These Are the Best Hair Products of 2026

Haircare is deeply personal, with each of us having our own lengths, textures, and priorities to tend to. Some of us need deep moisture, others are dealing with damage, and still others could use a boost when it comes to volume or definition. Luckily, the industry is brimming with innovation designed to target a wide range of concerns and achieve our best hair days yet, all with fewer drawbacks than ever before. From residue-free dry shampoos to top-notch curl nourishment to the ever-expanding scalp-care category, below you’ll find all our 2026 Beauty Awards winners in the hair category.

Best Clarifying Shampoo

Bread Beauty Supply Clear-Wash

“Detox shampoos often leave my hair feeling almost too clean, but sometimes your strands need a true reset. Enter Bread Beauty Supply’s Clear-Wash. This pink sudsy shampoo is formulated with ginger root, rosemary, eucalyptus, and amino acids to deliver a deep cleanse without stripping the hair. Instead, it leaves strands feeling refreshed and replenished. It’s an especially great addition to a summer haircare routine, whether you’re recovering from protective styles, pool and beach days, or heavy styling.” — Araziel Jackson, senior social media editor

Best Shampoo, Hydrating

Cécred Hydrating Shampoo

“As someone with coily, type 4 hair, it’s very rare that I’d describe a shampoo as perfect. Even the most hydrating formulas can still leave my strands feeling stripped of moisture, especially after two washes. I’m always impressed by anything Beyoncé touches, but I didn’t realize how much this shampoo would blow me away. It leaves my hair feeling deeply moisturized and soft to the touch, which is something I can usually only accomplish after applying conditioner. The consistency is lightweight and creates a frothy lather that rinses out easily, and I love that it doesn’t feel too creamy or heavy. I deal with dry hair and a dry scalp, and it works to thoroughly cleanse product buildup and flakes while keeping my hair nourished and my scalp soothed. It also significantly reduces tangles, which gives it five stars in my book.” — Shannon Stubbs, associate commerce editor

Best Conditioner, Hydrating

Act+Acre Daily Hydro Hydrating Conditioner

“I really struggle with conditioner. I have wavy hair that’s usually styled with a texturizing cream or spray, which means my ends are parched on any given day. I need a deeply hydrating formula, but thicker conditioners really weigh my hair down. Act+Acre’s Daily Hydro Hydrating Conditioner is a true Goldilocks product for me—it’s moisturizing, smoothing, and softening, but it’s also miraculously lightweight. I definitely notice a difference in overall hair health and shine since switching to this formula.” — Holly Rhue, editorial director

Best Shampoo, Volumizing

Crown Affair The Volumizing Shampoo

“I don’t normally have much to say about shampoo unless something goes terribly wrong, but this one actually stopped me in my tracks. I feel like usually the best you can ask of a volumizing shampoo is that it doesn’t weigh your hair down, but this one actually makes my hair look and feel more voluminous and full of life. The lightweight formula works into a gorgeous lather and makes my scalp feel ultra-clean without feeling stripped or dry. And like all Crown Affair products, it smells so spa-like and sophisticated.” — Bella Cacciatore, senior news editor

Best Conditioner, Volumizing

Amika Big Hit Volumizing Conditioner

“I have a full head of long, fine hair, which means my biggest challenge is achieving volume that doesn’t weigh itself down throughout the day. For me, this starts in the shower, and this Amika conditioner has made a major difference. Caffeine, glycerin, and sea buckthorn oil nourish and energize strands in one easy step. My hair looks thicker and bouncier from the moment it dries, and the results remain evident even after styling.” — Ali Webb, associate style editor

Best Shampoo, Strengthening

Pantene Abundant & Strong Shampoo

“This shampoo strengthens strands while supporting a healthy scalp barrier at your hair’s roots. After using this shampoo throughout the past year, my hair feels fuller, smoother, and more resilient.” — Toral Vaidya, board-certified dermatologist

Best Conditioner, Strengthening

Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Conditioner

“I used to associate bleaching my hair with hair that felt like hay, and for the longest time, I just accepted that as a consequence of going blond. Then I tried this conditioner, which truly taught me the importance of bond repair. It leaves my hair noticeably softer and more manageable, so much so that when I went to touch up my roots, my hairstylist asked what my routine was. This conditioner makes it that much easier to take care of damaged or colored hair, which is not an easy feat by any means.” — Derek Deng, associate content editor

