One thing about Cosmo editors? We’re pretty damn picky about hair products—and we’d never tell you to buy and use anything we don’t personally swear by. What we do want you to buy and use? The 58 products below. We’ve spent the past year rigorously testing hundreds of hair products—all while experiencing good, bad, and great hair days—to curate this list of award-winning hair products, treatments, and tools of 2025. Ahead, you’ll find our favorite shampoos and conditioners for every single hair type, most-coveted stylers, beloved hair tools, and more.
Our favorite shampoos and conditioners
Curlsmith Frizz Control Cleanser
“Of all the shampoo and conditioner sets I’ve tried, this one gave me my best curl day. My hair felt moisturized just after just the shampoo. Oh, and it smells like yummy green apple!”
—KHADIJA HORTON, SENIOR DESIGNER
“My NYC dermatologist recommends CeraVe’s under-$10 anti-dandruff shampoo and conditioner to her clients, and now I understand why: Sure, it cleans my scalp without leaving behind a speck of dandruff, but it also hydrates my hair. The hyaluronic acid formula is both nourishing and effective, and while the scent is almost medicinal, the shampoo and conditioner are unfussy and do the job well. (Goodbye to both dandruff and oily roots!)”
—ALEXANDRA WHITTAKER, EXECUTIVE SITE DIRECTOR
Shop the matching conditioner.
Davines Love Smoothing Shampoo
“So many smoothing shampoos and conditioners reduce frizz but make hair feel weighed down in the process. Not this duo though. It rinses clean, so my fine hair still has bounce and volume, but the fuzzies and flyaways around my hairline are totally softened.” —LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR
“I went gray early and enthusiastically, and even though I love my color, the texture can get rough. To keep it soft and bright, I have tried so many different toning and conditioning products. This shampoo and conditioner really got my frizzy, wiry ends together. For those who don’t share my excitement at being a silver fox, it also promises to ‘restore’ and ‘repair’ aging hair, which I think also means you could appear less gray overall. I didn’t notice that, but for days after washing, my hair was smoother and shinier than I’ve experienced with purple shampoos.” —NICOLE PASULKA, SENIOR FEATURES EDITOR
Kérastase Première Repairing Shampoo for Damaged Hair
“This shampoo and conditioner duo was my saving grace during the dry winter months. My hair gets so brittle and thirsty, and the Premiere Repair line is hydrating, nourishing, and keeps my hair clean for days on end. The shampoo has a great lather, and I like using it twice for an extra deep clean. But the magic is really in the conditioner. I kept it on for a few extra minutes to act as a mask, and my hair was so smooth and moisturized after just one use.” —JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR
Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo
“I have been testing this entire line for months and can honestly say I’ve seen a difference. It smells amazing and it leaves my hair feeling so soft. But the best part is that it really does work. When I blow-dry my hair or try to part it differently, there are little baby hairs all over the place. I’ve also noticed a significant decrease in hair shedding in the shower. My part is still pretty wide, but I’m impressed at the improvement I’ve seen given the natural ingredients in this formula.”
—VERONICA LOPEZ, SEX AND RELATIONSHIPS EDITOR
“This is genuinely one of the best shampoo and conditioner combos I’ve tried in my entire life. A bold statement, I know, but it makes my bleached hair so shiny, soft, and vibrant—and the scent is heavenly.” —SARAH MABERRY, FASHION AND LUXURY COMMERCE EDITOR
Sienna Naturals H.A.P.I. Shampoo
“This dynamic duo is a whole reset ritual—cleansing without stripping and hydrating without heaviness. It leaves my scalp and strands feeling brand-new.” —JULEE WILSON, BEAUTY EDITOR-AT-LARGE
OUAI Fine Hair Shampoo
"From the first wash, my fine hair felt fuller and healthier—no more limp strands. I love the lather of the shampoo and the conditioner delivers just the right hydration without weighing my hair down. The soft floral scent turns my shower into a mini spa, and the chic packaging looks great in my shower. This duo has truly changed my hair care routine for the better and it honestly makes every day feel like a good (voluminous!) hair day."—KARA MILLER, DESIGNER
“I’ve never used a purple shampoo and conditioner before, but after a recent set of highlights, I was eager to give them a go—and I’m so glad I did. I was a little nervous when I saw just how purple these babies were, but it somehow makes my blonde look less brassy and doesn’t even stain my tub in the process. The shampoo lathers up like a dream, and the conditioner left my hair feeling soft and silky immediately after rinsing. I really feel like this acted like a toner of sorts for my hair—my blonde pieces just looked immediately better post blow-dry.” —HANNAH CHUBB, LIFESTYLE EDITOR
“This co-wash is a curl lover’s dream—creamy, nourishing, and packed with slip that detangles like magic. It cleanses without stripping, leaves my coils juicy, and smells like a whole vibe in the shower.” —JW
“The best part about this product is the exfoliating nozzle that the product comes out of. That in tandem with the exfoliating beads in the formula gives me the most amazing squeaky-clean scalp without drying out my hair. I massage it in one to two times a week to help avoid flakes.”
