Let’s be honest: when it comes to hair, we’re all a little obsessed—whether it’s finding the perfect curl cream or revealing the secret to luscious, Rapunzel-like growth. And here at Shape, testing hair products? Well, it’s our unofficial team sport. From taming frizz to giving limp locks a new lease on life, we’ve tried it all, so you don’t have to (you’re welcome!). If you’re equally as interested in the health and growth of your hair, we’ve rounded up 13 products that are basically hair superheroes. Ready for a good hair day every day? Let’s go.
T3 Aire 360
This Shape Beauty Awards winner has changed my life—and added life to my hair. Every single time I use this dryer (first with the drying attachment, then with the curling wand), I get compliments. Everyone asks if I got a blowout. The fast yet gentle dryer protects my color-treated hair and cuts my drying time down to below 10 minutes. Also, it’s quiet enough that my baby doesn’t freak out from the noise, which is a total plus in my book (hello, multi-tasking). While I love it for day 1 hair, I also use the curling wand to add lift and texture on day three or four post-wash. A two to three-minute pick-me-up adds volume and curl to post-workout hair. — Eliza Savage, Editorial Director, Commerce
Nutrafol for Women
As a registered dietitian, I am super picky about what supplements I choose to add to my routine. After having my third baby last fall, I noticed my hair wasn’t growing back as quickly as I’d like. Gone were the luscious pregnancy locks I had gotten used to, and continuing to take my prenatal wasn’t cutting it. Enter Nutrafol. I wondered whether the popular supplement would hold up to its esteemed reputation. And why, yes, it sure did. While taking four pills per day isn’t always easy or enjoyable, it was worth the results. My hair got thicker and stronger. I noticed less shedding (TMI, but less clumps in the shower drain), and less breakage. My colorist even asked what I had changed. I love that I can feel good about the ingredients—and I’m getting my daily amount of vitamin D, a nutrient I typically lack throughout the fall and winter months. A win-win. — Eliza Savage, Editorial Director, Commerce
Ceremonia Guava Rescue Spray
I dread combing out my hair after a shower, as it typically results in a battle between my brush and a mess of wet, tangled waves. This spray actually helps detangle my strands before running a brush through them and leaves them more hydrated and damage-free once my hair is dry. Plus, the smell is incredible — a major bonus. — Maddie Barber, Commerce Writer
Act+Acre Stem Cell Scalp Serum
As someone who struggles with trichotillomania (meaning I obsessively pull the hair on my head), I’ve developed a few spotty patches on my scalp over the years. With this, I was determined to remedy the damage with a hair growth serum, investing in this option from Act+Acre (as a fan of the brand’s other haircare products, I had faith in this option as well). After over three months of using it nightly on my problem areas, the regrowth is obvious. Plus, my scalp feels overall more balanced and healthy. — Maddie Barber, Commerce Writer
Ouai Wave Spray
I can’t tell you how many bottles of this stuff I’ve gone through in the past few years. It’s a sacred hair essential for me that requires minimal effort and time. All I do is spritz it on wet hair, and I’m good to go for the entire day. My wavy hair dries and looks like it was styled – I’ve even had strangers ask what hot tool I use. In addition to giving my hair some great structure, it doesn’t dry my locks out like other wave sprays out there. You can’t beat it. — Summer Cartwright, Senior Commerce Editor
Clearstem Restorative Shampoo
This is one of the few shampoos I’ve tried that *actually* addresses all of my hair concerns. I’ve dealt with hair loss, damaged hair, and dandruff for years, and I used to mix together four different shampoos on wash days to combat the various issues. When I first tried Clearstem’s Restorative Shampoo, I was expecting it to be another formula I’d have to mix into my routine — but it quickly became the only formula I use. It leaves me with a clear, flake-free scalp that feels fresh and revitalized, and not only does it have a thickening effect that leaves me with added volume post-wash, but I haven’t seen my hair grow this long since I was a teen. Everyone’s hair is different, but this gentle formula is a one-stop shop for tackling some of the most common hair and scalp concerns. — Christina Oehler, Senior Commerce Editor, Beauty & Wellness
Rōz Hair Milk
I could go on about Rōz’s Milk Hair Serum forever. While your scalp health is the most important component of hair growth, ensuring your strands are strong is just as important for healthy hair. This leave-in conditioner is the only product I trust to keep my hair glossy and protected from heat damage. It’s light enough for my thin hair (i.e., doesn’t leave my hair looking greasy or weighed down), but provides an unbelivable amount of hydration. The best part? A little goes a long way — a testament to the quality of this formula. — Christina Oehler, Senior Commerce Editor, Beauty & Wellness
Living Proof PhD Dry Shampoo Vanilla Scent
The original Perfect Hair Day dry shampoo is my holy grail for dirty/greasy hair (hi, me always, since I only shampoo once or twice a week), and this limited-edition vanilla scent raises the bar. It reminds me of another fave warm vanilla sugary scent, yet it fades enough so it doesn’t clash with my perfume. I get tons of volume and a matte finish that makes hair appear cleaner (plus a formula that actually makes hair cleaner), now with a trendy vanilla scent. — Shannon Bauer, Associate Editorial Director
K18 Leave-In Hair Mask
I heat style a lot — probably three times per week on average — but maintaining strong, healthy hair is the goal. K18 Hair Mask truly changed my hair. It’s so easy to use: Skip conditioner in the shower, apply a few pumps of this to wet hair, leave it alone for 4 minutes, then style as usual. This magic formula has made all the difference in maintaining touchably soft hair and mending broken bonds that keep strands strong. Pricey, but worth every penny. — Shannon Bauer, Associate Editorial Director
Rahua Aloe Vera Hair Mousse
Mousse is having a major moment, and it’s not the mousse our moms used to use (though no shade to ‘80s hair). This aloe-based, light-as-air, eco-consciously packaged fixative feels more like a foam than a mouse (read: no crunchiness). It’s perfect for flyaways and clean enough for me to use on my five-year-old when it’s time for school pictures. — Jill DiDonato, Associate Editorial Operations Director
Shark Beauty SpeedStyle Pro Flex
This tiny hairdryer is ultra-light and fits in the palm of your hand and easily in my yoga bag. The best part is that it dries my shoulder-length, double-processed hair in less than 15 minutes and helps me achieve sleek waves without noticeable damage. — Jill DiDonato, Associate Editorial Operations Director
Malibu C Swimmers Wellness Hair Remedy
This unassuming packet contains a fine crystal powder that removes chlorine, minerals, and salt to prevent damage and discoloration caused by pool chemicals. About once a week, I’ll shampoo but skip the conditioner and use this as a hair mask during my post-swim shower. I noticed a difference from the first time I used it—my hair feels smooth and healthy and looks super shiny even if I let it air dry. — Bronwyn Barnes, VP of Commerce
Briogeo Scalp Revival Mask
The Briogeo Scalp Revival Mask is my go-to whenever my scalp needs a detox. I deal with flaking in my hair due to my naturally dry scalp. Truthfully, the flakes are so noticeable that it can be incredibly embarrassing. So much so that I find myself constantly trying to flick them out as much as possible. But thanks to this deeply hydrating hair mask, I can easily solve this hair issue in minutes. It soothes my itchy scalp with a cooling sensation while eliminating dry flakes after my first use. — Taylor Jeffries, Beauty & Wellness Commerce Writer, News & Deals