All of that changed, though, when Olaplex came around. The brand, which launched in 2014, is known for its revolutionary reparative formulas that can restore the health of even the most damaged strands. “It was remarkable,” says Frank. “Suddenly my hair felt stronger… It felt like my virgin hair. It felt healthy so immediately, I started incorporating it into everything.”

After seeing the results that Olaplex could deliver, she joined the team as lead stylist and educator. In the latest episode of Well+Good’s Routine Rundown, she’s giving us a first-hand look at the game-changing science behind the brand and then some.

Listen to the full episode here: 

To understand what makes Olaplex Olaplex, it’s first important to understand the science behind how it works. When an external factor damages your hair, it causes a chemical reaction that breaks up the disulfide bonds that make up the structure of your hair and “eats up” all of the proteins that keep your strands healthy. “Damage doesn’t just happen from getting your hair colored or lightened,” says Frank, explaining that cumulative damage can also come from hot tools (yes, even the most hair-friendly blow dryer) and the environment.

“And you would think that the simple solution is to go ahead and fix this by putting some protein in the hair, but the truth is, it’s a chain reaction—you need to take care of the source of the problem, which is the broken disulfide bonds. The rest of it you can take care of after.”

This, she says, is where Olaplex comes in. “When you’re using Olaplex regularly… you’re mitigating that damage so that the reaction never happens, and you don’t have something eating away at your hair—you’re basically making your hair strong,” says Frank. “This is the first thing you do to make sure you’re [supporting] the structure, so then you can do all of the other things you need to do to make sure you have healthy, strong, beautiful hair.” In other words: It’s not a Band-Aid solution that will cover up damage so your hair looks healthy—it’s actually doing the work to fix it.

Because damage can come from so many different factors, Frank feels strongly that everyone could benefit from having Olaplex in their routines. “It’s this unique, patented chemistry… and I think that every single person should have this as a tool in their arsenal, because this happens to everybody,” she says.

Shop the products that she uses to keep her own platinum hair healthy below, then check out our full conversation (which spans from the link between hair and identity to the skinification of hair care) on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Olaplex, No. 3 Hair Repair Perfector—$30-$60

“Olaplex No. 3 should be in every single person’s arsenal, period,” says Frank of the brand’s original formula. Though Olaplex’s reparative tech is present in all of its products, this pre-shampoo treatment packs the biggest punch. Frank recommends adding it to your routine once or twice a week, which is exactly what she does herself.

“I’ll do this 10-15 minutes before I take a shower. Dampen my hair real fast, put in the number 3 and make sure it hits every strand, leave it in for 10 minutes and then shampoo and condition,” she says. You can leave it on for longer, but just make sure it doesn’t dry completely (otherwise, you’ll be left with crunch and grease) and always wash it out thoroughly.

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Olaplex, No. 0 Intensive Bond Building Hair Treatment — $30.00

“If you have seriously damaged hair, I definitely recommend also adding in the number zero, which kind of boosts the efficacy of [the reparative technology],” says Frank. Use it as a primer before applying Olaplex No. 3 to intensify its benefits.

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Olaplex, Daily Cleanse and Condition Duo — $30.00

“I’m a big fan of our shampoo and conditioner, which, like all of our products have the patented ingredient our chemists made,” say Frank. “They’re phenomenol, especially for people who do a lot of things that can drain out the moisture in their hair, like flat ironing or lightening their strands.”

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Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Hair Mask — $30.00

“What’s phenomenol about this is that it is so lightweight, and it absorbs into your hair… you’re getting it all into your hair, and your hair needs that,” says Frank, noting that a little bit of product goes a long way. “It says [to leave it on for] 10 minutes, which is optimal, but I’ll admit I might wash my hair when I first get into the shower, then put that on and do everything else, and I rinse it out after whatever amount of time that takes and get great results.”

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Olaplex, No. 6 Bond Smoother Reparative Styling Creme — $30.00

“We all have that skin-care product that’s the first thing we put on… that is this product. You put this on wet hair as the first product, no other product before, and you need so little—one pump should take care of your whole head,” says Frank. “It’s a serum, so of course it has our active ingredient, but it also has these antioxidants that are basically going to protect your hair from free radicals as well as help to get them out so that you won’t have continuing damage—it’s protecting your hair for up to 48 hours.”

But protection isn’t the only thing this formula offers. “It has this memory, so when you’re blowdrying your hair with it you’re creating a base hairstyle that’s going to last you for days,” says Frank. “If you have curly hair, it makes the curls more manageable and more forming, and it’s anti-tangle… and anti-static.”

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Olaplex, No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum — $30.00

Before any sort of heat styling, Frank will also layer on Olaplex No. 9 for extra protection (Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Hair Oil is also a great option for those with coarser, drier textures). It’s got a triple-action formula to strengthen, protect, and smooth. It does this with the help of Olaplex’s bond-building tech, plus red algae extract with bonds to hair to defend against damage from hot tools, pollutants, and UVA and UVB rays.

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Olaplex, No.4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Purple Shampoo — $30.00

“Toners in blonde hair will oxidize over time, so really my hair has more of a yellowish undertone at this point even though I tend to be on the cool side,” says Frank. “So I do use Olaplex No. 4, which is our purple, blonde-enhancing shampoo. And that really does help give me the longevity of [my color] and doesn’t make me look like I have brassy hair.”

Because purple sits opposite of yellow on the color wheel, it will help neutralize any brassiness in your hair, which is why stylists recommend purple shampoo to keep blonde highlights looking fresh. Though there are many great purple products on the market, this one comes with Olaplex’s bond-building tech, which means it will keep your hair healthy and looking great.

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Olaplex, No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo — $30.00

“On the day of my [color] appointment, I have to clarify my hair, so I’m definitely going to be using the Olaplex 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo because I don’t want anything to interfere with the [professional] product working the way it should.,” says Frank. “I’d recommend that to anyone getting any sort of color service, any bleaching, et cetera, because your hair sucks up everything. So you want to get all of that out so that the products [your stylist] is using on you are working in the most efficient way and the color they choose is working the way it should.”

 

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“Hair nutrients like iron, biotin, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and selenium, are mainly sourced from meat thus it will be prudent to consider hair nutrients from plant sources when you don’t eat meat,” says Dr. Cho. This might mean your hair doesn’t grow as fast as it used to, and can also lead to thinning and excessive shedding.

If you don’t eat meat, Dr. Cho says that “supplementing more nuts, seeds, beans, and lentils is helpful to incorporate important hair nutrients into your diet.” The idea that vegetarians and vegans can’t meet their daily nutrient needs (especially for protein) is a common, yet harmful misconception in our society. It’s perfectly possible to get what you need but does require a bit more research and legwork on the back end.

If you want a bit of help on the hair health end, Dr. Cho recommends leaning on supplements. A great option is the new Nutrafol Women’s Vegan ($79), which was made with vegan-friendly ingredients and also has additional nutrients to support those who don’t eat meat.

Nutrafol Women's Vegan — $79.00

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“Nutrafol didn’t just remove non-vegan ingredients, but rather leveraged the latest studies and scientific advancements to identify scientifically backed nutrient-rich extracts to naturally optimize the body to support its own collagen production and balance the underlying root causes of hair thinning for plant-based diets,” says Briana Diorio, PhD, director of education at Nutrafol. “We removed the marine collagen and keratin and swapped them for Moldavian dragonhead, a botanical shown to naturally support the body in its own collagen production, and pea sprouts, an ingredient clinically shown to improve hair growth.”

Plus, the brand optimized the formula for absorption.

“Absorption can be complex sometimes. Factors such as microbiome imbalances, damage to the gut lining, food allergies, anti-nutrients [Editors note: These are ingredients that decrease nutrient absorption], and low stomach acid can all impact overall digestion and nutrient absorption,” says Dr. Diorio. “Nutrafol Hair Growth Nutraceuticals use standardized ingredients, which consistently contain the same phyto-actives in every serving, as well as ingredients that have enhanced bioavailability, such as our liposomal vitamin C and methyl B12, that are more easily recognized and used by the body.”

While Dr. Cho can’t speak to the efficacy of this specific supplement, she does note that supplements can be a really reliable way of filling dietary nutrient gaps. “Taking hair nutrients through supplements will serve you more reliable, consistent, more bio-available, absorbable forms of hair nutrients than eating them through food as much of nutrients can be lost in the process of handling, cooking, and storing the food,” says Dr. Cho.

So, when samples of the new Pro Infusion by Tresemmé collection promising to make the benefits of coconut oil accessible to all hair types arrived at my door, I figured I’d give them a try. The hero ingredient of the line’s shampoos, conditioners, and hair tonics ($7 each) is the trademarked Coco-Proteinize complex containing activated natural coconut oil for moisture, balance, and shine, and hydrolyzed wheat protein for strength.

Tresemmé, Pro Infusion Fluid Volume Full & Silky Shampoo — $7.00

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Tresemmé, Pro Infusion Fluid Volume Full & Silky Conditioner — $7.00

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Tresemmé, Pro Infusion Fluid Volume Full & Silky Hair Tonic — $7.00

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About the Tresemmé Pro Infusion collection

The line has four formulas with ingredients that target the needs of specific hair types–Fluid Smooth with niacinamide for strength and sheen, Fluid Curls with hyaluronic acid for hydration, Fluid Color with strengthening vitamin E, and Fluid Volume with biotin for fullness.

I decided to try the Volume formula and see if it could bring shine and fluidity to my strands without making them look flat and lifeless. Jessica Grigoriou, head of beauty marketing and salon & masstige hair portfolio director at Unilever, parent company of Tresemmé, says the secret to getting coconut oil to work on fine hair is in the formulation.

“We combine several ingredients in the formula using just the right balance of them to ensure that the Volume shampoo, conditioner, and hair tonic help achieve the fluid hair benefits that the Pro Infusion range offers—shine, smooth and natural movement— to everyone without weighing it down, and leaving hair voluminous,” says Grigoriou. “While the activated coconut oil plays a large role in the shiny, smooth movement you’ll get with these products, it won’t weigh your hair down because of this balance of ingredients within the formula.”

The entire collection contains 0% sulfates, silicones, parabens, and dyes, with 99.5% biodegradable formulas packaged in 70% PCR bottles, and is PETA-approved.

What happened when I tried it

I find clear shampoos work best on my hair and was happy to see the shampoo was clear and lightweight. The products have natural scents such as florals, cedarwood, and cinnamon, so they smell great. Because I usually avoid using sprays beyond the roots of my hair, I was a little wary of using the spritz-on tonic, which is best applied from roots to ends. But Grigoriou advised that the lightweight post-wash conditioning the tonic offers was a must for achieving the results I wanted.

“The tonics are formulated to be the foundation for fluid style, so we highly recommend using them before styling your hair to enhance your natural movement and shine,” she says.

After spraying the Tresemmé Pro Infusion tonic on thoroughly, I loved the way it detangled my below-the-shoulder hair and made it easy to comb. The true test was how my hair would look after it dried, and honestly, once it did, I was pretty amazed with the results. My hair was downright shiny, full, and soft, without a hint of oiliness. I loved the glossy sheen my hair took on. Overall, the results were better than I expected and the hair tonic I was so afraid to try turned out to be the standout product in the lineup.

I’m really looking forward to using the products once the drying summer sun hits, and am happy that despite my doubts, I gave them a try–and now my hair doesn’t have to miss out on the coconut love.

When I sat down in the chair, though, my longtime stylist asked, “Why the gray? You’re so young and so pretty,” as if to suggest that gray hair was… ugly and only for old women.

Leaving the salon, I felt upset and alone. Because gray hair transitions are such a visual process, they often bring about the type of negative, unwanted attention that I got from my stylist. And at first, showing up to social events and even work meetings seemed daunting because of unsolicited comments and stares. At the time, I was the only one in my group of friends who had decided to ditch the dye, which made me feel like I was venturing on a long, solo hike without a map. I knew I needed a support system to get me through this process.

Thankfully, a simple search of the Internet introduced me to the Silver Sisters movement. Across social media, I was introduced to thousands of women from all over the world who are going gray, white, or silver and putting it all out there to be seen.

The Silver Sisters movement

To date, #silversisters has nearly 500,000 posts on Instagram (and a cool 284 million views on TikTok) from people all over the world who are on a journey similar to my own.

Though the community has come to mean different things to different people, there are still some common threads woven throughout its messaging. It’s a digital (and sometimes, IRL) sisterhood of people rebelling against the conventional beauty standard that’s taught us that gray hair is “bad” or “shameful” while also acknowledging that every “member” of the community will have a different path, hair type, philosophy, and background. At its core, it’s a shift from shame and anti-aging rhetoric to liberation and radical acceptance.

Embedded within the Silver Sister movement is an analysis of beauty standards and expectations placed on those who identify as women. It allows for commentary on the way we view and speak about aging. It flips the script, shifting the conversation around aging and the bodily changes that come with it into something that should be celebrated. The community provides the proven remedy of strength in numbers and raising our voices as a collective.

“The ‘Silver Sisters’ Movement’ is a shift towards embracing parts of yourself that people are often made to feel embarrassed or ashamed about,” writes one member, who goes by the Instagram handle @silverstrandsofglitter. “It’s about remembering that we each have a choice in how we want to age, no matter how that looks. It focuses on lifting, encouraging, and supporting one another in life. It’s doing what works for you and what makes you happy and not worrying about what other people think. Which isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it.”

The community continues to grow

In the years since the 2020 lockdown inspired many to ditch the dye for good (even Jane Fonda got on board), the Silver Sister movement has continued to grow, connecting people who are just beginning to go gray with those who have been embracing the movement for years. Part of what makes the community so powerful is that we can see ourselves in each other, and new Silver Sisters can feel encouraged by those who are farther along in their journeys.

“When I started transitioning 5 years ago there wasn’t really a movement, I just knew I needed to embrace my own kind of beautiful,” says Georgina Juarez, who’s known as @curlysilverfox within the Silver Sisters community. “Honestly it was hard to find other Silver Sisters who looked like me. I’m of indigenous descent with curly hair, darker features. It wasn’t really the norm at 39, [but] I was able to connect with some, and over the years the community began to grow… It’s been a beautiful thing to witness and be a part of.”

Proudly a Silver Sister

In deciding to let my grays grow out, I was faced with negative criticism that upheld the antiquated idea that gray hair is somehow less beautiful. But as the Silver Sisters community has proven, it is not.

Ultimately, the movement is about so much more than “just” hair. It’s an acknowledgment that if you can conquer one thing in your life that society tells you to conceal or cover—like your gray hair—you can conquer anything.

Now, when I walk down the street, I notice so many more women who have also embraced their natural gray hair, and it makes me feel more included than ever before. Want a membership of your own? You’re in, and will be welcomed with open arms.

At the time, I was working in ad sales at a major magazine and just getting my foot in the door of the editorial side, so getting an invite to the R+Co launch party was nothing short of exciting to my 24-year-old self. The bright, airy loft was filled with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and product displays, and attendees had the opportunity to not only try said products on the spot but to meet the founders behind the game-changing formulas packaged in simple-yet-kitschy bottles. Then, at the end of the evening, we were sent home with totes filled to the brim with the brand’s best-selling products.

Ever since then, I’ve been a big fan of the brand—and because of that, I’m always all ears when a new launch comes out. And let me tell you: The new R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Treatment ($38) might just be the best one yet.

R+Co, Dallas Biotin Thickening Treatment — $26.60

Originally $38, now $26.60 with code BDAY

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The fine hair struggle is real

Before telling you why the R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Treatment is officially a staple in my haircare routine, let me give you the 4-1-1 on my strands. I have long, super fine hair that’s color treated. While I have a lot of hair, since each individual strand is so featherlight, natural volume just isn’t a thing for me. As such, I’m always on the prowl for hair-care products that can lift my roots and help me achieve the va-va-voom look I so crave. (Recently, I fell in love with the Oribe Serene Scalp Oil Control Dry Shampoo for that exact reason.) As soon as I read the description of the R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Treatment—which promises that the formula will”build texture for long-lasting volume”—I knew I had to give it a whirl.