—EMILY ADAR, SENIOR VISUAL EDITOR
“This is perfect for anyone who wants a deep-conditioning color boost that requires no mixing and very little commitment. Applying it couldn’t be easier, and it can be used for either a sheer or intense color effect, depending on what you’re looking to achieve. I use the Cali Cali shade to transform my washed-out balayage blonde into a cool multidimensional beige that lasted for nearly a dozen washes.” —CORINNE SULLIVAN, SENIOR NEWS EDITOR
The hair treatments we use religiously
“Don’t sleep on a great pre-wash, especially not this one. It’s rich, reparative, and straight-up divine. After one use, my strands looked and felt brand-new.” —JW
Living Proof Scalp Care Exfoliator
“The thin applicator tip on this exfoliator allows me to precisely pinpoint exactly where I want it to go on my scalp before I start massaging it in. It feels so damn good before a shower as a self-care moment (and it smells amazing, so bonus there). And afterward, I notice my scalp is way less flaky.” —EA
“Divi’s Scalp Serum has become a mainstay in my haircare routine. I love using it on day two or three after washing my hair to keep my scalp fresh. It’s water-based, so it doesn’t make my hair greasy, meaning I don’t immediately have to wash my hair after either. I even apply it on days when I’m slicking my hair back for some added nourishment.” —JH
Hair Ritual by Sisley Paris The Intense Nutrition Hair Care Mask
“Is this expensive? Yes. Is this a game changer for hair revival? Also yes. Reviewers have called this the ‘Rolls Royce of hair masks,’ and I’m inclined to agree. The formula is made up of five oils and kokum butter, coming together in a thick mask that leaves my hair feeling soft, hydrated, bouncy, and frizz-free. And to get a lil more bang for my buck, a little of this French mask goes a long way.” —AW
Gisou Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hydrating Hair Mask
“I reach for this mask when my hair needs a little extra love. It’s a bit thinner than their OG hair mask, which I honestly love because it doesn’t weigh down my hair or make it overly greasy. Since it’s on the lighter side, I can also use it with my conditioner for a deeper conditioning moment. And the honey smell isn’t overly strong like some of their other products.” —JH
“First of all, I’ve never seen cuter packaging. The spout! The shape! The fact that it’s so sustainable! I’m obsessed. Second of all, this mask genuinely works. And for what it’s worth, I feel like hair masks never do much for me. But this guy? I could tell my hair was hydrated immediately upon rinsing it out in the shower. Everything just felt silky, and that feeling didn’t go away when I dried my hair either. The best part, though, was the shine I had after I blow-dried. It was truly noticeable, and the fact that it also protects my highlights is just the icing on the cake. Oh, and did I mention it smells amazing?” —HC
“Hair oil is an obvious fix for my dry, frizz-prone hair but so many of them are way too oily and overly scented. This one has just the right amount of moisture, stays soft without getting greasy, and the smell isn’t overpowering. It’s great for smoothing my dry ends too.” —NP
Olaplex No. 5 Leave-In Conditioner
“My color-treated hair needs all the TLC it can get, so I particularly love that this leave-in helps repair damaged bonds while amping up hydration and shine. Oh, and it has heat protection benefits, too, so it’s the only product I need before blow-drying.” —LB
“This milk is like your overachieving bestie who does everything—detangles, softens, hydrates, and leaves hair smelling like a dream. A few spritzes of this almond, coconut, and oat milk concoction and my curls are thriving.” —JW
“I definitely reach for this when I’m looking to tap into some main character energy. It’s rich, creamy, and deeply hydrating in a way that sets my hair up to stay bouncy and beautiful.” —JW
”I am a constant victim of frizzy hair (mostly due to the frequent bleaching I undergo to maintain a beach-blonde look on my naturally black locks) and have relied, somewhat unsuccessfully, on leave-in conditioners to help smooth and soften my hair. Enter: the Anablue Hair Serum. I seriously don’t know why it took me so long to dive into hair serums because this one has completely changed the game for me. The lightweight formula not only smells divine with its earthy and floral notes but really adds a gorgeous natural shine without feeling greasy (my number one concern when it comes to using a hair serum). It’s packed with nourishing ingredients like argan oil and vitamin E, which leave my hair feeling healthier, softer, and way more manageable.”
