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27 Haircare Products That’ll Have You Asking Why The Heck You Weren’t Using Them Sooner
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BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Read More Your life before these fab finds? Absolutely unimaginable. I am a contributor who has been writing for the BuzzFeed Shopping team since 2020; as a film nerd and long-term pop culture enthusiast, I bring an engaging, conversational voice to my work and love discovering and testing new products to share with readers. While just about any hair type can benefit from this detangling and UV-protecting spray, it's especially lovely for wavy and curly-haired peeps whose strands are prone to tangles, frizz, and dryness. Think softer, more manageable curls with a little extra protection from the elements. Why I love it: As someone with curly hair that's prone to tangles and frizz, I'm always on the hunt for products that make detangling less of an Olympic sport. I especially *loved* spritzing this on before swimming in the ocean all summer, since your hair needs UV protection just as much as your skin! But it's not just a beach or pool-day essential. I use it daily, no matter the season, to keep my curls feeling soft, smooth, and manageable, because UV rays never sleep, even when summer's long gone. Promising review: "This is by far the best leave-in conditioner and UV protectant. I drench my color-treated hair in it on a hair wash day and leave it in for hours. Hair feels so much better using this, especially after a day at the beach." —Jason Fallon This shampoo is especially awesome for oily scalps and hair prone to product buildup (*raises hand*), including finer strands that tend to get weighed down easily. Those with dry, curly, or color-treated hair may want to use it less frequently and follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to keep their locks happy and hydrated. Promising review: "I absolutely fell in love with this shampoo. The scent is amazing, delicate yet sophisticated, making the shower experience even more enjoyable 🌿 From the very first wash, you can feel a true cleanse of both the hair and scalp, without dryness or that heavy feeling. The hair feels light, soft, and full of natural movement, while the scalp feels extremely comfortable. The combination of Korean ginseng and caffeine truly makes a difference, providing a refreshing sensation and the confidence that comes with a formula that actually treats the scalp, not just cleanses it. This shampoo delivers cleanliness, comfort, and an impeccable sensorial experience. It has become a favorite, and I will definitely keep using it!! 💚 Highly recommend it for anyone looking for a healthy scalp and clean, lightweight, well-cared-for hair. ✨🌿" —Natalia Ribeiro Get it from Amazon for $18.99 (also available in six other styles). A sweet-smelling treat for all hair types and textures, from fine and straight to thick and curly! Especially handy for anyone who likes to stretch the time between wash days yet still wants their strands to smell freshly pampered. Promising review: "This scent is amazing! Wow! I can’t believe how beautiful it smells! It is so nostalgic and takes me back to all of my beach vacations. Every time I wear it, I am asked what I am wearing! It is irresistible! The bottle size is perfect to fit in your purse or gym bag. It only takes a few sprays to fill your hair with this delicious scent. The spray delivers just the right amount to my hair. It only takes a few sprays, so the value for the money is great! I am so happy I found this product! I will be sharing it with all of my friends and family!" —CSnowJenn Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two sizes and 13 scents). Promising reviews: "I am obsessed with this leave-in! I have wavy hair, BUT it's so heavy and coarse. Most products just sit on top of my hair and make it heavier. This is the first product that has brought out my waves. It’s lightweight and smells soooo good! Use this entire line! It is amazing!! My hair has NEVER looked SO GOOD!!" —Celeste "This is hands down thee BEST leave-in conditioner i have ever used. It detangles my 3c hair very well with good slip and keeps it moisturized for days. Paired with the gel, my wash-and-go lasts 5+ days. I started with a travel-size because it is pricey, but I’ve rebought the mid and jumbo sizes 2x already because it’s worth every penny. Tracy Ellis, please never ever stop making this, it is my holy grail leave-in!" —Mimi Cooperman Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in three sizes and in two-packs). This oil is just one of the nourishing offerings from Melanin Haircare, a Black-owned brand founded by sisters Whitney and Taffeta White that specializes in products