Unless you've been living under a rock, you likely noticed that the hair care industry has exploded in recent years. Thanks to viral social media trends and new innovative products that tackle woes like hair loss and general thinning, people seem to be more fascinated than ever before with boosting the health of their hair.
But with so many products on the market that promise results, how do you know what will actually work and ultimately be worth the spend? Luckily, Harper's Bazaar just revealed their 2024 Hair Awards winners, and Jenna Rosenstein, Harper’s Bazaar Beauty Director, stopped by TODAY to share seven of her favorite winners that you'll want to add to your hair routine right now.
From a dry shampoo that can also soothe your scalp to multi-use hair styling tools, keep reading to check out the featured products from the awards. And if you want to check out the full list, you can view them all on Harper's Bazaar's website.
Harper’s Bazaar Hair Award winners
Scalp
Best Scalp Scrub: Virtue Exfoliating Scalp Treatment
Reviews boast about the detoxifying benefits of this scalp treatment, raving that any stubborn buildup is whisked away after scrubbing. But compared to other exfoliating scalp products, this one is a bit different: The brand suggests it is a two-in-one product because it conditions your strands, too. And Rosenstein can vouch. “[It] has a delightful whipped texture and is packed with ingredients like keratin and jojoba oil that leaves your hair healthier with each use,” she claims.
Best Scalp Conditioner:Dr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Solution Miracle In Shower Treatment
According to the brand, this impressive scalp treatment provides noticeably softer and smoother strands in five seconds — yes, really. This was based on results from their clinical trials, which revealed that 100% of participants saw visible improvements in their scalp health. After all, healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp.
Best Scalp Serum: Grande Cosmetics Grande Hair Enhancing Serum
“Like a multivitamin for your scalp, Grande Cosmetics Grande Hair Enhancing Serum deposits peptides and amino acids right where you need them most to support healthy hair growth,” says Rosenstein. “Use it nightly to see an improvement in thickness and texture.” It was formulated to be used on dyed hair, too, and is also a great option for men facing hair loss.
Best Pre-Shower Treatment: Fable & Mane HoliRoots Hair Oil
Rosenstein says this product is a TikTok favorite because it has the ability “to deliver healthier, shinier hair and a soothed scalp, thanks to the lightweight blend of castor oil, dashmool and ashwagandha.” Since it is labeled as a pre-wash treatment, you should apply and massage it into dry hair, or leave it on overnight. “Just be sure to give it a good rinse before shampooing,” Rosenstein adds.
Best Detox Spray: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Buildup Detox Spray
This is another pre-wash treatment to consider, except this one gently exfoliates the scalp for a deeper cleanse. “The blend of skincare acids helps eat away at buildup from styling products like dry shampoo that can contribute to dull, dry hair,” explains Rosenstein. Just spray and massage over your scalp before showering to revel in all of its benefits.
Cleanse and condition
Best Hair Mask: Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate 5-Min Liquid Mask
Rosenstein says this Redken hair mask “helps reverse damage from hot tools and chemical treatments by combining citric acid that strengthens and emollients that seal the cuticle of the hair.” And it should do that in just five minutes, along with boosting your hair’s moisture and shine.
Best Shampoo And Conditioner For Fine Hair: Roszak Rōz the Foundation Duo
When it comes to fine hair, it is difficult to find a shampoo and conditioner that doesn’t weigh the hair down, but also doesn’t neglect hydration. That’s where this powerful combo comes into the picture. “The shampoo in Roszak’s Rōz the Foundation Duo uses coconut based cleansers to gently purify, while the conditioner douses hair with peptides and ceramides to create a smooth base for styling,” explains Rosenstein.
Best Shampoo for Curls: Herbal Essences Apricot Oil Curl Define Shampoo
Weightless shine and curls more defined? Yes, please. Although some shampoos might feel stripping on curly hair, this one promises tons of nourishment too for bouncier curls. The shampoo utilizes apricot oil, aloe vera and camellia oil to provide all of this and more.
Best Conditioner for Curls: Herbal Essences Apricot Oil Curl Define Conditioner
Containing the same key ingredients as their curl defining shampoo, the Herbal Essence Apricot Oil Conditioner should make your curls feel softer and silkier without the heavy, greasy feel. Although this is marketed for curly hair, reviews suggest that wavy hair can benefit from the product, too.
Best Dry Shampoo: Oribe Serene Scalp Oil Control Dry Shampoo Powder
Oribe’s dry shampoo powder claims to extend your time between washes by reducing excess sebum, dirt and product build-up. “[The product] not only refreshes oily hair with a starch blend and kaolin clay, it also protects the scalp’s microbiome with mango-leaf extract,” says Rosenstein, which can help boost the health of your hair.
Best Hair Oil: Crown Affair the Oil
This hair oil tackles dryness, frizz and damage prevention all-in-one. The lightweight oil deeply hydrates with tsubaki-seed oil without weighing on the hair and making it appear string-y (IYKYK). Meanwhile, meadowfoam seed oil is a natural heat protectant, so you can use this before or after heat styling.