Best Shampoo, Thickening

Nutrafol Root Purifier Scalp Microbiome Shampoo

“I’ve firmly entered my 30s, and while I’ve never felt more confident, I do notice some changes in my hair. I come from a family of early grayers, so I’ve been really focused on consistent, gentle scalp care. I’ve been loving Nutrafol’s Root Purifier Scalp Microbiome Shampoo for exactly this. It really grips and cleanses for super-clean hair, but never feels harsh or stripping.” — Holly Rhue, editorial director

Best Conditioner, Thickening

Dr. Groot Hair Thickening Conditioner

“Ever since bleaching my hair this summer, my hair has been in recovery mode and thinning, inevitably—but thanks to this thickening conditioner, my mullet is back to normal. It’s one of the few thickening products that adds weightless volume and thickness without any sort of grease. After incorporating it into my routine for the past few months, I’ve noticed less breakage, fuller-looking hair, and a very happy scalp.” — Derek Deng, associate content editor

Best Shampoo, Curls

Oribe Eternal Curls Moisturizing Shampoo

“My hair is curly, but it’s very thin and fine, so finding the right products can get a bit tricky. This shampoo is perfection, as it offers a gentle cleanse and instant moisture (without heaviness). It’s my perfect match.” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief

Best Conditioner, Curls

Olaplex No.5Curl Bond Shaper Hydrating Curl Conditioner

“Olaplex built its reputation on bond technology, and the recent curl-specific extension of that science is truly exciting for a textured-hair girly like myself. Developed with patented 3D Bond Shaper Technology and Hydra-Define Technology, this conditioner works at the molecular level to improve strength, definition, and frizz. After using this conditioner for the last two months, I’ve noticed that my curls feel buttery-soft, more hydrated, and less prone to breakage and shedding. Overall, Olaplex products have been such a game changer for my hair, as I’ve been focusing on improving my at-home hair-maintenance habits.” — Olivia Hancock, senior beauty editor

Best Edge Control

Bask & Lather Strong Hold Edge Control

“Ah, Black women can tell many horror stories about edge control. I’ve dealt with every fail imaginable—formulas that turn white, become flaky, melt in the heat, or are impossible to wash out. Bask & Lather’s viral Strong Hold Edge Control is a winner in my book because it not only delivers a lasting, non-sticky hold, but it also improves the health of my baby hairs. It’s packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals—one of the key ingredients being argan oil, which moisturizes, adds shine, protects from breakage, and increases elasticity. If I apply it at 7 a.m. while getting ready for work, my swooped edges will remain in place all day until it’s time to wash my face at night, and there won’t be an ounce of flaking to be seen.” — Olivia Hancock, senior beauty editor

Best Hair Growth Serum

Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Topical Aerosol Hair Regrowth Treatment

“Topical minoxidil is clinically proven to reactivate hair follicles and promote hair growth. The lightweight foam is easy to apply to your roots. As a dermatologist, it’s one of my most commonly recommended treatments for hair loss.” — Toral Vaidya, board-certified dermatologist

Best Hair Growth Supplement

Omi Hair Growth Peptides

“Omi has been an absolute savior for my hair. These gummies are both enjoyable to take and have helped fill out the thinning hair around my temples (too many slicked-back buns). I’ve been taking them for over a year consistently—but you can begin to see results in just 90 days—courtesy of the brand’s patented hair-bonding peptides; they nourish, repair, and strengthen, as well as prevent premature breakage (which is my biggest issue).” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief

Best Scalp Exfoliant

Ceremonia Papaya Scalp Scrub

“I’m a die-hard Ceremonia fan—there isn’t a product from the brand that hasn’t made an appearance on my shower shelves. The Papaya Scalp Scrub Shampoo has become a weekly essential in my hair-washing routine, refreshing my scalp after a long week of heated workout classes, sweaty subway commutes, and using dry shampoo. The formula is coarse enough to feel exfoliating, but it suds up considerably so it still feels like it does its job as a shampoo. I can’t get enough of the amazing fruity scent, either.” —Maddie Barber, commerce writer

Best Scalp Soother

Head & Shoulders Bare Itchy Scalp Relief Serum

“If you’ve dealt with an itchy scalp, you know there are few things more frustrating. This $16 serum makes such a difference, soothing itch and dandruff with zinc pyrithione without adding any weight or oiliness to my roots. I love the pointed applicator—you can really get it exactly where you need it most.” — Holly Rhue, editorial director

