The 14 Best Hair Products of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

When it comes to your hair, there are countless tips and tricks you can use to improve its health and appearance. But when you’re choosing between thousands of similar products, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. We’ve compared viral hair oils, the clip-in extensions your favorite celebrities wear, and hot tools that style your locks effortlessly, all to find the best hair products in every category.

“It’s all about maintaining naturally shiny, healthy hair,” celebrity hairstylist Julius Michael tells PEOPLE. “With today's salon hair color and lighteners being much healthier and less damaging to your hair than they once were, you want to be sure to use only the best products at home.” Fellow celebrity hairstylist Joseph Michael adds that you should “make sure you’re using protection products such as leave-in detanglers, hair masks for colored or processed hair, and a healthy washing regimen for your scalp.”

We’ve tested hundreds of products that contribute to hair health as well as the safest styling tools to keep your hair happy over time. Read on for the best hair products PEOPLE tested in 2024, starting at just $7.

Best Shampoo for Thinning Hair

Briogeo Peptide Shampoo

Our Ratings

• It actively restored hair growth and prevented future hair loss

• The shampoo also improved the appearance of the hair, adding volume, texture, and shine

• The hair looked and felt healthier overall after two months of use

Your hair can thin out for medical issues, as a postpartum symptom, and many other reasons, but there are shampoos that actively work to prevent this loss and restore hair growth. When we compared 21 top-rated shampoos for thinning hair, the Briogeo Destined for Destiny shampoo delivered. Our tester had dry, thinning hair and used the shampoo consistently for two months. 

They saw immediate improvement in hair loss and even regrowth on the areas that had caused previous concern. The shampoo is formulated with ingredients like green coffee oil, caffeine, zinc, biotin, and copper peptides which all contribute to healthier hair. We noticed an improvement in hair volume, texture, and shine, and though it’s expensive given the size, we think it’s absolutely worth it.

Size: 8 oz. | Key Ingredients: Energy complex, zinc, copper peptides, biotin | Hair Type: All hair types

Best Shampoo for Oily Hair

Nécessaire Shampoo

Our Ratings

• Feel

  5/5

• Performance

  5/5

• Oil Absorption

  5/5

• It absorbed oil without stripping the scalp, allowing for more frequent washes

• The shampoo made the hair feel lightweight and freshly clean

• It relieved an ongoing scalp itch our tester had prior to using the shampoo

When you have oily hair (coming from personal experience) it’s a constant struggle of trying not to over-wash while also keeping your hair looking clean. Shampoos designed for oily hair, like this one from Nécessaire, allow you to wash more frequently without causing excess sebum (oil production) since it doesn’t strip away your natural oils. 

“When it comes to shampoo and conditioner you always want to look for products that are sulfate and paraben free,” says Julius Michael. “They won’t strip your hair of the natural oils you need for shine, they won’t leave build up creating dull limp locks, and most importantly they clean and condition your hair while adding essential vitamins back into your hair cuticle.”

We were so impressed with the results — after weeks of using the shampoo, our testers’ hair consistently felt lightweight and looked so fluffy and clean. Our tester had experienced pretty regular scalp itchiness before trying this shampoo and it has completely relieved that sensation. When we tested 15 shampoos for oily hair over the course of six weeks, The Shampoo by Nécessaire was an obvious winner in terms of feel, performance, and oil absorption.

Size: 8.4 oz. | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, aloe vera juice | Hair Type: All hair types

Best Dandruff Shampoo

Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo

Our Ratings

• Cleansing Ability

  5/5

• Oil Absorption

  5/5

• Scent

  5/5

• Performance

  5/5

• The dandruff shampoo lifted product buildup and reduced excess oil on the scalp

• Salicylic acid eliminated dead skin cells successfully

• There was no medicinal scent

• It started working from the very first wash and had consistent results over three months

“Anti-dandruff shampoos are generally antifungal and act against the agents causing inflammation and flaking of the scalp,” NYU Langone dermatological surgeon Mary L. Stevenson tells PEOPLE. She says they’re made with ingredients that “help counter the cause” of those symptoms and “soothe the inflammation in doing so.”

We tested 22 dandruff shampoos over three months to see the long-term effects of each, and the Neutrogena shampoo showed stellar performance from the first wash. We appreciated its ability to lift product buildup on the scalp, and our testers had noticeably cleaner hair after each wash. The formula is gentle enough to use every day and it doesn’t have the medicinal scent that some dandruff shampoos have. It didn’t lather quite as much as a standard shampoo, but the salicylic acid targeted dead skin cells and oil buildup and left the hair really clean and healthy (sans dandruff!).