—SARAH NG, VIDEO EDITOR
Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate 24/7 Night & Day Hair Serum
“With citric acid to help strengthen and repair damage plus squalane and polyglutamic acid to help seriously hydrate my hair, this is a true powerhouse against all the bleach and heat damage I do to my strands. But don’t worry, it’s super lightweight, even for my fine hair.” —BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
“Detanglers and I have never had a good relationship—that is until I finally tried Commence’s detangler. Just a little bit is needed to help me feel like I’m not at war with my waves after the shower. Especially as someone with wavy and oily hair, it’s very important to make sure I don’t use something that needs so much product that it weighs my hair down and also forces me to wash it right away. Thankfully, this gave me neither and is now a staple in my hair routine.” —TAMARA FUENTES, ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
Pureology Color Fanatic Top Coat + Sheer Clear Hair Toner
“The effect this in-shower gloss gives my hair is honestly the same as when I get a pro gloss at the salon after a color treatment. My hair is incredibly soft, shiny, and smooth, and my color looks more vibrant too.” —LB
All the best products to style your hair
“Although she is thicccc, she is not sticky, which is a must for me when it comes to a good edge control. The way the waxy balm-like formula holds my edges and locks in my style without getting flaky is nothing short of magic.” —CRISTINA COPPIN, DIGITAL VISUAL EDITOR
“The ColorWow Root Lifter has become a new staple for me. It gives me soooo much volume and thickness that lasts all day and night, especially if I use it on damp hair before a blowout. I feel like I’m wearing hair extensions or something when I use it! It’s also great for a little second or third-day hair revival.” —MADELEINE FRANK REEVES, SENIOR SPECIAL PROJECTS DIRECTOR
“As someone who only washes my hair when I reaaalllyyy need to, I love the K18 dry shampoo for all the in-between days. It doesn’t just absorb oil and grease, it also revives my hair while adding a subtle scent to mask my day three or four hair. I also love the spray format, the formula isn’t stiff or sticky, and it blends into my strands and scalp with just a few brushes.”
—JH
“This blowout cream is not only a fab styling cream but also a heat protectant for temps as high as 450 degrees (not that your tools should be that high anyway, pls) and also fights against environmental factors such as pollution and UV rays. I apply it when my hair is about 50 percent dry, and it truly makes a difference in how smooth my hair comes out with a styler or blow dryer.” —JH
Nexxus XXL Volume Medium Hold Hairspray
“I’m not the biggest hairspray fan—they always leave my hair crunchy and don’t deliver on their holding power. But I actually love the Nexxus XXL Volume one for slicking my hair back and taming my flyaways. It does a great job at keeping all my baby hairs down with just one or two sprays across my head. And it doesn’t have that overly chemical scent that a lot of other hairsprays do.”
—JH
“I’ve got one of these handy wands with me practically at all times. Whether I need to secure a bun without my bangs popping out or smooth down flyaways for a sleek look, this does it all, while smelling absolutely delicious (like a citrus cocktail).” —BG
“The most important thing you need to know about my hair journey is that I’ve been spending so much time and money on eBay buying the same (now discontinued) hair mousse because it has been the one thing that has worked for me for years. So to have something that could (a) replace that and (b) be so much better was something I never expected. Since I started using this, I’ve never gotten this many compliments on my hair before. It’s clearly a lot healthier for my hair and gives me more volume than I could ever ask for. And it’s great for small touch-ups too.” —TF
“I immediately notice my curls have more bounce and spring after applying this cream. It has a thick creamy texture that’s super hydrating and a salon-worthy smell. This will be my go-to curl cream from now on!”
—KH
Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Long Last Hydrating Hair Styling Cream
“My hair doesn’t typically hold a style well, but when I prep with this medium-weight cream not only does my style last—whether I’m doing a sleek blowout or loose wave—my hair has a ton of shine and way less frizz too. I use it just like a leave-in conditioner and rake a quarter-size amount through damp hair, then blow-dry and heat-style as usual.”