designed to celebrate and care for natural, textured hair, especially curls and coils in need of extra moisture. Promising review: "This product genuinely feels moisturizing. Not only do I know for a fact that the creator was intentional when she created this product, but I can also tell from how my hair drinks it up. It is not greasy at all, and I genuinely think my hair is getting the healing. It’s so desperately needed. I also use it in my human-hair wigs, and it is the perfect addition. The smell is so pleasant, almost slightly citrusy. It feels great on my skin, and my hair absolutely loves it. The only thing I’m sick of is how frequently it is out of stock." —19Maggie98 This shampoo is great for oily scalps and fine or straight hair that tends to get greasy or weighed down by product buildup. Those with dry, curly, or color-treated strands may want to use it sparingly and follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to avoid stripping away too much of your hair's natural oils. Promising review: "THIS is the clarifying shampoo that I have been looking for. Some shampoos strip the hair down too much, drying it out, and some clarifying shampoos add moisturizing products that you never wanted. This is the happy medium. It clarifies the scalp and hair, does not strip out your hair, leaving it brittle or dry, and is a good alternative to using a few times per week between other shampoos that are perhaps more moisture intense." —Andream This spray is perf for most hair types and textures, especially thick, long, or frizz-prone strands that seem to take forever to blow-dry. Those with fine hair may want to start with a light spritz to avoid weighing things down, while curly-haired peeps can use it before blow-drying or diffusing for a smoother finish. Promising reviews: "I usually don’t write reviews...this product is a MUST!!!! I am a man with short-medium hair. I blow-dry my hair to create lift and volume. This product really allowed me to take my time with the blow dryer and not worry about heat damage. Hair looks hydrated and healthy. This product is awesome. Thank you!" —Amazon Customer "This spray made my hair so soft and hydrated. I have bleached hair, and it amazed me how soft it felt after I used it and blow-dried it. It smells nice, too?" —Jennifer Chaney Get it from Amazon for $16+ (available in three sizes and in two-packs). While laying your edges is always a choice, never a requirement, this little stick is a handy, on-the-go option for anyone who enjoys a sleek, sculpted finish. Promising review: "Love this. I look like I walked out of a windstorm most days with my flyaways. Say goodbye to them. No greasy look. My hair is so thin I have to comb it a certain way to hide the thinness." —Marie Weir This scalp scrub can work across a range of hair types and textures, including fine, thick, straight, and curly hair. It's especially useful for anyone prone to oily roots, product buildup, or flakes, though those with a sensitive or dry scalp may want to use it less frequently. Promising review: "For a few years now, I’ve had issues with my scalp. I went to a dermatologist and was told I would need to use a medicated shampoo. I’ve tried EVERYTHING! Other scalp scrubs, scalp oils, homemade oil treatments, apple cider vinegar, dandruff shampoos... You name it, I’ve tried it. This is the ONLY thing that has ever given me results. My scalp has been totally clear since I started using this product. It leaves your head feeling a bit 'squeaky clean,' but I don’t care because it works, and once you put conditioner on, the squeaky clean feeling is gone, and the moisturized feeling stays. This product is fantastic!!! Worth every penny, and a little goes a long way. I have incredibly thick curly hair, so if I say a little goes a long way, you can trust it. I hope it helps you as it has helped me!" —Arielle Mulligan Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in two scents). This spray is designed for all hair types and textures, including curly and coily hair, and is particularly appealing to anyone dealing with dryness, breakage, or weakened strands. Why I love it: I've only recently started using this, so it's still a little early to speak to the long-term results, but my first impressions are really, really promising! I adore how lightweight the formula feels, how soft my strands get after a full spritz-down from root to ends, and I'm especially excited about the scalp-nourishing ingredients and the fact that it can help preserve hair color. This restorative mask is especially well-suited to damaged, weakened, dry, color-treated, or frequently heat-styled hair in need of some extra conditioning. It can work across straight, wavy, curly, and coily textures, though folks with fine or easily weighed-down hair may want to