Size: 4.5 oz. | Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid | Hair Type: All types especially those who experience extremely dry skin on the scalp

Best Dry Shampoo

Klorane Dry Shampoo

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  2.9/5

• Oil Absorption

  5/5

• Visibility

  4.5/5

• Overall Results

  4.6/5

• It absorbed into our tester’s scalp and removed any trace of oils

• There wasn’t any drying sensation, which we appreciated

• The formula has a pleasant, fresh scent and a cooling sensation that feels refreshing on your skin

• It originally left behind a white cast, but it disappeared once massaged into the roots

• The product took about two minutes to set, which could be too long for a rushed morning

Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, FAAD, says that "dry shampoo doesn’t actually clean the skin or hair” but rather “absorbs excess oil” to help it look cleaner, so a good dry shampoo will add that sense of cleanliness to your roots without feeling itchy or leaving behind a powdery residue. The Klorane dry shampoo was a verified winner out of the 21 we tested because it absorbed into our tester’s scalp beautifully without drying it out. 

While it initially has a white cast upon spraying it, this residue disappears when you massage it into your scalp and it absorbs the oil there. In addition to making the hair look clean, the dry shampoo also feels really good on your scalp with a cooling sensation and fresh scent that extends the life of your hair until wash day. 

“Dry shampoos can help boost circulation” and “enhance penetration of certain products such as scalp serums, oils, foams, and shampoos” by removing excess buildup, board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garick, MD, FAAD, tells PEOPLE. We were impressed that there was no trace of the product once it had set (which took about two minutes). The hair looked and felt really clean — the best you can hope for with a dry shampoo.

Type: Aerosol | Size: 3.2 oz. | Scent: Floral

Best Scalp Massager

Leonor Greyl Massaging Scalp Brush

Our Ratings

• Bristles

  5/5

• Ease of Use

  5/5

• Serum Penetration

  5/5

• Our testers were able to create a better shampoo lather in the shower with the brush than with their hands

• It can be used to help apply many oils, treatments, and other products to your hair and scalp

• It had a smart design with soft bristles and a comfortable grip

When it comes to your scalp health, a good massage can do wonders for stimulating the skin. “Using a scalp massager can help to exfoliate dead skin cells on the scalp and aid in product penetration,” Dr. Robinson tells PEOPLE. “Scalp massagers can also help to alleviate tension in the scalp which may help to support overall health of the hair and the scalp,” Garshick adds. 

During our testing, we compared 21 scalp massagers for a month to assess the effectiveness of each. It felt like a luxury spa treatment to massage shampoo into our testers’ hair with the brush during showers, and it actually helped create a better lather than when you use your hands to apply shampoo. The tool has gentle bristles and a comfortable handle to grip during use. 

For dry hair, it also helps massage conditioning treatments in your hair as well as other products. “You might find using a scalp massager with dry shampoo helps to distribute the dry shampoo more effectively if you have thick hair,” adds Dr. Robinson. It doesn’t tangle your hair, comes in a lovely storage box, and is fairly affordable given the quality.

Materials: Silicone and plastic | Hair types: All hair types

Best Hair Mask

Olaplex Bond Intense Moisture Mask

• It has a creamy formula that absorbed into the skin quickly and fully coated the hair

• There was a visible difference in the texture and appearance of hair after consistent use

• It didn’t cause any tangles, despite that being an issue for our tester in the past

• It added volume and definition to the hair and continued improving results overtime

• It’s not as hydrating as a true conditioner, so if your hair feels dry after using it, try pairing it with a leave-in conditioner

Olaplex is a name hair stylists and celebrities swear by, and the No. 8 Moisture Mask has earned that adoration. We tested 30 popular hair masks over two weeks and this creamy formula absorbed quickly and coated the hair fully. After a few cycles of using the mask, our tester noticed a visible difference in the softness and overall look of their hair. Our tester also struggles with tangles due to coily hair, and had no issues with that after using this mask.

The mask impressed our team with its ability to add definition and volume to the hair and to build on its own results with continued improvement over time. Our tester did acknowledge that their hair didn’t feel as moisturized post-mask as it normally does after conditioning, so we would suggest using a leave-in conditioner after applying the mask to add more hydration. The mask created soft, vibrant results with our tester’s hair, and has a nice scent that lingers.