Why I love R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Treatment for my fine strands

The R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Treatment is marketed as a “mega-thickening treatment.” Formulated with strengthening biotin, breakage-preventing ginseng root extract, oil-absorbing rice starch, reparative quinoa seed extract, and hydrating and shine-enhancing castor oil, the treatment is essentially a one-stop-shop for your best-looking hair ever. Sounds too good to be true, right?

When I used it for the first time following my R+Co BLEU Primary Color Shampoo ($59) and Conditioner ($59)—the directions say to apply it after cleansing and to let it sit for five minutes before rinsing out—I was admittedly skeptical. Upon rinse-out, my wet hair felt so sleek and silky soft, I was certain it was going to look majorly weighed down once it was dry. But oh, how wrong I was. 

For starters, since my hair felt so conditioned post-use, I didn’t need to apply a leave-in conditioner to easily comb it before drying. (That’s pretty much unheard of with my fine, tangle-prone hair.) After combing, I used my Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler to dry it. First, I used the dryer attachment to fully dry my roots and partly dry my mids and ends. Then, I went in with the volumizing brush to give it a bit more shape. (This is my normal drying routine—when I actually put in the effort to dry my hair, that is.)

As you can see, my naked hair (ie: just shampooed, conditioned, and dried) is pretty much unable to hold onto volume. But with the R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Treatment set in, my strands perk right up and actually maintain the voluminous style I create.

To say I’m a fan is an understatement. Need more convincing? Right now you can snag it for 30 percent off, which means you can double your volume for nearly half the cost.

I’m the type of writer who will do pretty much anything for a story, so I tried an extensive hair cycling routine for two weeks to see what effect, if any, it would have on my loose curls. To my surprise, I noticed that my curls were bouncier—on wash day and days after. I also caught that I had less dandruff and dryness between my weekly washes.

If that sounds like something you can get on board with, keep reading to learn what hair cycling is, things to consider before trying hair cycling for yourself, and what exactly happened during my own experiment.

What is hair cycling, and what are its benefits?

“Hair cycling is basically a rotation of products, or changing up a multi-step process that helps to keep hair performing at its optimal levels,” says haircare specialist and scalp expert Philip B, founder of Philip B Hair Care.

Since our hair is a living organism made up of proteins, myriad lifestyle factors affect its health and appearance. “Hair changes according to seasonality, stress, environment, [and] nutrition,” says Philip B, “and that, in turn, affects hair’s pH, strength, elasticity, shine, bounce, how much sebum [or oil] it produces, how it reacts to products, and overall performance.”

“Cycling is all about keeping the best products working for your hair, delivering what they need when they need it most, and giving hair and scalp a break or reboot,” he adds. According to Philip B, the process “can help to improve the health of your scalp and hair, as hair cycling involves giving the hair a much-needed rest period or break from some products.”

Before trying hair cycling at home

Hair cycling isn’t even remotely “one shampoo fits all,” says Philip B. “A refresh or cycling can be done in a variety of ways, including rotating shampoo and conditioners, using a clarifying shampoo, adding in hot oil repair treatments, or a full styler detox.”

Regardless of your hair type, “You need to monitor the condition of your hair and adjust your routine based on the hair becoming flat, heavy, dull, dehydrated, lackluster, breaking, or losing its elasticity,” says Philip B. “In general, ongoing advice is to alternate clarifying, moisturizing or hydrating, and repairing methods.”

I, a curly-haired girl, tried hair cycling for two weeks

Prior to embarking on this journey, I admittedly didn’t have much of a hair-care routine. Frankly, I was just shampooing and conditioning my mane once a week. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve used a hair mask (three, in case you were curious), and I don’t apply any hair products with regular frequency.

While Philip B gave me some great insight into what hair cycling is and how it’s generally done, I tapped an additional hairstylist to get recommendations for my individual hair concerns. When I shared with Al Campbell, a Chicago-based hair and extension stylist, that my curls weren’t super bouncy and that my scalp skewed dry, he quickly tailored a routine to revive my luscious locks.

“For you, hair cycling is going to be an alternation between catering to your scalp and nourishing your hair with moisture and hydration, which you’ll do with shampoo and conditioner,” says Campbell. He also gave me a full breakdown of which products I would need to use during my hair cycling experiment: a pre-cleanser; a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner (for week one); an intense moisture hair mask; a hydrating leave-in conditioner; a silky hair oil; and a shampoo and conditioner for scalp care (to be used during week two.)

Breaking down my 7-step hair cycling process

1. Start with a pre-cleanse

“Step one is the pre-cleanse,” says Campbell. “While your hair is dry, you’re going to apply that all over your scalp, especially in the areas where you see the most dryness and flakiness.” This, he adds, helps exfoliate and cleanse the scalp while prepping it for the shampoo.

I part my hair in one-inch sections, starting where I normally do my part, and then slowly massage the Aveda Foam Reset Rinseless Hydrating Hair Cleanser ($36) into my scalp, which feels and smells amazing. Since I have a lot of hair, this step takes me about 12 minutes: 10 minutes to apply the product throughout my scalp and two minutes to let the pre-cleanse sit, which Campbell suggests I do. My hair feels good and fresh once the foam settles.

Aveda, Foam Reset Rinseless Hydrating Hair Cleanser — $36.00

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2. Rinse out the pre-cleanse and apply a moisturizing (or clarifying) shampoo

Since my hair concerns included a dry scalp and less-than-bouncy curls, you’ll remember that Campbell asked me to use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner on week one; I went with the Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair Super Moisture Shampoo ($39). For week two, which Campbell decreed my scalp care era, I used the Guy Tang #Mydentity #MyConfidant Shampoo ($23).

“Once you’ve rinsed [the pre-cleanse] out,” says Campbell, “your strands of hair should be saturated with water so that you get a good lather on that first shampoo.” He suggests that I should apply product starting “across the center of the crown of the head because that’s the thickest part of your hair.” Pro tip from Campbell: shampoo twice. When I did this, I found my hair felt so much cleaner, but not necessarily stripped of its natural oils.

Briogeo, Don't Despair Repair Super Moisture Shampoo — $39.00

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Guy Tang, #Mydentity #MyConfidant Shampoo — $23.00

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3. Rinse out the shampoo and apply a hair mask

Since I’ve heard all the buzz about how great Olaplex is for curls, and since Campbell advised that I use an intensive hair mask between my shampoo and conditioner, I tested the Olaplex No 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask ($30) during my hair cycling experiment. For this step, Campbell says I should “wring the excess water out before applying the mask and apply the mask starting at the ends of your hair, working your way up closer to the base.”

He adds that this step isn’t scalp-centric, so I’m careful not to slather my scalp with the moisture mask. “Work the mask through with a detangling brush and put a shower cap on or clip your hair up.” I clipped my hair up, left this on for about 10 minutes (during which I turned off the water and shaved all over, TMI as that might be), and then rinsed it out to apply my conditioner. When I rinsed the mask out, my hair felt thicker—seriously.

Olaplex, No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask — $30.00

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4. Rinse out the mask and apply conditioner

Since I used the Briogeo moisturize shampoo, I figured I’d supplement it with the Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair Super Moisture Conditioner ($39) for my moisture-rich week one. As for my second week of scalp-friendly hair cycling, I went with the Guy Tang #Mydentity #MyConfidant Conditioner ($21).

According to Campbell, I needed to apply the conditioner at my ends first and then work my way up to my roots. When I did this, I realized that it was easier for me to get the product all over my strands and not feel like there was a build-up of conditioner just chillin’ on my scalp. I’ll definitely be sticking to this technique moving forward.

Briogeo, Don't Despair Repair Super Moisture Conditioner — $39.00

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Guy Tang, #Mydentity #MyConfidant Conditioner

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5. Rinse out the conditioner and apply a leave-in conditioner

When you’re using a good leave-in conditioner, says Campbell, you’re going to get a product “that’s really going to help prime the strand. It’s also going to seal the strand, balance out the porosity, and even provide a little bit of moisture support,” he adds.

I went with the 25-ounce Pattern Leave-In Conditioner ($42), which comes out of a dispenser bottle and feels like the most hydrating hair product I’ve ever gotten my hands on. Even so, though, Campbell suggested I keep a spray bottle with water nearby because “you need to make sure that all parts of the hair are fully saturated and can receive the product. Otherwise, you’re just locking in frizz.”

My hair was extremely thankful for that tip.

Pattern, Leave-In Conditioner — $25.00

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6. Start diffusing

“Once you have styling product all over your hair, now you want to start to diffuse,” says Campbell. “When you start with your diffuser, don’t use your hands — just hover the diffuser over your head like a helicopter.” When I did this on a pre-approved high-wind, high-heat setting I could see the cast slowly starting to form.

“When your hair is about 50 percent dry, that’s when you can go in and start scrunching with your diffuser, but no hands,” advises Campbell. “Move your head around in different directions—you can go from side to side, flip your head down, and start building in that volume,” he adds. I didn’t touch my curls until they were about 80 percent dry, and even then I barely touched them. This, Campbell says, helps to prevent frizz.

T3, AireLuxe Hair Dryer — $199.00

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T3, Fit Diffuser — $25.00

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7. Apply a light amount of hair oil

After hovering my T3 hair dryer over my head for what felt like an hour (but was only 25 minutes), it was about 90 percent dry. I decided it was a good time to finish my hair cycling day with the Ouai Hair Oil ($30). “Just like a dime- or pea-sized amount is good,” says Campbell, adding that I’d want to “saturate it all around your hands, even in between your fingers.”

From there, he says, “You just want to scrunch that oil into the ends of your hair to lock everything in and seal the strand.” Also at Campbell’s behest, I applied the oil when my hair was on day four, and I can confidently say that the shine was back, baby.

T3, AireLuxe Hair Dryer — $199.00

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T3, Fit Diffuser — $25.00

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Final thoughts

When all was said and done, I loved the results of my hair cycling experiment. I have to say that, at least for me, it takes forever—probably about an hour and a half all the way through—but I’ve spent that much time doing much worse things.  Honestly, after these two weeks, I realized that this long and arduous process is well worth it because it’s just once a week, on a day of my choosing, and I get a lot of compliments on the bounce and shine of my curls.

I plan to keep up with my hair cycling regimen for as long as possible. In fact, if there’s a day that I am just too lazy to wash my hair in that almost two-hour process, I’ll just wait until the next morning and start my day off with a wash.

My natural waves have flattened out and become frizzy, and my texture goes through frequent phases during which it can best be described as “straw-like.” Because of this, I’ve committed to finding solutions to remedy this situation by nourishing my hair and stretching out the time between dye jobs—all of which has gotten a whole lot easier thanks to dpHUE’s Glossy Glaze ($29).

dpHue, Glossy Glaze — $29.00

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What is an at-home glossing treatment

Hair glossing treatments, like this one, are exactly what they sound like—they quite literally make your hair look glossy. They’re essentially sheer, temporary hair glazes that come in a range of shades (including clear), and have long been used in salons to color-correct and tone hair while also adding megawatt shine. In recent years, an increasing number of at-home options—including this latest launch from dpHUE—have been popping up to give people the same results in their very own bathrooms.

“With dpHUE‘s Glossy Glaze, you get the same high-shine results as a pro-grade gloss, however there is no mess, no mixing, and no time needed at the salon,” says dpHue founder and celebrity hairstylist Justin Anderson, who counts Jennifer Aniston and Margo Robbie as clients. “You can expect a high-shine finish, with a subtle hint of sheer color, that leaves your hair feeling silky smooth and incredibly soft.”

How does dpHue Glossy Glaze work?

The fact that Glossy Glaze can improve the tone and texture of your hair in three minutes may feel like magic, but in actuality it’s just some really cool science. “The formula uses 3D pigment technology that subtly shifts your hair hue without causing any change to the quality of your hair,” explains Anderson. These pigments are too big to penetrate the hair shaft, which means they essentially coat the top layer of your strands—which is what allows the formula to tone your hair without causing any chemical damage.

In addition to the pigments, the formula also contains mullein flower extract, which protects against UV damage to fend off any future fading. Rounding out the list of actives is lemon zest, which is often found in hair products thanks to its ability to tame course textures, and according to Anderson, “provides unbeatable softness.”

What happened when I tried dpHue Glossy Glaze

I was lucky enough to test Glossy Glaze at the hands of a stylist before it hit the market, and I was hooked after my first wash. My hair looked mirror-finish shiny and my months-old highlights somehow looked freshly done. However, knowing the power of a pro-grade blowout, I was curious to see what would happen when I tried the stuff at home.

Because the glaze is designed to last for up to three shampoos, I’ve started working it into my routine every two weeks (aka every fourth wash). The stylist who introduced me to the product claimed that it was softening enough to replace my conditioner, but given the state of my dry, thick, color-damaged hair, I absolutely didn’t believe her. Lo and behold, though, the first time I tested it for myself (I applied it to my strands post-shampoo and let it sit for three minutes before rinsing, per the directions), I was shocked at how soft my strands felt. So I skipped the conditioner and didn’t miss it one little bit.

After two glorious months, I can confidently say that my strands are softer and shinier than they’ve been in as long as I can remember, and my highlights look fresh from the salon despite the fact that they haven’t been touched up since (checks notes) last October. Any orange or brassy tones have been completely neutralized, giving my strands the sort of glimmering golden shine I used to think was only reserved for expensive jewelry.

However, it doesn’t throw sales all year round, and considering its prices are on the steeper end for hair treatments ($30-$60), the Earth Day sale is prime time to stock up. Need some ideas? Its best-selling Tonucia Replumping Shampoo (originally $34, now $28) is beloved for rejuvenating thinning, aging hair from the scalp down. Blended with tamarind seed (a vegan hyaluronic acid), orange essential oils, and wheat microproteins, it “re-plumps” locks from root to end, leaving hair shinier, thicker, and healthier.

“This shampoo not only smells amazing but makes my hair feel full of volume!” one reviewer writes. “I have lots of fine hair so this helps make it look more full. Wish I knew this product existed sooner!”

René Furteter, Tonucia Replumping Shampoo — $28.00

Originally $34, now $28

Also available in 1.6 fl. oz. and 20.2 fl. oz. bottles.

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Other star products worth adding to your cart include the Complexe 5 Stimulating Plant Concentrate (originally $54, now $43), which is the brand’s flagship product and a “Red Carpet Favorite,” as well as the popular Volumea collection which visibly thickens strands without weighing ’em down.

There’s no code necessary, all you have to do is fill your cart and get growing. The sale starts today and goes until April 23. Happy Earth Day, and even happier shopping.

Complexe 5 Stimulating Plant Concentrate — $42.00

Originally $54, now $43

The powerful scalp treatment that started it all. The Complexe 5 Stimulating Plant Concentrate has been around since 1957 and is renowned for its cleansing, rejuvenating qualities. It’s blended with orange and lavender essential oils that deeply cleanse and purify the scalp (or “the soil”) for stronger, healthier strands to grow from. You don’t even need to get your fingers greasy—the bottle’s dropper doubles as a scalp applicator for you to massage into your scalp and increase circulation.

“This hair oil has a lovely orange almost peppery fragrance,” one customer writers. “I love the applicator that distributes evenly and smoothly upon the scalp. It does sting a little at first and it makes me feel like it’s work and waking up my hair follicles. I rub it in with my fingertips before bed and I wake up and my hair is full and luscious.”

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Tonucia 3-Step Pro-Youth Routine — $74.00

Originally $92, now $74

If you really want to awaken thin, dull strands, snag the Tonucia 3-Step Pro-Youth Routine, which is nearly $20 off for the sale. It includes the best-selling shampoo, the matching conditioner, and the Concentrated Youth Serum, which can be massaged into the scalp and nape of the neck for more targeted growth.

