Arianna Chatzidakis
Want to know which is the best shampoo or conditioner of 2021 so far? We've done the research so you don't have to. From Aveda to Moroccanoil, see our edit of the best hair care products that will leave you with an A-list mane.
More often than not the secret to a good hair day starts with the type of products you use. Sometimes, it is better to invest in the brands and products that use high-quality ingredients to get the A-list hair you’re after.
MORE: This £7.99 scalp stimulator is a “game changer” for thinning hair
Luckily, we've rounded up the very best hair care products on the market. See what we’re using on our locks...
The best overnight treatment for...silky hair and sleep
Deep Sleep Lifesaver, £32, Michael Van Clarke
If you loved Michael Van Clarke's incredible Lifesaver, the overnight leave-in conditioner that works wonders, wait until you try the new version. Infused with MVC's Deep Sleep fragrance, it helps with insomnia, to reduce anxiety, stress and to help you sleep. We're bathing in it!
What the fans say:
"This is a fabulous product which has lived up to my expectations. I love the fragrance too, it’s like sleeping in a spa. My hair has remained supple and after my last visit to the hairdresser she remarked that it felt thicker. Thank you!"
The best dry shampoo for...healthy looking hair
Kérastase Fresh Affair Dry Shampoo, £24.80, Look Fantastic
The dry shampoo to trump all over dry shampoos, Kérastase's Fresh Affair Dry Shampoo is a lightweight, ultra-fine formula enriched with vitamin E and rice starch to absorb excess oil - and not only leaves your hair looking clean, but feeling clean too.
What we love most is fresh scent; it's infused with neroli oil fine fragrance, for the most intoxicating of smells.
What the fans say:
"I find this dry shampoo really light and cleans the hair without leaving any white residue. Also, the scent smells like an expensive spa!"
The best shampoo for...coloured hair
Colourful Anti-fade Shampoo, £16.20, Joico
Developed with antioxidants and vibrancy-boosting technology, JOICO Colourful promises strength, repair, and anti-fade protection to your hair.
Formulated with nourishing Camellia Oil (stocked with essential Omega 9 fatty acids and antioxidants which helps to seal in moisture and restore shine to hair) and Pomegranate Fruit Extract (rich in tannins and fade-fighting super antioxidants to help protect the longevity of hair colour), it's an everyday essential if you colour your hair.
What the fans say:
"It worked exceptionally well. It reactivated my hair color, and my hair looked and felt great."
The best hair mask for...hair growth
Nourishing miracle hair treatment, £32, Hair Gain
This luxurious hair mask has the most nourishing, restorative formula to help nurture and revitalise the scalp - meaning reduced hair loss and a better hair quality.
Containing the exclusive cosmetic ingredient AnaGain™, which helps to stimulate the follicles and reactivate hair growth, it also contains Panthenol to thicken the hair, prevent damage and improve shine.
Plus the before and after pictures of real users are INCREDIBLE.
What the fans say:
"I have tried many hair masks and was so excited to try Hair Gain's new hair mask as I am in love with their tablets - it did not disappoint! Smells lovely, a little goes a long way and left my hair feeling smooth, easy to comb and thicker."
The best shampoo for...hair that needs a detox
L'Oreal Professionnel Metal Detox Shampoo, £18.75, Gorgeous Shop
This revolutionary shampoo protects hair from excess copper in water, helping to maintain vibrant colour and soft locks. The range also includes an in-salon treatment, applied before a colour application for reduced breakage. There's also a masque in the range too.
What the fans say:
"A super shampoo!"
The best remedy for...split ends
Bond Builder Split End Remedy, £26, Philip Kingsley
Split ends plague us all at some point, and Philip Kingsley's latest launch remedies that. It works by forming a shield around the hair, helping to protect it from further damage while repairing broken hair. Plus, it lasts for up to three washes.
What the fans say:
"I saw an improvement with the first use - my split ends are 90% gone!"
The best serum for... scalps that need stimulating
Hair and Scalp Serum, £49.99, Hairburst
Using only new and powerful ingredients, this serum combines three clinically proven active ingredients that have been shown to protect and repair the hair follicle, improve hair density, prevent and reduce hair loss and help get your hair back to its healthiest, strongest, thickest self.