Styling products
Best Styling Cream: Pattern Palo Santo Styling Cream
“A new scented take on the brand’s best selling cream, makes twist-outs, braid-outs, wash-and-go styles, and sleek buns a breeze,” says Rosenstein. This styling cream from Pattern uses shea butter, cacay oil and sweet almond oil to drench the hair with moisture and prevent damage as you style.
Best Hairspray: Tresemmé Ultra Fine Hairspray
The flexible, humidity-resistant and non-sticky formula inside this hairspray has made it a long time staple at home and on runways. It should keep your locks in place without the crunchy feel. And if you’re worried about the scent, don’t fret: The hairspray will bathe your hair with a creamy floral scent.
Best for Slick Styles: Emi Jay Angelstick
Slick back buns are one of the most popular buns styles right now, but they’re also the most difficult to put together. Emi Jay’s Angelstick, however, makes the process much more seamless. You can apply it to your fingertips or straight from stick to glide down flyaways. “The twist-up smoothing balm is ideal for tight buns, edges, and even your brows (when applied with a spoolie),” recommends Rosenstein.
Editor's note: Since Rosenstein's pick is out of stock, see a similar option below:
Bed Head by TIGI Hair Wax Stick
This popular hair stick is formulated with beeswax and Japan wax to create a semi-matte finish that promises to smooth the hair without the build-up and stick.
Best Smoothing Spray: Moroccanoil Frizz Shield Spray
“The perfect combination of frizz-fighting protection and high-shine payoff, Moroccanoil Frizz Shield Spray is heat activated and contains the brand’s signature argan oil to leave hair feeling soft and silky smooth,” Rosenstein says. And once you blow dry and/or flat iron, your strands should have a glass-like finish, per the brand.
Best for Shine and Heat Styling: Color Wow Extra Strength DreamCoat
The Color Wow DreamCoat Spray is a TODAY favorite, and we had to review it ourselves. But as of late, the brand has released an “extra strength” version of the original. Like the OG, their Extra Strength DreamCoat requires heat (yet protects against heat, too) and tension from your blow dryer to activate its formula. Afterwards, your hair should be soft and glossy for up to four washes. The “extra strength” version, however, has advanced frizz protection and more moisture to keep your styles sleek.
Tools
Best Curling Iron: T3 CurlWrap
Sometimes creating effortless waves are more time consuming and difficult to achieve than other hair styles. But with just a single switch, the T3 CurlWrap, in essence, does all the work for you with its auto-rotating barrel. Simply clamp your strand to the clip, press the button and the barrel will wrap around the iron and softly vibrate once your curl is ready.
Best Flat Iron: Ghd Chronos Flat Iron
Ghd claims their Chronos Flat Iron styles the hair 3x times faster with just a single glide. The iron is capable of achieving this because it is automatically set at 365 degrees, which is the “optimal temperature for heat styling” without frying your hair, according to Rosenstein. Plus, it has high-performing ceramic floating plates for smooth hair and styling with little frizz and heat damage. And if not used for 10 minutes, the iron turns itself off.
Best Multi-Styler: Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System
If you’re wanting a heat styler that does it all, then look no further. The Shark FlexStyle uses airflow technology to simultaneously dry and shape your hair using its attachments. You can choose up to five, ranging from curling barrels to an oval brush, to create a multitude of styles with little to no heat damage, according to the brand. There's even an option for curly hair, too, with a diffuser attachment in a set.
Best Hair Dryer: Dyson Supersonic
“The cult favorite Dyson Supersonic got a major upgrade with new attachments,” begins Rosenstein, “Including one to help control flyaway hairs, a wide tooth comb to detangle curls and lift roots and a gentle air nozzle for sensitive scalps.” Meaning, a variety of hair types can benefit from this dryer, and tackle multiple of their hair concerns, too.
Best Brush: Hair Rituel by Sisley the Radiance Brush
Although we don’t often find ourselves splurging on a hair brush, Rosenstein says this one from Sisley is worth it, as it “softly detangles strands, removes impurities, and stimulates the scalp to promote blood flow” to keep your hair follicles healthy. The subtle bristles also result in a gentle brush, shinier hair and less tangles.
Harper's Bazaar Hair Awards 2023 winners
Dry and frizzy hair concerns
Pattern by Tracie Ellie Ross Treatment Mask
If your hair is coarse, curly or overly processed, Rosenstein says your hair might end up feeling chronically parched. That's why she loves this treatment mask to quench thirsty hair and add definition to curls. According to the brand, it includes rice water ferment and moringa seed extract to help hydrate your locks.
JVN Complete Blowout Styling Milk
According to Rosenstein, some of the best hair care formulas feature skin care ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalane, so it's no wonder why this styling milk was a Harper's Bazaar favorite. Featuring, hemisqualane to improve strength in your strands, the brand says it also features peptides that can protect your locks from damage.
Thinning hair concerns
Kerastase Genesis Bain Nutri-Fortifiant Shampoo
Rosenstein says sparse and thinning hair isn't a one-size-fits-all issue and to look for treatments that can tackle this concern by improving elasticity and minimize breakage. According to the brand, this shampoo contains ginger root and edelweiss native cells, which is meant to gently cleanse the scalp and provide moisture (and strength) to help detangle strands and minimize breakage.