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Volumea Volumizing Shampoo — $24.00

Originally $32, now $24

Similar to the Tonucia is the Volumea line, which is designed to add volume and bounce to thin, flat hair. That’s thanks to the burst of carob extract that visibly thickens strands of hair to give you va-va-voom volume without weighing it down. Its reviews are impressive: “I feel like I have more hair,” writes one reviewer. “Following breast cancer, I take an estrogen suppressant drug that means I have thinning and fine hair. After just one use, I don’t see the balding spots! I look like I have a full head of hair! I look forward to continued use.”

 

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Triphasic Strengthening Shampoo — $26.00

Originally $34, now $26

Hair feeling thin and break-y? Get this strengthening shampoo and matching Triphasic Texturizing Conditioner ($14). Both are designed to “fortify the hair’s strength, resilience and promote the appearance of healthy-looking hair.” To do it, they’re blended with pfaffia extract, which accelerates the delivery of nutrients to the scalp, as well as invigorating orange essential oil and cleansing lavender essential oil.

And it works; scroll through over 350 reviews of happy customers with even happier hair. “I have tried many products to stop my hair from thinning. This is the first that I am able to see results,” writes on shopper. “I am very happy that I gave it a try. My hair is thicker than it has been in years!”

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Karité Nutri Intense Nourishing Overnight Care — $32.00

Originally $40, now $32

After a winter’s worth of dry heat, give your hair a burst of hydration. The Karité Nutri Intense overnight mask will do the trick thanks to a hefty, rehydrating blend of shea oil and butter, ceramides, and fatty acids. Simply layer it on towel-dried hair before you go to bed and let it soak into thirsty, dry strands. By morning, your hair will be softer, smoother, and easier to style.

“I have used Karite Nutri Intense Nourishing Overnight Care for years,” writes one shopper. “I have coarse, thick dry/damaged, colored hair. The product can be applied before going to bed, left on throughout the night, and shampooed the next day for soft, silky hair.”

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“I take a lot of pills every single day, so to be able to eat vitamins that I actually enjoy is really important to me,” Hyland tells Well+Good. “My health journey has led to some side effects from medications I take daily, like hair thinning. I find that the best way to get great results is to treat your hair and skin from the inside out.”

The Sourse Hair & Nail Growth Bites ($15) and Sourse Skin Glow Bites ($15) are vegan, gluten-free, vitamin-infused dark chocolate bites designed to taste good and perform.

Sourse, Hair & Nail Growth Bites — $15.00

Sourse’s hair and nail formula includes biotin to support the cells and proteins that make up hair and nails; inositol to support hair follicles and target DHT, the cause of hair loss; and folate to add volume and target premature greying.

“Deficiencies in iron, zinc, and biotin, to name a few, have been associated with hair loss,” says Maria Marlowe, an NYC-based integrative nutrition health coach. “The good news is hair loss related to nutrient deficiencies generally isn’t permanent and can be rectified by adding in the nutrient.”

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Sourse Skin Glow Bites — $15.00

The skin formula has phytoceramides to deliver new ceramides to the skin and restore the skin’s water barrier. “Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids found in our skin that help our skin cells in the topmost layer of our skin, the stratum corneum, to seal in moisture,” says Tiffany Jow Libby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Rhode Island.

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“I love that I can bring health into people’s lives via chocolate,” says Hyland. “When I joined the team, I instantly had ideas for new products, because I know so much about the health space and what women need. It’s nice to contribute to something that’s been such a massive theme in my life.”

In addition to loving her work behind the scenes, Hyland also loves incorporating Sourse into her daily routine.

“I take a lot of vitamins and dietary supplements and run everything by my doctors. Now with Sourse, it’s so nice to be able to cut down my pill volume and give myself a little treat with chocolate at the same time,” she says. “My hair and nails are much stronger now that I have been treating myself daily with the Hair Grow Bites. My hair grows so fast now, which is fun to see. With our Skin Glow Bites, I notice that my skin stays hydrated and smooth during times when I usually am concerned about it, like when I am traveling. Glow is a must-have for travel!”

So if you’re looking to give your beauty regimen a (tasty!) boost, look no further than Sourse’s Hair & Nail Growth Bites and Skin Glow Bites.

Sourse, Hair & Nail Growth Bites — $15.00

Sourse’s hair and nail formula includes biotin to support the cells and proteins that make up hair and nails; inositol to support hair follicles and target DHT, the cause of hair loss; and folate to add volume and target premature greying.

“Deficiencies in iron, zinc, and biotin, to name a few, have been associated with hair loss,” says Maria Marlowe, an NYC-based integrative nutrition health coach. “The good news is hair loss related to nutrient deficiencies generally isn’t permanent and can be rectified by adding in the nutrient.”

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Sourse Skin Glow Bites — $15.00

The skin formula has phytoceramides to deliver new ceramides to the skin and restore the skin’s water barrier. “Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids found in our skin that help our skin cells in the topmost layer of our skin, the stratum corneum, to seal in moisture,” says Tiffany Jow Libby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Rhode Island.

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Some of these factors are beyond our control, but what we can control is how we care for our follicles. In addition to hair thinning shampoos and conditioners, thickening sprays can work wonders, and there’s one spray that Sephora shoppers with thin hair are adding to their carts: Oribe Maximista Hair Thickening Spray, which is being discounted up to 20 percent off thanks to the Sephora Savings Event. 

Oribe, Maximista Hair Thickening Spray

Originally $39, now $31 for Rouge, $33 for VIB, and $35 for Insiders. 

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How the Sephora Savings Event works

• The event runs from April 14 (today) until April 24
• Rouge members take 20 percent off starting April 14
• VIB members take 15 percent off starting April 18
• Insider members take 10 percent off starting April 18
• The price of products depends on your membership status, which you can check by clicking on your Sephora account

Why Sephora shoppers love it? The spray is formulated with thickening copolymers—which thicken hair and give you the va va voom you need to style, volumize, and hold curls. In addition to thickening agents, this spray doubles as heat protectant; it’s enriched with amino acids to strengthen hair follicles and prevent breakage as a result of weak hairs or heat tools. You can also count on oils like argan, avocado, and rosehip fruit to revive lifeless hair. Straight, wavy, or curly hair—this spray works on most hair types.

“I have fine hair, but recently went through some significant hair loss,” says one Sephora customer. “This spray makes it look like I have twice the hair that I do! Doesn’t feel crunchy or dry either.” Another said: “I have fine hair and have for my whole life,” says one Sephora customer. “There is no other product like this! And I’ve been looking my entire life. Without being heavy or even noticeable, this product adds thickness to my hair I’ve only dreamed about.”

As shoppers have said: “Run don’t walk” to grab this hair thickening spray. It’s only on sale for a limited time for Rouge (now $31), VIB (now $33), and Insider members (now $35). Thicker hair, here we come!

“Hair gel can attract pollen due to its sticky texture,” says Katelyn Ellsworth, natural color and extension specialist, founder of The Roslyn Salon in San Diego. “Pollen grains are small and lightweight, so they can easily attach to the hair gel and get trapped in it.” Yep, add that to our growing list of Why Pollen Season Is the Worst, which already includes allergy symptoms and even gastrointestinal issues. Even though the pollen isn’t necessarily getting inside your nose and mouth because of the hair gel, it can still lead to problems. “This can make allergies worse, as the pollen can stick to the hair and irritate the scalp,” Ellsworth continues, noting this is especially true for hair gels that have lots of glycerin, an extra sticky substance.

So what can you do?

Thankfully, this doesn’t mean you have to skip out on the gel part of your hair care routine during springtime. You have a few options, ranging from rethinking your outfit to changing the products you use.

Change which gel you’re using

Another idea: Use a special kind of gel that’s more allergy-friendly. “When it comes to choosing hair gel or similar products during pollen season, it’s best to look for ones that are hypoallergenic and free of fragrances or harsh chemicals,” Ellsworth says. More specifically, she recommends gels that have aloe vera, chamomile, or tea tree oil, as these “are known for their soothing properties and can help reduce inflammation and irritation caused by pollen.”

Rahua, Aloe Vera Hair Gel — $32.00

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Paul Mitchell, Tea Tree Styling Gel — $17.00

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PATTERN by Tracee Ellis, Ross Curl Gel — $25.00

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Adjust your usage

When you apply hair gel matters, too. “One of the best practices is to apply hair gel after showering, when the hair is still damp,” Ellsworth says. “This can help to reduce the amount of pollen that gets trapped in the hair gel.” Additionally, she encourages using less hair gel during the spring season, and even avoiding it when the pollen count is high. (You can check the daily pollen count on Pollen.com’s map.)

Get clean once you’re home

Using a gentle shampoo to scrub your scalp thoroughly after being outdoors, Ellsworth adds, is an important step to take when you’re back inside to remove pollen particles ASAP. And until then, be mindful of what you touch. “Don’t touch your eyes/nose/mouth, which can increase pollen exposure and worsen symptoms,” adds Neeta Ogden, MD, allergist and spokesperson for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).

Wear a hat or large headpiece

Whether or not you use hair gel, this rec is one for you. “If you are going to be outside for extended periods of time and are worried about pollen exposure, it is best to cover your head/hair,” says Dr. Ogden. (Well+Good previously shared some super cute bucket hats that fit the bill!) When you get home, she suggests putting that headpiece or hat in a contained area so the pollen doesn’t get all over your house.

Stick with the usual advice

Otherwise, when it comes to your yearly runny nose, congestion, and watery eyes, your best bet is probably what you’re already doing. “To reduce your exposure to pollen, limit outdoor activities when pollen counts are high,” Dr. Ogden says.  She also recommends wearing sunglasses and even a mask if you’d like to further protect your eyes, airways, and body from the peskiness of pollen. And, when needed (and given your doctor says it’s okay), grab an antihistamine or nasal spray to fight your symptoms reactively. While the pollen that comes with springtime is definitely a sticky situation, remember options like these can make the season more smooth.

Thankfully, dry shampoo exists. With it by my side, I’ve trained my hair to be washed every third day, effectively prolonging the lifespan of my color treatments. Still, I’m always on the lookout for new and improved products and practices that can make caring for my finicky strands just a bit easier. Needless to say, when I caught wind of the new Oribe Serene Scalp Oil Control launch, I was all ears.

The collection consists of three products: the Oribe Serene Scalp Oil Control Shampoo ($52), Oribe Serene Scalp Oil Control Treatment Mist ($72), and Oribe Serene Scalp Oil Control Dry Shampoo Powder ($46). Where the shampoo and treatment mist are designed to be used during and directly after washing, the dry shampoo powder is meant for a next-day refresh.

Oribe, Serene Scalp Oil Control Shampoo — $58.00

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Oribe, Serene Scalp Oil Control Treatment Mist — $52.00

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Oribe, Serene Scalp Oil Control Dry Shampoo — $46.00

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Benefits of the Oribe Serene Scalp Oil Control Collection

While oil-control shampoos and dry shampoo powder aren’t exactly revolutionary, I was intrigued by Oribe’s new triple-threat collection for a few reasons. For starters, I’ve never tried an Oribe product that I didn’t enjoy the look or scent of. So from the get-go, at the very least, I knew that this trio, which is housed in lilac packaging, would smell heavenly and add a chic element to my shower and vanity.

Scent and looks aside, the ingredients within these formulas stood out. All three of the products feature the Oribe Signature Complex (comprised of Watermelon, Lychee and Edelweiss Flower, which work together to fight off oxidative stress and prevent color fade, as well as the overall deterioration of strands) at the helm. The Shampoo and Treatment Mist are infused with a Biome Balancing Complex (made of rosebay extract and green marine algae) to “regulate and rebalance the scalp’s microbiome to reduce excess sebum and oil.” The dry shampoo powder also features rosebay extract (but not the Biome Balancing Complex as a whole). It’s also packed with a specialty blend of rice, corn, and tapioca starches to adequately absorb excess oil at the roots, as well as down the strands.

Another thing that caught my eye? The consumer study the brand conducted on the Shampoo and Treatment Mist, specifically. After surveying 101 women, they found that after one application of the shampoo and mist regimen, 91 percent felt their scalp was less oily for 72 hours after use, while 90 percent felt their hair was cleaner at the roots after just one use. Meanwhile, after using the shampoo and mist regimen at least three times in 10 days, they found that 90 percent saw a noticeable reduction of oiliness in hair and scalp. Okay, sold.

My honest opinion

After testing out Oribe’s new trio for the past couple of weeks, I have some thoughts. The Shampoo works well to fully cleanse my hair and make it smell fabulous, while the Treatment Mist gives it a refreshing scent and feel. (While the product label doesn’t mention rosemary or spearmint, those are the whiffs that I get—and it reminds me of my late grandpa’s aftershave growing up, so I’m wholeheartedly a fan.) Something I’ve noticed about the Treatment Mist, though, is that, if I don’t blow-dry my hair after spritzing it and massaging it into my scalp and strands (which is what it says to do), once dry, my roots already look a bit built-up with product—they have that slightly oily sheen. That said, if I blow-dry my roots post-spritz, my hair literally looks professionally blown out. I’m interested in seeing if the results change the longer I use it.

Now: The mane event. The product that absolutely wows me from this collection is the Dry Shampoo Powder—which honestly surprised me. I’m not typically a fan of dry shampoo powder because 1) it’s harder to apply with precision than its spray-on counterparts, 2) it often leaves a white cast, and 3) it tends to have a powdery scent. While the Oribe Serene Scalp Oil Control Dry Shampoo Powder is a bit tricky to apply (it comes in an aluminum tube with a screw-on top, beneath which is a tiny hole that, when shaken, disperses product), once it soaks into strands, the results are truly jaw-dropping. My hair looks fully refreshed, not to mention infused with volume and imparted with a feathery-soft sheen. Oh, and did I mention it smells incredible?

Pro Tip: The trick with this dry shampoo powder is to let it sit on your strands for two to three minutes before brushing it through from roots to ends. I tried doing so both immediately and after waiting the recommended period of time, and can attest to the difference it makes to exercise a little patience.

Suffice to say, Oribe’s new trio has earned a steady spot in my hair-care lineup. I’d love to see the dry shampoo powder packaging transitioned to a spritzer squeeze bottle (like the Verb Dry Shampoo Powder) but considering the truly stellar results, I’ll make do with a few stray shakes (and I’ll be sure to apply it before putting on anything dark or black, because it definitely showed up on my royal purple sweatshirt when I tested it the first time).

“In summer and spring, heavy butters and oils on your hair will basically dry it out more, because they’re creating a thick barrier on the hair that prevents moisture from sinking in,” says Mika English, a hairstylist at The Ursula Stephen Salon in Brooklyn. In the winter (when there’s less humidity in the air), this barrier can be helpful for sealing in moisture and keeping dry air out, but in the warmer months, it’s overkill. And when it’s really hot (looking at you, July in New York City),”heat and oil together will fry your hair,” says English.

Additionally, those thicker products don’t hydrate and moisturize your strands. “They aid with styling and getting through the week, but to really get inside the cuticle, you need water and conditioner,” says English, which means a regular wash with a good, moisturizing conditioner is tantamount. Even if you have dry hair and can get away with washing less frequently, derms say not to go more than 10 days without a wash and condition.

“A lot of people feel like extra moisturizers and oils are essential, but if you just wash your hair more frequently, you’ll feel your hair adjust to the water,” says English. “When a plant is dry, we water it. It’s the same concept with hair.”

Once you have your hair washed and conditioned, English recommends lightweight moisturizing hair sprays to keep your hair conditioned throughout the week. “I always prefer liquid or oil products over creamy-based or butter-based products,” she says. “Creams and butters tend to lay on top of the hair, whereas liquid goes inside [the strand] and makes the hair easier to manage.”

To keep your hair optimally moisturized this spring and summer, shop English’s favorite lightweight moisturizing hair sprays and oils below. “They’re all really lightweight, but they fix the problem rather than just lay on top,” she says. Consider us sold.

