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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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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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).

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.

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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.

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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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 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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Theoretically, the advice to lay off the ‘poo is sound, but in practice, it’s tough for me to stick to. I’m an avid gym-goer, and I sweat a lot. Like, a lot a lot. In an effort to stay on my stylist’s good side, I used to turn to dry shampoo to help me stave off the impulse to lather up every day. But the white, powdery residue those products tend to leave behind made me want to wash my hair even more. And with so many brands being recalled for containing the carcinogen benzene, I all but gave up on resisting daily shampoos.

But, then I learned about the now-viral Bumble and bumble Post Workout Dry Shampoo Mist. My “For You” TikTok page served me the potential solution to my dry shampoo aversion in the form of this a non-aerosol alternative that claims to combat gym sweat between showers.

Bumble and bumble Prêt-à-powder Post Workout Dry Shampoo Mist — $16.00

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How to use the Bumble and bumble post workout dry shampoo mist

This dry shampoo is a mist, not an aerosol spray. And while it’s wet to the touch—which might seem counterintuitive for reviving sweaty gym hair—it dries quickly, after about 30 seconds or so. That’s laregly thanks to its formulation that includes oil-absorbing bamboo extract and silica.

To use it, shake the bottle first because parts of the product sink to the bottom and have to be well-agitated in order to be mixed back in. Then, holding the bottle about six inches away from your hair, spray two to four pumps on your roots. After massaging into your hair, let it sit for 15 to 30 seconds. Finish by shaking out your hair with your fingers or brushing through your hair, from root to tip.

What happened when I tried the Bumble and bumble Post Workout Dry Shampoo Mist

What intrigued me about this product was its promise to revive sweaty, damp gym hair. With this in mind, I decided to test its strength by offering up my head of hair to a 45-minute HIIT boxing workout. The old-school boxing gym had zero A/C and limited air flow; if anything would me to work up a sweat, it would be this.

Mission accomplished: Even after I got home following the class (after a 30-minute train ride and pitstop for dumplings), my roots were still wet. So, I shook up the bottle and got to work on spraying down individual sections.

Since I’ve been sporting my natural, wavy hair lately, I decided against brushing the product throughout my strands like other reviewers had done. Instead, I softly massaged the spray into my scalp with splayed fingers, careful to not disrupt my waves. Since this was day two of not washing my hair, I sprayed a little farther down from the roots in order to catch any oil that might have accumulated prior to my workout.

Afterward, I used the “cool” setting on my hair dryer to knock out the remaining moisture. I gently separated sections of my hair and aimed the dryer directly at the root, giving a few passes to each section.

Once my scalp felt completely dry, I reached for my Obliphica Seaberry Hair Serum ($38, and worth every penny) to add some shine and definition to my ends.

The results

The verdict: Thanks to this post-workout spray, my oily roots were granted a second life.

Since it’s a mist, it didn’t leave a white, chalky residue on my scalp or clothes. Using my hair dryer, per many TikTok reviewers’ instructions, helped add volume and lift back into my hair. I will note that the product does give off a strong floral scent that could turn off some, for me, the fragrance was just an added bonus.

In sum, this viral dry shampoo is well worth the hype—and it’s earned a permanent spot in my gym bag.

Conversely, the conditioners that promise volume, simply aren’t hydrating enough. So conditioners that manage to nourish dry hair without bogging it down have reached mythical status in my book, and I’ve yet to find one that can successfully do both. That was until I tried the Desert Tumbleweed Softening Conditioner ($54) by Twentynine Palms. Yes Twentynine Palms—as in the gender-neutral skin, body, and hair-care company founded by none other than Jared Leto (who also has pretty epic hair, just saying). I know nothing fuels our collective side-eye quite like celebrity brands, but this conditioner is the real deal. Let me explain.

Twentynine Palms, Tumbleweed Softening Conditioner — $54.00

Formulated with a lightweight but nourishing blend of aloe vera, jojoba and argan oils, and amino acids—this hydrating conditioner moisturizes, softens, and boosts shine, all without weighing down fine hair.

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Inspired by the desert city of the same name, Twentynine Palms was developed with drought-tolerant ingredients and botanicals local to the California desert. The Tumbleweed Softening Conditioner contains desert dwellers like aloe vera and jojoba oil, for example, both of which are beloved for their *lightweight* moisturizing benefits.

What makes it work

Trichologist Kerry Yates previously named aloe vera as one of the best lightweight hydrators for dry hair that’s prone to breakage (aka, mine). And it touts gentle clarifying properties that help boost shine and softness. Jojoba oil quenches strands and mends split ends, according to hairstylists. Meanwhile, fatty acid rich argan oil deeply nourishes dry hair while administering a hefty dose of antioxidants, and amino acids that hydrate and boost the strength of every strand. This nourishing (but not overwhelming) blend of ingredients gives my dry, fine hair the moisture it craves and then some—leaving my strands stronger, shinier, and more buoyant than before.

Even on my knottiest days, the Tumbleweed Conditioner’s soft, lotion-y formula slips right through my bird’s nest—or more appropriately, tumbleweed—tangles with zero effort (and zero silicones). I let it sit in my hair for 3-5 minutes as its own deep conditioning treatment, and rinse it out in one shot. What’s more, I can feel the difference in my hair right away, and can comb my fingers through my silky soft strands without any snags.

And unlike other hydrating conditioners I’ve tried, I can massage the Tumbleweed Conditioner all over my scalp and ends for total hydration—without turning my scalp into an oil-slick the next morning. Out of the shower, I let my hair air-dry as usual and was thrilled to discover that the Tumbleweed Softening Conditioner gave my hair the balancing moisture it needed—and nourished my dry, brittle hair from root to tip, without sacrificing volume. When I’m in a hurry, I can skip my leave-in products altogether, and bank on the Tumbleweed Softening Conditioner’s hydration all day long, which is truly saying something.

The best part, though? The scent. Free of synthetic fragrances, the Tumbleweed Softening Conditioner uses clary sage, eucalyptus, and rosemary oils (all of which have hair and scalp stimulating benefits, BTW) to smell like an expensive meditation retreat, and is there anything better?  Twentynine Palms’s Tumbleweed Softening Conditioner somehow managed to turn washing my hair (which was previously a reluctant but necessary chore) into a ritualistic, sensorial treat—making it worth the splurge if you’re a fellow fine-haired girlie down to invest. Shop it on the Twentynine Palms website, and pair it with the Desert Tumbleweed Cleansing Shampoo ($54) for the full experience.

Don’t let the curls on the right fool you—this hair has seen some things.

My red hair phase was a fun one, but after a while, I grew tired of the maintenance. I asked my stylist to give me a blonde balayage, one that would allow my roots to grow out without having to get a monthly touch-up. While she fully delivered and gave me absolutely gorgeous color, I noticed my hair didn’t *quite* feel the same as it had before. After all, our strands can only take so much pressure from us before it starts to snap.

It had been six years since my silver hair era, and this time, I was determined to take care of my color-treated hair. While searching for ways to give my hair some of its integrity back, I discovered (and tried) the beloved-by-stylists Aphogee Two-Step Protein Treatment.

ApHogee Two-Step Protein Treatment & Balancing Moisturizer Packette — $5.00

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What is a protein treatment?

Protein treatments are chemical hair treatments that replace the essential protein that’s missing from damaged hair. Without necessary protein, hair is more prone to breakage and frizz. These treatments help reconstruct compromised hair strands by replacing the protein that was lost through trauma.

According to Caitlin Townsend, a vivid hair colorist and balayage specialist at Tried and True Salon in Texas,  chemical protein treatments aren’t just for color-treated strands like mine. Hair that’s been relaxed, permed, or damaged by heating tools could also benefit from an occasional protein boost.

“Swimming a lot or even just stress can cause the keratin in the hair to break down and cause it to be fragile,” says Townsend. “Even if you have never colored your hair, but you’re in the sun every day, protein treatments will help it feel healthy again.”

While protein treatments can help your hair get its mojo back, stylists (including Townsend) recommend using them no more than once a month. Add too much protein into your hair routine, and you can wind up with hair that’s even more brittle and dull than before.