use a smaller amount and concentrate it on the mid-lengths and ends. Promising review: "I’m practically obsessed with this product, and I’ve been using it for years. I am a 4c, natural African American/Nigerian woman with dermatitis on my scalp, and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS MASK. My hair looks like I have a relaxer every time, even if I’m doing it myself!" —Danielle Oniya Get it from Amazon for $18+ (available in three sizes). This spray is a lovely pick for most hair types and textures, especially dry, dull, frizz-prone strands that could use a little extra shine and smoothing. Those with fine hair may want to start with a light spritz to avoid weighing things down, while thicker, curlier hair can benefit from a little extra love. Promising review: "I really love this spray. It makes my hair look noticeably shinier and smoother without making it feel heavy or greasy. My hair tends to get frizzy and look a little dull, and this gives it such a pretty, glossy finish. I also love how soft and more polished my hair looks after using it. A little goes a long way, and it is perfect for refreshing my hair and making it look healthier between washes. Definitely something I will keep using." —Leynie This brush is a great match for most hair types and textures, especially thick, long, or tangle-prone strands that tend to put up a fight on wash day. Curly and coily-haired peeps can also use it to gently detangle damp hair, ideally with a little conditioner or detangling spray for extra slip. Promising review: "I've had a variety of wet brushes and needed a wet brush to help define my curls. I've had this for some months now, and it's great. It's a good size, lightweight, brushes through my hair without creating tangles, and it helps speed up drying time when drying my hair straight. It's also really easy to clean." —S Meeks Get it from Amazon for $8.94+ (available in 16 fun colors). This brush is fantastic for most hair types, especially long, thick, or straight-to-wavy strands that benefit from a larger brush for detangling and smoothing. Curly and coily-haired peeps may prefer to use it on damp, conditioned hair, in sections, to minimize snagging and preserve their natural curl pattern. Promising review: "This brush is truly made to last. I use this brush daily, on both wet and dry hair. It feels amazing on my scalp and gets through tangles with ease. It’s the hardest-working tool in my house! I actually purchased a second identical brush when I was in college after my roommate (and best friend) kept stealing mine to blow out her hair with. Now the 'back-up' brush lives in my car. If you’re hesitating, don’t. This is the best you can get for this price. It will certainly last the longest." —Katerina Read more about how rosemary oil could be as helpful at encouraging hair growth as Rogaine at Cleveland Clinic. This strengthening oil is designed for all hair types and textures, but it can be especially helpful for dry, damaged, curly, coily, and protective-styled hair that could use some extra nourishment. Promising review: "My hair has never felt more nourished since I added this product to my routine. After just a few uses, I noticed my hair feeling thicker and fuller, with a noticeable improvement in texture. It’s much smoother and more manageable. It also completely eliminated my dandruff, something I’ve struggled with for a while. The formula leaves my scalp feeling refreshed and clean without any irritation. My hair looks shinier and more vibrant overall, and I’m seeing less breakage." —Jonathan Santos Those regularly exposed to city pollution, environmental grime, and everyday buildup may find themselves huge fans of this shampoo. It's particularly handy for anyone whose strands are feeling dull or weighed down, though those with especially dry or curly hair may want to follow up with a nourishing conditioner. Promising review: "Love this shampoo so much; cleans my hair without stripping it and is nice on my scalp. The scent is very strong, so be aware of that if you are sensitive, but the sandalwood smell is a plus for me." —HR Get it from Dermstore for $6.40 (originally $16). This stuff is suitable for all hair types and textures, from fine and straight to thick and coily, since it's a fragrance mist rather than a styling treatment. Perfect for anyone who wants their hair to smell absolutely divine without adding another heavy product to their routine. Promising review: "I almost didn’t buy this since I didn’t think it was necessary due to cost and all the other Moroccanoil products I was buying at the same time, but omg I’m so glad I did! The smell is divine, not too sweet, not too overpowering, and just a perfect amount of freshness. Sprays very well, smell stays for a while, so it’s perfect when you need a