Having a good hair day may come at a cost, but the right products and ingredients can help you achieve a salon-worthy look at home. Our editors tested hundreds of hair products to find the formulas that deliver a lustrous, thicker-looking and healthier mane — from gray-covering products to frizz-fighting sprays and post-shower styling essentials.
For weeks, our editors put the best of the best to the test, evaluating treatments, serums, masks and styling products to find the formulas that leave hair softer, smoother and more manageable. The result? Our picks for the very best hair launches of 2026 and our second annual Hair Awards.
Below, you’ll find editor-approved formulas designed for every kind of hair goal, including nourishing masks, curl-defining creams, volume-boosting stylers and multitasking treatments. These are the standout hair products that earned a place in our routines and deserve a place in yours.
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Shop TODAY Hair Award-winning leave-ins
If you’re looking for a smooth, glossy finish, this formula earned an award for its shine-boosting results. Tester Jody Ricevuto gave this hair gloss five stars, noting that “two pumps of this formula are enough to distribute through the hair without feeling greasy.”
“I have super frizzy hair, and nothing seems to make the frizz go away, but this turned my hair into more of a soft wave rather than a frizz. It worked so well, I even brought it on vacation to Jamaica where it’s humid, and it still had my hair looking smooth,” she raves.
Protect, condition and hydrate your hair with this multitasking leave-in conditioner. The lightweight Seen formula helps detangle hair while providing UV protection, leaving strands soft, smooth and manageable. Tester Jonathan Jackson likes how lightweight this product feels and says, “I have low porosity hair, so heavier leave-ins can make my hair feel heavy and dull, but this was perfect for what I needed and left my hair feeling soft, moisturized and healthy.”
This hyaluronic acid-infused leave-in comes in a convenient spray formula. Tester Ayanna Chambers says it’s ideal for people with dry hair like hers, helping to add much-needed moisture without weighing strands down. “The conditioner felt really good in my hair and had great coverage, especially considering it uses a spray method for application. I used it for my twist/braid out to just have a little moisture and styling capabilities and I think it did exactly what I needed it to do. Also, the leave-in conditioner made my hair smell amazing,” she adds.
Deputy managing editor Jess Bender says, “If you want your hair to have the aroma of a lush Mediterranean garden, you’re in luck! This is pretty much the best-smelling hair mask I’ve ever used, which isn’t a surprise considering Nécessaire makes products with *incredible* scents. Long-term results have also not let me down!”
This hair mask is ideal for strands that are shedding or need extra strengthening. Bender noticed a reduction in breakage after incorporating it into her routine, leaving her hair feeling stronger and more resilient.
Shop TODAY Hair Award-winning hair serums
This hair serum from Dr. Groot features a roll-on applicator for targeted application to improve the thickness of my hair. Plus, it was an award winner in 2025. I [Espinal] have been using this formula since last year, and I’ve noticed increased growth around my hairline, which has been thinning for the past few years. I started applying this treatment with the applicator to weaker areas of my hair, and over time, I noticed a gradual reduction in breakage.
If you’re looking for a smoother finish while preserving your hair color, this leave-in treatment helps improve the appearance of aging hair. Tester Crissy Siragusa loves that it added density at the roots without making her hair feel flat, sticky or oily.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dara Spearman approves of this product because “is designed to support the appearance of thicker, healthier-looking hair as we age. Hair naturally changes over time, and incorporating targeted scalp care can help maintain the quality and overall appearance of the hair.”
I [Espinal] have never seen a hair serum bottle so pretty and luxurious — the packaging is just A+. It left my hair freeze-free, hydrated and manageable. It’s super lightweight and adding extra pumps of the formula was okay as my dry hair absorbs serums quickly. It doesn’t weigh your hair down and leaves it with a polished, shiny finish unlike other hair products. The texture is clear and easy to distribute while helping your hair to detangle with ease.
“This one is lightweight but addresses the concerns without weighing the hair down,” adds editor Vivien Moon’s mom, Julia Moon.
Personally, I would say that the product’s size doesn’t quite justify the price, so it’s better suited for occasional use than as an everyday staple.
Shop TODAY Hair Award-winning treatments
Chambers also tested this hair mask and notes this formula “does exactly what it’s supposed to do!!”
“My curls were instantly hydrated and defined after application and detangling. My hair is dyed, which causes my hair to dry out pretty easily and break off through different styles and this masque is the perfect reset. I add chemicals and high tension styles to my hair every so often so it’s hard to find products that will keep my hair healthy through all of the manipulation and I’m glad to add this into my routine now.”
Tired of your hair color fading? This Olaplex treatment is designed to repair damaged strands while helping keep color-treated hair looking vibrant.
Commerce insights associate Lauren Andre tested the formula and loved how much softer her curly hair felt after each use. “A little product went a long way, so I didn’t need to use very much to coat my hair. I also really appreciated that the new formula only needs to sit for three minutes, making it much easier to fit into my routine.”