The best shampoo for picture-ready hair...Ksoni Zakti Refreshing Shampoo
Zakti refreshing shampoo, £12, Ksoni
We LOVE a refreshing, zingy shampoo and Ksoni's beautifully scented one is infused with grapefruit and lemon for the most exhilerating morning wake up call. And yes, it's a shampoo in a can - how clean beauty!
What the fans say:
"This shampoo gives me a luxury spa feeling. Kind to the earth and kind to my scalp! Smells divine and the modern, colourful packaging is definitely a plus on my bathroom shelf."
The best hair mask for... coloured hair that needs a little help
Moroccanoil colour depositing masks, £28.85, Lookfantastic
Known for its oil-infused hair products, Moroccanoil is our go-to for glossy hair. One of the brand’s most recent launches is the Colour Depositing Masks, which work as deep conditioning masks that also deposit temporary rich pigments into the hair while they moisturise. The result? Shiny, lustrous locks that ooze colour vibrancy.
What the fans say:
"This is a fab product and really easy to use. I didn’t use gloves and got it on my hairline and it didn’t stain my skin. I left it for 7 minutes and it left my hair a really deep colour. My hair is also in great condition after using it."
The best rinseless cleanser for... hair that needs a refresh
Foam reset™ rinseless hydrating hair cleanser, £24.50, FeelUnique
Luxury hair care brand AVEDA launched the cruelty-free and vegan Foam reset™ rinseless hydrating hair cleanser last year, which works to clean and refresh the scalp in-between washes. Essentially, it’s the fancy version of a dry shampoo – and we’re totally obsessed. It can also help to tame frizz for up to 72 hours, and works on all hair types and textures, including extensions, braids and weaves.
What the fans say:
"I love this product and it has been the only dry shampoo that leaves my hair feeling clean without a residue or dulling white powder. I use a few pumps, rub [it] in my hands and cleanse my whole scalp. It appears wet at first. I brush my hair and in no time it's dry and ready to style."
The best shampoo for... achieving shine
Fekkai brilliant gloss shampoo, £20, Feelunique
Created by hairdresser to the stars, Frédéric Fekkai, this shampoo is part of his new vegan, clean recyclable hair care range. Every bottle in the collection is made with 95% high-grade repurposed plastic and is 100% recyclable. In the brand's first year, they will repurpose 64 million grams of plastic. That's roughly 7 million plastic bottles - and they are just getting started.
What the fans say:
"Worth every penny. I love how soft and shiny it makes my hair. There are no other products on the market that come close to what this system will do for your hair. I'd give it 10 stars."
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The best shampoo for... bright blonde hair
Oribe bright blonde shampoo, £44.50, Space NK
Perfect for dry, ageing or silver-toned hair, this powerfully moisturizing treatment masque from luxe brand ORIBE helps to restore strength, elasticity, and shine. It also works to brighten grey, silver and white strands while eliminating yellow tones.
What the fans say:
"This is an expensive shampoo, but the price definitely becomes worth it once you use it and see what it does for your hair. Also a little of the product goes a very long way. It cuts out brassy tones, refreshes my scalp and it revives my hair to feel shiny and bouncy."
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The best at-home hair dye... for those who need a touch up
John Frieda precision foam colour, £4.99, Boots
Can't wait until you return to the hair salon? Dye your hair at home with ease using the John Frieda Precision Foam Colour. Available in a range of rich shades - and at a super affordable price - you really can't go wrong!
What the fans say:
"I have been using this product for years, in fact ever since it was launched. I love the control and simplicity of a foam application, without worrying about liquid dripping anywhere."
The best luxury hair care set.... for those who want to indulge
Balmain hair styling cosmetic bag, £28.95, Lookfantastic
Ooze elegance with this Balmain hair styling gift set, which comes complete with a trio of luxury hair care products: a gorgeous travel bag, Balmain hair silk perfume, texturizing salt spray and moisturizing argan elixir.
What the fans say:
"Love, love, love the silk spray most of all [and it's a] handy size to keep in my bag too!"
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The best hair mask for... dry, damaged hair
Coco & Eve coconut & fig hair masque, £15.90, Cult Beauty
Transform your tresses with this 10-minute miracle mask from Coco & Eve. The formula is enriched with raw virgin coconut from Bali, fig essence, argan oil and shea butter – the most nourishing formula we ever did see!