Best Hair Mask, Moisture

Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Mask

“As someone with chronically dry, curly hair, I can’t get enough of the Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Hair Mask. Before trying this one, I admittedly couldn’t notice a huge difference between different hair masks; they all seemed to have the same effect, making my hair just a bit softer than a traditional conditioner. However, this formula changed my mind in the best way, and I genuinely notice a major difference in my hair after using it compared to other hair masks I’ve tried. I leave it on for five to 10 minutes during my shower, and in that short amount of time, it detangles, smooths, moisturizes, hydrates my parched ends, and adds shine (thanks to ingredients like squalane, hyaluronic acid, and bio-fermented coconut water), so much so that you would think I left it on overnight. It’s now my absolute favorite hair mask and a must-have for dry, curly hair.” — Anna Traver, commerce writer

Best Hair Mask, Repair

Blu & Green Weekly Repair Mask

“I’m obsessed with this mask—it is super hydrating and not heavy. The combination of ingredients and essential oils gives the mask a real spa-like aroma in the shower. The line is also very eco-conscious and plastic-free.” — Xavier Velasquez, celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of Franklins

Best Leave-In Treatment

Nexxus Keraphix Liquid Crystallizer Reconstructive Leave-In Treatment Serum

“I love a leave-in treatment, but I always feel like I could be doing more for my hair. Enter the Liquid Crystallizer treatment, which actually strengthens my hair as it smooths. The formula is super lightweight, so it doesn’t weigh down my hair, and it smooths frizz and lightly defines my waves. I’ve been using it for a few months, and my bleached hair feels so strong and silky.” — Bella Cacciatore, senior news editor

Best Detangler

Pattern Beauty Indigo Rain Leave-In Conditioner

“So many products for curly and coily hair lean toward gourmand scents, so my attention shifts when I find a product that complements my daily fragrance wardrobe. Pattern Beauty’s Indigo Rain Leave-in Conditioner smells sophisticated with notes of blue chamomile, patchouli, and ylang-ylang. But my favorite part is that it’s juicy and deeply hydrating, with slip that makes it effortless to detangle in the shower. When it dries down, it doesn’t flake and works as a daily touch-up, which I love for a fragrance and hydration boost. It’s the perfect foundation for every natural style in my rotation. As usual, Tracee knows what’s up.” — Star Donaldson, social media director

Best Hair Serum

Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum

“My hair doesn’t need any excuse to be oily, so finding products that don’t weigh it down is a tall order. When it comes to hair serums, this lightweight formula is one I can actually rely on. It dries quickly, leaving my hair refreshed and voluminous, all while protecting it from heat and pollution, imparting shine, and relieving static. I’ll reach for it with clean, damp hair out of the shower to detangle and protect, or I’ll use it on day-two hair to revive dry ends. It’s my one-size-fits-all solution.” — Lauren Pardee, associate editorial director, commerce

Best for Shine + Definition

Chris McMillan The Glassy Smooth Blowdry Spray

“I don’t often blow out my hair, but when I do, this product is always the first step. (It’s created by the man who invented ‘The Rachel,’ so you know it’s good.) I hate when my hair feels product-y, so a multitasker is a must—this one works as a heat protectant, shine spray, and frizz fighter all in one. It makes my hair look like glass, and I swear my style stays in place so much longer when I use it. Plus, the soft neroli scent is so divine that I use it even when I air-dry.” — Bella Cacciatore, senior news editor

Best Curl Cream

DevaCurl Styling Cream

“This is a holy-grail product for me—full stop—and when I’m running low, I genuinely panic. No product gives me a more defined wash-and-go, and I mean that. It’s lightweight, applies effortlessly on wet hair, and actually coats every strand to lock moisture in. The hold is perfect, it layers seamlessly with my other water-based products, and it’s silicone-free. The citrusy scent is the bonus I didn’t know I needed, and it lingers. This is the product that makes or breaks my wash-and-go, and I haven’t found anything that comes close.” — Star Donaldson, social media director

Best Mousse

Rizos Curls Curl Defining Mousse

“Mousse is a must-have in my curly hair routine, and I’ve cycled through several throughout my teens and 20s to find the perfect whipped styler. Many on the market result in crunchy, dry curls, but this one from Rizos Curls is different. Cactus flower extract, maracujá oil, and red algae give the formula a hydrating, reparative base, so my curls come out soft and defined rather than stiff and sticky. Rizos Curls has made a devotee out of me with this mousse.” — Olivia Hancock, senior beauty editor