Mizani 25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner — $25.00

This leave-in spray gets deep into the hair delivering nourishing ingredients like coconut oil and fennel seed oil to detangle and prime coils, curls, and waves for a frizz-free finish.

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Pattern Argan Oil Blend — $25.00

English loves argan oil because it’s so lightweight. This oil from Pattern blends argan with sunflower seed oil, castor oil, and more to moisturize, soften, and strengthen curls and coils.

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It's a 10 Haircare Miracle Leave-In Product — $13.00

Smooth frizz, detangle hair, and restore shine with this excellent nourishing spray. It hydrates hair while also shielding it from UV damage. Use it on damp hair or to refresh dry hair.

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Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum — $27.00

Protect your hair against humidity while nourishing it with this hair serum. It will speed up drying time while smoothing and conditioning strands, leaving your hair silky, shiny, and frizz-free.

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Biosilk Silk Therapy — $25.00

This tried-and-true multi-use, super lightweight oil can be applied to wet or dry hair to replenish, repair, smooth, and protect all hair types.

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Don’t sweat it if you haven’t been giving your scalp the same TLC as your face, because there are a few ways to tell if your scalp-care routine could use a plus-up, according to board-certified dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD.

If your scalp feels like, well, nothing at all, you probably have a healthy one, Dr. Nazarian says. Although you’ll need a professional to officially determine your scalp health, if there’s no itching, pain, or increased sensitivity and you’re not losing excessive amounts of hair daily, odds are that your scalp is doing okay, she says.

But if you are experiencing any of those signs, your dandruff solution might be hiding in your daily beauty routine. By leaning on skin-care-inspired ingredients—like the ones found in the new Symbiose line from Kérastase that aims to eliminate symptoms of dandruff without sacrificing the luxuriousness of deeply hydrated hair and scalp—you can tap into the so fresh, so clean feeling you get after washing your face and applying your favorite serum. Read on to see how taking the skin-care approach can offer a dandruff solution that really works.

Shop Dandruff Solution

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Scalp Renewal Exfoliating Antidandruff Scalp Scrub

$47

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Bain Crème Antipelliculaire Antidandruff Shampoo

$40

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Fondant Apaisant Essentiel Hydrating Conditioner

$46

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Revitalisant Essentiel Hydrating Hair Mask

$68

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Serum Nuit Antipelliculaire Antidandruff Night Serum

$59

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Symbiose Antidandruff Hair Care Set

$192

Pyrithione zinc for inhibiting yeast growth

The first thing you need in an anti-dandruff scalp-care routine is a hard-working dandruff shampoo (obviously). While pyrithione zinc might be a skin-care ingredient you’re a little less familiar with (it’s usually used to treat symptoms associated with seborrheic dermatitis or eczema), it works wonders on the skin on your scalp. By inhibiting yeast growth—which is the medical reason for dandruff, according to Dr. Nazarian—it helps keep dandruff at bay.

If you’re looking for a luxurious dandruff shampoo with pyrithione zinc, the Symbiose Bain Crème Antipelliculaire Antidandruff Shampoo has got you covered. The sulfate-free shampoo—which should be used at least twice a week—will leave your scalp feeling gently hydrated while fighting flakes. But, this shampoo doesn’t just focus on dandruff symptoms (we told you it’s luxurious)—it’ll also leave your hair looking smooth and shiny.

Salicylic acid for removing build-up

You know that feeling when you run a hairbrush through your hair and it just feels… off? Maybe the texture of your hair feels waxy or you notice little flakes on the crown of your head. These could be signs that you have some dandruff or build-up on your scalp, which can be an accumulation of hair products, sweat, sebum, and dead skin cells.

If you’ve ever used a facial toner or a cleanser for acne-prone skin, you’re probably familiar with salicylic acid’s exfoliating properties—and they work just the same in scalp care. “Salicylic acid is a keratolytic—a type of ingredient that gently breaks the bonds between surface skin cells, and can slough off cells, preventing build-up and removing flakes or dandruff,” Dr. Nazarian says.

Additionally, Dr. Nazarian says that salicylic acid may be useful in treating dandruff because it can help decrease oil gland production (the same reason you lean on it for acne-prone skin), and dandruff is thought to be worsened by oil production.

You’ll find salicylic acid in two Symbiose products: the scalp scrub and the night serum. The twice-weekly scrub will slough away any build-up on your scalp while you shower. Just use it before you shampoo to instantly exfoliate dead skin cells and remove dandruff visible flakes. To fight your flakes overnight, apply four doses of the serum (one dose is conveniently marked on the pipette) to your dry scalp before bed, and you’ll wake up with softer, shinier hair and fewer flakes.

Squalane for hydrating hair and scalp

Having dry skin is no fun. It’s itchy, it flakes, and it feels uncomfortable. Having a dry scalp is no different, and the solution to remedy a dry scalp is the same as for dry skin (shocker!): You’ve got to keep it moisturized.

Squalane is known for its ability to provide added moisture to skin, according to Dr. Nazarian. “Squalane is a variant of a naturally-occurring substance that is vital for healthy hydration of skin, improving moisture and offsetting any dryness that might be contributing to dandruff from dry skin,” Dr. Nazarian says. “It’s also an antioxidant that can combat free-radical damage. [It’s] great for preserving [skin] quality and health, but also for protecting against environmental damage.”

But, you can’t exactly apply a squalane moisturizer to your scalp like you would your face without ruining your ‘do, which is why Kérastase infused the Revitalisant Essentiel Hydrating Hair Mask with the mega-moisturizing ingredient. You just apply it to shampooed hair for three to five minutes, rinse it out, and voila: You’ll have a moisturized scalp and hydrated hair that’s ready to style. So think beyond your face the next time you’re doing your daily skin-care routine—because your scalp is skin, too.

Six months ago, two weeks after a coloring appointment, I visited celebrity hair stylist Chaz Dean for a blowout. After examining the state of my hair and its already brassy hue, he couldn’t believe I had only just gotten it done. First and foremost, he made me promise not to never return to my now former colorist, and secondly, he put me onto his haircare line WEN, with the star product—a conditioner—in place of a shampoo.

Fall Tuscan Pear Cleansing Conditioner — $70.00

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Why ditch the shampoo?

“Traditional shampoos, a.k.a. lathering shampoos, generally contain harsh chemicals, sulfates, and surfactants that strip out the moisture, hydration, and color from your hair,” says Dean. “The consequences are finer, thinner, and weaker hair each time you lather up.”

He explains that he witnessed this firsthand on his own hair (and that of his clients) back in the 90s. “I was shampooing and conditioning my hair twice a day, but every time I used a lathering product, it would rob my scalp of its natural oils,” he says. “The body then works overtime to replenish those essential oils at a rapid pace, causing an oily scalp, but dry hair.” Giving up on lathering products himself in 1993, he launched his patented formula of a cleansing shampoo in 2000.

In many cases, the lather that we all know and love in our shampoos comes from a sulfate that’s added to make us feel cleaner. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, or SLS, is one of these—an emulsifier and foaming agent commonly found in skin and hair products. Though it offers a nice froth, it can strip your hair of color and natural oils and irritate the skin. One study that tested 1600 patients for SLS irritancy found 42 percent of patients had an irritant reaction.

The benefits of an 8-in-1 hair product

We’re all aware that finding a 2-in-1, or even worse, a 3-in-1 hair and body product in a guy’s bathroom is an immediate red flag. However, WEN’s cleansing conditioner—which is touted as an 8-in-1—is the exception.

“The Cleansing Conditioner replaces shampoo, conditioner, deep conditioner, leave-in-conditioner, detangler, shave cream, facial cleanser, and body cleaner all in one,” says Dean.

Over the past six months, the cleansing conditioner has replaced nearly every part of my routine. While I’ve kept my shaving cream and face wash separate, I have used it consistently alongside WEN’s Re-Moist Hydrating Hair Mask ($170) as a shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in-treatment—even lugging the big bottle with me when I went back home to Australia for a few weeks.

What happened when I tried WEN cleansing conditioner

I’ll be honest: not having the traditional lather was hard at first when starting with WEN. As someone who only washes their hair once a week, it was challenging to trust that it was getting all the product build-up and general dirt out efficiently. With its rich and creamy consistency, it’s like trying to shampoo your hair with a conditioner. But I trusted the process because I knew it was gently cleansing my hair and scalp “without stripping it or removing the beneficial properties that are crucial to help promote a healthier scalp and hair growth,” says Dean

Once you come to terms with no lather, there’s no looking back. Never in my life have I received more DMs or comments about the health of my hair. In fact, I’ve been using more heat than ever, yet, my hair is the healthiest, strongest, and most cooperative, it’s ever been. Plus, it’s practically frizz-free. “The Cleansing Conditioner is void of lather, parabens, SD Alcohol, as well as harsh fillers, binders, and waxes,” says Dean. Alternately, it has the perfect balance of essential oils, botanicals, and extracts, that work on all hair types to hydrate, condition, and moisturize.

Six months ago, I truly believed this was as good as my hair was going to get. I’d even gone as far as to make the investment and purchase the Dyson Airwrap in the hope that that technology would fix my hair. It didn’t—it made it even frizzier, no matter what products I used to help. Now, the results are unmatched. I can trust my hair to be frizz-free if left natural or to hold the style with heating tools like my Airwrap. As for the Cleansing Shampoo, I’ve just finished my first 32 oz bottle. Also available in 16 oz and 1 gallon (128 oz), the fact that it is an all-in-one product has saved me money as I’m not having to purchase every product separately. Knowing that each product is clean and cruelty-free makes it even better. WEN has converted me, and I’m sure if you give it a try, it will be your new go-to no-poo, too.

“Short hair is an empowering experience and can make a woman feel beautiful on the inside and out,” says Jamie Wiley, an award-winning hairstylist and the global artistic director at Pureology. “This year, short hair has made a comeback with its empowering feminine style.”

The benefits of short hairstyles

While cutting off your length can feel intimidating, it can also be an exciting opportunity to get rid of any dead ends and really give your hair a chance to refresh. Plus, as summer rolls around and the temperature rises, short hair is a whole lot easier to deal with on those sweaty July days. So if you’ve been thinking of going in for a chop, there’s no better time than the present (just ask Rachel Zegler, Kourtney Kardashian, and Selena Gomez, all of whom have debuted shorter strands this year).

Going for a low-maintenance short haircut is also a great option if you’re managing thinning hair, explains Cory Aaron Scott, a celebrity hairstylist based in Los Angeles.

“Keeping hair length at the shoulder or above will give a fuller appearance,” says Scott. “Too much length can weigh the hair down, taking away the much-needed volume.” Additionally, longer styles can be harder to maintain on thin hair because the ends become wispy and the hair lacks density, so it may be worth considering taking off some length.

How to choose the best low-maintenance short haircut for you

If you want something that’s truly low-maintenance, you’ll need to lean into a hairstyle that works with your hair texture. If the look you want is curly but you have straight hair and don’t want to get a perm, maintaining the style will be a whole lot of work.

“There’s a range of curl patterns and textures,” says celebrity hairstylist Sienree Du  “You have curl patterns from straight, wavy, curly, and coily to textures that range from fine to medium and coarse. And not everyone has [just one] texture on their head—most of us have a mixture. Understanding that can help us majorly solve some bad hair decisions.”

You also may want to stick with your natural hair color—keeping up appointments to cover up your roots isn’t very low-maintenance. Below, find eight low-maintenance short haircuts that will help you maximize your new crop with minimal styling required.

8 low-maintenance short haircuts to try this year

1. French bob

The French bob is the quintessential chic and easy look, a style that’s great for thinning hair, too). “The cut is similar to a lob, but instead of the hair being long it is usually chin-length,” says celebrity hairstylist Brittany Harrington. “The key is to keep the fullness at the bottom of the hair so lots of layers are not necessary.” It’s also a great option if you want to rock short hair with bangs.

2. Big chop curls

When you have textured hair, the best part of doing a big chop is those first few weeks when your coils or curls are short and springy and have yet to grow out to an awkward length. Stay in that sweet spot forever by maintaining a cropped cut. Because your hair is so short, you can have a wash-and-go routine that doesn’t end up stealing half of your day.

3. Rolled bob

Long and flowy bouncy blowouts are super in right now, and you can get the same look in a bob by having it cut with layers to give it body and volume. If you have straight hair, you can keep this style low-maintenance by sleeping in big foam rollers ($9). “When your hair is 80 percent dry, roll your hair up in the rollers and make sure they are secure so that they don’t come undone while you sleep,” says Kiley Fitzgerald, a hairstylist at Mare Salon in West Hollywood.

Conair Foam Self Grip Hair Rollers — $10.00

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4. 90’s pixie

“A good Halle Berry-inspired pixie cut is always in fashion. It’s timeless and manageable,” says Maui Moisture celebrity stylist ambassador Alexander Armand. If you’re going for this extra short look, “ensure it frames the face.” This, he explains, will accentuate your facial features and make it easier for you to style.

5. Long bob (aka LOB)

If it’s your first time trying out a short haircut, the LOB is for you. It’s typically shoulder length or longer, so you’ll be able to see what your hair looks like short without going all the way. “Rock that look for a week or two before deciding if you want to go shorter,” says celebrity hairstylist Clayton Hawkins. This will give you just enough time to decide if you’re ready to take the plunge into losing more length.

6. Blunt triangular bob

If you have naturally curly hair, it’s crucial to find a cut that shows off what your texture can do. Hawkins recommends the blunt triangular bob for curls and coils thanks to its chic structure and lack of styling it requires. If this look is speaking to you, ask your stylist for a chin-length cut that frames your face. It will allow you to show off your facial features and your curls with very little work on your part.

7. Shag

“If your hair is slightly wavy, shags are it,” says Hawkins. You can achieve this ’70s-inspired look by asking your stylist to frame your face, focus on how your waves form, and cut the length to right above the shoulder. It’s meant to be messy, so it doesn’t require the sort of heavy hot tool use that a more refined look demands.

8. Long pixie

For something a bit bolder that works on all hair types, an extended pixie cut “will highlight beautiful facial features and empower your inner vibe,” says Wiley. This cut is cropped on the sides and long on the top, which means it requires minimal styling time—you’ll wake up every morning with an effortlessly playful look.

Thinking about cutting your hair at home? Check out this video before you reach for the scissors:

While I’ve recommended this magic-wand-for-manes to literally all of my friends, there’s no avoiding the perfectly-coiffed elephant in the room: she’s expensive as hell. The reality is, no matter how many ways I justify it (Cost per use! Unparalleled technology! Versatility! Confidence booster!), $600 just isn’t affordable for so many of us. I’ll be honest, I don’t know if I could’ve stomached that sticker shock if I didn’t receive the Airwrap as a gift. Love you Dyson, mean it, but damn… it’s a lot!

Thankfully, these days there are a lot of alternative options, many of which retail for under-$100. While I’m the poster child for living beyond my means, I knew I needed to see which (exponentially) more affordable options were worth checking out.

While there’s only one product on this list that does everything the Airwrap does, the rest of these air-drying tools are iterations of round brush dryers and air curlers that make for pretty dang good Dyson Airwrap dupes depending on what you’re looking for. Keep scrolling to learn more. 

Best Dyson Airwrap dupes

The best of the best

Shark FlexStyle — $299.00

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This, dear readers, is the one you want if you’re looking for the full suite of Airwrap styling options at less than half the cost. Not only does it provide you with the same features, but it also has a diffuser attachment, which I found to be a delightful addition (that also helped me discover my true hair texture!).

The design is sleek and beautiful, the curlers work at lightning-fast speed (I styled my long hair, wet-to-dry, in eight minutes), and the round brush is better than the Airwrap’s thanks to dual bristle types, which are a big improvement in the smoothing department.

While the Shark FlexStyle does provide the same primary functions (air-only curling vacuum, round brush dryer, blow dryer), the Dyson does include more attachments and accessories — two smoothing flat brushes, two long curler attachments, a Coanda smoothing dryer, a comb, a brush, a travel pouch, and a “presentation case” (storage box). It’s up to you to decide if those are worth an additional $300. Keep in mind that the diffuser is (as of now) exclusive to the Shark FlexStyle.

