Tired of dry, damaged hair? Whether you're dealing with frustrating split ends or daunting frizz, there are plenty of at-home solutions available to help tame your mane. When it comes to strengthening your hair, experts say it is imperative to treat it with the utmost care and attention.
"To strengthen your hair, it’s recommended to maintain a balanced diet, minimize heat styling and bleaching, wash gently with lukewarm water, get regular trims, and use conditioning treatments," explains Jewell Hingorani, a professional hairstylist and founder of Jewell Clip Luxury Hair Extensions.
Along with Hingorani, Shop TODAY also spoke with Dr. Dara Spearman. a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Radiant Dermatology Associates, for an in-depth analysis of the most effective remedies to help re-nourish the hair and scalp.
Scroll down to find the best expert-recommended and editor-tested hair-strengthening products from The Ordinary, Rogaine and more. From budget-friendly finds to more splurge-worthy options, we've got them all. We also included a couple Shop TODAY Beauty Awards winners to round out the list as well.
Affordable expert pick$undefined$29.00
Best for hair growth$undefined$36.99
Editor favorite$undefined$45.00
How to strengthen your hair
There are many factors that can contribute to damaged hair, including stress, aging and lifestyle changes, but the silver lining is there are multiple ways to strengthen it without having to spend a fortune at a salon.
When it comes to external tips to improve hair strength, Spearman first recommends decreasing the use of heat on your hair, especially if your hair is already very damaged.
"Do not overwash your hair either as that strips away the natural oils. Avoid hair products with harsh chemicals and incorporate a hair growth oil into your routine along with scalp massaging, to stimulate hair growth," Spearman adds.
"When you are looking to strengthen your hair, it is important to note that internal care is as important as external care," she explains. "For healthy and strong hair, make sure you eat foods rich in vitamins and proteins like vitamin A, biotin, vitamin E, zinc. These foods include eggs, spinach, lean meats, etc."
In terms of specific hair care products to use, Spearman suggests looking for formulas that include key ingredients like Minoxidil, rosemary oil, caffeine, castor oil, argan oil, jojoba oil, keratin and biotin. "I’d avoid products with harsh ingredients like sulfates and parabens," she notes.
Hingorani reiterates that biotin and keratin are ideal for strengthening your hair and also swears by products containing amino acids and natural oils.
The best hair-strengthening products, according to experts
Mandy (Mandy B. Beauty) Buechner, a certified trichologist at Thairapy Wellness Center in Crescent City, California, recommends this cost-effective detangler for all hair types. "Especially great for those prone to hair loss and hair breakage," she notes. "Infused with biotin, panthenol, and niacinamide to strengthen the hair shaft and support a healthier scalp environment. This leave-in focuses on moisture and hydration balance."
"K18 is one of my favorite products for strengthening hair," mentions Hingorani. "Their products focus on repairing hair damage at a molecular level using a proprietary technology called K18peptide."
Buechner is also a lover of this K18 mask, noting that it's great for "severely comprised hair" and should be applied after shampooing.
"Videos about the mask have racked up a collective 12 billion views on TikTok, with everyone from beauty gurus and hairstylists to celebrities professing their love for the product," commerce writer Emma Stessman previously told Shop TODAY.
"I recommend this hair kit because it is formulated with ingredients that help to nourish the scalp and strengthen the hair, and a super easy three-step routine," says Spearman.
Hingorani calls this softening shampoo a great choice. "This shampoo not only cleanses but also fortifies weakened hair, making it perfect for those with fragile strands," she adds.
Spearman also recommends this hair foam from Rogaine for women with damaged hair. "This product is great because it is formulated with Minoxidil, which helps with hair thinning and hair loss, and promotes the growth of hair and helps with hair density," she explains.
"Nutrafol hair serum has ashwagandha exosomes which are patent pending and are smaller than traditional ashwagandha allowing deeper penetration and enhanced scalp absorption," suggests Spearman. "This allows for visibly thicker and stronger hair."
The best hair-strengthening products, tested by editors
Senior associate Donna Pilikyan tested this hydrating hair masque for our Shop TODAY Beauty Awards. “I got a couple of compliments on the smell of my hair after I used this. I really like Mielle products, and this one is no exception!” she raves.
"I’ve been using this straightening, smoothing gel for probably over a decade," shares associate editor Shannon Garlin. "My hair stylist turned me on to it and uses it on me when she blows out my hair during appointments. Not only does it smell divine, but it makes my wavy and frizzy hair ultra smooth; it allows me (along with my Dyson) to recreate a salon-worthy blowout."
Senior partnerships editor, Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil. tested the entire Blake Brown line of hair products, including this Strengthening Shampoo, and noted positive results. “When I let my hair air dry, I’m left with an enhanced, slightly volumized version of my natural waves, with strands that are soft to the touch,” she mentioned. “And oh my gosh, the scents! I feel like I’m at a luxury salon every time I use these products.”
Garlin started using The Ordinary's Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density back in 2022. "Within that time, I’ve noticed vast improvements to my scalp and hair," says Garlin. "I no longer find myself itching my head throughout the day (unless I’ve gone too long without washing my hair), and the flaking is completely gone. Plus, my skin and strands went from feeling dry to hydrated and moisturized."
Senior SEO editor, Jess Bender, is an avid fan of this travel-friendly hair care product. “I don’t often use heated styling products beyond when I’m going to a heavy-duty workout or swimming or the spa, so this bonding treatment resides in my gym bag for when I want my hair to look super spiffy in a jiffy, (Sorry for the rhyme!)" she says. "The way a small amount — just about a nickel’s amount — this smooths out and shines my locks while mending breakage, frizz and other effects of chlorine, humidity or heat are seriously unmatched.”
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best hair-strengthening products by enlisting the recommendations of a board-certified dermatologist as well as a professional hairstylist. We also included a few tried-and-true editor-loved hair care products. as well as two Shop TODAY Beauty Awards winners.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Dara Spearman is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Radiant Dermatology Associates.
- Jewell Hingorani is a professional hairstylist and founder of Jewell Clip Luxury Hair Extensions.
- Mandy (Mandy B. Beauty) Buechner is a certified trichologist at Thairapy Wellness Center in Crescent City, California.
