Hair wash days are always my favorite, and for this award season (hair and scalp edition), we tested hundreds of products. Whether you’re looking for a shampoo that removes that extra buildup or a conditioner that keeps up with your hydration goals, our editors spent hours in their showers trying the best formulas that deliver a shiny, brass-free and smooth mane.
For weeks, Shop TODAY and other testers signed up to test a lineup of shampoos, in-shower treatments, conditioners and scalp care to find the ingredients that deliver real results to different scalp types. After many trials and errors, we selected the very best shampoos, conditioners and masks for our second annual Hair Awards.
Below, you’ll discover the editor-tested formulas that received our seal of approval, curly girl-approved ingredients, dry shampoos that mask the dirtiness and other pre-wash solutions for your best hair day. Plus, dermatologists signed off on their most-liked products along with tips on how to keep your mane looking lustrous and salon-worthy.
Best strengthening shampoo$undefined$28.99
Best curly hair set$undefined$61.00
Best soothing conditioner$undefined$18.89
Shop TODAY Hair Award-winning shampoos
This inexpensive hair shampoo exceeded my expectations — it definitely boosts your energy the minute you pour it into your palms. Because of its low price, I [Espinal] thought the product was not going to perform as well as my other more expensive formulas. The creamy texture, which combines aloe and peptides, creates enough suds to remove all the build-up on my hair without stripping the oils away. Instead, I noticed the formula slightly hydrated my strands while washing away the soil. Something I usually don’t see in hair shampoos. My hair and scalp are really dry, so the fact that this product cleanses well while hydrating the hair is a huge deal for me. And the scent? An extra plus for me!
For those looking for extra lather and a shampoo that removes all debris, this winner comes at a great price. “I have been on the lookout for a new clarifying shampoo when I signed up to test this one, and it has stayed in my shower ever since! I continue to use it because it leaves my hair feeling clean without feeling stripped and too clean,” shares editor Vivien Moon.
“While past clarifying shampoos have been lackluster, this one checks every box I have for a clarifying shampoo, and it’s affordable! I will repurchase,” adds Moon.
Former intern Sreya Nair usually stays away from clarifying shampoos because “they usually have the same effect on my hair as normal shampoos” or they leave a “chalky texture” on her scalp.
If the hard water from your travels has left your hair feeling dry, this shampoo will eliminate discoloration and that straw-like feel. Nair says this shampoo actively cleanses her “scalp and hair of dandruff, sweat, grease and grime” while still leaving it moisturized. “There was also a clear shine to my hair that it did not have before — a testament to the moisturizing quality of it, and my frizz seemed to decrease too,” she adds.
Protect your hair color and improve its vibrancy with this award-winning shampoo. Wella’s formula is designed to detox your hair from uneven shades and deposits from mineral-heavy water.
Editor Shannon Garlin says she’s been using this formula after dying her hair copperish red. “This brand has a whole color and dye system that stylists use in salons — I feel like they knew what they were doing formulating this! I noticed it maintained color vibrancy and prevented it from fading as fast as it would. Plus it left my hair feeling so soft and smelling good,” Garlin shares.
Moon has been trying this other shampoo since December and says she loves everything from the ingredients to the smell to the lather. “Ever since I first tried it, I knew it was going to be a mainstay in my bathroom. I loved it so much, I brought it home to my parents’ home over Christmas break because I didn’t want to part with it. However, I also knew it would be great for my mom, so I left it with her to use (she loves it too now), and getting to test it again has been a joy,” she raves.
It’s a shampoo designed to revive damaged hair that breaks easily, while providing extra volume.
If dryness is not the only issue, this shampoo also tackles sensitive scalps.
Tester Makinsy Fitzgerald has been using this formula and says, “I really like using S.1 Calm because I noticed my hair felt much cleaner after washing, plus my scalp felt softer and more comfortable instead of dry or irritated. It also helped keep my scalp hydrated and reduced flaking, which made a big difference.”
Writer Emma Stessman has been bleaching her hair for the last decade, and this shampoo has improved the look of her blonder strands. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dara Spearman, this formula helps neutralize unwanted brassiness and maintain a brighter, more vibrant tone in blonde, gray and highlighted hair.
It has a unique foam formula that feels lightweight on hair and doesn’t weigh it down. It also does exactly what it promises: It keeps your blonde looking bright and brass-free, without leaving a greyish or purple tint, even after regular use. It also doesn’t leave residue on your shower or hands; it washes away easily with water, she adds. Plus, her stylist gave this shampoo her seal of approval after mentioning it.