“Too much protein in the hair can actually cause the hair to break more,” warns Townsend. “It overwhelms the hair and makes it angrier instead of helping it!”

How To Use the Aphogee 2-Step Protein Treatment

In my quest to find a cheap-yet-effective protein treatment, I stopped by my local Sally’s Beauty Supply to see what their shelves had in stock. Amongst their offerings, I found a few stray single-use packs of the Aphogee Two-Step Protein Treatment and Balancing Moisturizer. In the past, I’d tried the brand’s in-shower Keratin 2-Minute Reconstructor and really loved the way my hair felt afterwards. Before buying, I grabbed my phone to see what reviewers were saying: 2,000 5-star reviews on Amazon were enough to persuade me to give it a go.

For what it’s worth, Townsend agrees that this mini-but-mighty protein treatment is well worth the hype. “It’s the main protein treatment we use in the salon,” she says, “and it makes hair feel so much better and helps it in the long run.”

The single-use packet is divided into two compartments. The first contains the Aphogee Two-Step Protein Treatment (which, despite the name, is actually a single formula), and the second holds the Aphogee balancing moisturizer. The brand recommends applying the treatment from root to tip on wet, freshly-shampooed hair, then blowdrying it on medium heat. After the hair is fully dried, you’re meant to hop back in the shower and completely rinse it out, then follow it up with the moisturizer.

What happened when I tried the Aphogee 2-Step Protein Treatment

Step 1: Two-Step Protein Treatment

After shampooing my hair (I’m currently using the Malin + Goetz Peppermint Shampoo—it’s amazing), I hopped out of the shower and lightly towel-dried my strands, per the instructions. After my hair was damp, not wet, I poured the chemical protein solution into my hands and began working it throughout my hair.

Be warned, dear reader—this step smells a lil’ bit funky. The solution itself is pretty watery, so I found it tricky to apply. With the aid of a wide-toothed comb, though, I was able to distribute it evenly throughout my strands.

Next, I grabbed my hair dryer and went to work. The directions warn that your hair will harden during this step, as the protein will begin to bind to your strands, so they recommend keeping your hair in one place to avoid movement (which means no dividing into sections or flipping your head over). They weren’t wrong: after drying for a bit, my hair got super crunchy and stiff, and looked like I had attempted the 100 Layers of Hairspray Challenge. My hands got super sticky during this process, too, since I kept having to gently adjust my hair to avoid the usual whip-around motion I use during drying.

Once my hair was officially rock-hard and gross, I hopped back in the shower and rinsed it all out.

Step 2: Balancing Moisturizer

The Balancing Moisturizer basically operates like a deep conditioner: apply when hair is wet, massage into hair, and rinse after 2 minutes.

The smooth, creamy texture of the formula was a welcome change from the sticky protein treatment. It felt amazing on my hair, and after a few minutes in the shower, I could already tell that my hair was becoming silky-smooth. After rinsing, I decided to slather on some of my usual conditioner (I’m using the Malin + Goetz Cilantro Conditioner) for good measure. This step isn’t necessary per the instructions, but in my experience, a little extra conditioner can’t hurt.

The results

After the last bit of the Balancing Moisturizer was rinsed out, my hair felt slick and supple in the shower, and I was able to run my hands through its full lengths without hitting a snag. That night, I let it air dry so I could get a better sense of how my strands felt without the silkening aid of my blow dryer.

Huzzah—my compromised hair finally felt like hair again!

This was a huge turnaround from the straw-like texture it had before. It was softer, more manageable, and seemed to have regained some structural integrity.

The Aphogee Two-Step Protein Treatment process was a little messy (and smelly), but for the final result, I would definitely do it all over again. Next time, though, I’ll be investing in the full-sized bottles that ApHogee offers. While $5 per treatment packet is nothing to sneeze at, keeping a bigger quantity on hand that will last me several sessions versus one seems like a smart move.

If your hair has been a little lackluster lately, consider giving this treatment a go. I’m glad I did!

ApHogee Two-Step Protein Treatment — $12.00

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ApHogee Balancing Moisturizer — $8.00

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While the beauty powerhouse Unilever already acquired a majority stake in Nutrafol in May 2022, the brand is also committing to the *growth* of the hair loss biz by bringing a two-year-old Japanese holistic hair and scalp-care line, Michiru, stateside. Available exclusively at Target, this eight-product line of shampoos, conditioners, scalp tonic, and an over-the-counter minoxidil topical solution includes fullness, clarifying, and strengthening formulas developed using Japanese ingredients for penetrative, clinically backed results—plus a delightful in-shower sensory experience. Salon and masstige hair portfolio director at Unilever, Jessica Grigorgiou, positioned Michiru (which means “fullness” in Japanese) as “holistic wellness meets advanced science.”

The brand’s line ranges from preventative to treatment options to best address any scalp’s needs. As a bonus, it’s also free of sulfates, silicone, parabens, and dye—which are ingredients that can be irritating for some. Instead, Michiru relies on ingredients like rice protein, sakura flower, citrus yuzu, and silk powder for results—and yes, they’re ultra-functional. With the exception of the Minoxidil Topical Solution Hair Regrowth Hair Treatment priced at $30, each product is available for only $15.

During hospice with a family member, and losing her shortly after, I started noticing hair fall out. Strands collected in my hairbrush and on the shower floor. When I put my hair up in a ponytail or bun, I noticed substantial thinning at my temples—which only agonized me more. I was already grieving—did I have to be losing my confidence too? So with the launch of Michiru, I had the opportunity to confront my hair loss head-on and test the line. I used these products for about a month and a half and my hair feels shiny and healthy. But for the actual hair growth aspect, they say it takes a few months to notice—so TBD on that front. Keep reading to learn my thoughts.

My experience trying out Michiru

The fullness line

Considered Michiru’s hero collection, the fullness-focused shampoo and conditioner set targets fine, flat, and thinning hair (and spoiler alert: turned out to be my favorite of the bunch.) Marisa Garshick, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist, suggests a volumizing shampoo to start your hair regrowth journey. “Using a volumizing shampoo can help to improve the appearance of the hair that is there while waiting for the hair to grow back.”

At the oh-so-friendly price point, the collection includes senburi extract, known to promote hair growth, and silk protein, to encourage moisture retention, hair elasticity, and shine. If you’re seeking a fast fix, this shampoo is the way to go. Because the shampoo ($15) and conditioner ($15) include flexible polymers, your hair visibly thickens by creating bond structures between every strand. For me, the immediate reassurance of the formula’s effectiveness was complemented by the silky-smooth feel of my hair as I worked it through. In alignment with Unilever’s focus on the “skinification” of hair care, consumers are encouraged to massage it into their scalp to stimulate hair follicles, calling the conditioner “practically lotion for your scalp.”

Michiru Fullness Shampoo — $15.00

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Michiru Fullness Conditioner

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The strengthening line

Tragically, my hair is super dry and damaged after the COVID years. I pretty much gave up on maintaining it and neglected it for far too long—so the Michiru strengthening line intrigued me. The green-and-gold bottle includes sakura extract (AKA cherry blossom), known to boost collagen for cell repair, and rice oil known to repair without making it weighty or greasy. The blend features a protective technology that shields hair strands and allows hair to appear visibly less damaged each time ya hop in the shower. Best of all, the shampoo ($15) and conditioner ($15) each create a rich lather, making the process of using them feel like an active form of self-care. Oh, and it smells like cherry blossoms.

Michiru Strengthening Shampoo — $15.00

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Michiru Strengthening Conditioner — $15.00

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The clarifying line

Some research showed that when your hair is greasier, it’s more prone to hair loss. Yikes. As someone who cannot go a *single* day without washing my hair lest I look like I’ve gone for a swim, that fact horrified me. For the greasy, residue-packed scalp, consider the clarifying line. It’s so gentle that you can actually use it daily—unlike most competitors—which is perfect for everyday washers like me. The shampoo features yuzu, known to encourage growth and strengthen hair, and peony, an anti-inflammatory. It essentially works by balancing the scalp, removing the excess sebum, (translation: oil from the skin) and nourishing—giving your strands the optimal amount of moisture versus dryness. And the fragrance? Be still my beating heart. Pair the clarifying shampoo ($15) with hydrating conditioner ($15), containing the same active ingredients, for a gentle way to restore shine.

