These Are the Best Hair Products of 2024

We can all agree that, despite the differences in our hair types and textures, we all want our hair to always feel and look its best. Choosing the best equipment and products for our regimen is crucial to achieving and preserving healthy hair. As editors, we receive hundreds of hair care products on a yearly basis and test-drive them all for numerous hours. And following several months of testing, we have identified the market’s most inventive, ground-breaking formulas. Here are the winners of the hair category for the 2024 Beauty Awards, ranging from the best hot tool to the best hydrating shampoo.

Best Hydrating Shampoo: Salwa Petersen Chébé Hydrating Shampoo

“My curls benefit from Salwa Petersen’s complete Hair Products line, but I really adore the Chébé Hydrating Shampoo. Strengthening chébé (a Chadian native ingredient), hydrating argan oil, and reviving squalane are all found in the mild composition. By working this through my hair and scalp, I can get rid of any buildup without causing my hair to lose its luster and hydration. It is definitely a shampoo that all people with coily and curly hair should incorporate into their regimen.” — Editor Olivia Hancock

Best Hydrating Conditioner: Cécred Moisturizing Deep Conditioner

“On washdays, I’m determined to give my curls the attention they require. Regular deep conditioning is essential because my hair is prone to dryness. My regimen has changed drastically since I started using Cécred’s Moisturizing Deep Conditioner. Hyaluronic acid, which increases moisture, bioactive keratin ferment, and moisturizing shea butter are some of the substances used in its formulation. My dry, lifeless hair is revitalized by the strong mixture, resulting in luscious, supple, and well-hydrated curls.” — Editor Olivia Hancock

Best Volumizing Shampoo: Christophe Robin Delicate Volumizing Shampoo

“I always advise clients with fine hair to use this shampoo. The solution with a rose smell thickens hair from root to tip, adding volume and fullness to thin hair without making it dry. It can be used every day and is mild enough for color-treated hair.” The famous colorist and creator of Jenna Perry Hair Studio, Jenna Perry.

Best Volumizing Conditioner: Philip B. Botanicals Peppermint Avocado Conditioner

Since each strand of hair in my large head of hair is very thin, volumizing products are a continual priority in my hair care regimen. Philip B. Botanicals’ conditioner uses avocado extract and amino acids for shine and bounce, safflower oleosomes for time-released nourishment, and peppermint and menthol to concurrently refresh hair. Hair that is healthy and revitalized with plenty of volume and movement instead of falling flat is the end result.” — Associate Editor Ali Webb

Best Dandruff Control: Head & Shoulders Bare Soothing Hydration Silicone-Free Dandruff Shampoo

“While I still have some amount of dandruff, it has greatly decreased since I started using the Head & Shoulders Bare Soothing Hydration Silicone-Free Dandruff Shampoo. The mild product has a pleasant summertime aloe aroma and works exceptionally well at washing *and* moisturizing my scalp to reduce flakes. In addition, the packaging is a bonus even if the formula is the most important factor. The majority of anti-dandruff shampoos are packaged in clinical, boring styles; I adore that this one has a fun, sage-colored bottle. With a design that is entirely recyclable (including the cap) and 45% less plastic than a typical shampoo bottle, the bottle is also Head & Shoulders’ most environmentally friendly product to date. — The editorial director Holly Rhue

Best for Minimizing Breakage: Nécessaire Rosemary Shampoo for Thinning Hair

With their latest Rosemary Shampoo (and matching conditioner), Necessaire has once again done it again. The Rosemary Shampoo, housed in the brand’s eminently stylish packaging, is a fortifying concoction of plant proteins to replenish hair’s elasticity, ceramides to maintain the skin barrier balancing the scalp, and rosemary oil, which has been demonstrated to enhance blood flow and, consequently, hair development. Although more studies are required to verify the connection between rosemary oil and hair growth, I’m happy to report that, after using it consistently for six months, I’ve seen an incredible increase in the area around my hairline. There are patches of new baby hair growing everywhere, and I’ve noticed that my hair is growing longer since my ends are tougher and less likely to break. After a hot workout, my scalp feels pleasantly and faintly minty, and my scalp is generally lot calmer.” — The editorial director Holly Rhue

Best for Strengthening: Act+Acre Cold Processed Stem Cell Serum Hair Products

Because Act+Acre Stem Cell Serum contains apple stem cells, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and extract from bamboo and pea sprouts, it is good for the scalp. Together, these components strengthen, nourish, and shield the hair follicles, encouraging the creation of healthy new hair and enhancing the density and thickness of existing hair. The serum creates a balanced, healthy environment for strong, lustrous hair by reducing inflammation, protecting the scalp from injury, and encouraging hair development.” — Dhiran Mistry, proprietor of The Carriage House and a hair stylist