Size: 100 mL/3.3 fl. oz. | Hair Type: All hair types, especially dry and frizzy hair | Key Ingredients: Bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate (bond builder) | Silicones: Yes | Sulfates: No

Best Hair Oil

Olaplex Bonding Oil

Our Ratings

• Application

  5/5

• Absorption

  5/5

• Feel

  5/5

• Hair Shine/Sheen

  5/5

• The Olaplex hair oil restores the bonds in your hair, acting as a treatment and styling oil

• It made our tester’s hair more vibrant, less frizzy, and even acted as a heat protectant

• The lightweight oily created silky smooth results

Another winner from Olaplex, this hair oil restores the bonds in your hair, so it not only helps to style your hair, it benefits its health. We were impressed with how it boosted the vibrancy of our tester’s hair color, provided heat protection, and reduced frizz. Our team loved the feel of the oil — it stood out from the 29 other hair oils we tested. It’s lightweight and made our tester’s hair feel soft and silky.

We continued long-term testing this hair oil for six months, and our tester was completely dazzled by the results. Their frizz was regularly tamed and the hair oil nourished their sometimes dry ends. Our tester even used the Olaplex oil as a heat protectant for their extensions and it worked beautifully. 

Star Ingredients: Bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate, grapeseed oil, fermented green tea oil | Key Benefits: Repairs broken bonds, offers heat and UV protection, fights frizz, help maintain color vibrancy | Size: 1 oz.

Best Brush for Curly Hair

Curls Ultimate Detangler Brush

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  5/5

• Comfort

  5/5

• Performance

  5/5

• The brush easily detangles your hair without disrupting the curl pattern

• It has customizable bristle rows with varied bristles designed for thin and thick sections of hair

• Our tester described the results as “curls you dream about”

• It minimizes frizz and provided a nice scalp massage

When it comes to curly locks, there’s no better brush than the Curls Ultimate Detangler Brush. It swiftly moves through your hair, detangling the strands without disrupting the curl pattern. Our tester loved how much definition and bounce their hair had after brushing it. One of the best features of this brush are the customizable bristle rows that can move around to suit your specific hair pattern — with one set for thinner hair sections and one for thick.

Our tester said this brush “creates curls you dream about.” We love the lightweight frame of this brush, though it does have a wide handle which might not be everyone’s preference. The brush detangled our tester’s hair in just one pass, minimizing frizz, and providing a nice scalp massage. After testing 25 brushes for curly hair, the Curls Ultimate brush more than earned its place as our best overall pick.

Bristle Material: Nylon | Curl Type: Wavy, curly, very curly, coily

Best Heat Protectant

Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray

Our Ratings

• Application

  5/5

• Absorption

  5/5

• Efficacy

  5/5

• Hair Feel

  4.9/5

• Overall Look

  5/5

• The Living Proof heat protectant works on all hair types

• It also reduces frizz, hydrates your hair, and prevents breakage

• The spray also kept a piece of toast from burning when stuck in a toaster

• It’s versatile as a detangler and a UV protectant too

Hot tools like hot air brushes and blow dryers are a common part of the hair styling process, so it’s important to protect your hair using a form of heat protectant. “I always recommend that everyone use a heat protector on their hair if they are using heat to style, whether it is a blow dryer or hot tool and even to protect from sun damage,” says Julius Michael.

Our team tested dozens of heat protectants and Living Proof impressed us the most with its versatility across different hair types and other benefits like frizz reduction, hydration, and breakage prevention. For good measure we also tested the heat protectants on a piece of bread and the section that had spray on it remained untoasted while the rest of the slice had a crispy texture. Though this formula didn’t create as much volume as we’d have liked, it’s color safe, and works as a detangler and UV protectant too.