Shop TODAY Hair Award-winning styling products
Commerce partnerships coordinator Kaitlyn Gavidia says this mousse offers defined curls for a budget-friendly price. “It defined my curls and provided a bouncy look that I absolutely loved. It has quickly become both a favorite of mine and my younger brother, who also has curly hair. I’d use this in addition to a curl cream and oil but truly loved the results.”
Editor Kamari Stewart-Jackson believes in the power of a good gel, and this one keeps her curls defined with a non-drying formula. She’s been using it for months, primarily for slick-back styles and “will also use it for curl definition, whether that’s of my whole head or just face-framing pieces. It actually holds my hair down without drying it out as most gels tend to do.”
If you’re looking for more curl definition with less frizz, special projects associate Jordan Murray recommends this moisturizing formula with a sticky, jelly-like texture. She was impressed by how it hydrated her hair while giving each curl a springy, defined shape. “It hydrates my hair while still amazingly defining each curl. It leaves zero frizz, and you are able to gently remove the gel crunch cast without disturbing all the work you put into your curls.”
Combat humidity and fight frizz while helping your blowout hold its shape with this Oribe styling product. Its lightweight formula helps keep hair smooth and polished, even in humid conditions. Editorial operations manager Jillian Ortiz says this is “the best anti-humidity spray on the market. It’s lightweight, smells great and keeps my hair in check on hot NYC summer days.”
This award-winning paste is recommended by Garshick, who says it is a great formula that provides a flexible hold without leaving hair “stiff or crunchy”.
“The Hold Complex combines B-Pro3™ bond technology with bamboo, birch and sugar maple saps as well as peptides from kale, carrot and lemon, while pomegranate sterols help provide a smooth, non-sticky finish. The formula also includes the super fruit complex to help maintain softness and moisture,” she adds.
Vanessa Gavidia says this volumizing spray “delivered the results and a fun surprise because while it looks like a traditional hair spray, it comes out as a mousse.”
The Redken Root Lifter is ideal for all hair types and adds extra volume and lift to your hair without weighing it down. “I even recommended it to my 15-year-old son who has complained that his hair falls flat. He also enjoyed using it and raved about the results, even asking to use it every day since!” quips Gavidia.
Bianca Clendenin says this product has become a go-to as she experiments with fluffy blowouts and slick-back buns. “The first time I used this product before blow-drying my hair, I was shocked by how easily my curls went straight,” she says, adding that it cut her blow-dry time from 30–40 minutes to about 20–25 minutes. She also appreciated that she didn’t need to run the dryer through her hair as often, noting that when she wet her curls each week, they were still intact.
Tester Nicole Kelleher says the Dae Fairy Blaster Texturizing Spray kept her beach waves looking great all day after using it for a bridal shower, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
“It added noticeable volume and helped my hair look less oily without feeling heavy or sticky,” she says. She also loved that the texture and volume lasted into the next day, even after brushing her hair. While she wouldn’t replace her regular dry shampoo with it, she says it’s “perfect when I need a quick refresh after a workout or to revive next-day hair.”
Stewart-Jackson uses the Emi Jay Angel Hold Styling Cream to define her curls and reduce frizz, and says she noticed a real difference after using it on the curly strands framing her face. “When I first tried it, I didn’t think it’d actually work for curly hair, but I noticed a real difference,” she says. Stewart also notes that a little goes a long way, making the $34 price tag feel worthwhile despite the smaller bottle. She adds that it “smells really good” without an overwhelming scent.
Conceal your gray roots and extend the time between color appointments with this award-winning formula.
“I’m a huge Laura Geller makeup fan, and the new root touch-up did not disappoint. I loved how quick and easy it was to apply. The sponge-tip applicator made the powder totally mess-free, and I was really impressed by the coverage. It concealed the grays along my part while still looking natural … such an easy fix between color appointments,” says executive editor Adrianna Brach.
Deputy managing editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil says the Roz Wave Ocean Mist is a great option for enhancing and defining natural waves without heat. Though she was initially skeptical about applying it to dry hair, she was pleasantly surprised by the results.
“The product quickly added some nice volume, defined and separated my waves and reduced frizz, all without adding weight, greasiness or a crunchy texture,” she says. She adds that while the difference wasn’t dramatic on her naturally wavy hair, the results were still noticeable after air-drying and scrunching.
Frequently asked questions
According to Garshick, there are certain ingredients to consider for oily and dry scalps. "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.
She emphasizes treating your scalp like an "extension of the skin" by choosing products based on its specific needs.
Garshick says scalp health is the foundation for healthy hair. "A healthy scalp creates the optimal environment for hair follicles to function normally, while inflammation, excess oil, product buildup, or certain scalp conditions can interfere with hair growth and contribute to shedding or worsened hair quality," she explains.
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.
