Our hair says a lot about us, from who we are to how much time we have in the A.M. And while bad hair days do happen, good ones can take that sense of self to a whole new level. (Think: a dramatic chop that lights up the group chat, or the fresh blowout that’s begging for a selfie.) Most of the time, the trick to making that confidence boost last is to work with your hair, not against it. And the right hair-care routine can help you do just that—without cutting into your morning run, no less.
That's why we tapped a panel of hair experts (you can meet them below!), including the WH beauty team, to get their favorite products across a multitude of categories for our fourth annual Healthy Hair Awards.
Experts
Of course, one size does not fit all when it comes to hair. That's why we’ve broken out the winners by hair type so you can find the shampoos, conditioners, stylers, treatments, tools, and more that work best for you and your life, whether you’re looking for a post-gym refresh, you're in the market for a new straightening iron, or you're in need of serious damage repair.
With that, scroll on (or click below) to see which products made the cut—and get ready to experience your healthiest hair yet.
Straight Hair
Flat, limp strands? Not on our watch. These weightless formulas deliver the right amount of volume and bounce.
"This shampoo is sulfate-free—meaning it gently cleanses, hydrates, and moisturizes with hyaluronic acid and emollients." — Dr. Hadley King
"A miracle of chemistry, this conditioner is both deeply hydrating yet won't weigh hair down. It's also pH-balanced, so it won't irritate your scalp and can be used handily during detangling. I'm a huge fan." — Brian Underwood
"This dry shampoo is super-lightweight, so it doesn’t weigh hair down or turn it white like others can. It leaves the hair feeling clean and manageable (not gritty like others) and smells great." — Meri Kate O'Connor
"K18 is a miracle worker for fine, damaged hair. This leave-in mask repairs hair in four minutes, leaving it smooth and silky to the touch—almost bringing it back to its 'virgin' state in one use." — Meri Kate O'Connor
"I love this leave-in conditioner because a) it leaves hair hydrated, shinier, and less frizzy, b) it can be applied to wet or dry hair, and c) it smells amazing!" — Mia Santiago
"I love this product because it gives you enough texture without feeling like there’s too much product in your hair. It also smells delicious!" — Jenna Perry
"This texturizing spray is a must-, must-, must-have in my kit. I love applying it from roots to ends, section by section, to create maximum hold and body. Works wonders on all hair types! Obsessed." — Mia Santiago
"You can spray it in and use a lot more than you might think without the crunchiness, and it actually delivers volume." — Laura Polko
"This pre-wash scalp oil clarifies your scalp while keeping it moisturized at the same time. It helps to soothe itchy scalps as well. Pro tip: Just make sure you rinse and shampoo fully to remove all oil from your hair after." — Meri Kate O'Connor
Trademark Beauty Tame Your Mane Smoothing Hair Brush
"This brush is made using bristles of varying lengths to easily glide through wet or dry hair, detangling without causing breakage. Trust me, this will work through even the tightest of knots with ease." — Brian Underwood
"It's easy to use, and it consistently stays the same temperature, which is the biggest thing when you curl your hair—since it can create even curls. This is constantly reheating itself so whatever temperature it's set at, you're going to have an even style." — Laura Polko
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Wavy Hair
Put the body-ody-ody back into wavy hair with products designed to define—without adding weight.