As mentioned, this is the only true Airwrap dupe of the same caliber. There are some knockoffs on sites like Shein and Amazon, but scrolling through even a handful of comments revealed stories of poor quality and faulty wiring that shocked (as in electrocuted) some reviewers, blew fuses, and caused fire hazards.

Solid alternatives

1. The air curler

Conair InfinitiPRO Cool Air Styler — $30.00

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If the Dyson curling wands were your main draw to the Airwrap, consider this styling tool from Conair. While it does not have the same functionality as the Airwrap, it does use cool air to bring the temperature down and protect your hair while using heated ceramic plates to style. The cool air also acts like the ‘cold shot’ on the hairdryer to set the curl.

Not only did I test this one myself, but I had my hairstylist come over and try it out as well. We were both fans. It worked quickly, it didn’t leave us with any heat damage, and it provided gentle but discernible beach waves or curls that lasted hours with just a little bit of hairspray.

2. The bargain find

Revlon Salon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer — $39.00

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The crowd-favorite round brush from Revlon has over 21,000 positive reviews on Amazon alone, so I knew this was going to be a solid option before I even plugged it in. To the surprise of no one, it really did deliver. And for less money than I spent on one (1) DoorDash meal delivery this week. The oval-shaped barrel is a little over four inches wide, which is honestly massive — and gives you enough surface area to create volume for a bouncy, 90s blowout. It’s also quite a bit bigger than the Airwrap round brush attachment, which most users (IMO) will benefit from.

Keep in mind, this is *way* bigger than most of the other tools out there, and it gets super hot compared to others, so if you’re concerned about heat damage, this might be something to be mindful of.

3. The salon-quality round brush

amika Hair Blow Dryer Brush — $100.00

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If you’ve got a little more room in your budget for a super smooth blowout and feel like all you need to do it is a round-brush dryer, opt for the amika. Again, like the other options on this list, it provides one specific feature and does not comprise the breadth of what the Airwrap offers, BUT, I think it does a better job at a round brush blowout than the Airwrap. With a 3.5-inch diameter barrel, it’s still bigger than the Airwrap round brush attachment, but slightly smaller than Revlon, which may give you more control over the style of your hair.

A friend of mine with a slightly different hair texture tested this one with me to add a little balance to the review, and she was just as pleased with the results. She’d been using the Revlon for the past few years and noticed a huge difference with the amika. “My hair has always been frizzy no matter what, so I didn’t think anything of the little bit of remaining frizz when using the Revlon, but there’s a LOT less frizz when I use the amika,” she says. Probably the least amount of frizz I’ve ever had when blowdrying my hair. It also has several heat settings, most importantly a cool blast one!”

4. The stylist fave

Drybar The Double Shot — $155.00

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If you want an even bigger barrel and the fastest dry of your life, look no further. This will take shoulder-length hair from just-out-of-the-shower-wet to dry-and-styled in five minutes, no exaggeration. One friend loved this so much when she tried it, she immediately went out and bought it herself.

The bristle structure on the sides of the oval creates a hold that helps you create a defined curl, while the flatter surface area adds smoothness and shine. The only negative feedback on this one is that the handle is pretty thick compared to the others.

This is one of the recommended tools by many stylists, including my own, who previously told Well + Good, “The Drybar tool helps you skip that extra step [of doing a rough dry before styling]. It’s super user-friendly, really good quality, and worth every penny.” It provides power without heat, isn’t as large and unwieldy as some of the other versions, and overall is an excellent tool that matches its heftier (yet way cheaper than Dyson) price tag.

While my mom’s long, shiny hair lay in a perfectly straight sheet down her back, mine curled and frizzed up. It didn’t help that neither of us knew how to care for my 3-A type curls, so most of the time, I opted to tie it up in a top knot or fry it with my straightener in fear that people would think my untamed, natural hair was ugly.

Right before I started college, I realized that my hair was extremely damaged from the constant tightly pulled buns and heat styling. So, in an effort to take better care of it, I finally dared to wear my natural curls around campus—all while repeating my mom’s words in my head for encouragement (“you’re so lucky you have such beautiful hair, Maeve”).

To my absolute shock, it turned out my mom wasn’t just saying that because she’s my mom—other people liked my curls, too. But it wasn’t just the external appreciation that did it for me—the more I embraced my natural hair, the more I felt like myself, and learning how to care for my curls made me feel like I was taking special care of myself.

Even so, that learning curve was a steep one, and the methods that worked one day didn’t always work the next, which was extremely frustrating. So what really sealed the “I love my curls” deal for me was finding an expert to lean on for guidance: hairstylist Gabrielle D’Ulisse, who worked with me to develop my curly hair regimen.

To make it even easier for me, all her product recommendations are available at Walmart, so they’re always easily accessible, whether I pop into the store or order online. Even better? They’re all on sale during the Walmart Beauty Glow-Up Event from now through April 21 (and some of them are only on sale through April 5, so be sure to move fast!). Keep reading for more deets on the curly hair regimen that’s helped solidify my love for my curls—turns out, my mom does know best.

8 hairstylist-approved products for curly hair

Philip B Peppermint Avocado Exfoliating Scalp Scrub (on sale through 4/5)

Though I only wash my hair three times a week (washing it too much strips its natural oils and causes dryness), I always start my shower with this exfoliating scalp scrub. “This product is a great choice because it has the ability to deeply cleanse your scalp without drying it out,” D’Ulisse says. “Aloe leaf juice will keep your hair moisturized, while the sea salt removes any build-up.” This scrub has definitely helped remove product build-up, and I absolutely love the cooling effect on my scalp that makes showering feel like a calming experience.

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Virtue Hydrating Sulfate-Free & Silicone-Free Curl Shampoo (on sale through 4/5)

As for shampoo, D’Ulisse’s rec for me is super moisturizing, but still deep cleans my hair—and it smells divine. “Virtue Curl Shampoo is an excellent choice for curly hair because of its alpha keratin and protein formula,” D’Ulisse says. “This formula assists in protecting your curls against damage and fortifying your strands. Plus, it is free of sulfates, which can dry out your hair and affect your curls.” And, for someone like me who gets keratin treatments in the summer to smooth my unruly locks, sulfate-free is essential.

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Grow Gorgeous Curl Defining Conditioner (on sale through 4/5)

I struggled finding a conditioner that didn’t weigh down my curls, so I was thrilled when I first tried this one. It’s lightweight, deeply moisturizing, and free of parabens, sulfates, and silicone, which can dry out your hair and create a film over your strands, D’Ulisse says. “Not only this, but its caffeine and oat lipid ingredients strengthen the scalp’s natural layer of protection,” D’Ulisse says. “It’s crucial to focus on the scalp, as it is the basis of our hair’s health.”

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Grow Gorgeous Curl Leave-in Butter (on sale through 4/5)

My post-shower routine was always such a struggle for me because I could never find products that consistently worked in my hair, but this leave-in butter changed that. After I shower, I work it through the middle and ends of my strands, and then use the residual product on my roots, being careful not to weigh down my hair by using too much, per D’Ulisse’s recommendation. You can also use this product on dry hair, which is really nice for times when I need a slight touch-up.

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Philip B Anti Frizz Formula 57 Lavender and Jojoba Shine and Frizz Control (on sale through 4/5)

If I’m heat styling my hair, I always make sure to use a little of this frizz-control serum before I do, and believe me, it does its job well. D’Ulisse recommended this product not only because of its smoothing effect, but also because it helps to enhance hair color as well. If I still want to seal down any pesky flyaways post-styling, I just work in another drop afterwards. Just remember: A little goes a long way.

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Grow Gorgeous Repair Heat Protection Leave-in Oil (on sale through 4/5)

I am now über-cautious when I use heat on my hair, given how damaged it once was, so I never skip out on a reliable heat protectant. “This product will enrich hair with its six-oil blend of moringa, marula, grapeseed, coconut, tung wood, and rapeseed oil,” D’Ulisse says. “The oat lipids complex in the formula will smooth your cuticle, therefore allowing your curls to be more defined and fight frizz.”

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Hairitage Meant To Be Hair Diffuser (on sale through 4/21)

Gone are the days when I would aggressively straighten my hair until it was pin straight. Now, I reach for my diffuser instead (after applying all the products listed above, of course), especially since it takes my thicker hair so long to air dry. When I use this diffuser, I notice a huge difference in my curls—they’re more defined and my hair looks more voluminous. D’Ulisse’s pro-tips for using a diffuser are to make sure your hair is wet (not just damp), you’ve applied your desired products, and your hair is fully detangled before diffusing.

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SLIP Silver Silk Pillowcase (on sale through 4/5)

Last, but certainly not least, in my curly hair regimen is this pillowcase that I kid you not, changed my life. “The friction caused by regular cotton pillowcases is damaging to our ends and will not maintain your style before bed,” D’Ulisse says. When I first started using a silk pillowcase, the difference between it and my previous cotton pillowcase was immediately noticeable. I barely have to touch-up my curls in the morning, which was a complete 180 from when I’d wake up with a tangled mess of bedhead. As any curly-haired person knows, anything that helps tame the mane is a total win.

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We’re talking about scalp care (which, btw, is really just skin care for the top of your head). It’s easy to forget what’s under your beloved bedhead, but the benefits of scalp treatment are too major to pass up—and that’s why the experts think it deserves more of your attention.

“Applying skin-care ingredients and technology to scalp care is a trend that has been getting more popular over the past few years,” says board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, FAAD. “It makes sense because the scalp, although specialized, is skin. And a healthy scalp can contribute to the growth of healthy hair, [which] can be an important part of our self expression, self image, and self esteem.”

Ready to give it a try, but not sure how to get started? We’ve narrowed Dr. King’s insights on scalp treatment down to eight budget-friendly essentials—and you can snag them all (and save on tons more beauty and wellness finds) at Walmart’s Beauty Glow-Up Event, online and in-store through April 21. It’s a clear scalp, full cart, can’t lose kind of thing.

Philip B Peppermint Avocado Volumizing Shampoo

To cleanse your scalp and protect your hair shaft, make high-quality shampoo a mainstay in your shower caddy, Dr. King says. Massage your head (boosted circulation and energy flow, check) with a dollop of this minty-fresh lather, which helps reduce product residue and clear away scalp oils.

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Ameliorate Clarifying Scalp with Alpha Hydroxy Therapy Exfoliant

Quick reminder: You probably don’t need to shampoo your hair every day. Dr. King recommends swapping in a gentle exfoliant every so often to help remove buildup of dead skin cells and hair products. This fragrance-free scrub gives your scalp comfort and conditioning while maintaining its pH balance.

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Philip B Peppermint Avocado Exfoliating Scalp Scrub

If fragrance-free isn’t your thing, and you want more of that tingly-cool feeling, opt for this scrub. Begin with a damp scalp and gradually add water as you massage and lather up. Then mentally drift to the spa on notes of natural ingredients like sea salt, eucalyptus, peppermint, and avocado.

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Grow Gorgeous Moisturizing Hair Mask

After cleansing and exfoliating, hydrating is up next. Hair masks are designed to condition and restore your skin’s natural protective barrier—and ingredients like zinc can help nourish a dry scalp, Dr. King says. Coat your roots and leave in for up to 20 minutes (read: just enough time for a little self-care stretch sesh).

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ARKIVE Headcare The Root-ine Scalp Serum

Remember that whole best-hair-day-ever thing? Serums are key for addressing specific concerns like hair growth and volume, Dr. King says. This formula helps balance, exfoliate, and hydrate your scalp—and yes, applying it is another opportunity for a salon-worthy massage.

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Grow Gorgeous Scalp Care Energising Tonic

Apply a few drops of this energizing tonic to your scalp—either damp or dry—to give your roots a little boost. Scalp-supportive ingredients like micro algae, kakadu plum extract, and caffeine help reinvigorate your skin for a stronger, fuller head of hair.

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Mielle Scalp & Braid Spray Moisturizer

For deep conditioning without oily buildup, and to strengthen damaged hair, Dr. King recommends a scalp spray. This lightweight option is formulated specifically to protect braids (plus twists and other styles) while they’re in and during take-down.

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Mielle Braid & Scalp Foam

Or, opt for this foam protectant, formulated with the same moisturizing and nourishing ingredients, to repair breakage, smooth flyaways, and help retain length. Now that’s a good-hair, self-care day.

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Why? Because if you’ve ever tried washing your face with your bangs and fly-aways in the way, you know how annoying it is to keep your hairline dry and suds-free. It may seem minimal, but these designated headbands change that, keeping your hair off your face so you don’t risk ruining a fresh blowout or getting cleanser in your curtain bangs. With your strands out of the way, applying the rest of your skin-care routine and makeup is simple, too.

Best headbands for face-washing, at a glance:

• Best overall: Versed Good Hair Day ($18)
• Best value: Laxizar 10-Piece Bow Headbands ($10)
• Best design: Urban Outfitters Spa Day Headband ($8)
• Best machine washable: Vintage Cosmetic Company Peggy Makeup Headband ($8)
• Best for bigger heads: Kitsch Extra Wide Spa Headband ($10)
• Best set: Glow Recipe Avocado Spa Headband + Wristband Kit ($19)
• Best adjustable: VOLO Spa Headband ($16)
• Best microfiber: Emi Jay Cloud Headband ($16)
• Best terry cloth: Whaline Spa Facial Headband ($10)
• Best silk: Slip Pure Silk Headband ($69)
• Most adorable: Honest Fuzzy Headband ($15)

There are plenty of headbands for face-washing available in a whole slew of different materials, designs, and colors. Most fall into two camps—pull-on or adjustable—and each is made in comfortable, water-friendly materials that don’t tug, snag, or irritate your skin and hair. While you might have to wait to get your hands on the *exact* TikTok-famous one (more on that below) there are others that’ll work just as well come cleanse time, if not, even better. Find our favorites, below.
11 best headbands for face-washing

Best overall

Versed, Good Hair Day — $18.00

Whether you know it as the “croissant headband”, the “bubble headband”, or the “GRWM headband”, chances are you’ve seen the viral Versed headband on your TikTok For You Page. There’s plenty of reasons why this exact headband is so popular, but the most impressive being that it’s sturdy, fashionable, and genuinely elevates the face-washing experience. We have it on good authority that the brand is dropping their latest iteration of the headband on March 21, so you’ll want to act fast—they usually sell out in a few hours.

One happy shopper shares that although she had to sit tight for another restock, it was absolutely worth the wait. “It’s the best headband to wash your face with or put your hair back with while doing makeup,” she says. “It’s so cushiony and cute.”

Pros:

• Plenty of positive reviews
• Doubles as a hair accessory you can actually wear

Cons:

• Sell out quickly

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Best value:

Laxizar, 10-Piece Bow Headbands — $10.00

Headbands for face-washing aren’t too expensive, but at $10, this set of 10 is a steal. Each of the plush headbands (which equate to about a dollar each if you’re doing the math) are designed to make getting ready in the morning a bit more exciting, adorned with a bold print and bow for a pretty touch. The length of each headband is about 8 inches, which is slightly smaller than the average head size, but we can confirm that it stretches out the more you use it. That said, those with larger heads might not love this one, but smaller-headed folks will find that these fit perfectly.

“For the price and quantity, these are quality headbands,” an Amazon shopper writes. “I was surprised at how nice these were. I made adorable little spa gift bags with these and loved how much cheaper they were than options at Ulta, Target, or anywhere else. Highly recommend!”

Pros:

• $1 per headband
• Plushy and machine-washable
• Cute and different

Cons:

• Run small

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Best design

Urban Outfitters, Spa Day Headband — $8.00

Add some whimsy to your skin-care routine with these adorable headbands from Urban Outfitters. Choose from a bow or a number of other funky designs like frog eyes, paw prints, and bunny and panda ears—you won’t be disappointed by any of them. Each headband is made from 100% polyester, which is machine washable for easy cleaning, and is intended to fit a wide range of head sizes.