Size: 1.7 oz., 8 oz. | Benefits: Detangles and softens strands, UV protection, nourishes dry hair | Temperature Protection: Up to 450°F

Best Hair Dryer

Hot Tools Pro Artist Black Gold Ionic Hair Dryer

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  5/5

• Features

  5/5

• Drying Performance

  5/5

• Overall Look

  5/5

• Value

  5/5

• Considering the quality of this hair dryer, it’s extremely well priced

• It earned perfect scores in every single test (the only hair dryer to do so)

• The hair dryer comes with varied heat settings, a turbo boost, and a cold shot

• It only takes 20 minutes to complete a full blowout with the dryer

• Since there are so many settings, it could be complex for a beginner (but worth learning, in our opinion)

This budget-friendly hair dryer has taken our top spot two years running, so there’s no question it’s the hair dryer you should reach for first. It earned perfect scores in every single test (the only dryer we tested that did so). We were highly impressed with the speed, power, and special settings like a turbo boost and a cold shot feature to smooth the hair. Plus it only takes 20 minutes to complete a blowout with this hair dryer. 

“My go-to styling is a beautiful, voluminous blowout,” says Joseph Michael. He shares the trick that “blow-drying the hair with it being more wet, rather than rough dried, will allow the blow dry to last longer and not frizz up as quickly.”

Thanks to several attachments, including a diffuser, the Hot Tools hair dryer works effectively for all hair types. Considering how well the tool actually dried the hair — creating both volume and definition — as well as the low price, we’ve consistently ranked the Hot Tools pick as our best overall hair dryer.

Hair type: All | Weight: 2.75 lbs. | Wattage: 2000 | Settings: 4 heat / 3 speed / cool shot / turbo / volume or smooth | Attachments: 2 concentrators, diffuser

Best Flat Iron

BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Dual Ionic Flat Iron

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  4.8/5

• Glide Performance

  4.9/5

• Value

  4.9/5

• Straightening Ability

  4.9/5

• This flat iron only takes 20 seconds to heat up

• We found it lightweight to hold and easy to maneuver around different sections of hair

• The ion technology combats frizz, but can be turned on or off depending on your hair type and preference

Whether you want smooth, straight hair, or a wavy look, flat irons are versatile styling tools. The BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Dual Ionic flat iron impressed our team enough to take the top spot of all the flat irons we tested. It only took 20 seconds to heat up — an advantage when you’re running behind in your morning routine. It’s lightweight to hold and can be maneuvered around your head with ease.

The titanium plates are made with an ion technology that basically combats frizz to help smooth down your hair. It’s kind of like the old trick of rubbing a dryer sheet on clothes to avoid static — it takes the charge out of the equation. Plus, that feature can be turned on and off depending on your preference and hair type. Though it’s designed and advertised to work on all hair types, we found the best success with fine and wavy hair, rather than thicker strands. While the price is competitive with other top styling brands, we think this tool is worth the investment.

Temperature Settings: 5 | Width: 1.25 inches | Material: Titanium

Best Rotating Curling Iron

Lyealion Interchangeable Hair Curling Wand

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  4.5/5

• Clamp Tension

  5/5

• Performance

  5/5

• Value

  5/5

• This competitively priced rotating curling iron was simple and easy to use for every level of expertise

• Our tester had no problem holding and maneuvering it while styling their hair

• The buttons are clear and the rotational part can be stopped with the press of a button

• The temperature didn’t cause any heat damage to our tester’s hair

A rotating curling iron takes the effort out of curling your hair, a huge benefit for those who like the style but don’t want to individually wrap each curl (a tedious and time-consuming process). The Lyealion curling wand is an effective solution that automatically curls your hair. Just clip the end of a section to the barrel and press a button and it slowly spins without tangling or pulling. 

Our team, with a range of expertise levels, had no problem navigating this tool. The buttons are clear and responsive — you can stop the curling process immediately with the press of a single button. There was momentary confusion because the barrel seems to spin in the opposite direction that the button makes you think it will, so just keep that in mind as you’re learning the technique.

This tool is lightweight and comfortable to hold while it works, and the temperature created beautiful curls without any hair damage. Plus, this rotating curling iron comes as a set with three barrel sizes, a glove, and hair clips, which makes the price even more worth it.

Barrel Size: 0.75, 1, and 1.25 inches | Temperature: 320°–450°F | Material: Ceramic | Best for: All hair types

Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal

Silk’n Infinity

• The device was easy to use on both the face and body

• It has different settings to cover small or large areas

• Our tester noticed visible change in hair growth over the five weeks they used this device; notably that the hair grew back thinner

Of course, when it comes to hair, sometimes there are places you don’t want it — an at-home laser hair removal device makes for easy and discreet grooming. We found a favorite in the Silk’n Infinity which proved easy to use, and versatile in its function for both your face and body. This dermatologist-approved device was easy to set up during testing.