"Think of a cool breeze on your scalp. I love to use this shampoo when my scalp is feeling itchy or dry to leave it feeling clean and invigorated. I usually double-shampoo my hair with this for the extra cool tingle." — Mia Santiago
"This conditioner is luxurious. It’s made with black cumin oil and leaves your hair moisturized and smoother without weighing it down too much. It's amazing for curly, wavy, and coarse hair." — Mia Santiago
"This leave-in is perfect for all hair types, especially fine textures, as it doesn’t weigh the hair down. It's also great to use as a detangler or leave-in conditioner after working out or swimming." — Meri Kate O'Connor
"It’s called beauty sleep for a reason, right? This is hydration nation; it can be applied on damp or dry hair, combed though, and you’re done—go to sleep. No need to wash it out, either. Your hair will be three times more hydrated for up to 72 hours." — Mia Santiago
"This at-home anti-frizz treatment can help to give you results like you would see from a professional smoothing treatment and will last for three or so shampoos. It leaves your hair silky, super-shiny, and frizz-free for days." — Meri Kate O'Connor
"This texture spray is perfect for finishing a look! It gives the hair grittiness that helps break up tight waves or curls for a beachy look and long-lasting volume. I couldn’t live without it." — Alex Brown
"Hair oil is tricky, but I like this one—because while it's good for any hair type, it's great for curly hair especially because you can layer it. You can figure out the right amount without accidentally using too much. Curly hair doesn't necessarily mean you have a ton of hair—so you can go in with a little built and add more." — Laura Polko
"This brush is my favorite to use as a detangler on wet hair. I also love to use it when I rough dry my hair—it allows me to keep my waves but smooth out the hairline." — Jenna Perry
"This blow-dry brush is IT. I love mine! I like to use it when the hair is about 70 to 80 percent dry. It has two attachments, so you can opt for the flat brush for a straighter, sleeker look, or you can use the round brush attachment for a smoother, bouncier blowout. I have used this on all hair types and it works really well!" — Mia Santiago
Not Your Mother's Smooth Moves Instant Shine Lamellar Water Hair Rinse
"I’d never used a product like this before and was wowed from the second it hit my hair. This is one of my favorite products in the shower: After shampooing, I apply it from roots to ends—it actually heats up when mixed with water on your hair—and let it set for a few minutes, and then rinse out. I wanted my frizzy hair to give it a true test, so I didn’t use any other products after and let it air dry. My hair dried smooth and shiny and it lasted for up to 72 hours. It’s magic in a bottle." — Mia Santiago
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Curly Hair
Bring out the best in your bends (and minimize frizz, stretch, and uneven curl patterns) with these expert picks.
"This is formulated with cold-pressed organic cupuacu butter sustainably sourced from the Amazon rainforest. The plant-based formula is rich in omega fatty acids and very moisturizing for the hair." —Dr. Hadley King
"This is an affordable drugstore formula that really delivers: it's super creamy and conditions the hair well while also working great as a detangler for thick hair." —Danielle Jackson
"Want to give your curls a nice, hydrating boost without having to sit through a full wash day? A few spritzes of this will add a little bit of life and a lot of bounce back to your strands for up to two days." —Danielle Jackson
"This mask works wonders for all hair types to rehydrate and revitalize each hair strand. It’s formulated with vitamins for optimal smoothing and healthier hair. This product is also certified vegan, which makes it even better!" —Alex Brown
"The best product for frizz, hands-down. The lightweight spray provides enough moisture to beat frizz while not weighing the hair down. It also gives a nice shiny coat to the hair, leaving you smooth all day." —Alex Brown
"I'll sing the praises of this mousse every chance I get. It defines curls and leaves the hair with such a soft, non-crunchy texture thanks to its watery formula that's perfect for twist outs, braid outs, and wash 'n' gos." —Danielle Jackson
"Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil is the absolute best for frizz control. I love it because it has UV protection in it, as well as a heat guard. Taking the extra step in your hair routine to protect your hair from everyday elements is so important!" —Alex Brown
"This brush has bristles designed to be super-gentle on the hair and scalp, removing tangles without tugging or snagging on the hair. I love to use on damp hair to shape curls and work products through before styling or air drying." —Justine Marjan
"I like to spray this in curly hair because first of all, it smells amazing, and secondly, it gives a nice end-result. With curly hair, you're not going to brush it out, but you need that added softness. It gives that little bit of frizz control, so you can do a lot with it." —Laura Polko
"This blow-dryer is so light and quiet, and the technology dries the hair so fast while protecting it from heat damage." —Jenna Perry
"I tend to avoid using gel products on my daughter's 3A curls—not such a fan of the dry, crunchy look. This one is different, though. It softly defines spirals to minimize frizz and hold your style all day long." —Brian Underwood
"My favorite new straightener: Its curved shape makes it comfortable to hold, it heats up fast, and it keeps hair smooth and frizz-free until your next shampoo without drying your hair out. Because of the shape, you can also wave and curl your hair without getting iron creases." —Meri Kate O'Connor
"This curl cream should win all the awards for its smell alone, but it is next level. It defines your curls and moisturizes without weighing them down. I like to mix this with gel for extra hold and dry slightly with a diffuser. Boing." —Mia Santiago
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Coily Hair
Texture calls for TLC. Replenish moisture, strengthen strands, and protect coils and kinks with these extra-nourishing essentials.