Best for Thickening: Better Not Younger Superpower+ Advanced Hair Densifying Scalp Serum

The hairline at my chin, where I’ve been known to tug, brush, and smooth for a sleek bun, is starting to thin out with time. And I’m not shocked—I know these looks may be harmful! However, it did make me start researching my alternatives and, naturally, reducing the frequency of times I wear my hair in that manner. I’ve never looked back after discovering Better Not Younger’s Densifying Scalp Serum. The strong gel-serum (I adore the texture; it feels like it really grips) is made specifically for thinning hair and thickens the look of hair using a combination of apple cider vinegar, castor oil, rosemary extract, and hydrolyzed rice protein. Basically, I wanted my hair pushed back to reveal as little of my scalp as possible, and this product met my expectations. I like to use the brand’s Comfort Liquid Comb to massage it in and let it set to get the maximum advantages.” — Chief editor Hallie Gould

Best Hair Mask, Moisture: Gisou Honey Infused Hair Mask

“My fine hair can become dry and damaged easily because I use hot tools on it virtually every day. When my hair feels really lifeless, I reach for this mask because it does an amazing job of softening and smoothing it. The thick, creamy texture makes it simple to work through the lengths of my hair, and the sweet aroma of honey enhances my shower experience.” — Writer for commerce Alyssa Kaplan

Best Hair Mask, Repair: Harklinikken Hair Mask

My hair is prone to breaking and thinning, therefore I’m always searching for a mask that can address these issues. This one, with its combination of olive and abyssinian oils, simultaneously lessens breakage, restores damage, and seals in moisture. My hair appears healthier and feels stronger after using it. I prefer to leave this mask on entire night to truly absorb all the beneficial components because it maintains my cherished length.” — Chief editor Hallie Gould

Best Hair Mask, Curls: Aveda Be Curly Advanced Intensive Curl Perfecting Masque

“I use Aveda’s Be Curly Advanced Intensive Curl Perfecting Masque when my hair requires more care. The potent mask includes conditioning kokum seed and shea butter, shine-enhancing baobab seed oil, moisturizing sunflower seed oil, and a strengthening peptide created from plant proteins. I can already see an improvement in the smoothness, gloss, and definition of my curls by using it every washday.” — Editor Olivia Hancock

Best Hair Essence: Pantene Pro-Vitamin Essence

We’re fortunate to live in a period when bond builders are widely used in haircare; I personally enjoy that, with the help of a few essential products, I can heat style as much as I do with little to no damage. Pantene’s Pro-Vitamin Essence, a leave-in treatment that uses pro-vitamin B5 to repair hair’s protein structures for greater strength and smoothness with each application, is a standout in this category. It works on both wet and dry hair and has a mild, tropical floral aroma with a trace of sandalwood. It’s a wonderful, seamless complement to any routine.” — Associate Editor Ali Webb

Best Hair Oil: Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil

The Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil is my go-to product, ride or die. I personally utilize it, and I discover that the buildable formula benefits each and every one of my clients. It protects hair from heat damage up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and keeps it healthy, lustrous, and ready for air drying or styling.” The famous colorist and creator of Jenna Perry Hair Studio, Jenna Perry

Best for Shine: Color Wow Extra Mist-ical Hair Shine Spray

“I give any hairstyle a little more bling by using the Color Wow more Mist-ical Hair Shine Spray. My hair is instantly given a visible sheen and shine by the fine mist. Mullein, a plant-based substance that absorbs UV radiation and transforms it into full-spectrum light, is responsible for this. Though its shine factor is what I value most about this spray, I also like that its formula isn’t greasy at all.” — Editor Olivia Hancock

Best for Air-Drying: Oribe Hair Alchemy Heatless Styling Balm

“To be honest, it’s been a while since I added a new style product to my regimen. I simply stick to what I know and enjoy. All the same, I’m curious in Oribe’s Heatless Styling Balm because I usually prefer to let things air dry. It’s like having the best of both worlds: I can keep my regimen simple while yet getting nice-looking waves as they dry. And it is, drum roll please. It smooths, gives my hair a little grip and luster, and encourages the growth of its texture. I use two to three pumps (I have to be careful not to use too much product because my hair is delicate), rake it through from roots to ends, and then scrunch. It’s been a while since my natural waves have looked this fantastic.” — Chief editor Hallie Gould