Michiru Clarifying Shampoo — $15.00

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Michiru Hydrating Conditioner — $15.00

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The scalp tonic

The Michiru leave-on scalp tonic ($15) is like a serum for your scalp. It heroes niacinamide (vitamin B3) to moisturize and soothe a dry scalp. Plus, it has glycerin which is packed with moisture. Best of all, you can use it on no-wash days, so you’re not forced to align it with your shampoo or conditioner schedule.

Michiru Scalp Tonic — $15.00

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The active treatment

While most of the line can be used preventatively, you should only use the Minoxidil Topical Solution ($30) if actively experiencing hair loss—a little easier now knowing that millions of women are right there with you. Minoxidil was previously available only by subscription, thus becoming the dermatologist’s number one recommendation for women experiencing hair loss, but is now available over the counter—and FDA-approved, BTW. Research shows it works on different hair types—though you should consult your doctor before use. Dr. Garshick explains: “Minoxidil, when applied topically, dilates the blood vessels in the scalp, which may help to stimulate hair growth and reduce further hair loss…and it’s designed to be used consistently.” Because if you stop using Minoxidil you will lose all the growth it gave you and return to square one.

Michiru Women's Minoxidil Topical Solution — $15.00

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Learn more info about hair growth:

And we’re huge fans, too. Vegamour’s stimulating scalp massager is a shower time staple, and its strand-strengthening biotin gummies have shown impressive results. But it’s the latest Vegamour launch that really has us following Kidman’s lead. Meet Hydr-8, the three-step system designed to give dry, damaged, and dehydrated hair (of all types and textures) a new lease on life, while reducing frizz and boosting hydration for up to *72 hours*. TLDR; It’s the energy/hydration boost that dry, heat-damaged hair has been waiting on.

The Vegamour Hydr-8 system includes three products: the Hydrate and Repair Shampoo ($38), the Hydrate and Repair Conditioner ($38) and the Deep Moisture Repair Mask ($52). When used together, the trio promises to address nearly every single one of our hair concerns. It deeply hydrates dry hair, strengthens and repairs strands to protect from environmental aggressors (i.e. the unrelenting cold), combats breakage, fights frizz and boosts shine—all while supporting healthier hair growth. How? The secret is called Karmatin, a vegan silk keratin and silicone alternative that helps repair and protect damaged hair, minimize frizz, and restore its silky softness and shine. Sounds promising, right? Read on for the full Hydr-8 breakdown.

The Vegamour Hydr-8 System

Hydr-8 Hydrate and Repair Shampoo — $38.00

Your days of sacrificing hydration for a deep, ultra-satisfying clean are over. The Hydr-8 Hydrate and Repair Shampoo effectively rids your hair and scalp of product build-up, without stripping it of moisture. Aloe vera moisturizes and conditions, magnolia-bark extract soothes your scalp, while Karmatin—the collection’s key ingredient—works to undo damage by strengthening and forming a protective barrier around each strand to lock in moisture without rinsing away. And the craziest part is, based on Vegamour’s controlled hair swatch study, strands were 2.5 times stronger, and 8 times more hydrated after just one use.

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Hydr-8 Hydrate and Repair Conditioner — $38.00

A super hydrating conditioner that doesn’t weigh hair down? Sign. Us. Up. The Hydr-8 Hydrate and Repair Conditioner delivers 8 times more hydration after just one use (!!). The lightweight formula is jam packed with hydrating ingredients—marula and moringa seed oils nourish and soften dry, damaged hair, and murumuru seed butter locks in hydration so hair feels soft and moisturized for up to 72 hours after washing. And instead of using silicone to get that coveted silky soft feel, the Hydr-8 Conditioner uses Karmatin to combat frizz, strengthen fragile strands, and diminish the look of damage.

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Hydr-8 Deep Moisture Repair Mask — $52.00

The Vegamour Deep Moisture Repair Mask is a saving grace for thirsty hair. The powerful weekly treatment is formulated with milk thistle—an antioxidant rich plant ingredient that moisturizes and strengthens strands—along with silky moringa and marula seed oils, and Karmatin (the collection’s signature keratin and silicone alternative) to instantly improve the look of dry hair and combat breakage. What’s more, according to a clinical hair swatch study, the hair mask left hair 15 times more hydrated and three times stronger after only a single use.

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Ranavat, Regenerative Veda⁴ Bond Complex Shampoo — $48.00

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Inspired by Ayurveda (the company’s founder, Michelle Ranavat, grew up practicing Ayurveda, which is a South Asian-rooted, holistic way of treating and healing the body) the Ranavat Regenerative Veda⁴ Bond Complex Shampoo features a first-ever Ayurvedic bond-strengthening complex that is clinically proven to repair strands with every application. Plus, it features some incredible ingredients like pink lotus, hibiscus, amla, ashwagandha, and sunflower seed oil, that work together to regenerate the hair, prevent fallout, provide deep nourishment and soothe the scalp to keep flakiness, irritation, and redness at bay.

While the shampoo focuses on damage and repair, the wonderful thing about a shampoo like this is that it can be used on all hair types. “Any hair type can benefit from strengthening shampoos as they’re formulated to nourish, hydrated, and strengthen the hair to aid in the overall health of the scalp and hair,” says board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Shari Sperling. She adds that those with fine hair or more breakage-prone strands might find a shampoo like this especially helpful since it can not only strengthen and protect but also “contains nourishing ingredients that will make the hair feel healthier and fuller.”

In addition to shampoo type, the Ranavat Regenerative Veda⁴ Bond Complex Shampoo is formulated with sunflower seed oil, which is a fabulous way to pump some life back into dry, dull strands, or maintain healthy hair overall. “Sunflower seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that can benefit the scalp and hair,” says Dr. Alpana Mohta, a certified dermatologist and medical advisor for BetterGoods.org.

“It’s very high in vitamin E, an antioxidant that can help protect the hair from environmental damage,” she adds. And, since it’s infused into a shampoo—meaning, it’s going to spend the most time on your roots vs. your strands—it can work wonders on the scalp, helping to moisturize and nourish the skin on your head, which Dr. Mohta says can promote healthy hair growth.

Ranavat, Regenerative Veda⁴ Bond Complex Conditioner — $48.00

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With its incredible formula, it only makes sense that the Regenerative Veda⁴ Bond Complex Shampoo has an equally stellar conditioner counterpart. The Ranavat Regenerative Veda⁴ Bond Complex Conditioner ($48) features the same powerful ingredients as the shampoo and works to provide even deeper nourishment to the strands with its creamy, moisturizing texture.

“Using a shampoo and conditioner that strengthens your hair can aid in hair development by fortifying the hair shaft, decreasing breakage, and cleansing the scalp,” says Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist at MyPsorasisTeam of using a shampoo and conditioner duo like the Ranavat Regenerative Veda⁴ Bond Complex line. “While shampoo opens the hair’s cuticle, conditioner closes it, keeping the nutrients in and impurities out,” she adds, noting how this finishing touch can add additional strengthening benefits and help avoid damage, scalp breakouts, and even loss of hair.

Whether you’re on the hunt for the best strengthening shampoo and conditioner or have just a few squeezes left of your current hair cleansing and moisturizing duo, the Ranavat Regenerative Veda⁴ Bond Complex Shampoo and Conditioner are an absolute must-try (just ask the thousands of people who spent the last few months waiting for it to restock).

The brand is known for using hardworking ingredients like quinine bark extract and edelweiss, which can be found in the brand’s best-selling Strengthening Shampoo, Strengthening Conditioner, and Strengthening Serum. Not only does quinine bark extract and edelweiss have stimulating properties that can advance hair growth, it has purported benefits of strengthening and volumizing hair follicles.