What the fans say:
"I am absolutely obsessed with this mask. I have truly bleached out, dry, damaged hair and this is the only product out of many that has actually brought life back into my hair. It's so much softer and shinier, and just feels and looks so much better than it ever has."
The best hair tonic for... beachy waves
Triumph & Disaster Karekare hair tonic, £19.95, Lookfantastic
This lush hair tonic from Triumph & Disaster calms enraged scalps and is infused with green tea and sea beet to help protect hair from oxidative stress. Plus, use it to achieve surfer-inspired looks and beach-worthy hair.
What the fans say:
"I was a bit sceptical about using a salt spray for my hair as I worry about it drying it out. Far from it! [I was] very happy to notice that the ingredients in the tonic were focused on scalp repair & care. It's an amazing product that really works."
The best hair cream for.... curly or afro hair
Afrocencix smooth moisturizing hair cream, £14.95, Holland & Barrett
Developed especially for Afro and curly hair, this award-winning formula will help to soften and revive curls, whilst moisturising kinks and frizz. Use it on damp or dry hair, or as a leave-in conditioner!
What the fans say:
"I have always struggled to keep my curls moisturised, trying product after product with no improvement, but after using this glorious moisturiser I won't be going anywhere else. It absorbs beautifully, smells gorgeous and creates a lovely shine."
The best gloss shine spray for... those looking for a glamorous finish
OSMO Blinding Shine Illuminating Finisher, £8.80, Feelunique
Finish your hairstyle with a spritz of the OSMO Blinding Shine Illuminating Finisher and you'll be left with glossy, glamorous strands. Suitable for all hair types, this formula won't leave any sticky residue, either!
What the fans say:
"I am a first time user of Osmo and very impressed with this product. Some products leave your hair very greasy and with a heavy feeling, but this doesn't. I will definitely purchase again."
The best leave-in treatment for...humidity-prone hair
Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray, £26, LookFantastic
This award-winning anti-humidity spray is a cult hair care product that helps keep frizz at bay, even if the most humid of climates. Apply it to towel-dried hair and it promises to last for up to two or three washes. Wow!
What the fans say:
"This product is amazing. My dry hair feels moisturised whilst also feeling weightless and full of volume. This will forever be in my routine from today!"
The best leave-in sea salt spray for...ethical shoppers
Sea Salt Spray, £22, Moo Hair
Add volume and natural texture with this ethical, vegan hair care brand Moo. Infused with ingredients from sustainable and renewable sources such as Icelandic moss, Marula oil and sea salt, this product will be kind to your hair and scalp. Spritz your strands from root to tip and leave it to dry naturally, or blowdry gently to form soft beachy waves.
What the fans say:
"I had so many compliments on my beach curls! highly recommend this to anyone looking for a natural and easy, beachy wave style."
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The best curl defining gel for...coily or curly hair types
Sweet Hibiscus Curl Defining Gel, £16, Flora & Curl
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Flora & Curl is a plant-based, black-owned curly haircare brand that has formulated this incredible curl defining gel. As well as reducing frizz and helping with curl formation, this product is perfect to use for wash & go's, twist-outs, up-do’s, ponytails and roller sets!
What the fans say:
"Love the smell. The hold is medium but it doesn't leave a strong cast or white debris, which I love. I have really thick hair and it holds well throughout the day."
The best intensive conditioner for... bleached hair
Aussie Blonde Hydration 3 Minute Miracle, £6.99, Superdrug
You're probably already familiar with Aussie’s award-winning 3 Minute Miracle treatment, and the good news is, it's now been reformulated specifically for blondes! This fast-acting hair mask helps to revitalise thirsty strands and target brassy tones! Oooh...
What the fans say:
"My hair has has never felt so alive and shiny. It is more manageable and I can brush it more easily. The smell is absolutely amazing and makes washing my hair a pleasure rather than a chore."
The best high tech hair tool for... salon-worthy results
REDUIT One Gold Skincare & Haircare Treatment Device, £279, REDUIT
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The device from REDUIT works in conjunction with the brands Hairpods, which are each tailored to a specific hair care concern, such as banishing frizz, thickening hair or hydrating dry strands. You simply glide the device over your hair, and it will deliver an ultrasonic concentrated mist of replenishing active extracts for a salon-worthy finish.
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