—LB
“We all talk about the best hair tools to achieve a ‘salon-style blowout’ at home, but the biggest game changer for heat-styling my hair has hands down been this plumping mousse from Hours. While my Revlon blow-dry brush usually delivers good-but-not-great results to smooth my 3A curls, this mousse infuses sooo much volume, softness, and subtle hold that makes my blowout last for days. It’s noticeably hydrating without being oily, and it adds insane volume from root to tip for that luscious bounce we all want but have a hard time achieving outside the salon. Seriously, two different coworkers asked me where I’d gotten my hair done while testing this product.”
—SAMANTHA JONES, COMMERCE EDITOR
“I crave endless volume, but my fine, dense strands have other ideas. Needless to say, I keep a stash of texturizing spray to revive my hair. This is by far the BEST I’ve ever tried. Listen, no other spray has transformed my sweaty post-gym hair into a blowout-worthy voluminous ’do. R+co either used witchcraft to make this or somehow bottled magic.” —MARY HONKUS, CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY EDITOR
Amika Rising Star Volumizing Finishing Spray
“This spray gives my hair a full, bouncy look that lasts all day without feeling sticky or weighed down. I love the lightweight texture that leaves behind absolutely zero visible residue. And it’s so easy to use—just a few spritzes near the roots, and I’m ready to go.” —KARA MILLER, DESIGNER
These tools and accessories give us very good hair days
“OBSESSED is an understatement. This hair-dryer is no joke. It is the fastest and most efficient hair-dryer I have ever used. It is compact, sleek, and versatile, and I love the capability of adjusting the heat and amount of air that comes through too. My husband keeps stealing it to use after his showers as well.” —EA
Drybar The Triple Shot Interchangeable Blow Dryer Brush
“I believe that blow dryer brushes were made for people who value their time, and I’m one of those people. I’m grateful for Drybar’s Triple Shot because it not only gets my hair bone dry in under 15 minutes but also leaves me with smooth, shiny hair that gets way more compliments than before I started using it. It’s also volumizing but without giving my hair that weird puffy look that drives me up the wall. In a move that professionals might look down upon, I used this every day for two weeks straight, and my hair saw no damage! (Let’s celebrate that!!)” —AI
“I haven’t straightened my hair in years, but I do love a good multiday blowout, and although I’m loyal to my blow dryer brush, sometimes you need a little bit of real heat for the perfect blowout that lasts for days. I found that I got great results when I used this flat iron to smooth out my roughly blow-dried wavy hair before setting it in rollers to get the perfect shiny, bouncy blowout. I like that it has convenient buttons to adjust the temps between 200 and 450 degrees too.” —HKO
PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross Interchangeable Curling Iron
“What’s better than a twofer? A three-in-one! Tracee Ellis Ross really popped off with this interchangeable curling iron, which comes with three different wands you can swap out in literal seconds. (But actually, it’s so easy.) Not only is this curling iron easy to use (so long as you can handle a clamp), but it’s also definitely the chicest hair tool in my collection. I love the matte tan coloring, and the display screen makes it feel super high-tech.” —HC
T3 Aire 360 Ceramic Air Styler Blowout Kit
“This makes DIYing a bouncy blowout genuinely easy even if you have zero styling skills (hello, that would be me). The dry brush attachment gives my fine hair a ton of body and shine, and the curling attachments are clutch for next day touch-ups.” —LB
“My hair is thick and wavy, so I’m very particular when it comes to brushes. But this brush is quite literally my favorite one ever. It’s so lightweight so my arm doesn’t get tired when I’m using it to slick my hair into a ponytail. Oh, and the shape is perfect for shaping updos, btw. The size is also perfect to throw in my bag (I literally have one for my work bag and one for my desk at home). And most importantly, it doesn’t tug or rip out my hair when I use it—it’s literally so seamless.” —JH
“I can’t say enough great things about this brush. First, it comes in an XL length that is a game changer for long hair. Next, it works. This brush gives my long, heavy, pin-straight hair volume and curl that lasts multiple days. The bristles grip and guide hair without tugging or pulling and the barrel retains heat to help make styles last. I also like how easy the handle is to hold and maneuver and includes a cool retractable sectioning tool. For best results, I leave the brush in my hair to let it cool and set before moving on to the next section. After using, my hair is shiny and Victoria’s Secret–level bouncy.” —MD