"If dandruff and flakiness are topping the list of your hair woes, this apple cider vinegar-infused shampoo provides relief in as little as three weeks of regular use." — Danielle Jackson
"This contains certified organic raw shea butter, as well as manuka honey and mafura oil to hydrate and moisturize the hair. This is great for dry and frizzy hair. The African rock fig is also rich in antioxidants to help protect from damage from free radicals." — Dr. Hadley King
"It’s amazing because it provides moisture while sealing in shine and softness to dry, brittle hair." — Felicia Leatherwood
"This has become my go-to mask when I’m going into a thermally straightened style. The texture of this mask is very unique and leaves the hair extremely soft. The tangles feel like they just melt away." — Erica Douglas
"If you have highly porous curls—aka curls that aren’t able to retain moisture as well—this is a great fix, as it’s made with liquid protein that nourishes the hair and helps fight against breakage." — Danielle Jackson
"The best twist outs I’ve ever had all had one thing in common: mousse! This one is made with silk protein that leaves the hair so soft and bouncy for days." — Danielle Jackson
"It’s perfect for people who need to nourish their hair follicles and have dry scalps, but not so heavy that it clogs pores on the scalp. That makes it easy for the hair to continue to grow while moisturizing the cuticle layers of your hair." — Felicia Leatherwood
"If you have a hard time detangling your hair, then it’s because you do not have this brush in your life. This detangling brush has a unique design that helps to detangle hair safely without breaking or damaging your hair. This is especially great for people who are tender-headed." — Erica Douglas
EDEN BodyWorks Coco Shea Berry Detangling Shampoo
"This keeps hair soft and manageable, and is great for everyone in your family, including small children." — Felicia Leatherwood
"It's excellent for defining hair textures and providing hold while keeping the hair soft and flexible. Plus, it brings out the shine on hair." — Felicia Leatherwood
"This flatiron is awesome. It has a consistent temperature of 365°F, so it’s always hot enough without damaging the hair. I love to use this iron to make waves and bends in the hair; it makes bends beautifully and doesn’t leave creases in the hair. I have one in my kit, one in the salon, and one in my drawer at home!" — Mia Santiago
"If you are looking for a silicone-free serum to add shine and vibrancy to your hair, look no further! It’s not too greasy, and absorbs into the hair nicely. I use this every day as the last step to seal moisture into my hair, and it stays soft for days!" — Erica Douglas
"It's great for re-hydrating and refreshing curls while you need a little moisture and don't want to start over with your wash 'n go." — Felicia Leatherwood
"This is the definition of true innovation: This reverse-air dryer makes straightening extremely coily hair a breeze! No more fighting with your coils when going straight with this new toy!" — Erica Douglas
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Special Care
From an itchy scalp to baby hairs, these targeted picks can tackle whatever’s keeping you from your best hair.
Brush With the Best Flaxseed Bonnet for Deep Conditioning
"This is the best way to hydrate and condition your dry, brittle hair without having to sit under a dryer all day—and it works well with any conditioner." —Felicia Leatherwood
"This is as close to professional color as you can get without stepping foot inside of a salon. It's super-easy to use, and you are able to get two to three applications out of one box!" — Meri Kate O'Connor
"This soothing mask is ideal for people with dry, itchy scalp, anyone with dandruff, and those with eczema and inflamed scalps from chemical breakdowns due to color and heat damage." — Felicia Leatherwood
"This cream is the ultimate multi-styler. Not only does it work as a heat protectant, but it also smoothes frizz, detangles, and fights humidity—so your hair stays sleek and polished all day. I like to use before blowdrying or after in dry hair to touch up any flyaways and frizz." — Justine Marjan
"Sleeping on silk is the easiest beauty tip anyone can do, and Slip Silk Pillowcases are excellent quality, come in great colors and patterns, and last a long time. Silk pillowcases prevent skin and beauty products from absorbing into your pillows and prevent frizz and sleep crease." — Justine Marjan
"Not every edge control actually delivers on keeping your baby hairs in place for longer periods of time, but this one definitely passes the test, and it’s even infused with biotin to help strengthen the hair. " — Danielle Jackson
Neutrogena Scalp Therapy Anti-Dandruff Daily Control Shampoo
"This shampoo uses a tried-and-true flake buster—1.8 percent salicylic acid—to slough away dandruff at the source: your scalp. But don't think because it works, it isn't a pleasure to use. It is, with a beautiful vanilla and toasted coconut aroma." — Brian Underwood
"Taking a road trip with the top down? Getting ready to a sky dive? Planning a vacation in a wind tunnel? This mega-hold spray has you covered. Your style won't budge no matter what you put it through." — Brian Underwood
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Deanna Pai is a freelance beauty writer and editor currently based in New York. She has more than 10 years of experience writing about beauty and wellness.