“It’s so much softer than the pictures show!,” a customer says of the panda ears. “It was totally worth the money; it’s really high-quality. I’m debating getting all the different kinds, regardless of being in my twenties—you’re never too old to look like an adorable panda.”

Pros:

• Comes in 6 unique colors and designs 
• Stretchy terry fabric

Cons:

• Runs small and snug

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Best machine washable:

Vintage Cosmetic Company, Peggy Makeup Headband — $8.00

This fluffy face-washing headband from Vintage Cosmetics is a must, particularly if you appreciate the power of a good cheetah print. Though it only comes in one design (I wish there were more), it’s one of my personal favorites because of how easy it is to wash and the fact that it never seems to get wet—even when a face-washing session involves lots of splashing.

“I love these headbands and the vintage packaging,” says one shopper who bought one for all of her friends for Christmas. “They’re so soft and adorable.”

Pros:

• Classic cheetah design 
• Machine washable
• Removable bow

Cons:

• Only comes in one print

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Best for bigger heads

Kitsch, Extra Wide Spa Headband — $10.00

If your head is on the larger side and you’re worried about fitting into some of the other more snug options, this is a great pick. It’s designed to be stretchy enough so that it covers your entire head of hair (and then some). The best part of all is how surprising it is that the super-soft fabric is made from recycled materials. A happy customer agrees, explaining that although it’s so soft and luxurious, the real catch is how stretchy it is.

“It holds all of my hair for the entire time I’m washing my face,” she says. “I have extremely long hair and this headband tucks it all away. My hair is secure and it’s so comfortable to wear.”

Pros:

• Fits entire head of hair
• Very comfortable

Cons:

• Might be too much material for smaller heads

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Best set

Glow Recipe, Avocado Spa Headband + Wristband Kit — $19.00

If you hate the mess that comes along with washing your face, you’ll love this avocado-inspired headband and wristband set from Glow Recipe. The soft cotton-terry cloth material is adorned with an endearing avocado detail and protects your hair (either dry or wet) from the facial-cleansing splash zone. While not totally necessary, the matching wrist bands are too cute to pass up and the fact that they keep PJ arms (and the bathroom counter) dry is a plus.

“There’s nothing I hate more than water dripping down my arms, but these make getting ready easy and clean,” a buyer writes. “And it’s like a towel and has avocados!”

Pros:

• Towel-like material
• Matching wristbands

Cons:

• Wristbands aren’t for everyone

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Best adjustable

VOLO, Spa Headband — $16.00

No two heads are the same, which is why this adjustable headband from Volo Beauty is so awesome. It features a soft, plush towel-like fabric that’s gentle on hair and skin, plus an adjustable strap that can be made bigger or smaller to fit your head shape. It absorbs water and mitigates messes but dries in time for its next use. But, like many thick cotton towels, it can leave behind little fuzzies in its wake.

“It’s comfy and cute, not too snug or too loose. It doesn’t tug my hair while also staying put,” an Amazon shopper explains. “It’s definitely for an adult sized-head only; I tried to see if my younger sister (10-year-old) could use it, but it was too big for her.” She noticed some shedding, but once she threw it in the wash, it seemed to help.

Pros:

• Soft and towel-like 
• Dries quickly
• Completely adjustable

Cons:

• Prone to shedding

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Best microfiber

Emi Jay, Cloud Headband — $16.00

Think of this headband like a cloud: Comfy, fluffy, and pretty to look at. Designed to be worn at any point of your morning routine (whether that be during skin care or makeup), this soft microfiber headband is intended to gently keep your hair out of your face without creating unwanted dents. And because Emi Jay is a master of hair accessory aesthetics, the headband comes in an assortment of soft colors like brown, pink, and light blue. It doesn’t have too many reviews yet, but I’m personally a huge fan of how it hugs my head and hair without hurting me or feeling like they’re about to slip off. The fact that they’re so fluffy helps seal the deal, because who doesn’t want to get ready in cloud-like comfort?

Pros:

• Pretty colors
• Supreme comfort

Cons:

• Might not be as fluffy after washing in the laundry

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Best terry cloth

Whaline Spa, Facial Headband — $10.00

Bring the spa to the comfort of your own home with these headbands that resemble the ones you put on before a facial. They’re probably the most structured out of the rest of the headbands on this list, but don’t feel stiff at all. In fact, thanks to the terry fabric, they’re comfortable, skin-friendly, and neatly tuck the hair away from the face without being bothersome. They offer a ton of elasticity—even after being repeatedly washed, they never lose their shape. It’s also worth noting that they’re available in a whopping 11 colors, so you can pick the one that speaks to you the most.

A reviewer that was sick of seeing fluffy options with bows said they were impressed by this alternative: “These came in clutch,” they say. “[These headbands] are perfect for keeping hair out of your face and they stay steady!”

Pros:

• Holds shape well
• Comfortable
• 11 color options

Cons:

• Could be thicker

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Best silk:

Slip, Pure Silk Headband — $69.00

Anyone with curly hair knows that sleeping on silk or satin is an integral part of maintaining the integrity of curls, kinks, and coils. Not only does this supremely smooth, breathable fabric glide over the top of the hair, it can actually prevent the friction that causes frizz, tangles, and even bedhead.

If you have curly hair (or any type of hair, for that matter), you’ll love this mulberry silk headband from Slip. It features an adorable front-knot design and keeps your hair in place (and out of your face) without creasing. Though it’s on the pricier side, it’s worth every penny when you consider the fact that it’s doing a favor for both your skin and your hair.

A shopper with Type 4 hair loves how this headband holds all of her hair in place without giving her a headache. “It can be worn with twists or my hair loose and the knot at the center can add some glam to a mom bun,” she adds. “I have this in every color.”

Pros:

• Mulberry silk 
• Prevents creases, friction, and frizz
• Can be worn for all-day wear

Cons:

• Pricey

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Most adorable

Honest, Fuzzy Headband — $15.00

Jessica Alba’s wellness brand, Honest, makes these bear-y cute headbands that’ll leave you warm and fuzzy inside when you wear ’em. Made from a teddy-soft material, they’re easy to slip on to keep your hairline out of the way while you wash or put on makeup.

Some reviews say it doesn’t stay in place perfectly and tends to slip. However, W+G’s Associate Commerce Editor, Francesca Krempa, swears by it for cleansing and even showering: “I’ll throw it on when I’m not washing my hair to keep my bangs dry, then clip the rest up in the back,” she says. “Keeps me dry every time. Plus, I think the ears suit me.”

Pros: 

• Soft and stretchy
• Cute ears
• Machine washable

Cons:

• Might run large

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But can something as simple as your regular yoga practice help with hair growth? According to physician Mary Wendel, MD, yoga’s many benefits (and that of exercise in general) most likely help hair health—you just won’t find any studies to definitively confirm this.

“I do think there’s truth to anything that can create better blood flow will improve hair health,” says Dr. Wendel, who founded Medi Tresse, a medical practice in Massachusetts dedicated to treating female hair loss. “I’m a very strong believer in the benefits of exercise and yoga to improve blood flow, and also to diminish stress,” she continues. “The effects of increased stress on hair growth is profound, and we know it’s one of the biggest factors that can accelerate shedding.” She notes that it’s exercise’s proven ability to reduce stress (and not necessarily a specific yoga inversion) that’s really key to helping with hair.

How exercise impacts hair health

For a little more science on how exercise and practices like yoga and meditation can help improve the health of your hair, Dr. Wendel shares how stress affects both your hair and your overall health. “There’s a condition called telogen effluvium, or TE, which is an episode of profound, excessive shedding brought on by illness like COVID-19 or by severe stress,” she explains, noting that she’s treated patients in her practice who have experienced this. “Stress increases your cortisol and does other things in terms of your hormone balances and thyroid function.” Those imbalances can obviously negatively impact your health in other ways, but they can also cause your hair to shed excessively.

While Dr. Wendel practices yoga herself and recommends that her patients find some type of physical activity that they enjoy to improve blood flow and decrease stress, she also reiterates that the scientific research is lacking.

“I think there is a strong belief that these are beneficial things, it’s just that you’re not going to be able to find a study that shows it improved things by ‘X’ amount,” she says. “But there are certainly studies that show that exercise, yoga, stress reduction, they help balance out hormones, they improve stress, they decrease depression, they reduce anxiety—all of those things that are important.”

An easy, at-home way to stimulate blood flow to the scalp

In addition to keeping up with your workout routine, you can also incorporate a simple scalp massage into your routine periodically. “It helps to bring some blood flow to the scalp, and it also sort of spreads the natural oils that the follicles and the scalp make so that they don’t build up as much,” Dr. Wendel explains.

She sells her own Root Cleanse Shampoo, which comes with a massage brush, but she notes that massaging the scalp on its own just a few times each week for five to 10 minutes is beneficial. (If you’re going the cleanser route, use it once a week with the brush, and then stick to using the brush on its own when repeating your scalp massage throughout the week.)

“You don’t want something that’s hard and metal that’s going to scratch the scalp too much or cause irritation,” she says. Instead, the massager brush that you choose should use soft, silicone bristles that won’t cause damage to the scalp or the hair (while using gentle massaging motions, of course).

“It’s like when you go to the salon and they do a nice little scalp massage while you’re there,” Dr. Wendel says. “You can do a little bit of a circular movement, but sort of just gently follow from front to back like you’re brushing your hair with the massager,” she says, noting that this helps to avoid tangling up the hair.

Ready to de-stress? Try this calming yoga flow:

During the sale, you can find best-selling and red carpet classics like the Complexe 5 Stimulating Plant Concentrate (now $43), a pre-shampoo treatment that addresses hair issues from the root (pun intended). Each droplet is formulated with a blend of hydrating oils like castor, soybean, leaf, and lavender, and the bottle is equipped with a scalp massaging tip to increase microcirculation for healthy hair follicles. There’s also no shortage of hair thickening shampoos, hydrating masks, and conditioners that’ll keep your hair growing and thriving.

We won’t keep you any longer. Scroll down to see the best hair-care products from René Furterer’s flash sale. There are gems to be discovered!

René Furterer, Complexe 5 Stimulating Plant Concentrate — $43.00

Originally $54, now $43

It’s easy to see why this hair treatment made the list of Red Carpet favorites: It’s easy to use, effective at stimulating circulation, and revives lifeless follicles. For normal to oily scalps, this treatment is infused with essential oils like castor, lavender, and majorana leaf oil—which has natural anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and antioxidant properties. The treatment is packaged in an easy to use bottle and comes with an applicator with a scalp massager tip to increase microcirculation. To use, massage into the scalp and leave in between five and ten minutes. Shampoo afterwards. The result: Shiny, strong, and healthy hair.

One reviewer says, “This hair oil has a lovely orange almost peppery fragrance. I love the applicator that distributes evenly and smoothly upon the scalp. It does sting a little at first and it make me feel like it’s work and waking up my hair follicles. I rub it in dweller with my fingertips before bed.Read more about review stating Complexe 5. I wake up and my hair is full and luscious!”

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René Furterer, Triphasic Strengthening Shampoo — $27.00

Originally $34, now $27

If you’re battling thinning hair, René Furterer’s Triphasic Strengthening Shampoo has got you covered. The shampoo is enriched with essential oils like orange, lavender, and rosemary to cleanse the scalp of debris and increase microcirculation when massaged in. It also contains natural pfaffia extract, aka Brazilian ginseng, which is used as an anti-inflammatory agent. Just one pump of this product, and you’re on your way to scrub city.

A shopper says, “I’ve been experiencing thinning hair, so I’ve been using this for the past two weeks, and my hair is already feeling thicker, and I see growth! The shampoo is my favorite in the set because of how much my scalp loves it. The scent is amazing too, minty and tingly, and leaves me feeling so refreshed.”

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René Furterer, Triphasic Reactional Concentrated Serum — $62.00

Originally $78, now $62

Have you experienced a sudden thinning of hair? Consider René Furterer’s Triphasic Reactional Concentrated Serum. This leave-in serum has natural ingredients like lemon essential oil and minerals to reduce environmental stressors on the scalp, restore balance, and boost microcirculation. Each set comes with a three-month supply. To use, snap the vial and massage into the scalp for best results.

“I’ve been using this for a bit now and I’m really likening it! Since putting it into my routine, I’ve noticed far less shedding and far less breakage than I’ve been experiencing lately. I’d definitely recommend it if your having similar issues related to hair loss, shedding, or breakage and I’d definitely be interested in using it in my hair,” A reviewer says.

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René Furterer, Astera Fresh Soothing Freshness Concentrate — $43.00

Originally $54, now $43

Another customer favorite, René Furterer’s Astera Fresh Soothing Freshness Concentrate is ideal for people with sensitive or irritated scalps. The culmination of the asteraceae extract, mint, and eucalyptus oils soothe irritated scalps while reducing inflammation. It even has antioxidant-rich vitamin A, E, and F to fight free radicals. Just like stimulating plant concentrate, the applicator has a massager tip for microcirculation. Apply once or twice a week and watch as the itchiness subsides.

One shopper helpfully writes, “It really works! My husband had some dry irritated spots on his scalp and in his eye brows. After doing some research I determined he had a type of candida overgrowth (fungal) We got him the Astera line and within a couple of weeks the spots were 100% gone! He said the oil felt soothing and relieved the irritation. It all smells incredible too. SuRead more about review stating Flakes are gone. Such an easy treatment to get control over the flakes.”

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René Furterer, Karité Hydra Hydrating Shine Mask — $42.00

Originally $52, now $42

For a little more TLC, you can’t go wrong with a hair mask, and this lightweight mask provides ultimate hydration without bogging your follicles down. The mask is rich in shea oil to help replenish your follicle’s barrier while supplying it with essential fatty acids. Plus, it’s smooth and applies just like butter. Dry hair, you’re toast!

One reviewer simply states, “Amazing hair mask, hair left soft, bouncy, and shiny, very impressed.”

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René Furterer, Triphasic Progressive Concentrated Serum — $69.00

Originally $86, now $69

This leave-in serum works wonders on thinning hair that’s a result of hereditary or hormonal conditions. Using botanicals like watercress extract and essential oils (think: orange and lavender), René Furterer’s Triphasic Progressive Concentrated Serum supports natural hair growth while nourishing the scalp. On a damp scalp, apply the whole vial. Don’t worry if you use it all; the kit comes with a three-month supply.

Raving review: “This stuff has worked a miracle on my hair. It has been dry and thinning out for at least the last 3 or 4 years now and I have tried a lot of things, but using this stuff after using the shampoo and conditioner has completely reversed it, it seems. My hair has gotten so much healthier from using this and I am definitely planning on continuing to uRead more about review stating Unbelievable hydration! I plan on continue using this brand! I absolutely love it. Solid 10.”

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René Furterer, Forticea Energizing Conditioner — $29.00

Originally $36, now $29

Lather your hair in this Forticea Energizing Conditioner. One application leaves follicles stronger and detangled, preventing breakage and rough hair thanks to the guarana extract and orange and lavender oils. These ingredients work in tandem to offer nutrients to your roots and hair follicles.

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“Gray hair, more accurately described as hair without pigment, has a tendency to pick up stains from styling products, pollution, or hard water,” Tom Smith, celebrity hairstylist and international color creative director for Evo Hair, previously told Well+Good. As a result, gray hair can appear yellowish and dull. One way to revitalize lifeless strands and unwanted yellow tones is by using an anti-yellowing shampoo, and Klorane’s Flash Sale—a shopper favorite for thinning hair and other hair concerns—has just what you need. The best part is that you can save up to 20 percent off on purchases over $50 (yay for savings). Hurry up, though, because the sale is only going on from now until March 27—use the code SAVEME20 at checkout!.

The product we’re scooping up? Klorane’s Anti-Yellowing Shampoo (now $18). This plant-based shampoo is infused with botanicals like organic centaury, an herb that has a rich purple pigment to counteract yellow, brassy, and copper tones and keeps gray hair vibrant.