“Absolutely my favorite hair products ever. Klorane’s strengthening shampoo is a must for my fine and aging and hair. I use this with the conditioner and spray serum and really like the results,” one shopper wrote. Another says, “I am an RA (rheumatoid arthritis) patient taking a lot of medicine which resulted in a lot of hair loss. Since using the strengthening shampoo product over the past six months, even my stylist has noticed a difference in stronger hair, less snarling and a significant reduction in hair loss.” One other shopper exclaims, “Saved my hair! Was falling out and getting bald patches. It completely stopped after using for a few months. Love it!!”

These products get to the root of the issue (pun intended), so you’ll want to stock up while prices are this low. Happy savings!

What to buy at Klorane’s Stock Up sale

Klorane, Strengthening Shampoo With Quinine and Edelweiss — $19.00

Originally $24, now $19

Quinine bark extract and edelweiss make up the formulation of Klorane’s Strengthening Shampoo. Quinine and edelweiss have stimulating properties that give your follicles a jumpstart to hair growth while reducing hair thinning. “Definitely make my thin hair noticeable thicker,” said one Klorane customer.

It’s also formulated with a slew of vitamins like B3, B5, B6, B7, and B8 to give your hair a healthier, shinier appearance. Hair never looked so good!

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Klorane, Strengthening Conditioner With Quinine and Edelweiss — $19.00

Originally $24, now $19

Another product in Klorane’s quinine and edelweiss lineup, this conditioner is formulated with the same quinine and vitamin B complex as the shampoo. This conditioner works to strengthen hair strands from breakage, detangle any noodle-y messes, and promote follicle growth. It leaves strands silky soft without weighing them down. It’s the trifecta of conditioners!

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Klorane, Strengthening Serum With Quinine and Edelweiss — $27.00

Originally $32, now $27

For that extra oomph in your hair-care routine, consider adding this strengthening serum. In addition to quinine and edelweiss, the serum is infused with caffeine, which works as a hair growth stimulant, and vitamin B to keep hair shiny. To use, apply roughly 10 sprays to dry hair and massage into the scalp.

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Klorane, Dry Shampoo With Oat Milk, Non-Aerosol — $15.00

Originally $20, now $15

Didn’t have time to wash your hair? Don’t fret, because you can spray on Klorane’s best-selling oat milk-enriched dry shampoo. The oat milk quells inflammation while the absorbing microspheres soak up debris, oil, and dirt in your strands. It’s easy to use—all you have to do is shake it up before spraying.

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Klorane, Ultra-Gentle Conditioner Wtih Oat Milk — $17.00

Originally $22, now $17

Soften and hydrate brittle and lifeless hair with Klorane’s Ultra-Gentle Conditioner. Featuring organic oat milk, this conditioner is lightweight, restores balance to dry hair, and keeps follicles happy and shiny. A squeeze of this conditioner keeps damaged hair away.

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By this, I mean that it wasn’t only a tad further back than when I was younger—my hair was actually looking stringy and incapable of fully concealing my scalp underneath. Now, I admit, overall I’m very fortunate to have long, fine hair—and a lot of it. I don’t struggle with a sparse part or patchiness. Still, seeing even the slight scalp-iness that I do when I pull my hair back into a sleek, claw clip-contained ‘do was enough to make me want to find a solution. And fortunately for me, haircare brand Briogeo did me (and thousands—probably millions—of other folks with fine hair) a solid and launched its Destined for Density Thick + Full Hair Care Value Set for Thicker-Looking Hair ($135).

Briogeo Destined for Density Thick + Full Hair Care Value Set for Thicker-Looking Hair — $135.00

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The set includes a 1.5-ounce dropper bottle of the Destined For Density MegaStrength+ Caffeine + Biotin Peptide Density Serum, 8-ounce bottles of the Destined For Density Peptide Shampoo and Conditioner for Thicker, Fuller Hair, and a bottle of the Destined for Density Vegan Omega 3, 6, 9 + Biotin Supplements for Healthy Hair (which is filled with 120 soft gels).

What does Briogeo Destined for Density do?

Where the shampoo and conditioner are intended to bulk up each individual strand of hair, the serum and soft gels are designed to deliver the nutrients necessary to not only densify each strand but enhance follicle activity and fullness overall.

In fact, in a clinical study performed by the brand, which spanned 16 weeks and examined the results of 35 participants, the Destined For Density MegaStrength+ Caffeine + Biotin Peptide Density Serum was found to increase hair density by up to three times and boost follicle activity by up to 31 percent. Additionally, 100 percent of subjects noted a visible increase in hair density when used daily. Needless to say, I was intrigued.

Before trying the set out for myself, I perused the ingredients to see how these products could possibly be so effective. In short, they’re formulated with scientifically-demonstrated ingredients to boost hair density, strength, and health overall. In addition to commonly-found biotin and omegas, these Briogeo products are infused with a cocktail of caffeine, CoQ10, and green coffee oil to stimulate the scalp, and copper peptides to boost the hair life cycle. In fact, we predicted that 2023 would be the year that brands start taking hair loss even more seriously and with more potent, results-driven ingredients—like caffeine—so this launch is only the beginning of many we’ll see this year.

Briogeo, Caffeine + Biotin Peptide Density Shampoo + Conditioner Duo — $54.00

If you’d rather to a la cart, you can buy the shampoo and conditioner separate from the serum and supplements.

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Briogeo, Megastrength+ Caffeine + Biotin Peptide Density Serum — $57.00

Same with the serum.

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Feeling even more intrigued by these discoveries, I incorporated the products into my daily routine.

My experience using the Briogeo Destined for Density set

While I’ve only been using the shampoo, conditioner, serum, and soft gels for two weeks, I already have some thoughts. Most notably, the Briogeo Destined For Density Peptide Shampoo and Conditioner for Thicker, Fuller Hair is fabulous. Where my other favorite Briogeo haircare (the Don’t Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Shampoo for Damaged Hair) leaves my hair feeling silky-smooth and intensely hydrated straight out of the shower, this combo makes my hair feel dry. It’s hard to describe, really. It’s not a bad dry, but rather, fully unburdened by any type of residual residue that could potentially weigh my strands down, much like a clarifying shampoo (only, this duo is made without sulfates and other harsh ingredients found in many clarifying products).

As much as I love the Don’t Despair, Repair! line, there’s no denying that it slightly weighs my hair down, to the point that by the end of the day, my fine hair begins to look greasy. With the new Destined for Destiny combo, though, I can go two days without washing my hair and for the most part, it looks totally fine. Best of all, because it doesn’t weigh my hair down, this combo makes each of my individual strands look as full as possible, so I’ve not been noticing quite as much scalp peek through when I style my hair into a bun.

Now, I have to admit, I’ve missed some days with the soft gels, and I tend to only apply the serum on day two hair, as applying it on clean hair can make my fine strands look a bit greasy. Still, seeing how well the shampoo and conditioner work, I’m excited to continue the process to see what the future holds with all four products in my regular routine. Like my other Briogeo products, I fully expect to empty these bottles (and that’s a rarity for me, given I test products for a living and regularly switch things up). All in all? It’s two thumbs up from me and my mane.

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Through proteomics (a fancy term for “protein science analysis”), researchers found that fine hair has a smaller inner core, thinner protective outer cuticle layer, and 40 percent less protein than thick hair. And according to Janel Parker Sr., Nexxus’s brand manager, this combination of factors makes fine hair 10 times more prone to breakage than any other hair type.

To combat this, the Unbreakable Care line—which includes a shampoo, conditioner, and root thickening spray—targets breakage at the molecular level by infusing strands with a blend of proteins that thin hair typically lacks. “Knowing that fine hair is 10 times more prone to breakage, we used our Nexxus protein science expertise to distinguish which amino acid—or protein building block—is most prominent in hair’s inner core,” says Parker. The winner? Arginine.

With that in mind, the Unbreakable Care products hero natural proteins that are high in arginine, including advanced keratin (which strengthens hair bonds and protects the cuticle from breakage) and spirulina (a microalgae superfood that’s packed with hair-strengthening nutrients). The formulas also contain biotin, an essential vitamin that plays a role in hair and scalp health and helps contribute to growth, fullness, and shine; and collagen which combats free radical damage and enhances hair’s elasticity, flexibility, and strength. The line’s products are paraben free and suitable for all hair types, including chemically treated or colored hair.