Best for Blocking Humidity: Amika The Shield Anti Humidity Spray

“Amilka’s anti-humidity spray, which contains sea buckthorn berry extract along with other ingredients, works to strengthen, moisturize, and shield hair from the drying effects of humidity.” The spray leaves hair silky, hydrated, and less prone to breaking by reducing frizz, enhancing hair elasticity, and forming a shield of defense against outside stresses.” — Dhiran Mistry, proprietor of The Carriage House and a hair stylist\

Best Curl Cream: Rahua Control Cream Curl Styler

“I love Rahua’s curl products, especially the Curl Styler with Control Cream. Fortifying rahua oil, moisturizing shea butter, hydrating organic aloe, and molasses for hold are the ingredients of the leave-in style product. My curls will be silky, defined, and bouncy when I apply this to them. — Editor Olivia Hancock

Best Edge Control: Aunt Jackie’s Smooth + Swirl Edge Gel with Extra Firm Hold

“Aunt Jackie’s Smooth + Swirl Edge Gel with Extra Firm Hold ticks all my edge-control boxes without any compromise. The gel is thick and transparent, making it simple to apply and shape, but it dries down without leaving behind any white flakes. It’s packed with biotin so it strengthens and protects my hair while I style it. I’m blown away by the durability of the hold and that my hair doesn’t feel crispy after use. It also readily softens up with a little water, so I can switch between slicked-back looks and curly styles with ease.” — Star Donaldson, associate social media director

Best Hair Gel: Djerf Avenue On the Go Styling Gel

“Djerf Avenue On the Go Styling Gel is designed for all hair types, and I can personally attest that it works wonders on my 3C/4A hair. I’m infatuated with it.” Let’s discuss the aroma first. This curly hair gel has a subtle vanilla and somewhat woodsy perfume that goes well with my everyday fragrance collection, unlike so many others that smell overly sweet and tropical. Furthermore, the gel feels airy and doesn’t give my curls a white cast. When I use it on damp hair, my curls get a lot of definition without being crunchy. I’m afraid of running out, so I only use it on exceptional occasions because I love it so much.” — Star Donaldson, director of associate social media

Best Mousse: Pattern Beauty Curl Mousse

“I stumbled into the benefits of curl mousse last summer and haven’t looked back. My hair looks better every day because to Pattern Beauty Curl Mousse, which defines my curls without making them appear weighed down and gives hold that lasts all week without requiring touch-ups. It’s a win-win situation for me because I can use this powerful product to accomplish the ideal braid-out and wash-and-go.” — Jasmine Phillips, editor of social media

Best Dry Shampoo: Dae Hair Fairy Duster Dry Shampoo

“My silk presses’ longevity and good health depend heavily on dry shampoo.” I have used a lot of sprays that smell amazing but leave my scalp wet, which makes my roots curl back up. This has completely changed for me thanks to Dae Hair’s Fairy Duster Dry Shampoo’s pump applicator and aerosol-free product. You can evenly distribute the talc-free powder dry shampoo throughout your hair without using any water because it comes in a pump form rather as a can. The delightful citrus aroma of the little bottle, which has more than 600 pumps, uplifts my spirits. The best part is that no matter how frequently I use it, it never leaves any white residue on my dark brown hair.” — Star Donaldson, director of associate social media

Best Hair Spray: Tresemmé Extra Hold Hair Spray

“I trust Tresemmé when it comes to hairspray. The Extra Hold Hair Spray is a perfect illustration of why the brand has been a market leader in the field for a long time. The flexible, non-drying, ultra-fine hair spray gives you an all-day grip. Whatever my day holds in store, this technique guarantees that my style remains fresh and protected from humidity, whether I’m sporting loose curls or a slicked-back bun.” — Editor Olivia Hancock

Best Tool: Mane It’s Giving Body Medium Hot Thermal Round Brush

“I’ve always been a fan of huge, fluffy, Farrah Fawcett–inspired hair. But honestly, the thought of digging a blow dryer and round brush out from under my crowded sink—and then holding both over my head for 20 minutes—is exhausting. Fortunately, Mane—the new sister brand to Jen Atkin’s Ouai—has made it so simple to get the voluminous blowout of my dreams in literally five minutes. The brand’s It’s Giving Body Medium Hot Thermal Brush heats up quickly and manipulates hair incredibly well. I can flip my ends up into a chic little ’60s moment, mold my shortest layer into a faux curtain bang, or smooth and straighten in just a few minutes. The tool is also incredibly lightweight, so it’s very easy to maneuver (no exhausting my arm muscles).” — Holly Rhue, editorial director