It’s Time to Meet the Very Best Hair Products of 2026

“Think about how good a gel cleanser feels on your oily face. This clarifying shampoo has the same effect on my scalp to break down sebum and product buildup and leaving my feeling refreshed.”
—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR

“This smells so much better than any other dandruff shampoo I’ve tried. But most importantly, it works, like, incredibly well. It swiftly replaced my old dandruff shampoo, which has been a mainstay in my routine for years.”
—SAMANTHA ADLER, CREATIVE DIRECTOR

“Wash day just got an upgrade. This co-wash cleanses and conditions in just one step, leaving my curls soft, defined, and super juicy. It’s no wonder this brand has become one of my haircare staples.”
—JULEE WILSON, BEAUTY EDITOR-AT-LARGE

“Not only does this duo smell amazing, but they each give me so much volume at my roots and texture on the ends, even before styling. My blowout actually lasts more than a day (which is rare for me). I will repeat buying these for sure.”
—SABRINA TOTO, ASSOCIATE VISUAL EDITOR

“This is my go-to shampoo and conditioner for whenever my hair is feeling extra dry and brittle. It truly hydrates my strands with just one wash—so much so that I can even feel the difference while I’m still in the shower—leaving my waves soft and silky.” —JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR

“I first used this after a week of the beach, chlorine, and sun when my hair felt really fried and brittle. This shampoo and conditioner gave my hair instant softness and decreased frizz without sacrificing volume or curl. Plus, it smells amazing.” —SA

“I literally feel my hair transforming in the shower when using this—it’s instantly softer, silkier, and more manageable under my fingers. The smoothness doesn’t just rinse away either. The next day, even after air-drying, my hair still feels incredibly soft. The scent is nice, too—clean and subtle without being overpowering—just enough to feel fresh without competing with anything else.”
—MARY FAMA, ART DIRECTOR

“Every single time I use a Shu Uemura product I’m blown away with how good my hair looks, and this anti-brass routine is no exception. While the price point is steep, the way my hair looks when I air-dry my hair makes it well worth it. It smells sumptuous, lathers up nicely, and leaves my hair shiny, without any purple-tinted bits left behind.”
—LUCY DOLAN-ZALAZNICK, SOCIAL MEDIA & VIDEO DIRECTOR

“Like an insurance policy for my monthly dye job, this duo helps prevent premature fading and brassiness so my hair color stays vibrant and my hair strands nice and shiny between salon appointments.”
—LB

“I love these sweet-smelling formulas. It makes both my hair and scalp feel so moisturized after drying and styling. And while the product is formulated for type 4 curls, I would definitely say it’s type 3 friendly, too.”
—KHADIJA HORTON, SENIOR DESIGNER

“I’ll be honest, I discovered this brand on Instagram and had my doubts. But one wash in and I was sold. Within a few uses, months of damage was reversed, and my hair felt impossibly soft. The peptide-rich duo strengthens, smooths, and revives like a dream.” —JW

“The formula, packaging, and price point make this duo such a standout. I’ve genuinely noticed my hair looking thicker and experiencing less shedding after using it. Plus, the chubby bottles are a win: They are easy to squeeze and don’t tip over in the shower.”
—KARA MILLER, DESIGNER

“Not too clarifying but also not too drying, this shampoo helps balance my oily scalp and leaves it feeling clean but not stripped. And the accompanying conditioner is lightweight yet hydrating.” —BG

“This is on standby in my shower for whenever I need a quick refresh on my color. It adds shine and smooths my hair as it deposits a little pigment for some more vibrancy.”
—BG

“I struggled to extend time between wash days until I discovered this dry shampoo. It absorbs oil without making my hair stringy and is housed in a chic refillable jar alongside a soft brush for precise application.” —JH

“I knew this won me over when I reached for it three days in a row. It completely revives my hair from full-on grease mode to good as new, while also giving it noticeable fullness and volume. After just a few spritzes and a quick massage into my scalp, my hair looks genuinely clean again And because it’s tinted, it doesn’t give my dark hair a weird gray cast either.”
—MEGAN UY, SHOPPING EDITOR

“This does-it-all leave-in not only adds moisture with just a few sprays but also detangles my hair, boasts heat protection up to 450 degrees, and reduces frizz whether I’m using hot tools or letting my waves air-dry.”
—JH