It has a pulsing feature that targets small areas such as an upper lip, while a gliding feature helps remove hair over larger areas of the body like your leg. Our tester used this device every other week for five weeks and saw noticeable changes in hair growth, primarily that it grew back thinner in those areas.

While it is normally expensive (though right now it’s hugely discounted), the price works out to be the same as a laser hair removal session — so investing in an at-home device you can use repeatedly is actually a better value.

Intensity Levels: 5 | Flashes: Unlimited | Suitable For: Full body and face

Best Clip-In Extensions

Hidden Crown Hair Extensions Crown Clip-Ins

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  4.3/5

• Comfort

  4/5

• Quality

  4.8/5

• Value

  5/5

• These extensions use the highest grade of human hair for a realistic and natural look

• They come in 36 shades and an assortment of lengths for versatility

• Our team found the extensions easy to apply and appreciated that they stayed in place for 10 hours comfortably

Whether you’re regretting the impulse haircut you just got or just want a little va-va-voom, clip-in extensions can give your hair ample volume in seconds. The Hidden Crown Hair Extensions use a really high quality of human hair for the most realistic and seamless results. Plus, these extensions come in 36 shades and an assortment of lengths so you can find a combination that looks really natural. Our team had no issue applying and styling them. Plus, they stayed in for a 10-hour work day and caused no discomfort. 

Both of our stylist experts recommend using texture to hold the clip in place. Joseph Michael suggests teasing the roots and using a little texture spray to lock everything in, and Julius Michael prefers a volumizing iron to create enough body for the clip to hold onto in your hair. Either way, it gives the extension a stronghold to remain in place throughout wear, so there’s no slippage.

Type: Remy | Texture: Wavy | Length: 8-26 inches | Shades: 36 | Wefts: 3

Things to Consider When Buying Hair Products

Hair Type

Your hair type will always play a huge factor in the products you buy. Those with thicker, curly hair will need a specific type of brush like the Curls Ultimate Detangler Brush and hair dryer attachments like the diffuser that comes with the Hot Tools Pro Artist Black Gold Ionic Hair Dryer. Those with fine hair should be extra cautious with the heat from styling tools and use a heat protectant like Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray. They might also benefit from clip-in extensions like Hidden Crown Hair Extensions Crown Clip-Ins to add extra volume when desired. 

Oily hair needs specific shampoos like Nécessaire Shampoo and can benefit from dry shampoos like Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk in between wash days. Then there’s also the issue of dryness which can cause dandruff and a need for Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo and a tool to help shed excess buildup like the Leonor Greyl Massaging Scalp Brush.

Price

Depending on the product you’re interested in, prices will vary greatly. For instance, you can spend as little as $7 on a top-rated brush or as much as $459 on hair extensions that industry experts swear by. But we don’t want you to have to overspend, so all of our “best overall” picks are competitively priced within their individual category.

Function

Most of the products on our list are user-friendly from the jump for every level of expertise with a few exceptions. That said, understanding how products can interact with each other can help you choose the right ones too. For instance, a scalp massager as an application tool can help hair oil absorb faster and shampoo clean more thoroughly than just using your fingers. 

Once you’ve blow dried your hair, you can use a rotating curling iron to finish the look. “Just roll half the length of the hair on the iron, leave out the ends, and get a perfect beach wave with minimal effort,” says Julius Michael, adding that you can “smooth it out with a flat iron, creating sleek shiny hair.”

How We Tested Hair Products

We tested tons of hair products over the past year. Before each test, we conduct thorough research into each category to determine the best or most popular products we should try. We also do our best in recruiting testers of all different hair types and ages. Keep reading for a general guide of how we tested each category, either at home, in our labs, or both.