According to the brand, visible benefits should occur after one wash, while strengthening benefits are most prominent after one week. And the best part? All of the products are under $17.

Nexxus, Unbreakable Care Anti-Breakage Shampoo — $17.00

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Nexxus, Unbreakable Care Thickening Conditioner — $17.00

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Unbreakable Care Root Lift Hair Thickening Spray — $17.00

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Putting it to the test

“Women with fine, thin hair most often complain their hair lacks body, thickness, and overall volume. They find it difficult to create volume and have it hold throughout the day,” says Parker. “In order to try to achieve these goals, women use volumizing products that tend to dry and stiffen hair to create friction, which then gives visible volume. This ends up causing hair breakage which starts a vicious cycle of trying more and more volumizing techniques but ending up with more and more breakage.”

I have fine, thin hair that regularly falls flat and struggles to hold a ponytail, and can certainly relate to this “cycle” Parker’s talking about. I haven’t found many drugstore-priced hair products that give my strands the type of lift I’m looking for, so I was eager to put the Nexxus Unbreakable Care line to the test.

The first thing that struck me about the shampoo and conditioner was their absolutely fantastic scent, which felt far more expensive than their $17 price tags. I loved getting out of the shower with my hair smelling like it does after leaving the salon.

As far as the actual benefits go, the products lived up to the brand’s promises. After the first wash, my hair looked thicker, and after about two weeks of using the whole three-step system, my hair was noticeably fuller—so much so that it even garnered a couple of compliments. I also appreciated that the products lived up to their billing of  “weightless.” I can’t count how many times I’ve used products labeled as “volumizing” that instead weighed my hair down and made it look lifeless. In this aspect, the collection delivered, leaving my hair feeling lighter even though it looked fuller. The Root Lift Thickening Spray was “non-sticky” and did the job without leaving my hair looking oily at the roots, like some sprays.

I also found I could go longer than my typical one to two days between washes and still have hair that looked presentable enough to go out in public. Although the system is appropriate for daily use, I was pleasantly surprised I didn’t need to use it that often. While I can’t change the fact genetics gave me fine hair, now I know I can change what I do about it, and Unbreakable Care will continue to be a part of that going forward.

If you’re not familiar with René Furterer, it’s a haircare brand made with nourishing, plant-based ingredients that are designed to stimulate the scalp. So, its products are especially effective if you have fine or thinning hair. The brand also offers a bevy of best-sellers that strengthen and hydrate strands, leaving them glossier and healthier than ever.

Well + Good previously spoke with Dr. Alan J Bauman, MD, a hair transplant surgeon and hair restoration physician, who praised the brand. “René Furterer products are safe for the scalp and they’re non-drying to the hair. And when used after a full thricological (scalp) analysis, they perform exceptionally well,” he explains. He went on to explain that he loves “how they incorporate botanicals into their products and have excellent natural vital ingredients. René Furterer products are truly worth the hype.”

Everything on the site is on sale, but we’ve highlighted a few of our favorite products meant specifically to stimulate hair growth. We’ll start first with one of Dr. Bauman’s favorites:

Complexe 5 Stimulating Plant Concentrate — $41.00

Originally $54, now $41

“This is an essential oil-based pre-shampoo treatment that’s great at detoxing the scalp and improving the overall scalp health,” explains Dr. Bauman. “It cleanses and restores balance to the scalp. Key essential oils like orange and lavender act as natural cleansers and can also help provide nourishment to hair follicles.” Also, you only have to use it once or twice a week so you can get a lot of bang for your buck out of this 1.6 fl bottle.

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Triphasic Progressive Concentrated Serum — $65.00

Originally $86, now $65

The name “triphasic progressive serum” may sound intimidating, but it’s essentially a leave-in serum that is designed to address both hereditary and hormonal hair thinning. You use it twice a week for the first month, and then weekly after that. It’s suitable for even the most sensitive scalps.

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Triphasic Reactional Concentrated Serum — $59.00

Originally $78, now $59

This is very similar to the Triphasic Progressive serum, but instead of hereditary hair loss, this is meant specifically to treat sudden, temporary thinning hair. So, for example, if you’ve noticed some hair loss as a result of circumstantial stress, this is an excellent product. You use it once a week for three months.

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Volumea Volumizing Conditioner — $26.00

Originally $34, now $26

Unfortunately the Volumea shampoo is currently sold out, but grab its sister product while it’s still in stock. Its “secret ingredient” is carob extract, which is meant to improve the structural integrity of each strand. It’s especially great for fine, limp hair, because its formula won’t weigh hair down.

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Triphasic Strengthening Shampoo — $26.00

Originally $34, now $26

The Triphasic shampoo, fortunately, still is in stock (for now). While the Volumea line is meant specifically for fine, limp hair, the Triphasic line is excellent for those experiencing thinning hair. Which is different. You can have very fine, limp hair but not suffer from any hair thinness or loss. And you can have naturally thicker hair and experience thinning.

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Tonucia Replumping Conditioning Mask — $39.00

Originally $52, now $39

If you have weakened, aging hair, this nourishing mask is a perfect pick. It has a lightweight aqua-gel formula that’s designed to restore density and thickness to strands without weighing hair down. Apply a few drops to clean, towel dried hair, wait 2-5 minutes and rinse thoroughly.

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Astera Fresh Soothing Freshness Concentrate — $41.00

Originally $54, now $41

Some of us have naturally sensitive scalps, but some scalps are very sensitive and extremely prone to irritation which can make it difficult to use certain haircare products because they’re just too harsh. This pre-shampoo treatment is meant to soothe and cool even the itchiest scalp.

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Despite having relatively fine hair, I actually have a lot of it, which I love. However, the weight of my long hair has caused my natural waves to all but give up, resulting in nearly straight strands. Mix in the chronic dryness that my hair (and my skin for that matter) often fall victim to and the once natural beach waves I was born with are a distant memory. That is, until I tried the Amika Hydro Rush shampoo and conditioner duo, which is like hyaluronic acid serum for your strands.

Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo with Hyaluronic Acid — $26.00

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Good For: Cleansing the scalp and strands, and providing a hydration boost while washing.

Infused with hyaluronic acid and squalane, the Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo was made for lifting away dirt and debris and leaving behind lasting moisture. Also called HA, hyaluronic acid is a molecule made naturally in the body that is responsible for hydrating hair, skin, muscle tissue, and more. That said, age and environmental aggressors—think pollution—can wreak havoc on the body’s HA reserves, which is why supplementing with hyaluronic acid skin and haircare can make a difference in moisturizing efforts. Squalane is another natural ingredient and is actually a component of sebum, aka the body’s natural moisturizer. When added into haircare products, it can soften strands and coat them in moisture.

When I first tried the Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo, I could tell that it was different right away. The consistency felt like a liquid soap, but I could feel its moisturizing properties between my fingers. It was also super easy to apply, and a little bit went a long way—which is always appreciated when you have hair down to your waist. While I think the conditioner is the standout product (more on that below), the shampoo left the top of my strands and scalp (two areas I don’t apply conditioner) feeling nourished and hydrated in one wash.

Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Conditioner with Hyaluronic Acid — $26.00

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Good For: Deep nourishment and hydration, and revitalizing hair health.

When you have chronic dry hair, conditioner is the hero product—and the Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Conditioner boasts a ton of wow factor. Infused with squalane and hyaluronic acid, along with polyglutamic acid, coconut water, blue algae, and sea buckthorn, this is the most hydrating conditioner I have ever tried. Similar to hyaluronic acid and squalane, polyglutamic acid is a moisturizing ingredient that actually locks in moisture and, as a result, can protect against further dehydration.

Coconut water also packs a punch with lots of hydrating properties along with the ability to strengthen the hair, reduce dandruff, and create softer and silkier strands. Blue algae is rich in vitamins and minerals that can refresh and revitalize the hair with its fatty acids, vitamin A, and amino acids. Sea buckthorn is another impressive all-natural ingredient that can benefit the hair. It’s one of the only plant-based sources of fatty-acid omega 7, which promoted moisturized hair, and has 15 times more vitamin C than an orange. All of these ingredients combined create a cocktail of magical moisture.