refresh. Good amount of product for the cost. I’m so happy I bought this fragrance mist to go along with the shampoo, conditioner, and heat protectant. I consider it well worth the money for this investment." —Julie Get it from Amazon for $20+ (available in two sizes). This conditioner is a match made in curl ~heaven~ for dry, thick, curly, and coily hair that could use a serious moisture boost. Those with finer waves or easily weighed-down strands may want to start with a small amount, since this rich formula means business when it comes to hydration. Promising review: "I’ve been using the Camille Rose Curl Love Moisture Milk for a little while now, and I love it! It makes my curls feel super soft and moisturized without weighing them down and without having to put a ton of product like the influencers you see... Literally, this is the only thing I put on. The texture is creamy but lightweight, and a little goes a long way. It also smells really nice, kind of sweet but not too strong. I mostly use it on damp hair after washing, and it helps detangle and keep my curls defined and frizz-free. I've also used a small amount to refresh dry curls, and it works great for that too. Definitely a staple in my curly hair routine now. If you’re looking for something that adds moisture, softness, and a bit of shine without being heavy or greasy, this is a great pick!" —Victoria Prado Get it from Amazon for $12.58 (also available in two- or six-packs). This satin bonnet can benefit all hair types, but it’s especially useful for curly, coily, textured, frizz-prone, or breakage-prone hair that could use extra protection overnight. It’s also a great pick for preserving braids, twists, curls, and other protective or styled looks, while the adjustable fit helps keep everything comfortably tucked in until morning. Promising review: "I have long curly hair and use bonnets at night to prevent tangling, drying, and breaking of my hair. I knew this bonnet was different as soon as I put it on. The wide, soft band was so comfortable on my head, and the long straps to tie it were incredible. I’ve had bonnets before where the elastic was just one size with no option to tie, and they were often too tight or too loose; both were awful to sleep in. I also love the size of the bonnet because I did not have to find a way to fit all my hair in; it was roomy enough to fit easily. The material is so silky and smooth, and it's incredibly lightweight, so it didn’t feel like it was tugging down. I was not disturbed at all in my sleep while wearing this bonnet because it was so comfortable. The color is super pretty, and I will be buying more of these. They’re now my favorite!" —Emily Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in three sizes and 17 colors). This deep-conditioning mask is made for all hair types and is super helpful for dry, damaged, thick, curly, or coily strands that crave an extra dose of moisture and softness. Promising review: "This hair mask works incredibly well. After just one use, my hair felt noticeably softer, smoother, and much more hydrated. I have dry, color-treated hair, and this helped reduce frizz while adding shine without making my hair feel heavy or greasy. The texture is rich but easy to distribute, and a little goes a long way. The scent is pleasant but not overpowering. I use it once or twice a week, and it has made a big difference in how manageable my hair is overall. Definitely a staple in my routine." —Pollyanna This dry shampoo is great for fine, straight, or oily hair that tends to go from freshly washed to grease central in record time. Wavy and curly-haired peeps can also use it to freshen up their roots between wash days without disturbing their carefully styled curls. Promising review: "I have VERY oily hair, and it’s very long, so washing my hair is a chore, so I try to wash it every two days. I’ve tried very expensive dry shampoo and every kind that claims to help with oily hair. I have used this for a week now, and I can’t believe how much oil it absorbs, how much volume it adds, and how easily it rubs in without leaving white residue. Love love love —Jordy Get it from Amazon for $6.97 (also available in a two-pack). This foam is a dream for fine, thin, or naturally flat hair that could use a little extra oomph without being weighed down. Those with thicker or curlier strands can also give it a whirl, especially if they're looking to perk up their roots and add some bouncy, touchable volume. Promising review: "Where has this been all my life? I have very fine hair and live in very dry Arizona, and I need to really care for my blonde process hair. The very first time I used this was miraculous! My hair was so soft and had beautiful bounce. Can't stop touching it! I like that it is a pump-action foam instead of aerosol