“This is the difference between struggling through detangling and actually enjoying it. It softens instantly, adds major slip, and makes my hair feel smoother, stronger, and ready for whatever style I’m doing. Worth every penny.” —JW

“I bleach and color my hair a lot, and sometimes...it really shows. On my restorative hair journey, I’m so happy to have come across this hair mask. It smells so good and makes my locks feel silky, hydrated, and soft without adding any oiliness.”
—SARAH NG, VIDEO EDITOR

“This makes combing through my wet hair a breeze. Just a few spritzes and my hair feels instantly softer and my brush glides through my strands without any tugging or breakage. Plus, it’s super lightweight so it doesn’t weigh down my hair or add greasiness.”
—JH

“As someone with bleached, heat-damaged hair, I’ve tried my fair share of repair treatments, and this one impressed me the most. My hair felt noticeably smoother and softer, with fewer visible split ends, and it didn’t leave behind any greasy residue like some formulas tend to do.” —SARAH MABERRY, FASHION & LUXURY COMMERCE EDITOR

“I’m so inconsistent when it comes to using masks and treatments in the shower, but this nourishing pick only takes two minutes to repair damaged hair so I end up using it in place of regular conditioner twice a week. My hair has never looked softer and smoother as a result.” —LB

“This rich formula makes my hair feel smoother and visibly shinier without weighing it down. It brings out my natural waves all the way up to my scalp (which literally never happens because I have super-long hair) and keeps my frizz in check.” —SA

“I seriously think this is the best hair mask I’ve ever used on my curls. The formula feels like a thick gel, which I’ve yet to see in a mask, but the results speak for themselves. This product gave me the virgin curls I had before I ever touched a hot tool!” —KH

“This product really delivered for my hair...and at a price I can’t argue with. It helps preserve my bleach-blonde strands and left my dry hair feeling so silky”
—LDZ

“I love that you can use this right in the shower—it’s so easy and fuss-free. It doesn’t weigh my hair down or leave it feeling greasy, and my hair and color just look healthier overall. The scent is a bit strong but in a good way—like a fresh-from-the-salon whiff.” —KM

“When I want to fake full hair, I scrunch some of this lightweight mousse into my roots and blow-dry. It adds major volume and hold with no crunch.”
—BG

“Meet my new favorite hairspray! The dual nozzle lets you control how much product comes out, which I love. It holds my thin, fine hair all day—and even into the next—without feeling stiff. Plus, the scent is light and subtle. I’ll definitely be stocking up.” —ST

“I’m the queen of frizz, and this is exactly how I plan on keeping my hair sleek all summer long. I use it on my part to flatten flyaways post-blowout or to smooth fuzzies when I’m wearing a slick updo. I also love the oversized wand for quickly covering large areas.” —LB

“I was pleasantly surprised at how well this worked for me. The formula isn’t sticky at all, yet it smooths all the flyaways and locks everything down in one swipe, giving me that glossy finish. It’s so easy to use with no residue or flakes left behind.” —MU

“This gives my hair that perfect mix of airy texture and long-lasting volume without feeling stiff, and it never leaves behind any weird residue. Plus, the scent is subtle and fresh—and the oversized bottle makes it an amazing value.”
—MARY HONKUS, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

“This bond-building serum is so light on the hair that I can run it through my grease-prone strands every day without them getting oily. It helps strengthen and moisturize my hair with just a few uses and bonus points for its heat-protecting abilities.” —JH

“Just a few spritzes and some quick scrunches and this transforms my hair into dreamy beach hair that actually lasts all day. It doesn’t feels sticky or cause tangles either, unlike many other wave sprays.”
—MU

“I’m usually intimidated by strong gels, so I loved that this one feels much softer and is easier to work into the hair. It’s great for smoothing flyaways and helping updos stay put, and it defines curls without leaving them crunchy or overly shiny.” —SM

“Beyond the fact that I get to channel my inner Beyoncé every time I use this oil, my hair comes out looking glossy and gorgeous. Just a few drops seals in moisture without weighing me down. Shine, softness, and strength all in one.” —JW

“This does it all: smooths, adds shine, protects from heat, and provides soft, flexible hold. No matter the style I’m going for, this is the first product I use on damp hair post-wash.” —LB

“I love how lightweight this curl cream is—it’s fragrance-free and is sensitive-scalp friendly. It leaves my curls bouncy, soft, and noticeably frizz-free.” —KH