Klorane, Anti-Yellowing Shampoo — $18.00

Originally $22, now $18

Infused with centaury and butylene glycol, this shampoo has purple hues that counteract any yellow, brassy, or copper tones while nourishing dried follicles. The result is luscious, bouncy, and shiny hair that feels and looks healthy and brighter. Kiss dull and yellow hair goodbye once and for all.

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The formulation also contains butylene glycol—which is great for hydration and keeping the scalp moisturized, so flakiness and dandruff becomes a thing of the past. Head to the reviews, and you’ll find raving comments across the board. One shopper calls it the “best shampoo for gray or white hair,” and says, “I thought the pure white version of anti-yellowing shampoo was the best, but this new purple shampoo surpasses that product, as well as any purple shampoo on the market! You can use it every day, and it never puts any bluish tint in your hair.”

Another shopper writes, “I thought I was ordering a shampoo to just protect against yellowing but I didn’t realize this shampoo will actually improve my hair color! After just a few uses, I’ve already noticed (without looking for it, mind you) that my hair has much less brass in it and is a really pretty bright almost-white. I love it.”

Beyond anti-yellow shampoos, Klorane’s Flash Sale is ripe with discounts on other hair-care goodies. From peony-infused shampoos for sensitive scalps to exfoliating masks for flaky heads, there’s a product for every hair concern. Ahead, you’ll find the best products of Klorane’s sale, and you’ll want to act fast before items sell out. After all, Klorane is a shopper-favorite.

Klorane, Soothing Shampoo With Peony — $19.00

Originally $24, now $19

For those with sensitive scalps, Klorane’s Soothing Shampoo provides ultimate relief from itching. The peony extract maintains proper pH levels and alleviates any discomfort. Best of all, it has been dermatologist tested and is derived from 85 percent natural ingredients.

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Klorane, Strengthening Shampoo With Quinine and Edelweiss — $19.00

Originally $24, now $19

If you’re experiencing hair thinning, you must not pass up Klorane’s Strengthening Shampoo. Formulated with quinine, edelweiss, and caffeine, this concoction stimulates hair growth while nourishing weak hair. Post-shower, your hair will look more vibrant—but see full results (fuller, stronger strands) after at least two weeks.

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Klorane, Strengthening Conditioner With Quinine and Edelweiss — $19.00

Originally $24, now $19

Complement the shampoo with the Quinine and Edelweiss Conditioner—which strengthens hair fibers, prevents breakage, and detangles tornado hair. It’s recommended to apply the conditioner after the shampoo and leave it on for two to three minutes for silky smooth hair (and strands that are easier to brush through post-wash).

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Klorane, Exfoliating Mask With Galangal for Flaky Mask — $19.00

Originally $24, now $19

Flaky hair can be tricky to navigate, but the Klorane Exfoliating Mask makes things easier. Galangal—one of the exfoliator’s key ingredients—has been shown to remove flakes, while the white clay soothes irritation. It’s packaged in a sachet for easy use; all you have to do is add water to transform the powder formula into a creamy foam.

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Klorane, Soothing Scalp Serum With Peony — $19.00

Originally $24, now $19

Klorane’s Soothing Scalp Serum provides comfort to sensitive, dry, and itchy scalps. What makes this product so great for dry scalps is in the peony, which quells signs of irritation or inflammation. It comes packaged in a spray bottle, and you just spray on to towel-dried or dry hair and massage the formulation into your scalp (it feels so good). You should see results in about seven days.

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Klorane, Purifying Shampoo With Citrus — $18.00

Originally $22, now $18

Dry shampoo buildup still stuck in your hair? This citrus, purifying shampoo will rid your hair of worries and gunk. It’s formulated with citrus pulp and lactic acid to gently exfoliate the scalp and detoxify debris. Clean, luscious strands, “hair” we come!

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At 50, I decided to ditch the dye and go gray. It was 2015, before the “great global pandemic root awakening,” and I was assigned an article on women of various ages who had embraced their gray hair. After the story ran, I was so inspired by the women I interviewed that I decided I was ready to embark on my own gray hair journey. I’d been dyeing my hair varying shades of brown for the last 20 years and had grown tired of the expense and maintenance.

When I brought up the idea of going gray to my friends, they were stunned. Most confessed that they could never do it because their spouses wouldn’t approve. Now, I was the one stunned. What era were we in? These comments sent me straight to my stylist, Candace Dombkowski, to make it happen.

The process of going gray

Because everyone has a different degree of gray hair with their own unique growth pattern, every gray hair transition needs to be customized, and there are two main ways that stylists make that happen. The first, which was developed by celebrity colorist Jack Martin, involves making the shift all at once. The several-hour process that Martin has trademarked extracts the hair of all artificial color, bleaches the strands, and then applies different shades of gray that match the person’s gray pattern.

Dombkowski prefers the second, slower approach. “I prefer to soften the demarcation line and go from there,” she says “I lighten in stages. I also add lowlights so that over time these colors blend with the gray as the hair grows out. Over the course of several months, I add less and less color so that the client can slowly get used to seeing more gray.”

Dombkowski decided that the best way for me to transition my strands to avoid the dreaded demarcation line was to highlight my chestnut hair blonde. The golden streaks she strategically placed throughout my strands created a gleaming honey color that made my complexion glow, and the two-year period between those initial highlights and a full head of gray hair would be the best I’ve ever felt about my hair. As my processed hair grew out, my natural gray roots were blended with more highlights and new lowlights until my hair became a gray-blonde blend with warm brown ends.

Why I decided to go back to blonde

Though going gray has become far more acceptable than it once was, much of the conversation around the transition distorts how difficult the process can be, and not everyone winds up with the seamless, shiny, silver strands they’d hoped for. With that in mind, the reality is that not everyone that chooses to go gray will remain gray—which was exactly the case for me.

“I have had women and men try their natural gray for a while but got to a certain point where they felt it was either aging them or they felt that their hair didn’t have the shine and appeal they had with color,” says Paula Rufo, product development and senior manager at Wella. “Most people who go through the natural gray transition feel liberated from the upkeep of coloring every 4 to 5 weeks and believe that their hair will look and feel healthier, but once they have it fully grown out, they find that they actually miss their monthly visit to the colorist and that their hair actually appeared healthy and shinier with color. Also, having dimension creates the illusion of fuller hair.”

For the past seven years, I’ve witnessed the majority of the silver gray in my hair lighten to white, which I’ve attempted to distort times using various shades of brown lowlights. For my son’s wedding this past spring, I asked Dombkowski to apply a silver semi-permanent glaze in a last-ditch effort to return to my now-gone silver strands. I was happy with the color and how it played off my beaded royal blue mother-of-the-groom dress until the photographer, not realizing who I was, had me sit in between the bride’s two grandmothers.

Longing for the golden look I had years ago, I recently dyed my hair a pearly-champagne color. Dombkowski customized the permanent formula for my white hair with plenty of toner, and because there was no pigment in my strands, she was able to achieve a look that would have otherwise cost hundreds of dollars and required the harsh process of stripping my color with bleach. “Such a light color applied to hair that is mostly white won’t create much root grow-out, and this type of process shouldn’t need more than a quarterly touch-up,” she says.

Going gray is a personal choice, and for so many people, it works. In my case, it was great until it wasn’t, and the most important lesson I learned throughout the process was that it was okay to resist the pressure to stick it out. Going back to dyeing my hair was the right choice for me, and my stylist helped me find a middle ground that makes me feel good. Today, I’m a champagne blonde, but next month? Who knows.

Like all beauty categories, though, not all dry shampoos are created equally, so I’m always up for trying the latest and greatest formulas to see if a breakthrough has been made. Because of this, I recently added the new Olaplex No.4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo ($30) to my hair-care routine.

Olaplex No.4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo — $30.00

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I was intrigued by the Olaplex No.4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo because only is it designed to absorb excess oil and erase the appearance of sweaty strands, but it’s also meant to detox the scalp in the process—which is notable because dry shampoos often leave behind heavy residue that can make the scalp feel itchy. Plus, this product buildup can trap dirt and oil underneath it, which can make your hair look dirty faster than it typically would.

While the claims for this dry shampoo definitely seem lofty, the formula is built to deliver the  results. It’s got ultra-fine micro starch sourced from brown rice to absorb oil (which, obviously is the main job of any good dry shampoo), plus antioxidant-rich rambutan seed extract to soothe and detoxify the scalp. The real icing on the cake, though, is that it also contains the brand’s signature OLAPLEX Bond Building Technology, so it strengthens strands while you wear it. Above all, the dry shampoo promises to extend the time between washes, and for me, it did.

The Olaplex No.4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo launched on January 31 and after trying it for a few weeks, I’ve found that it’s a reliable dry shampoo for quick sprucing. While it doesn’t make my hair look 100% refreshed (TBH: none fully do—such is the life of a fine haired woman), it works well to absorb excess oil at the roots without making my hair look super dry (or feel super dirty), which has allowed me to stretch the time between my washes. It also doesn’t feel itchy at all in the process. With this dry shampoo in tow, I can revamp my second-day hair to the point that it looks clean enough to wear down; by day three, my hair looks rough, but with this dry shampoo, enough oil is absorbed that I can smooth it back into a slick bun and call it a day. And hey, that works for me.

One thing I will note, though, is that this dry shampoo claims to leave no white residue. While that’s true if you spray from 10 inches away (which is what stylists recommend), any closer and your hair will look like it’s been inundated with a baby powder bomb. Awful as it sounds, though, I find that spraying up close is the only way to get truly stellar results (at least on my fine red hair), as spritzing from a distance allows the product to disperse more. Thankfully, even when I did spray up close, I was able to easily brush the ultra-fine starch through, so my hair didn’t look muted or dull as a result. That said, if you have super dark hair, it’s probably best to follow the distance directions to a tee. FWIW, our senior beauty editor who has dark, thick hair, has also been testing the shampoo, and has seen great results with barely any residue left behind. One last pro tip? Be sure to brush the dry shampoo through your strands (instead of letting it sit on top of your scalp) for best results.

Dry shampoos work for all hair types—you just have to find the best formula for your hair color or texture, or even the shape your hair is in (i.e. have you gone a few days without a wash or did you just do a sweaty workout?). Beyond your typical aerosol sprays, there are four other types of dry shampoo: powder, mist, mousse, and serum. And if you’ve ever wondered “how does dry shampoo work?” the answer is the same regardless of the type. They use ingredients like starches, silica, and witch hazel to absorb excess oil on the scalp, helping it to appear and feel cleaner. However, they aren’t a replacement for a lather-rinse-repeat. “Dry shampoo does not remove debris or build up on the hair or scalp, but rather serves an aesthetic cleanse to maintain volume and bounce,” says Bridgette Hill, a trichologist and colorist with Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa. 

I’m not complaining about the robust number of dry shampoo products out there, but deciding on one that you love and that works for your hair can get overwhelming—fast. Never fear: Mark DeBolt and Ryan Trygstad, the duo behind the celeb-frequented Mark Ryan Salon in New York City, are here to shed some light on the best type of dry shampoo for your hair.

Ultimately, finding one you love requires some trial and error. You may even need multiple products to tackle specific types of hair days or based on the season. “We think it’s a process of finding what works best for your hair type and your goals in using a dry shampoo coupled with fragrance, and application method,” says DeBolt. Learn about the five different kinds below and get tips on how to apply dry shampoo depending on the type.

Different Types of Dry Shampoo

1. Powder dry shampoo

Best for fine hair, lighter hair colors

If you like the idea of an aerosol spray powder but want something easier on the environment, a powder shampoo is the one for you. Powder dry shampoo is also good for people with finer hair textures, according to Trygstad. “They offer more lift and are also great for lighter natural colors. You can often see the powder and it can make a brunette’s root look dull or dusty,” says Trygstad.

How to use: Sprinkle/spray the powder onto your roots and use your fingers to massage the powder into your scalp.

Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Biotin Dry Shampoo — $25.00

Free of sulfates, silicones, and parabens, this dry shampoo powder uses binchotan charcoal to draw out oils and impurities that clog the hair follicle or cause buildup on the scalp, biotin to support healthy hair growth, and witch hazel to normalize oil production to prevent an oily scalp in the first place.

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Bumble and Bumble Prêt-à-Powder Dry Shampoo Powder — $15.00 to $30.00

This soft and fine powder uses silicone and silica to remove oils and impurities from the hair while a blend of corn starch, tapioca starch, and oat kernel flour provides texture and volume.

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2. Aerosol powder spray

Best for normal to oily hair but works on most hair types

This is the classic dry shampoo that’s probably already hanging around your bathroom. It’s the easiest one to use, according to the pros, since it’s a simple “spray, brush, and go” situation. There are many different types of aerosol powder dry shampoos out there that vary in the exact ingredients and formulas. Most do contain a powder, so if you’d rather avoid that or your hair is on the dry side, check for “conditioning” or “shine-enhancing” on the bottle.

How to use: “If you want a full cleanse without getting in the shower, make sure you’re holding the can a good eight to 10 inches away from your scalp so that the powders have a chance to dry before they hit the scalp,” says celebrity stylist Mark Townsend. Let it sit for 10 to 15 seconds, massage your scalp the way you would if you were shampooing your hair, and then brush it out.”

Sachajuan Dry Powder Shampoo — $23.00 to $41.00

This aerosol spray uses rice starch and silicones to absorb excess oil from your strands and scalp while potato starch lifts your strands to add volume without leaving behind product build-up.

 

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Fekkai Clean Stylers Sheer Dry Shampoo — $26.00

Kaolin clay absorbs excess oils and odor from hair and scalp while apple extract (which is high in magnesium, potassium, and calcium) nourishes the hair follicle, and vitamin E and glycerin keep your hair and scalp hydrated.

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3. Dry shampoo mist

Best for oily hair

A mist formula is great for those who wear their hair in braids/weaves and those who have oily roots no matter the styling. These formulas infuse the hair and scalp with moisture while removing impurities, making them amazing for braid-wearers who often deal with a dry and itchy scalp between washes. For oily-looking roots (and if you are okay with breaking out the blow dryer), the stylists love Spiritualized by R+Co ($16 to $32). The powder mist works well for absorbing oil and making the hair look really fresh, according to DeBolt and Trygstad. ”

How to use: “You must shake the bottle very well and mist at the root,” says DeBolt. “A great tip is to spray it at the root area, wait 10 seconds and blow dry the root. It absorbs the oil and makes your hair look as fresh as when it was first styled.”

Sunday II Sunday Root Refresh — $31.00

This sulfate and benzene-free spray cleans your hair and scalp with apple cider vinegar and micellar water to keep hair looking, feeling, and smelling good between washes without drying out your scalp or leaving behind a powdery residue.

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R+Co Spiritualized Dry Shampoo Mist — $16.00 to $32.00

Silica suspended in micellar technology leaves your hair and scalp feeling clean and nourished. It’s also made with glycerin and castor oil to help the hair retain moisture and condition the hair and scalp.

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4. Dry shampoo mousse

Best for curly hair, thick hair

If you’re staying away from powder but want to refresh curly or thicker hair, dry shampoo mousse is the solution for refreshing hair without drying it out. Although it may not always work for oily or sweaty hair, you can experiment with a mousse if you feel that powders or sprays are drying or leave too much buildup.

How to use: Shake the bottle really and apply one to two pumps to your fingertips. Massage them through the scalp to distribute the product evenly. Let it air dry or diffuse your hair to get extra volume.

Bouclème Foaming Dry Shampoo — $30.00

This dry shampoo goes on as a wet foam and dries to a powder to absorb excess oils while adding lift to your roots. The formula is free of sulfates and silicones, relying on tapioca and cornstarch to absorb excess oils and add texture. It also has spearmint and eucalyptus to invigorate the scalp and stimulate circulation and aloe vera to cleanse and condition.

