight hair tends to get oily faster and can fall flat without the right support. Lightweight shampoos, volumizing sprays, and dry shampoos can help keep it fresh and lifted.
Avoid heavy creams or oils unless your hair is dry — they’ll just weigh everything down.
If you straighten your hair often, look for heat protectants with a lightweight feel. You want to protect your strands without killing movement.
Wavy hair
Wavy hair walks the line between straight and curly. It needs hydration but not too much, or it goes limp. Moisturizing shampoos, lightweight conditioners, and curl-defining products help bring out texture without making hair feel greasy.
It also responds well to leave-in conditioners and styling creams that can enhance wave patterns and control frizz without hard hold.
Curly hair
Curly hair usually needs more moisture than straight or wavy textures. Think rich conditioners, hair masks, and oils. Sulfate-free shampoos are great because they clean without stripping natural oils.
Styling products like mousse or curl creams help define shape and tame frizz. And don’t forget: drying curls with a diffuser is way better than blasting with direct heat.
Coily or textured hair
Coily hair benefits most from deep moisture and gentle handling. Go for rich, creamy masks, leave-in products, and hair butters that help reduce breakage. Detangling sprays or wide-tooth combs also go a long way.
Oils and serums can help seal in moisture, especially if applied while the hair is still damp. You’ll also want to use a satin bonnet or pillowcase to prevent friction while you sleep.
Conclusion
There’s no magic product that works for everyone — but there are great ones that work for many. Whether you're dealing with frizz, dryness, flat roots, or fading color, the right product can make a big difference.
Start with what your hair actually needs right now. Keep things simple, stay consistent, and give each product a fair shot before switching it out. Sometimes less is more — especially when it comes to hair care.
FAQs
Do expensive products work better?
Not always. Some affordable products do just as well — or better — than the high-end stuff. What matters most is the formula and how it works with your hair.
How often should I use a hair mask or oil?
Once or twice a week is plenty for most people. If your hair’s really dry or damaged, you can bump it up. Just don’t overdo it — too much can make hair greasy or weighed down.
Can I mix and match brands?
Absolutely. There’s no rule that says your shampoo and conditioner have to be from the same line. Use what works. If mixing gives you the best results, go for it.
Are drugstore products just as good as salon ones?
Sometimes, yes. Many drugstore brands use similar ingredients — and a few of them even outperform luxury options. It's more about finding the right match than chasing a brand name.
What's the difference between a serum and an oil?
Serums usually have a lighter texture and are meant to smooth, protect, or add shine. Oils are often richer and better for sealing in moisture or treating dry ends. You can use both — just in moderation.