What I like about the Amika Hydro Rush Conditioner is that, despite all of its impressive hydrating ingredients, it’s not super thick. Yet, its results were comparable to some of the heavy-duty hair masks I’ve tried. Because of this, it was easy to apply to my hair from the shaft down, without missing a single strand. Upon rinsing it out, I could immediately feel the difference in my ends. They felt soft-to-the-touch, hydrated, and bouncier than usual. And, after towel-drying my hair and combing it out, I could see my strands begin to form their beach-y waves in a way that, for the last few years, has required scrunching.

Once air-dried, my hair looked like I ran a waver through parts of it to enhance my natural waves—only these were my natural waves. And, moreover, my hair felt so hydrated and soft for days after testing out the shampoo and conditioner, which is not the norm as my hair is constantly subjected to a dry climate in Los Angeles.

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“Water is the base for hydration,” says Al Campbell, a Chicago-based hair and extension stylist. “It creates a passageway and is the binder for moisture in supportive treatments and products. Although water hydrates, it evaporates as well so we need moisture support from products to fill the strand and help it retain nourishment.”

Making sure your hair can hold onto water is even more important in the winter, as our environment (inside and out) is constantly sucking the water out of our stands. Below, learn how to have a hydrating wash-day routine from Campbell and other stylists.

4 tips for a hydrating wash-day routine

1. Make sure the water in your shower isn’t too hot

“Hot water can strip the hair of its natural oils, so if you’re washing your hair with hot water in the winter, it can make your hair even drier,” says Quia Querisma, a Dallas-based hairstylist. Instead, keep the water lukewarm.

2. Regularly use a hydrating shampoo, not a co-wash or cleansing conditioner

Your cleansing step needs to adequately wash away debris, oil, dirt, and products without over-stripping your hair. While co-washes and cleansing conditioners are great to use in between shampooing when your hair requires a refresh, you need to use a shampoo to keep it clean.

“Although [cleansing conditioners] are gentle on the hair and help the hair not to tangle when trying to cleanse, they do not get the hair or scalp clean enough,” says Sophia Emmanuel, trichologist, hairstylist, and owner of Crown Worthy Tricology Studio in New York City. “When you use them often, your scalp will be clogged. This can cause a wealth of scalp problems such as dandruff, excessive itching, seborrheic dermatitis, and hair loss.”

Look for hydrating formulas that will cleanse your scalp and strands without stripping them.

Mizani Moisture Fusion Gentle Clarifying Shampoo — $30.00 to $46.00

Cambell, who works with Mizani, recommends this gentle and moisturizing clarifying shampoo for those who tend to use a lot of products. “It targets artificial build-up with its charcoal clarifiers,” he says, which allows it to thoroughly cleanse hair without stripping it of moisture or shine. Lather and rinse this and then repeat with the Moisture Fusion Moisture Rich Shampoo ($30 to $46) for even more moisture.

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Pureology Hydrate Sheer Shampoo — $36.00 to $85.00

If you have fine hair and want to get moisture without weighing down your strands, turn to this shampoo from Pureology. “Hydrate Sheer is an option that won’t weigh down low-density hair,” says Querisma, who works with the brand. It’s made with marine ingredients like sea kelp and coconut water to provide lightweight hydration.

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Briogeo Superfoods Matcha + Apple Replenishing Shampoo — $30.00

This is another great hydrating and replenishing shampoo. It uses glycerin and aloe leaf juice to hydrate while matcha and vitamin C provide antioxidant protection against environmental damage, spinach provides hair-strengthening vitamins and minerals, and procyanidin-rich apple supports a healthy scalp.

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3. Make deep conditioning non-negotiable

When your hair is wet, it’s most able to soak in moisturizing ingredients, “hence why most if not all masks and treatments need to be applied to damp or wet hair,” says Larisa Love, a hairstylist in Los Angeles. These deep-conditioning treatments deeply penetrate the hair shaft, giving it the nutrients it needs while helping it hold onto hydration.

DevaCurl Curlbond Re-Coiling Treatment Mask — $40.00 to $66.00

If you have curly hair, Kari Williams, PhD, a trichologist and hairstylist in New York City, recommends this mask from DevaCurl. “The patented curlbond complex will heal curls that have become distressed and maintain healthy elasticity in the hair strands,” says Dr. Williams, who serves as a member of the DevaCurl Expert Curl Council.

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Joico HydraSplash Hydrating Gelee Masque — $27.00

Love says this mask is great for providing lightweight hydration to fine-to-medium hair types. It uses coconut water and sea kelp to gently detangle and soften strands.

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Mizani Moisture Fusion Intense Moisturizing Hair Mask — $36.00

For super-dry, textured hair, Campbell loves this Mizani Mask. “It’s a treatment that penetrates past the cuticle to fill and support the strand more intensely than a typical conditioner,” he says. It does this with cupuaçu butter to lock and seal in moisture, argan oil to restore shine and hydration to hair, and honey to prevent damage and promote scalp health.

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Color Wow Money Mask Deep Hydrating & Strengthening Hair Treatment — $45.00

Packed with blue sea kale, a hydrolyzed vegetable protein complex, and Mediterranean sea kelp and algae, this mask strengthens damaged hair, smooths down the hair cuticle, and provides intense moisture. It’s designed to leave your hair looking nourished and expensive.

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4. Use nourishing leave-in products

“While treatments are amazing for nourishing the strand, a good leave-in to support and prime the strand will change the game,” says Campbell.

Mizani 25 Miracle Milk Heat Protectant Leave-In Conditioner — $14.00 to $40.00

Campbell is a huge fan of this spray-on leave-in. It uses coconut oil to moisturize dry hair, and add shine and softness along with fennel seed oil to strengthen hair and prevent breakage. Plus, it doubles as a heat protectant. If you like something heavier than a spray, he says the Mizani 25 Miracle Leave-In Cream ($14 to $25) is a better option.

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Ouai Jumbo Leave In Conditioner — $40.00

For a cream leave-in with heat protection, reach for this one from Ouai. It protects against heat up to 450°F while conditioning, detangling, and fighting frizz. It uses tamarind seed extract to hydrate, vitamins B5 and E to condition and detangle, and hydrolyzed proteins to protect against damage.

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Pureology Color Fanatic Multi-Tasking Leave-In Spray — $32.00 to $49.00

If you have color-treated hair, Querisma recommends this spray since it’s full of nourishing ingredients that are rich in fatty acids, like camelina and olive oils.

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Joico Defy Damage Sleepover Overnight Nourishing Treatment — $29.00

For super deep hydration, use this leave-on mask from Joico. It “will add extra hydration and moisture to the hair to recover from any dryness,” says Love.

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Day-to-day tips to help you retain the hydration from your wash day

1. Don’t leave the house with wet hair

After you’ve put all this work into infusing your hydrating wash-day routine, do NOT step outside with wet hair. “Water expands when it freezes, and if your hair is wet it can cause breakage,” says Dr. Williams. Make sure your hair is fully dry before exposing it to the elements.

2. Drink lots of water

“The human body is 60 percent water and depends on water for survival. Every cell, tissue, and organ needs water to work properly. Therefore, [drinking] water is the solution for dry hair and helps to maintain the suppleness and elasticity in the hair and skin,” says Dr. Williams. “True hair and scalp health always starts from the inside, so continue to drink plenty of water during the winter months to prevent dry hair and scalp.”

3. Sleep on silk or satin

“The environment is full of culprits that rob our hair of moisture but don’t let your bedding be one of them,” says Querisma. “Using a silk or satin pillowcase at bedtime will help discourage the dryness and breakage that can come with cotton bedding.”

Kitsch Satin Pillowcase — $19.00

These satin pillowcases are great to protect your hair and are available in a variety of colors and patterns to complement your bedding.

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Quince 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase — $40.00

Get luxe with this 100 percent mulberry silk pillowcase from Quince. In addition to preventing friction while you sleep, silk fiber contains 18 kinds of amino acids that will nourish your hair and skin.