“I’ve tested more edge controls than I can count, and this one is definitely top tier. It slicks my edges down without the crunch, flakes, or that annoying white cast that loves to pop up midday. And bonus: It nourishes your edges while it styles.” —JW

“This is exactly what I want in a styling product. You can use it on wet or dry hair, it smells fresh and clean, and it gives noticeable volume that actually lasts all day—without any stiffness.”
—KM

“I have a lot of hair, but it always falls flat and sad against my head. But this spray combines heat protection with texturizing and lifting powers to make my hair nice and voluminous, whether I’m heat styling it or letting my natural waves do their thing.”
—JH

“Yes, this formula protects my precious hair up to 450 degrees, but the continuous mist really sealed the deal for me—I know that all of my sections of hair are getting equal treatment instead of unevenly spraying around the sides and back of my head. It also has a gorgeous light scent that doubles as a fruity hair perfume.”
—JH

“I didn’t know what to expect from this drugstore smoothing treatment, but it works just as well (if not better) than luxury options that cost three times the price. It softens rough hair and minimizes flyaways without weighting my fine hair down.” —LB

“This foam feels so freakin’ good on my scalp after a long day. I just pump a few dollops directly onto my scalp and massage in to help soothe and moisturize.” —BG

“If you want a clean hair serum that promotes growth without any of the icky ingredients, Vegamour is that girl. It also is lightweight enough that you can work it all throughout your scalp (I prefer to do it before bed) and once it dries, it doesn’t leave behind residual oil.” —JH

“My scalp gets really dry, so I appreciate the dropper applicator that makes it easy to target exactly where I need this formula most. It has a lovely scent and a lightweight consistency compared to other oil-based treatments, which I really like.” —SM

“I need a scalp scrub that works but doesn’t wreck my scalp, and this one really delivers. It lifts buildup, refreshes roots, and brings instant relief, like a deep detox that still keeps everything balanced. Actor Taraji P. Henson really did her big one with this!”
—JW

“Like most hair supplements (though OMI is technically a peptide), consistency is key. After taking these capsules for the past 10 months, my edges look fuller, my strands are stronger, and I’m actually seeing real length retention. It’s not a silver bullet, but it’s pretty darn close.” —JW

“This sturdy clip holds all of my thick waves in place with just a simple twist and clasp, and it also comes in so many chic colors and patterns. I pretty much have one to match every single outfit I own.” —JH

“I wear this ponytail pretty much whenever I leave the house. Whether I am headed to the office and it’s a slick-back day or going to hot yoga and need my hair far away from my sweaty shoulders, these hair ties are my lifesaver. They don’t stretch to the point of no return, and they never pull out my hair when it’s time to take out my updo.” —JH

“Lelet’s Pony Cuff is basically a luxury accessory in itself. When I want to elevate any basic ponytail or bun, I just wrap the flexible hidden hair tie around my head and I’m left with an updo fit for a princess, apropos of the shiny and durable gold hardware.”
—JH

“This is a classically good paddle brush that can be used for so many things: detangling, styling, and even blow-drying. I love that the bristles are a bit stiff, too; they feel amazing on my scalp.” —LB

“I typically struggle to do my own blowout, but this round brush makes things way easier. It’s simple to maneuver and the bristles never get caught or snagged on my hair—plus, it’s excellent at smoothing frizz.”
—LB

“Since adding a boar-bristle brush into my daily routine, my hair has genuinely never felt softer. La Bonne Brosse makes a beautiful one that, yes, is a bit of a splurge—but it’s completely worth it for how well it smooths, minimizes breakage, and distributes natural oils to nourish my strands. And the handles are so chic that they double as bathroom decor.” —JH

“Oh, this brush—it feels genuinely luxe, gliding through my hair with ease like a little beauty ritual. It is gentle on the scalp and completely snag-free through the lengths, leaving strands smooth, uniform, and tangle-free. It’s become my go-to for rushed mornings and post-shower styling thanks to that perfect mix of indulgence and performance.”
—MF

“Shark really did their big one with the Shark Glam. It combines every possible attachment you could ever need, so you no longer need to keep a bunch of hot tools lying around. My personal favorite is the barrel attachments that leave me with a voluminous Hollywood-esque blowout in mere minutes.” —JH