• Shampoos: All of our shampoo testing (apart from dry shampoo) took place outside of the PEOPLE Tested Lab in our testers’ homes over the course of several weeks to several months. For dry shampoos we ran coconut oil through our strands to see how the formulas absorbed it. With traditional shampoos, we considered the desired aims — whether to reduce oil, dandruff, or hair thinning — and evaluated if they worked in those areas. We tested qualities like feel, look, leftover residue, scent, and performance for this category of testing.
• Hair Treatments: In our tests for treatments such as hair masks or hair oils, we did real world tests using these products in testers’ daily routines. We applied the products while the hair was still wet, and then dried it, considering how the hair looked and felt before and after the product was applied.
• Brushes: For actual brushes, our team looked at performance, considering things like hair breakage, shedding prevention, ease of use, and comfort. For scalp massagers, our testers used these tools during and after showers to apply an assortment of products to their scalp (such as oils, masks, etc.), and considered how the massager helped with soapy lathers, absorption, and more. 
• Heat Protectant: We tested dozens of heat protectants both in the lab and over a two-week period in testers’ homes. We took into account the various conditions needed for each spray, whether intended for wet hair or dry, and then dried the hair and used a hot tool such as a straightener or curling iron. Our team also used the heat protectants on toast to see the protection at work in a more immediate visual way.
• Hot Tools: For hair dryers, flat irons, and rotating curling irons, our team tested how well each performed for its intended purpose or style. In some cases, we used hairstylists to get the best results and then followed up with additional home testing to make sure the tools were user-friendly for all levels. We looked at heat settings, maneuverability, and performance in these product categories. 
• Clip-in Hair Extensions: We did two tests for clip-in extensions — one in the lab led by professional hairstylists and one at home where our testers put the extensions in by themselves. We noted how the fit and comfort of each extension was, how easy they were to attach, and how they looked.
• At-Home Laser Hair Removal: Working between 13 popular at-home laser hair removal devices we prioritized safety and ease of use. We also considered how well they removed hair, and how quickly the hair grew back.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What products improve hair quality?

  “Hair loss and damaged hair are often a concern,” says Julius Michael. “If you are a new mom and are suffering from baby breakage you’ll want to use a hair vitamin to help slow down hair loss and speed up regrowth.” He also suggests sticking to products that “are not heavy or leave build up on your hair, causing a dull coating on your beautiful crown.”

  Joseph Michael likes “leave-in detanglers as a way to treat the hair whether you’re doing heat styling or just allowing your hair to air dry.” For clients who like to air dry their hair, he recommends using a “hydrating oil like a rosemary oil.”

• Is Olaplex actually good for your hair?

  In short, yes. Both of our expert hairstylists mentioned Olaplex by name when recommending treatments that can improve the hair’s quality. “I always recommend for my clients to do a bond builder like Olaplex once a week,” says Joseph Michael. “For any hair type you should take vitamins or use products that have hair bonders built in like K18 or Olaplex to restore damaged hair,” agrees Julius Michael.

• What is the best way to style hair without damaging it?

  To style your hair without damaging it, it’s important to use a combination of good treatments and tools. “Make sure you’re using good heat protectants such as leave-in detanglers,” says Joseph Michael, cautioning against hot tools “that get too hot for your hair texture.” Those with fine hair should be extra careful when choosing a heat setting because this hair type is more delicate than others.

  But damage can happen with skin sensitivities as well as from preparation with the wrong cleaning agents. “If you have a sensitive scalp, you’ll want to use a natural or organic product line,” suggests Julius Michael. He also recommends shampoos and conditioners without “unwanted chemicals.”

• Are there certain ingredients that make for a better shampoo or conditioner than others?

  Joseph Michael suggests looking for vitamin E oil and rosemary oil. “Both strengthen the hair and help with hair growth,” he says. “I like to stay away from products that have too much alcohol which can dry out the hair and make it look a little brittle.”

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Madison Yauger is a senior shopping writer with extensive experience writing about beauty, with special attention to hair products. For this story, she relied on insights from 14 different tests we held on a variety of treatments and tools in the hair space. To learn more about techniques relating to using the featured hot tools, she interviewed celebrity hairstylists Julius Michael and Joseph Michael. For the skin and scalp-related products, she got important insights from dermatologists Mary L. Stevenson MD, FACMS, Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, FAAD, and Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD. Using all of this data, plus specifications from each brand on the individual products themselves, she crafted this list of the best vetted hair products from every category we’ve tested at PEOPLE.

• Julius Michael is a celebrity hair stylist, responsible for many of the incredible looks of stars on Bravo TV. He specializes in applying and styling clip-in extensions as well as his technique for creating “Julius Michael signature waves."
• Joseph Michael is a celebrity hair stylist who works with clients like Bachelor alum Cassie Randolph and actress Ginny Gardner, among others. He’s created looks for fashion shows, Hollywood parties, movie premieres, and more.
• Mary L. Stevenson MD, FACMS is a dermatological surgeon at NYU Langone specializing in skin cancer treatment, laser, and cosmetic procedures.

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

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