and is super easy to apply. Not too wet or sticky, and not a huge lump of solid foam, but an applicable mixture that goes on easily. There isn't exactly a hold to it, which is perfect for my fine hair, and I wasn't looking for 'hold' but rather volume and style. LOVE, LOVE IT!" —LeeLoo This shampoo is a lovely match for most hair types and textures, especially dry, dull, or frizz-prone strands that crave a little extra moisture and shine. Fine-haired peeps can also get in on the glossy goodness without necessarily weighing down their locks. Promising review: "The best shampoo for my hair type. I have hair that needs to be washed every day, and this is the best shampoo to make sure that it doesn’t get greasy after one day. I live in an all-seasons region, and it’s perfect when it’s dry and below freezing and when I am in humid temps." —bobmom07 Get it from Sephora for $14+ (available in two sizes). This lightweight hair oil works across a range of hair types and textures, including straight, wavy, curly, and coily strands. Those with fine hair can start with just a drop or two through the mid-lengths and ends, while thicker, drier textures may benefit from a little more. Promising review: "It did not weigh down my fine hair or make my hair greasy. I applied one pump to my damp hair after washing, and it really helped with detangling. After blow-drying, my hair felt soft and was less frizzy than if I hadn’t used any products. I applied another pump after my hair was completely dry to smooth it out, and my hair still felt clean. I bought this because the Ouai site said it was scented after a specific perfume, and I wanted to test the scent before buying the perfume. This oil has a faint scent that fades almost instantly, which is not a bad thing. My bf used it on his thicker, wavy hair, and he liked how soft his hair felt. I would buy this again." —Merlin Get it from Amazon for $18+ (available in three sizes). This is a match made in curl heaven for dry, curly, and coily hair that craves moisture, though finer waves or oilier scalps may find it a bit too rich for regular use. Try swapping it in for your usual shampoo once or twice a week, depending on your hair's needs, and alternate with a regular shampoo to keep buildup at bay. Promising review: "I really don’t have the words to say just how much I love this product. I’ve used co-washes before, and for the first time, maybe in my adult life, I not only get clean hair with nice definition and volume, but my scalp does not itch and feels clean and fabulous, and stays that way with a spritz of the moisture memory re-activator. To be honest, those two are my must-haves. I’ve tried a few of the other Curlsmith products, and I like low-maintenance hair. The co-wash lasted all summer, even with sweaty weather, and the moisture memory spritz is both easy and fabulous. I use a wide-tooth comb to comb out my hair upside down, spritz, fluff, and then straighten up, spritz again, fluff, and I am good to go." —Kindle Customer Get it from Amazon for $12.50+ (available in three sizes). This is especially great for damaged, bleached, color-treated, chemically processed, or frequently heat-styled hair of all textures. It’s a concentrated leave-in treatment, so follow the application instructions closely and resist the urge to glob on half the bottle — a little goes a long way. BuzzFeed editor Melanie Aman was downright “gobsmacked” by the results, raving, “Seriously. I spent the whole day touching my hair, and even my boyfriend agreed that my mane was noticeably silkier.” Promising review: "If you get build-up or your hair gets dirty on day two. This is a must-try. So good, I use it once a week and love how clean it leaves my hair. These products are absolutely worth your money." —Mariela Adams Get it from Amazon for $29+ (available in two sizes). This styling cream is an especially solid pick for wavy, curly, and frizz-prone hair that needs a little encouragement to behave without a blow-dryer. Those with finer strands may want to start with a small dollop, while thicker, drier hair can enjoy a more generous helping. Promising review: "I love this product! I’m always a little skeptical about air-dry products, but this one really works! It’s the only product I use when I want an effortless look and is now a staple in my routine." —EleGH * Finds That’ll Make You Become #Obsessed With Your Hair * Hair Care Products Reviewers Over 50 Swear By * It’s No Exaggeration To Say That These 35 Hair Products Are Legit Game Changers * Hair Accessories To Upgrade Your Updo Game * Highly Rated Hair Products For Perfect Curls Every Time BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way. The reviews used in this post have been edited for length and clarity.
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