Noticing gray hair? This shampoo targets early signs of aging and greying. Tester Crissy Siragusa says this shampoo is the “best-smelling Nioxin” she’s ever used. “I’ve noticed this one leaves my hair looking noticeably fuller. While it doesn’t completely eliminate hair shedding, I’ve definitely seen an improvement in volume and overall fullness,” she adds.
Tester Michael Xavier tried this shampoo and conditioner set and observed amazing results. For starters, this duo is formulated with a curl technology to revive all types of curly hair, including waves, coils and curls.
“This line seems to be right in line with the efficacious and luxurious hair care I’ve come to expect from the brand. The shampoo cleanses deeply for a fresh, clean feeling at the scalp, without stripping the mid lengths and ends of moisture and leaving them frizzy,” he adds.
Shop TODAY Hair Award-winning conditioners
To continue with our curl restorative journey, this hair mask is formulated with aloe and coconut oil to maximize moisture. “I hoped to address the dryness of my hair and this deep conditioner did exactly that,” shares band assistant Ayanna Chambers.
“The moment I applied it to my hair, it immediately began to hydrate and soften my curls, which are 4B, also, not to mention that I have three different curl patterns throughout my head. The conditioner had great coverage and made my detangling process much easier while still managing to not leave any buildup of product. Alongside its useful effects, it also smells great, which is always an added plus,” she adds.
For those sensitive to scents, this conditioner features a hypoallergenic fragrance that won’t compromise moisture. Tester Jonathan Bender says, “This thick, buoyant, smooth conditioner made my scalp feel refreshed, moisturized and with no buildup. Post-shower towel dry left my hair feeling smooth, frizz-free and with a subtle scent of vanilla that didn’t overpower. I left it on my scalp for about two to three minutes for deeper conditioning and felt the smooth results take over as the day carried on.”
Producer Melea McCreary expresses that “This is like a steamer and deep conditioning treatment all in one! I have heavy, straight hair that is prone to a little frizz around the ends in the summer. After just one use, I basically had ‘glass hair’ without even having to blow dry!” The formula combines hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid to hydrate and add shine to strands.
“It’s a hefty investment, but worth it for the conditioning and smoothing benefits. Did the job without making your hair feel too heavy,” she adds.
Shop TODAY Hair Award-winning hair masks and scalp care
If you’re dealing with scalp buildup, this formula is meant to gently exfoliate the scalp while supporting hair growth. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marissa Garshick, this formula is “formulated with the tri-acid complex including mandelic acid, lactic acid and hyaluronic acid to get rid of dead skin cells and excess sebum, while still hydrating the scalp.”
Tester Vanessa Gavidia confirms the brand’s promise in cleansing the hair from the root. “It felt squeaky clean without drying my scalp. The quality compares to those high-end clarifying shampoos, such as Ouai and Bumble & Bumble Sunday Shampoo. At this price point, I was very impressed with the results. I liked the applicator in that I was able to massage my scalp as I applied it to my hair,” she confirms.
Chambers also tested this mask and says it does exactly what it’s “supposed to do”.
If you have high tension styles like Chambers, this mask will moisturize your strands thanks to the honey and sunflower oil combo. “My curls were instantly hydrated and defined after application and detangling. My hair is dyed, which causes it to dry out pretty easily and break off through different styles, and this masque is the perfect reset. A little bit also goes a long way with this product, and I know that it will last quite a few washes for me,” she adds.
If the loose flakes on your scalp are too noticeable, deputy managing editor Jess Bender says this formula will target those specific oil-laden strands.
“I have excess oil around my scalp and that typically results in regularly having scabs and ingrown hairs, but this has helped curb both of those issues. What immediately sold me was the nozzle that targets specific areas of the scalp that need extra TLC, but the way this lathers so luxuriously keeps me coming back for more,” she says.
This multipurpose hair oil wins a medal for its versatility and texture. While Jess Bender is new to the hair oil game, this formula has been doing miracles thanks to the mix of botanicals and Ayurvedic actives that strengthen the roots.
“All I have to do is massage a few pipettes’ worth of product into my scalp and tips, let it sit for the duration of an episode of ‘New Girl’ and jump in the shower? Sign me up. My hair rarely looks this sleek doing my usual routine, but it really looks like I put a ton of effort into the final product when this was as simple as apple pie,” she raves.
Shop TODAY Hair Award-winning dry shampoos
After tester Caroline Holmberg tested the light version of Batiste, she noticed how well it works as the original.
“For me, Batiste is the ultimate drugstore dry shampoo. No other dry shampoo I’ve tried, including those at triple the price, deliver on absorbing oil and adding volume to days-old dirty hair. This light formulation soaked up oil without leaving my hair stiff, white or filmy. As someone with a greasy scalp, I reached for this product nearly every other day,” she shares.