“The T3 Aire IQ is the smartest hair dryer I’ve ever used; it completely personalizes my entire blowout. It adjusts heat and speed based on your specific hair type for faster drying with less damage, and its sensors recognize which attachment is being used to automatically fine-tune airflow—so you get a customized styling session without needing to touch a single setting.”
—JH

“This is my favorite styling tool—I reach for it over and over. The cooling button is a total game changer for me because I use rollers. It helps my blowout hold volume and last all day, and the bristles have just the right amount of grip for my hair for easy styling.” —ST

“I would say that I’ve tried over 50 hair tools in my lifetime, and none have impressed me quite like the Wavytalk. With just one brush through, it smooths my hair in a way that only professionals have accomplished. And it’s incredibly easy to maneuver and control.” —MU

“This hair straightener has seen Marrakesh, Paris, Seoul, and more because it’s the most universal tool I own. I can smooth my ends, do a faux blowout, add bends for texture, or even fully curl my hair with it—and it always looks smooth and shiny.” —BG

“Curling irons can be tough to learn, but this is truly the most user-friendly hair tool I’ve ever touched. Just turn it on and go. And it comes in a variety of sizes depending on the type of curl you want.” —BG

“The Revair Micro Edge Styler delivers exactly what I want from a silk press. It gets right up to the hairline for a smooth, flat finish in just one or two passes. At home, I use it to refresh my style when sweat or weather causes a bit of puffing at the roots. It’s a great tool to have on hand for maintaining straight styles.”

—MIKHAILA ARCHER, EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

“The CurrentBody LED Hair Growth Helmet is one of those effortless treatments you just plop on and let do the work for you. It covers every inch of your scalp with red light therapy, helping to stimulate follicles, support circulation, and encourage healthier, fuller-looking hair over time. It’s a 10-minute-a-day habit that fits right into any routine.” —JH

“I can always count on these for effortless styling, and they actually hold in my fine, thin hair. They’re one of the best affordable beauty buys out there. I use them overnight and to help my blowouts last more than one day. Once you get the hang of placing them, you’ll never be able to live without this method again.”
—ST

“When I dyed my hair red last fall, everyone started asking, ‘Who does your color?’ I get really excited to say it’s Madison Reed, a quick and easy at-home option with an array of salon-worthy shades I can do from my bathroom.” —BG

“No product gives me a glassy, high-shine finish quite like Color Wow’s Dream Coat. It activates with a blow-dry, and once it’s in, it leaves the hair ultra-sleek, smooth, and visibly more glossy, with a humidity-fighting finish that lasts for several washes before you need to reapply.” —JH

“Words don’t do justice for my love for Chris McMillan’s haircare line. The styling wand is the most sturdy slick-back assistant I’ve ever used—it never leaves my hair feeling stiff or sticky. The hair oil is lightweight and hydrating and moonlights as a perfume. And the balm is a godsend for styling my waves and minimizing frizz. I obviously was expecting greatness from the hands behind ‘the Rachel’ hairstyle, but nothing could’ve prepared me for the amount of shelf space I would need for all of his innovative formulas.” —JH

“I’ve been talking about how Dyson needs to create a travel-friendly version of the blowdryer for years and it’s finally here. The compact size is carry-on friendly, but it’s still powerful enough to blow-dry my shoulder-length hair in less than seven minutes. It also has universal voltage compatibility, so you can use this baby abroad without frying your hotel room outlet.” —LB

“The new Abundant and Strong line is more proof that the people at Pantene have got good hair days down to a science. I love the shampoo and conditioner for supporting healthy hair and preventing shedding—it targets the main causes of hair loss with drugstore accessibility.” —LB

“The Dyson Airwrap is the easiest and fastest way to blow out my hair, style my bangs, add waves, smooth my ends, and boost volume—you name it and this thing does it in half the time of everything else I’ve used.” —BG

“When my hair is in dire need of an extra boost of hydration, especially amid the extreme conditions that NYC’s weather has to offer, this salon treatment comes to the rescue. A stylist applies it post-shampoo, and my blowout comes out much sleeker, with hair that looks and feels softer and shinier.”
—JH

“If I had to commit to only one type of hair color treatment, it would be Redken Shades ALK. Somewhere between a gloss and dye, it seamlessly blends grays, corrects unwanted tones, and gives hair megawatt shine—all for a full month.” —LB