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Batiste Waterless Cleansing Foam — $12.00

This foam uses cactus water to hydrate your scalp and strands and then dries in 60 seconds. Plus, it’s got starches and silicones to remove oil and buildup on the scalp.

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5. Dry shampoo gel/serum

Best for dry hair, itchy scalp, and/or dandruff

Although gel isn’t a mainstream category of dry shampoo (yet) I can’t leave them out of this piece. Lovesong Beauty Invisible Dry Shampoo Gel ($30). It’s my go-to after a workout when my roots are extra sweaty but the rest of my hair needs moisture. This serum makes my scalp feel clean, not like I’m just adding more gunk or buildup. When I put it on, my scalp actually feels clean. Even better, the serum leaves my hair look smoother than before I worked out. If you hate the feeling of powder shampoo in your hair, a dry shampoo gel is your new BFF.

How to use: Apply it mainly to your scalp and swipe the remaining product over the top of your hair through the ends. Either let it air dry or blow-dry your hair after applying.

Lovesong Beauty Invisible Dry Shampoo Gel — $30.00

This gel uses a blend of organic aloe leaf extract, witch hazel bark, seaweed, and nettles to remove excess oil, hydrate, protect against environmental damage, and stimulate hair growth.

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Taliah Waajid Refresh & So Clean Bamboo, Avocado & Peppermint Dry Gel Shampoo — $9.00

Another great option, this gel uses witch hazel to work as a gentle astringent while avocado, peppermint, bamboo, basil, and biotin nourish and support the hair follicle to keep it strong and healthy.

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Is dry shampoo bad for your hair?

We wash our hair to remove build-up so our scalp and hair follicles can breathe and receive the nutrients we give it topically with our hair-care routine. Although dry shampoo makes your scalp appear cleaner, it causes its own type of build-up.

“Build-up of the dry shampoo can trap unwanted bacteria and create unhealthy yeast leading to developing abnormal scalp conditions, and the product build-up slows down cellular turnover and distribution of nutrients which weaken the hair follicles,” says Hill. And when your individual hairs become coated in dry shampoo, you can get a waxy buildup, which leads to dryness and breakage because moisture isn’t able to penetrate the hair fiber.

So it’s important to regularly get in with real shampoo (whether it’s a liquid or a shampoo bar) and water to fully remove buildup. “When dirt and excess oil stay too long on the scalp, it can trigger hair loss that can lead to permanent loss of hair follicles, which then leads to permanent hair loss,” says Sophia Emmanuel, trichologist, hairstylist, and owner of Crown Worthy Tricology Studio in New York City. That buildup is especially damaging if you’re already experiencing hair loss. In that case, skip dry shampoo altogether and rely on shampoo for thinning hair.

On its own, dry shampoo isn’t bad for your hair—you just have to make sure you’re still giving your hair and scalp a proper cleanse. “After a few days of using dry shampoo, be certain to thoroughly wash your hair,” says Trygstad. “We recommend doing two shampoos to remove any product buildup and make sure your scalp is clean and happy.” Incorporate a gentle clarifying shampoo and-or a moisturizing formula, like argan oil shampoo.

If you’ve had COVID in the last few months, though, you might be losing your hair as a post-COVID reaction.

Who does post-COVID hair loss affect?

While one study said that 22 percent of people who were hospitalized with COVID developed post-COVID hair loss, the number of people affected overall is likely much higher than that since it can also affect people who had cases that didn’t require hospitalization. Nisha S. Desai, MD, dermatologist, and Kerianne McKeon, PA-C, physician assistant, from Northwest Dermatology Institute in Portland, Oregon (one of the few hair loss referral centers in the United States), wrote over email that they are seeing post-COVID hair loss frequently.

“Some studies show that it can affect approximately 20 to 67 percent of people who have had COVID-19,” they shared. Potentially, more than half of everyone who has had COVID has lost hair afterward.

And you don’t have to have had severe COVID to have this reaction after recovery. However, the specialists say, “the severity of COVID-19 can be directly correlated with the severity of the hair loss. For example, a patient who was hospitalized for COVID-19 is more likely to have a greater degree of hair loss than someone who has had mild symptoms.”

When is hair loss a sign of something more?

Throughout the course of a day, we typically lose 50 to 100 strands of hair. Losing more than that for one to three months after having COVID indicates post-COVID hair loss. You might lose just over the daily norm, or up to a thousand strands in a day.

“Patients should not worry unless the total duration of the shedding is lasting more than six months, or if the hair loss is occurring in irregularly shaped patches,” say Desai and McKeon. In that case, it’s worth getting checked out by your regular healthcare provider or making an appointment with a dermatologist, since there are other conditions that lead to hair loss, including alopecia, thyroid disorders, or male or female pattern baldness.

Timeline of hair loss: What to expect

At Northwest Dermatology, the researchers and specialists have observed two patterns in post-COVID hair loss. Classic telogen effluvium, or hair loss due to stress, is the most common pattern they see after COVID-19 (as well as other viral infections). The stress of the illness causes some hair follicles to convert from a growing phase to a shedding phase. The specialists say they see patients begin losing hair eight to 12 weeks after the infection—which sometimes makes it hard to connect the dots if you had COVID several months ago.

The less common pattern they’ve observed is called dystrophic anagen effluvium, which is characterized by hair loss that starts sooner than eight weeks after their illness. The specialists think the cause of this version of hair loss is caused by “direct attack of the hair follicles by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.” With this type, some people also have scalp pain.

Fortunately, either way, this reaction is not a lifelong sentence. “Post-COVID hair loss is common, temporary, and reversible (the hair will grow back)! Most cases resolve on their own without any additional treatment,” say Desai and McKeon. It can be scary to throw away bigger-than-usual balls of hair, but the people who have experienced this already have seen full recovery of their previous hair thickness.

The specialists say the shedding can last three to six months, and most people see their hair regain its normal fullness within six to 12 months after the shedding resolves.

Ways to help your hair grow back

If you’re eager to get your locks back, there are several hair loss solutions and products on the market. You can also treat your hair gently, avoiding over styling or heating.

However, our experts say, “There are no treatments that can prevent or alter the ultimate course of the hair loss. Hair will often begin to grow back on its own as early as one month after the loss began,” but it can take a full year to get back to its complete fullness. They say topical or oral minoxidil or platelet rich plasma (PRP) may speed up the regrowth process, but it is often not necessary since “most patients will not require interventions to slow down post-COVID loss.”

When to follow up with your doctor

It’s possible, though uncommon, that your post-COVID hair loss can stick around past the one-year mark. “There are some occasions when telogen effluvium may unmask another hair loss condition such as female or male pattern hair loss,” say Desai and McKeon. More than likely, however, extended hair loss is due to a treatable health problem like an iron or vitamin D deficiency, or abnormalities in your thyroid function.

With long COVID in the news, you might be concerned that hair loss is indicating that you’re a “long hauler,” and that you will be feeling other symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, or muscle pain. Fortunately, hair loss is not a sign that you have long COVID. It’s one, isolated, unpleasant but temporary post-COVID effect that will, in all likelihood, be over soon.

Turns out, it may just be the length of time I wait for a product to work its magic, according to the hair-care line Not Your Mother’s. Instead of expecting an instant result, they’ve created a dry shampoo that’s meant to de-grease your hair overnight, so you wake up to cleaner-looking strands. So I decided to give it a try, and in all honesty, the results truly threw me for a loop.

Here’s the thing: My hair gets oily, fast. I could wash it in the morning and find that the layers around my face are already greasy by lunch. It’s frustrating to say the least, especially when the dry shampoos I’ve tried in the past left a white cast or a stiff feeling on my scalp.

With Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak Overnight Dry Shampoo ($9), however, I awoke to the complete opposite. I could easily brush through, style, and even run my fingers through completely refreshed hair that felt renewed. There was zero of that heavy feeling you tend to get with a dry shampoo because of the way the product can weigh down hair. Instead, my hair felt light and breezy—it could even hold a wave from my curling iron when I decided to style it.

Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Overnight Dry Shampoo — $9.00

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The product’s made with natural starches that absorb excess oil, so zero sulfates, silicones, parabens, and dyes. The vegan and cruelty-free formula also utilizes purifying sage and chamomile extract to soothe and restore hair to its post-wash state.

This method is completely waterless, so there’s zero rinsing required to achieve clean-looking, washed hair. Oil is instantly absorbed, while the product continues to amplify its progress overnight. Made for all hair types, your morning looks like this: no white residue, no powdery build-up, and no grease left over.

Naturally, experiencing these great results after years of trial and error had me questioning why I ever expected instant gratification from my dry shampoo in the first place, so I asked Drew Schaefering, hairstylist at Rob Peetom and founder of haircare brand Cruxe, for more insight about wy dry shampoo works better at night, and what the best methods of application are for dreamy results while you sleep.

Why using dry shampoo while you sleep is more beneficial than using it during the day

Working dry shampoo into your hair at night allows the powder to do its job in a different state. “The time allowed for the ingredients to do the work and reverse the signs and buildup of oil on your scalp and hair means it’s more thorough,” says Schaefering.

While he’s not suggesting that application can’t be done the day of or before walking out the door, he warns that results take a little more time to appear.

The best way to apply dry shampoo before bed for great results

Application is key, so here’s what Schaefering suggests and the step-by-step formula I used to achieve the best results. You’ll want to apply the dry shampoo to your scalp and the places that feel oily to you in rows, making sure to evenly saturate each area lightly. “Keep the nozzle at least six inches from the scalp to prevent unnecessary buildup of product,” says Schaefering.

He adds that sleeping with hair up or down is a personal preference, but you’ll want to keep in mind the amount of dry shampoo used, as well as the potential for indentations and creases brought on by elastics. In the morning, shake out excess product, or use a blow dryer to get hair moving around a bit again.

Try not to use the dry shampoo too far down the hair strand where there is less oil, as this can easily create a static-like effect to the hair, causing it to be a bit too dry, Schaefering says, as this may result in you having a hard time managing the style in the a.m.

The final consensus

Not Your Mother’s dry shampoo extended the life cycle of my hair almost three times longer than I can usually eek out.  I was this close to giving up on dry shampoo before I tried it, but it taught me that I just had to have a little patience and that it’s all about timing, baby, just like in life.

“If you overtone your hair when it’s not yellow it can become over-saturated with the purple pigment and turn a more silver, lavender hue, and the blonde can lose its brightness,” says Lee. Mixing in a drop of purple shampoo with your go-to is great “if you’re someone who wants to maintain the color in a very gradual way and not notice a big change after one wash.”

Even if you only use purple shampoo every once in a while it can be tricky to get it right, adds colorist Juliana Ohlmeyer. “Rinsing it off too quickly makes it less effective,” she says, and leaving it on too long can make the hair appear ashier than intended. Plus, purple shampoo formulations might not always agree with your hair. “Purple shampoos tend to be drying,” says Ohlmeyer.

Lee’s favorite purple shampoo is the Moroccanoil Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo ($12 to $26). But “because it’s so effective it can almost feel like you’ve had your hair toned professionally after just one use,” says Lee, who is a Moroccanoil color ambassador.

She recommends exclusively using purple shampoo as a boost to your regular shampoo instead of using it on its own once or twice a week.

“You can customize your purple shampoo to use as much or as little as you feel necessary for each wash,” she says. “Purple shampoo is probably the best at-home treatment in my opinion. You can do it between appointments and because of how effective it is you’ll get salon-quality results.”

3 great purple formulas to mix with your regular shampoo

Moroccanoil Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo — $12.00 to $26.00

In addition to purple pigments, this shampoo contains micro-capsules that are attracted to the negatively charged hair fiber to infuse the strands with argan oil while simultaneously helping to repair and seal the cuticle. Translation: it keeps hair strong and shiny.

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Schwarzkopf Professionals Goodbye Yellow Shampoo — $14.00

This purple shampoo is a favorite of hairstylist Linh Phan. “Purple cancels yellow out so using a shampoo like Goodbye Yellow will tone out unwanted warm tones in blonde hair,” says Phan, who is a Schwarzkopf Professional USA Digital Artist.

 

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Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo — $23.00 to $43.00

This Joico purple shampoo is another great option. It has purple pigments and green tea extract which helps defend against fading. It also strengthens hair and helps it appear shinier.

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The Hair Oil ($12) promises to nourish and repair thirsty strands, while taming frizz and sealing split ends for that coveted, fresh-from-the-salon shine and softness. And it claims to do all this while feeling lightweight enough for all hair types. Sounds like a tall order, I know. But the thing is, it actually works. Read on for why the Odele Hair Oil is now a forever staple in my hair-care routine.

Odele, The Hair Oil — $12.00

With its light—but nourishing—oil blend, the Odele Hair Oil promises to nourish and repair thirsty strands, while taming frizz and sealing split ends for that coveted, fresh-from-the-salon shine and softness. And it delivers on all of the above, for only $12 bucks.

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First thing’s first, the Hair Oil looks like pure luxury—the weighty glass bottle (that’s equipped with a pump for added convenience) and modern, minimalist design speaks to my little aesthete heart, and is even more impressive given the affordable, $12 price tag. It’s scented with Odele’s signature, gender-neutral fragrance, Marine, which touts notes of fresh cucumbers, earthy oakmoss, and sweet ylang ylang, but really can best be described as “fancy.” It’s 100-percent plant-derived, too—Odele lists all the oils and extracts it contains on its website, and honestly, I’m here for the transparency (and we’ll get into the smoothing ingredients in one second!).

The silky blend of light and nourishing ingredients

Odele describes its Hair Oil as “concentrated but lightweight,” which sounds like an oxymoron at first but actually makes total sense once you use it. It contains argan oil, a holy grail hair-care ingredient that delivers rich nourishment and shine to dry, frizzy hair.

Its other star ingredient, camellia oil (aka, tea seed oil or tsubaki oil), is a dry oil—which means it absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a heavy, slick feeling behind. Beyond its featherlight feel, camellia oil is a natural source of antioxidants that boost hair health, and is rich in fatty acids that help repair dry, damaged hair, and enhance its ability to maintain moisture. The Hair Oil also features baobab oil, another dry oil derived from the seeds of baobab trees—which, in addition to strengthening strands and combating frizz, “work[s] to increase hydration of the strands and moisturize the scalp,” Dominic Burg PhD, trichologist and chief scientist at Evolis Professional, previously told Well+Good. It’s this dreamy combo of lightweight and intensely nourishing oils that gives the Hair Oil its silky soft feel.

The experience and results

One to two pumps is all I need (on damp hair) to achieve a hydrated and de-frizzed air-dry that still keeps its natural volume. And I can run my fingers through my strands with zero traces of greasiness. Depending on how I feel (and how much time I have), I’ll also use a pump on dry hair after I blow-dry it and add some flat-iron waves, to replenish any moisture lost while heat-styling and give my hair some shine. I’m consistently delighted by the results.

My frizz and flyaways? Tamed. Dullness? Never heard of her. Dry ends? They’re hydrated and thriving. The Hair Oil’s smooth, light as air texture is soaked up in a flash, and I can see the difference in the shine and overall vibrance of my hair every time. And the best part is, I never have to worry about it undoing all of my styling efforts with that heavy, greasy feeling I’ve experienced with hair oils in the past.

Take a gander at the reviews, and it’s clear that Odele shoppers are equally in love. “Love this product,” writes one customer in a 5-star review. “I’ve used other oils and this one is super lightweight and hydrates but doesn’t make my hair oily. I have thin, fine hair and it works wonders.” Another shopper with medium-thick hair says she loves it, too. “I put it in wet hair after a shower at night and it leaves me with nicely separated beachy waves,” she says in a 5-star review. “I also applied [it on] wet hair before a blow dry and flat iron and it kept the style longer, with no flyaways at the roots. Not greasy or oily. This will be replacing my old hair oil.”

So, before you shell out the big bucks on a new bougie hair oil, know that you can find one that’s just as fancy and twice (dare I say thrice?) as effective—for a fraction of the price—in the Odele Hair Oil. Find yours on the Odele website.