“This is a detangling comb for those who need something seriously heavy-duty. I appreciate the wide-tooth design and pointed tip of this detangling comb, which makes it helpful for smoothing out snarls or raking products like hair masks through your hair. It’s also great when you’re trying to achieve a perfect middle part, since its curved shape contours to your head and can cut through tangles as you go.” —SJ
“This isn’t just an edge tool—it’s a precision instrument crafted by the hair gods (and Rihanna, of course). Whether I’m slicking, swooping, or fluffing, this little powerhouse snatches my edges and my life.” —JW
“It can be hard to tie a real bow in your hair—and so many clips are just not user-friendly—but this adorable accessory is one of my new favorites. The clip itself doesn’t tug on my hair, and it’s easy to get it in the right spot on the first go. I got it in white for my upcoming wedding, and I can’t wait to incorporate it into my bridal wardrobe! Plenty of half-up, half-down moments to come.” —HC
“My hair is long and thick, so I normally have a tough time finding a clip that will actually hold everything in place. But as its name—Big Effing Clip—suggests, this guy is amazing at clasping all my hair back while also looking incredibly cute.” —JH
“I hate rubber hair ties because they always pull my hair out, so I’m a scrunchie snob. These lululemon ones are great for my workout classes because they keep my hair in place no matter what, and the fabric is great when my hair gets extra sweaty (shout-out to hot yoga). I’ve been using them for four months now, and they still haven’t stretched out too much yet.” —JH
“There’s nothing this handheld gadget can’t do for your hair. First, it has a spot to put a pod of your favorite scalp serum—you can insert the brand’s or your own personal fave. Then, to use in tandem with the serum, the device has red light therapy, a scalp massage feature, microcurrent, and a warm setting to penetrate the serum deeper into your scalp and stimulate your hair follicles. Plus, it’s soooo soothing and relaxing to use instead of a chunky hat or helmut (and those can be double or even triple the price). Who needs a head spa when you can do it all in the comfort of your home?!”
—JH
Just more iconic products and brands we love
K18 Leave-In Hair Repair Mask
“Years have passed since I first started using K18, and I actually don’t remember what my hair was like before it. With this peptide-packed repairing mask in tow, I don’t fear heat or color damage—I know this will help strengthen and smooth my hair no matter what.” —BG
“Can’t believe I exist in a world where eggs cost more than my haircare routine, but here we are. Laura Polko—who’s worked with some of my fave celebs like Emma Chamberlain, Madelyn Cline, Gigi Hadid, and more—developed a full line of multiple shampoos and conditioners based on your hair type and goals, a leave-in conditioner, a hair mask, and dry shampoo. And they’re all $17 and legit just as good as the $$$ products I’ve tried.” —BG
“My grays come in fast and furious these days and I simply don’t have the time to get them professionally colored every four weeks. The fix? This genius at-home hair color tool. Just pop in a color cartridge and pull the comb applicator through your roots to dispense the perfect amount of pre-mixed dye. Then let it sit for 40 minutes, shampoo like usual, and you’re done. There’s zero mess—truly, my all-white bathroom still looked all-white when I was done).” —LB
“No amount of hydrating shampoos or leave-in conditioners have been able to tamp down on frizz while also keeping my hair soft and shiny. So I really didn’t have high expectations for this $6 leave-in, but it truly makes all the difference for me. A small dollop wards off unruly knots and helps my hair maintain silky softness.” —MH
Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long
“While it’s pricey, the Airwrap is definitely deserving all the hype because it makes blowing my hair out so freaking easy. I don’t need to be maneuvering a round brush, getting arm cramps, or have salon-level skills. I love all the new and improved attachments (you don’t need to switch the barrels out for different sides anymore), and the new connection to the Dyson app is super cool. You can pre-program how long you want certain temperature or speed settings on for, so you don’t need to fiddle with the buttons during every pass.” —JH
“Everyone thinks I’m a real redhead, and it’s all thanks to Madison Reed. I’ve tried plenty of formulas since I started coloring my hair a decade ago—including pro options—yet this gives me the most realistic, compliment-worthy coppery red. Not a week goes by without someone telling me how amazing my color looks. It’s near impossible to find a natural-looking at-home red, and best of all, Madison Reed mails everything you need: dye, shower cap, barrier cream, gloves, shampoo, and conditioner, all delivered to your door every month when you sign up for the subscription.” —MH
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