Best Dry Shampoo

Iles Formula Rinseless Root Refresh

“I’m always curious to try dry shampoos that deviate from the typical aerosol, but it takes a truly great formula for me to consistently work it into my routine. This spritz-on product from Iles Formula is one such worthwhile innovation, as it manages to absorb excess oil and add volume without any visible or tangible residue. It’s important to blow-dry at the roots for best results, but this extra minute or two in your routine makes all the difference—and is still so much faster than actually washing your hair.” — Ali Webb, associate style editor

Best Hairspray

Color Wow Texas Hold ‘Em Big Hold Hairspray

“As a frequent heat-styler who’s always experimenting with hold, I understand the qualms that many people have with hairspray, but I’m here to tell you that this Color Wow launch is reinventing the wheel. It’s great for long-lasting volume (the most majestic, Texas-sized blowout I’ve ever gotten involved this product), but it avoids all the stiffness and crunch of a typical hairspray. Paired with a good styling routine, this may be exactly what you need to finally achieve hold with confidence.” — Ali Webb, associate style editor

Heat Protectant, Straight + Wavy Hair

LolaVie Speed Dry Heat Protectant Spray

“A heat protectant that also cuts down drying time? Positively genius, Ms. Aniston! LolaVie’s Speed Dry has shaved 10 minutes off my dry time, while simultaneously protecting my hair up to 450 degrees. The best part, IMO, is that it can be reapplied. Blow-dry and curl one day, and then you can mist lightly on dry hair before you touch up or restyle. I can’t believe I ever styled my hair without this.” — Holly Rhue, editorial director

Heat Protectant, Curly + Coily Hair

SheaMoisture Silk Press in a Bottle

“This isn’t your average silk press prep cream. With its Hydroplex Technology, it provides up to 410 degrees of heat protection while working to strengthen my hair’s bonds. The cream also contains amla oil and shea butter for major moisturizing benefits. Whether I’m blow-drying, straightening, or curling my hair, Silk Press in a Bottle makes me feel confident that I’m going to achieve the sleekest looks in the safest way possible (i.e., my curls bounce back without heat damage on wash day).” — Olivia Hancock, senior beauty editor

Best Texturizing Spray

Roz Air Thickening Spray

“For the longest time, I thought my hair was just cursed with being notoriously flat, but this thickening spray has finally broken that curse. It adds both volume and texture to my hair without ever weighing it down, and miraculously, it doesn’t feel like there’s a ton of product in it. Instead, it gives my hair that elusive blown-out, full-bodied look while still feeling soft and touchable.” — Derek Deng, associate content editor

Best Styler for Volume

IGK Body Language Rice Water Plumping and Thickening Mist

“I’m not kidding when I tell you that this thickening mist completely transformed my hairstyling experience. I first tried it about three years ago, and the heat-activated formula has become my not-so-gatekept secret to voluminous waves and curls. In addition to boosting thickness, the rice water essence helps with detangling and heat protection, fully prepping hair with just a few spritzes. A little goes a long way, too: It’s an all-around stellar value for the benefits you get.” — Ali Webb, associate style editor

Best Lace Wig Adhesive

Got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Hairspray

“This is every hairdresser’s secret weapon to laying a wig. It stays wet and malleable, then dries like clear ‘glue’ for the perfect adhesion.” — Xavier Velasquez, celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of Franklins

Best Hair Gel

Grainular Curl Defining Gel

“After chatting with Grainular founder Chelsea Grain-Jefferson a few months ago, I immediately knew she had something truly special with her new brand, which creates products made for tight coils. The first product, the Curl Defining Gel, is a unique gel-to-foam formula loaded with ingredients that curly and coily hair drinks up (sea kelp, aloe, flaxseed, marshmallow root, etc.). The results it delivers are truly astonishing—think: the juiciest, bounciest curls without stickiness, stiffness, or flaky residue. My curls are so thankful they found Grainular.” — Olivia Hancock, senior beauty editor

Best Slick Stick

Briogeo Style + Treat Yuzu + Plum Oil Sleek Stick

“I’m calling it now: It’s going to be a slicked-back bun—or puff, for those of us with type 4 hair—kind of summer, and Briogeo’s Style + Treat Yuzu + Plum Oil Sleek Stick is a product worth keeping on hand. It tames frizz, smooths flyaways, and adds a polished finish, while plum oil provides a boost of moisture. The pocket-size design, along with its limited-edition keychain, makes it especially convenient for quick touch-ups on hot, humid days.” — Araziel Jackson, senior social media editor

Best Styling Cream

Aussie Ultra Wonder Gel Crème

“This is like a little pot of hair gold. Aussie’s Ultra Wonder Gel Crème defines and holds like a gel but hydrates like a cream. It adds bounce to my curls, keeps a slicked-back bun in place, and smooths flyaways all without stickiness. It’s an absolutely perfect addition to my routine.” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief

Best Bonnet

Clementine Sleepwear XL Hair Bonnet Atelier Medica Organic Silk

“This is the best quality bonnet I’ve ever tried, hands down. It’s made with organic silk, it’s large enough to fit all my curls, and it comes in chic colorways that feel elevated and calming for sleep. I usually wrap the straps around my head twice, and they stay put all night—no adjusting, and no searching for it in the morning. There’s something about sleeping in a product that feels genuinely luxe that shifts my whole energy. I wake up with soft, hydrated hair, and I’m ready to take on the day.” — Star Donaldson, social media director

Best Blow Dryer

T3 Aire 360 Ceramic Dual Voltage Air Styler

“This is my favorite blow dryer on the market. It is super easy to use, and the ceramic attachments do the work for you, whether you’re going for a smooth blowout or bouncy curls. It’s also a great size for traveling, and I’m giving it bonus points for dual voltage.” — Xavier Velasquez, celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of Franklins

Best Curling Tool

GHD Chronos Curve Classic Curling Iron

“Sometimes, a classic curling iron does just the trick. I’m a firm believe that we have way over-innovated with hair tools—there are far too many buttons, settings, speeds, and temperatures to mess with on hot tools these days. The GHD Chronos Curve Classic Curling Iron quite simply works, and it has one single button: a toggle between on and off. It’s wonderfully unfussy.” — Holly Rhue, editorial director

Best Blowout Tool

Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x Multi-Styler and Dryer

“Wow, Dyson stepped it way up with the new Airwrap! The newest iteration is noticeably faster, more powerful, and more effective. If you struggled to get the hang of the original Airwrap, I implore you to try the Coanda2x. My curls have never been bouncier, shinier, or longer-lasting (and I really struggled with the last one, so you can trust me).” — Holly Rhue, editorial director

Best Air-Dry Product

JVN Complete Air Dry Volumizing Wave Spray

“The original JVN Air Dry Cream in the aluminum tube is in my all-time beauty Hall of Fame. I’m not exaggerating in the slightest when I say that I’ve finished over a dozen tubes. I’m happy to report that the newest addition to the Air Dry family is the perfect complement. Used alone, it essentially works like a lighter-weight version of the brand’s Air Dry Cream—perfect if you have fine or straighter hair. For me, it’s the perfect wave refresh between hair wash days. Instead of fully rewetting my hair and going in with another dollop of Air Dry Cream each day, I just mist my roots and ends for a boost of volume and definition.” — Holly Rhue, editorial director

Best Straightening Tool

Shark SilkiPro Straight Wet-to-Dry Hair Straightener + Rapid Blow Dryer

“I have to admit that I’m usually pretty skeptical of any hair straightener that claims it can be used on wet hair—that is, until I tried Shark’s SilkiPro Straight Wet-to-Dry Hair Straightener + Rapid Blow Dryer. This innovative product absolutely blew me away (no pun intended), especially considering my naturally curly hair isn’t the easiest to get sleek and smooth. As its name suggests, it simultaneously dries and straightens your hair in one step, using air, the included combs attachments, and ceramic plates. The three combs include a wide-tooth comb to detangle and stretch, a precision comb for tension and sleek styles, and a gentle comb for body, making it suitable for any hair type (and I never have an issue with them snagging my hair). After using it, my hair looks like I just left the salon, with no damage in sight. Plus, I don’t have to go in with another tool to get my roots straight—it truly does it all and has absolutely replaced my traditional flat iron. — Anna Traver, commerce writer

Best Diffuser

CurlSmith Defrizzion Dryer & XXL Diffuser

“The CurlSmith Defrizzion Dryer & XXL Diffuser makes the whole process of drying my hair feel less like a chore. The oversized, eight-inch diffuser covers more hair than standard attachments, which reduces my total dry time (a major win for me since I have long, thick hair). CurlSmith’s Ionizing Defrizzion Technology also smooths my hair cuticle and reduces frizz as I’m diffusing. Every wash day, I’m grateful to have this tool on hand.” — Olivia Hancock, senior beauty editor

Best Hairbrush

Emi Jay Flat Brush

“This is easily one of my favorite hairbrushes. WIth flexible bristles, the brush offers gentle styling with minimal tugging of my hair at its roots. It’s become an essential for my daily hair routine.” — Toral Vaidya, board-certified dermatologist