Better Not Younger Wake Up Call High-Hold Thickening Spray
This spray isn't just a quick fix to fuller hair; the brand says this product is infused with biotin and a hops-plant blend extract that will not only provide instant volume, but also help strengthen and nourish thin strands with each spray.
Related
Dullness and damaged hair concerns
Amika The Kure Multi-Task Hair Treatment
Whether your hair is color processed or you're feeling the damage of styling tools, this treatment can be used as a rinse-out mask or leave-in treatment, says the brand. They also mentions it's infused with amino acids that have keratin-benefits to help reduce breakage, split ends and prevent future damage. Your hair will be less prone to snap and split, says Rosenstein.
Clairol Color Gloss Up Instant Toning Gloss
With this instant toning gloss, you might be able to skip your next recoloring visit at the salon. Coming in a variety of different hair shades, the brand says this product will boost your current shade with a temporary coloring, while adding a deep conditioning moisture to your hair.
Scalp irritation concerns
Shaz & Kiks Rice+Chai Refresh Spray
Rosenstein explains that a healthy scalp is the key to hair growth. And according to the brand, this isn't just your ordinary dry shampoo. It includes rice starch to absorb excess oil, sebum and dirt, plus glycolic acid to help remove dead skin cells and buildup.
More Harper's Bazaar Hair Award winners
L'Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curl Moisture Push Shampoo
If you have curly hair, this sulfate-free shampoo is formulated with hyaluronic acid and castor oil that's meant to give your curls up to 72 hours of hydration says the brand. Rosenstein also mentions that it acts like a micellar water for your hair to help remove any buildup.
Redken All Soft Moisture Restore Leave-In Treatment
As Rosenstein mentioned, hyaluronic acid isn't just for your skin, your locks will benefit from the hydrating ingredient, too. And according to Redken, this leave-in treatment is packed with it, leaving your hair deeply moisturized, free of tangles and feeling smooth.
Augustinus Bader The Neem Comb
Gently detangle your strands and stimulate your hair follicles with this wooden wide-toothed comb. According to the brand, it's made of neem wood, which has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties that will help keep the scalp clean and can help prevent dandruff.
Virtue Flourishing Mask For Thinning Hair
If you have fine hair that's prone to breakage, this hair mask by Virtue is worth looking into. It's infused with keratin, which will help encourage growth and strengthen your hair, says the brand. Plus, the brand mentions that this moisturizing formula won't leave your hair feeling weighed down.
Stripes The Root Of It
Containing ectoine and squalane, this scalp serum provides hydrating and conditioning benefits starting at the root of your hair — literally. To use, the brand recommends applying the serum directly to your scalp and rinsing out after 15 minutes, or leave on overnight for ultra-hydration.
Olaplex No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum
Heat and coloring isn't the only thing that can cause significant damage to your hair, environmental stressors (like pollution) can also be a factor. According to Olaplex, the No. 9 Bond Protector can help safeguard your hair from all of the above for up to 48 hours. You can apply the weightless serum to clean, damp hair and even touch up your strands between your wash routine, says the brand.
Oribe Hair Alchemy Resilience Shampoo
Damaged and brittle hair can benefit greatly from this shampoo, which promises to strengthen weak strands and reduce shedding from breakage, says the brand. The ultra-moisturizing ingredients — like a hyaluronic acid complex, chia seed and bamboo leaf — are likely to thank for the product's impressive results.
Lanshin Jade Scalp Stimulator
Rosenstein says this jade scalp stimulator targets acupressure points, which can help increase blood flow to your hair follicles. The brand explains that in Chinese medicine practice, this is necessary for a healthy scalp and hair.
Necessaire The Scalp Serum
Tackle your hair concerns at the source with this daily scalp serum. Including ingredients such as peptides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, the brand says this formula targets a dry and flaky scalp, aging hair, thinning hair and dryness.
Rahua Scalp Exfoliating Shampoo
You've heard of body and facial scrubs, but have you ever tried a shampoo scrub? According to the brand, this exfoliating shampoo will gently scrub your scalp and remove dead skin cells, impurities and even increase scalp circulation.
Act+Acre Cold Processed Scalp Renew Treatment
Containing the chemical exfoliant salicylic acid, the brand says this scalp treatment is meant to gently exfoliate and balance your scalp by calming irritation, maintaining sebum and oil and helping prevent dandruff.
Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler
There has been a lot of buzz about the Dyson Airwrap recently — and for good reason. This multi-styler uses high-velocity and low-heat airflow to both dry and style your hair, says the brand. If you're skeptical about the price tag, this multi-styler comes with attachments for a hair dryer, straightener, hot air brush and curling tools — all designed to minimize heat damage.
How we chose
Jenna Rosenstein, Harper’s Bazaar Beauty Director, and her team curated a list if products that earned top ranks for their Hair Awards. Rosenstein then shared a select number of winners with the Shop TODAY team and TODAY, as well as tips for proper usage.