Senior producer Mirjam Lablans was really impressed with how well this formula worked. Though the product is deceiving, due to its compact size, the formula is fragrance-free and infused with silica powder to reduce sebum buildup.
“I will say applying it with the included sponge felt a little unusual at first. And you don’t really know how much product to use, since it goes on wet on a tiny sponge before drying almost instantly, but it became easier after some trial and error. I work out or run most days and have very thick hair that I don’t love to wash more than once or twice a week, so I definitely need a dry shampoo to tide me over between washes. This one is a winner,” Lablans approves.
Frequently asked questions
According to Garshick, it's important to treat the scalp like an extension of the skin and choose products based on its specific needs. "For oily scalps, look for lightweight or clarifying shampoos and products that effectively remove excess oil without over-drying. Dry scalps benefit from moisturizing ingredients that help support the skin barrier, while sensitive scalps often do best with fragrance-free, gentle formulas that minimize the risk of irritation," she explains.
Aside from your scalp type, there are other factors to consider for people with curly hair. "Textured hair often needs more moisture because natural oils don’t travel down the hair shaft as easily, while wavy hair usually does well with products that add hydration without creating heavy buildup," adds Spearman.
Many reasons influence hair health and Spearman says it is a combinations of environmental and genetic factors.
"Hormones, stress, age and genetics can all affect the hair growth cycle and lead to changes like thinning or increased shedding. While you can’t control every factor, taking care of your scalp, eating a balanced diet and limiting excessive heat or chemical treatments can all help support healthier hair," explains Spearman.
Yes! According to Garshick, hair health is influenced by many factors including genetics, hormonal changes, aging, nutrition, stress and other underlying medical conditions.
“We can optimize scalp health, by eating a balanced diet with adequate protein and key nutrients, minimizing heat, trauma chemical damage and addressing any underlying scalp or medical conditions early. If someone notices persistent increased shedding, thinning or changes in hair density lasting more than a few months, it’s important to see a board-certified dermatologist to determine the underlying cause and discuss evidence-based treatment options,” she says.
What are Shop TODAY’s 2026 Hair Awards?
Shop TODAY’s second annual Hair Awards touches on all the hair styling and care items that give our team and staffers their healthiest strands and best styles. They pitched the products they swear by in categories like shampoo, conditioner, styling cream, treatments and brushes, including picks that they’ve been loving and using for years on end. We also combed through new launches and bestselling product submissions to complete our testing pool. Each product was evaluated through real-world testing to identify the formulas, tools and treatments that truly deliver on their claims. Our goal is to help readers discover products worth their time and money across every step of their hair routine.
What type of products do we test?
Our team of editors, writers and staffers sorted through hundreds of new launches, editor and expert recommendations, trending and tried-and-true products to solidify our testing pool of 161 contenders. To determine our list of 50 winners, we incorporated products into our hair routines over the span of two months to see if they meet requirements when it comes to quality, special features, value and overall satisfaction for styling, stengthening and hair health. Finally, our panel of experts reviewed some of our winners to give their sign-off based on criteria that make a quality hair product.
How do we test products?
Our editorial team and a group of trusted testers evaluate products over an extended testing period as part of their everyday routines. Rather than relying on a single impression, testers use products in real-life conditions to assess how they perform over time.
Each product is scored using a standardized evaluation that measures:
- Effectiveness at delivering its intended benefit
- Overall satisfaction
- Ease and enjoyment of use
- Product quality, including formula, ingredients, packaging and performance
- Likelihood of continued use or repurchase
- Likelihood of recommending it to others
- Performance compared to similar products
- How well it addressed specific concerns
- How well it improved hair’s look and feel
In addition to numerical scores, testers provide detailed written feedback describing what they loved, what could be improved and how the product fit into their routines.
How we chose winners
Winning products consistently stood out across both quantitative scores and qualitative feedback. Our editorial team reviewed tester ratings alongside written reviews to identify products that delivered exceptional performance, lived up to their claims and offered meaningful value to consumers.
While high scores were important, editors also considered factors such as innovation, ease of use, consistency of results and how products compared with others in their category. The final winners represent the products our testers would genuinely continue using and confidently recommend to others.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on the latest hair products. We also ensure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Dara Spearman is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Radiant Dermatology Associates.
- Dr. Marisa Garshick is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.
What our badge means
The Shop TODAY editors and writers interview expert sources, try newly launched products and search the internet to find the best products out there. Based on personal experiences and expert recommendations, we aim to make shopping easier for our readers. With our rigorous methodology created to ensure every product is reviewed the same way, we stand by everything we recommend across our broadcast, digital and social platforms.