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4. Be mindful of your hats and scarves

“Wool and cotton scarves are popular fashion accessories, but they have fibers that can cause frizz and can catch onto the ends of the hair causing breakage,” says Dr. Williams. “These fibers also absorb moisture from the hair, so before wearing these items, protect your hair by wrapping it with a silk or satin scarf.” You can also tie your hair back and throw on a satin-lined hat to protect your ends.

Grace Eleyae Chunky Knit Satin-Lined Beanie — $30.00

This hat provides the warmth and comfort you’d expect from a beanie with the hair protection you get from a satin scarf.

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Learn about the deep-conditioning treatments a dermatologist loves:

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Enter: Blue shampoo. According to Emily Claire, a Davines colorist at Rob Petoom, cobalt-colored formulas are more effective than their purple counterparts for maintaining highlights on darker hair.

“[In general,] ‘tinted’ or ‘toning’ shampoos are meant to act as a ‘quick touch up’ in between lightening services—they help make the gloss you got at the salon last longer,” says Claire. “Unlike purple shampoos, which are meant to neutralize light yellow tones in the hair to reveal an icy blonde, blue shampoos are meant to either reduce brassiness found in brunettes or reduce darker yellow tones in blonde hair to reveal a beige or champagne blonde.”

How does blue shampoo work?

To understand how it works, think back to color theory 101. Because blue sits opposite orange on the color wheel (the same way purple sits opposite yellow), it’s better for neutralizing the type of orange-y discoloration that tends to appear when golden highlights start to fade.

“You want to go opposite of the color wheel, so the color on the opposite end of orange is blue,” confirms Matrix celebrity colorist George Papanikolas. “Use gentle, hydrating formulas that keep the cuticle tight. Anything volumizing will cause the cuticle to swell, and your color will fade faster.”

The blue shampoo and conditioner I used

Per Claire’s recommendation, I swapped my standard purple shampoo for Davines Heart of Glass Silkening Shampoo ($36) and Rich Conditioner ($42), a blue-hued duo that fits Papnikolas’s criteria and is specifically designed for maintaining highlights on brown hair.

Davines Heart of Glass Silkening Shampoo — $36.00

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Davines Heart of Glass Rich Conditioner — $42.00

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Both products—which, by the way, are the prettiest shade of periwinkle—use jagua blue extract that comes from a sustainably-sourced fruit in the Colombian rainforest to neutralize orange tones and enhance shine. Beyond that, each step does its standard job: the shampoo cleanses and clarifies the scalp while the conditioner offers moisturizing and repairing benefits.

Following Claire’s directions, I started my toning routine three weeks after my color appointment, and have continued to use the blue products twice a month since. “I tell people to use them ‘as needed,’ and for most people that means one to three times a month,” she says. “An important note is that if you find yourself having to use it more than that, there is something worth looking into. It could mean you need a new filtered head on your shower, or it could mean that the shampoo you’re using to wash regularly is stripping your toner off.”

In my case, twice a month has been a perfect balance. Davines’ blue shampoo and conditioner have given me the type of gorgeous, golden highlights people can’t stop complimenting—even dozens of washes and heat-styling sessions later (and not to toot my own horn, but even I’ve gotta admit they look good). So to all my brightened brunettes out there: Do yourself a favor and add some blue shampoo to your routine, too . Shop a few of our favorite options below.

Matrix Total Results Brass Off Blue Shampoo for Brunettes — $20.00

Papanikolas previously recommended this drugstore blue shampoo, which will keep golden highlights fresh while also infusing the hair with moisture and shine.

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DevaCurl No-Poo Blue Anti-Brass Zero Lather Toning Cleanser — $15.00

Designed for color-treated curls, this “no poo” treatment will reduce brassiness without stripping your strands.

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Not Your Mother's Triple Threat Brunette Blue Toning Hair Masque — $9.00

In lieu of a blue shampoo (or, if you’re really feeling brassy, in combination with it), try a blue treatment mask. This particular formula will revive your color while quenching your hair with moisture and repairing damage in only five minutes.

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“We want to prove to people that these bars can work,” says Nancy Twine, Briogeo’s founder and CEO. “Hopefully when people try our formulas they’ll become a believer and they’ll start to transition.”

Briogeo Aloe + Oat Milk Ultra Soothing 3-in-1 Cleansing Bar — $25.00

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What makes the Briogeo Aloe + Oat Milk Ultra Soothing 3-in-1 Cleansing Bar ($25) especially exciting is that it’s more than just a shampoo bar. “You can use it as a shampoo, you can use it as a body wash and a face wash,” says Twine. “It is an amazing shampoo. It is so hydrating. It has this luxurious foam. It’s so silky, it’s like milky and gentle. And then on the body too, like I find that I don’t even have to sometimes use lotion or even use less lotion because it’s so hydrating in the same thing from my face. But it literally is like an A++ product for all three of those areas.”

I tested the bar on both my hair and skin and instantly fell in love. Because I use hair oils and heat-protectants with silicones, I did a triple-lather, which Twine does herself if she feels like she has a lot of build-up on her scalp. “So I’ll shampoo it with the bar, I’ll rinse it out and I’ll do that two more times, and by that third lather I feel like the build-up is all out,” she says. The bar creates a gorgeous foam, using gentle ingredients to help pull away product buildup, natural oils, sweat, and grime off of your skin and hair.

“All of our surfactants are either coconut-derived or plant-derived. So we’re not using any sort of SLS, DEA, or harsh industrial-strength surfactants in the formula. So it’s really gentle but it’s obviously a very concentrated product because of the fact that there is no water in the formula.”

This waterless formula also makes it more sustainable than traditional liquid cleaners. The most prominent ingredient in many beauty products is water, which makes them far heavier to ship and results in higher fuel emissions for transport. This three-in-one bar “weighs less than a bottle of shampoo plus a bottle of body wash plus a bottle of face wash,” says Twine. “So it’s more eco-friendly transport as well.” Plus, it’s wrapped in a super-thin plastic wrap and then a paper box, meaning it uses much less plastic than traditional cleansers.

This also makes it easier to travel. “Like a lot of people, I’ve started traveling again and I always buy these cute little makeup bags and then they get ruined because stuff spills, and those little bottles run out so quickly,” says Twine. “I love the fact that I could take the solid bar,—which is not gonna leak—I could put it in my travel bag and literally when I travel I’ve got my body wash, I’ve got my shampoo, and I have my face wash in this one product. Whether it’s traveling, going to the gym, whatever, it’s a very jus efficient beauty product.”

Beyond being convenient and efficient, this bar has a damn-good formulation. It’s loaded with soothing aloe vera, anti-inflammatory green tea extracts, protective meadowfoam seed oil, and nourishing vitamins E and B5. I found that it left my super-dry hair and skin feeling clean yet nourished. (Note that this bar is extremely hydrating, meaning it may not be a fit for those with fine and-or oily hair.) It’s part of Briogeo’s Aloe + Oat collection, which focuses on providing gentle yet effective solutions so everyone—including those with skin conditions and-or sensitivities—can use them. The ingredients in this collection are hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, gynecologist-tested, ophthalmologist-tested, et cetera.

“The premise behind Aloe + Oat stemmed from a lot of my personal struggles with skin sensitivities,” says Twine, who has eczema. “Fragrance-free and no essential oils was really important for me because I would have bouts of eczema and certain ingredients could actually trigger even more inflammation and flare-up.”

So far, the Briogeo Aloe + Oat Cleansing Bar is the brand’s only solid product. “We would love to do a solid conditioner and that is my hope and dream for how we expand solids,” says Twine. So for now, you’ll need to pair it with a liquid conditioner. “If you have skin sensitivities, I would recommend the Aloe + Oat Conditioner. But if you do have more flexibility, because the other products in our line do have a light fragrance,” you can play around. “If you have curly hair, for example, you may wanna use our Curl Charisma Conditioner ($39 to $124). If you have frizzy hair, you may wanna use our Farewell Frizz Conditioner ($28 to $69). If you have a lot of damage and breakage because maybe you use a lot of heat or you’ve color-treated your hair, you can use the Don’t Despair, Repair Mask ($39 to $124) after. You can really customize based on your specific needs and concerns.”

Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Aloe+ Oat Milk Ultra Soothing Fragrance-Free Hypoallergenic Conditioner — $28.00

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Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Hydrating & Defining Hair Mask for Curly Hair — $39.00 to $124.00

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Briogeo Farewell Frizz Smoothing Conditioner — $28.00 to $69.00

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Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask — $39.00 to $124.00

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The Briogeo Aloe + Oat Milk Ultra Soothing 3-in-1 Cleansing Bar is ridiculously good. If you (like me) have been weary of trying a shampoo bar, this is the one to try. Especially since it’s also such a great face and body bar. I think you’re gonna love it.

“This is definitely gonna compete with your liquid shampoos in the bottle,” says Twine. “We’re doing something really unique and I’m excited for what’s ahead with like more hair-care solids.”

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Meet the latest launch from OUAI: An Anti-Dandruff Shampoo that you’ll actually want to show off in your shower. The ultra-chic brand (which was founded by celeb hairstylist Jen Atkin) is known for its luxurious, hard-working hair and body products, and the newest addition to its lineup is no different. From packaging to fragrance to formulation, the shampoo gives the anti-dandruff category a much-needed upgrade.

OUAI Anti-Dandruff Shampoo — $36.00

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“We did some research and we went to the local drugstore and were like, ‘We need to do more than drugstore,’” says Diana Pratasiewciz Barnao, OUAI’s director of education. “We weren’t impressed with what we saw that could help dandruff. It wasn’t aesthetically pleasing, it didn’t smell great, it didn’t make you feel like you were going to have a luxurious experience along with getting help.”

The shampoo features 2 percent salicylic acid to help eliminate the recurrence of itching, irritation, redness, and flaking; propanediol caprylate to reduce the amount of dandruff-causing bacteria and soothe the scalp; and gentle surfactants and conditioning agents to keep hair soft, smooth, and clean like a regular shampoo (rather than a medical shampoo that helps alleviate dandruff but may dry out the rest of your strands). It’s free of SLS, SLES, parabens, and phthalates, and is safe for color- and chemically-treated hair as well as hair that’s had keratin treatments or Brazilian blowouts.

This marks OUAI’s first foray into over-the-counter cosmetics, meaning it’s a viable treatment option for those clinically diagnosed with dandruff. And the clinical studies really do speak for themselves. After 28 days of use, 100% of the participants agreed that they saw fewer flakes on their scalp and hair, and that their scalps felt noticeably healthier and less itchy and irritated.

And as someone who, while not clinically diagnosed, has struggled with dandruff throughout the years, I was eager to put these claims to the test. I’d characterize my dandruff as relatively mild, but zoom in on any of my selfies and you’ll likely find a few rogue white flakes in my hair (okay, to be completely honest, I sometimes edit them out before posting so you may not see any dandruff…. but trust me ,it’s there).

The first thing I noticed about the shampoo, really from the moment I ripped open the package, was how ridiculously chic it looked. This is not your average eyesore of a dandruff shampoo. The product, like the rest of OUAI’s offerings, is sleek, minimalistic, and sophisticated. It’s the type of shampoo you’d gladly have on full display—even the word “dandruff” is relatively small on the label, a detail I very much appreciate.

I was also impressed with the scent, which is another major point of differentiation from traditional dandruff shampoos (and a staple across OUAI’s entire product line). The Anti-Dandruff Shampoo features one of OUAI’s signature “OUAI de parfums,” Cape Town, an earthy fragrance with notes of ginger and spearmint.

“OUAI is known for fragrance. We’re a fragrance brand through and through. What better way to change that medicinal scent [of traditional dandruff shampoo] than with notes of grass and green fig and basil?” says Barnao.

To treat my mild flakes, I used the shampoo two to three times a week. Prior to application, I’d work the product into a lather and then apply, focusing directly on my hairline and scalp. I’d let it sit in my hair for five minutes, rinse thoroughly, and follow up with a conditioner.

Almost immediately, my hair was left feeling clean, soft, and smooth. And, best of all, my scalp was virtually flake-free, even days after washing. At this point, the OUAI dandruff shampoo has become a staple in my haircare routine.

“One in five people has dandruff, yet it’s still very taboo to talk about it,” says Atkins. “We are here to take the shame, embarrassment, and discomfort out of having dandruff. From our formulation and clinicals, packaging, campaign, and especially fragrance, we are here to help you stop being flakey.”

Mission accomplished.

“Your hair is a marker of your health,” says New York City-based trichologist and hair expert Shab Reslan. “If you have a poor diet lacking in animal protein and essential nutrients such as zinc, magnesium, vitamin A, iron, and B vitamins, your hair will not grow optimally and you could be weakening the cells in your hair follicles that are responsible for growing hair,” adds Reslan, who is launching a hair retail concierge platform for women to determine the best course of action for their hair issues.

The surge of women seeking advice from their dermatologists and hairstylists about this issue has led to an explosion of beauty products that claim to help slow loss, revive the health of your scalp, and help treat the symptoms of hair loss, like a lack of volume. “For women, if you’re experiencing a shift in your hormones, like getting off birth control, postpartum, or menopause, it is very common to experience temporary hair fall due to the irregular change in estrogen,” says Reslan.

There are no miracle products for hair loss, especially if it’s related to a larger medical issue, however, there are treatments and shampoos available that will help minimize the appearance of the condition. “A shampoo cannot single-handedly be responsible for growing hair back in, but instead should contain gentle cleansing agents to ensure a healthy scalp environment free of irritation and flakiness,” says Reslan.

“Gentle cleansers are very important in a shampoo, specifically for thinning hair, as the scalp needs protection and special care. Harsh cleansers such as sodium laureth/lauryl sulfate strip and irritate the scalp and hinder healthier hair growth. I recommend using only gentle cleansing agents that are safe and effective such as sodium lauroyl sarcosinate and cocamidopropyl betaine,” adds Reslan.

A little bit about my hair

I’ve always been told my hair is very fine, but since I had a lot of it, it appeared healthy and full. But since having a baby in 2019 and the stress of raising a toddler during the pandemic, I’ve experienced steady hair loss for the last three years. Recently, trichologist William Gaunitz told me I’d lost a large percentage (upwards of 30 percent) of the hair I once had, and showed me with a high-powered camera how inflamed and flaky my scalp was and continues to be to this day. Below, I ranked the shampoos that did the most work for my hair.

9 Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair

#9: Living Proof Restore Shampoo — $32.00

A stunning pearl white color out of the bottle, this shampoo promises “over 70 percent breakage reduction with one wash.” Clearly, if you’re experiencing hair loss, you want every strand you currently have to be as healthy and strong as possible.

This gentle yet effective formula removes buildup, dirt, and sweat without stripping or drying out hair. It can be used every day for smoother, healthier hair. It’s also a great pick if you bleach your hair, since it helps provide moisture to stressed-out strands and is color-safe.

It doesn’t contain formaldehyde, parabens, silicone, phthalates or sulfates, and is vegan and PETA certified cruelty free. I’ve been a huge fan of the brand for years, because I know their science-focused formulas really work. This restore shampoo is just the latest home run to be added to my arsenal of hair care.

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#8: Rene Furterer Triphasic Strengthening Shampoo — $34.00

This delightful shampoo has tiny pearls of goodness (which are actually essential oils of orange, lavender and rosemary) suspended in its powerful formula. These oils help to purify the scalp while also delivering an amazing-smelling experience.

The super-rich lather will make you feel like you’re in a fancy hair salon, while the ingredients work to energize your hair follicles to deliver healthy, stronger hair. This shampoo is silicone- and paraben-free and can be used daily.

“When thinning hair is cleansed properly with a gentle shampoo that will protect the strands and maintain a build-up and flake free scalp, then it is prepared for the use of a topical that can penetrate the scalp and enhance and nourish hair growth,” says Reslan.

Using this shampoo made my hair soft and shiny, and the smell was one of the favorites that I tested. I felt like my hair was stronger after using this just a couple of times. It’s definitely a worthwhile splurge in my opinion.

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#7: Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo — $32.00

This light and airy shampoo didn’t weigh my fine hair down at all, and it truly smells amazing. The ginger and menthol scent was totally calming during my shower.

This shampoo helped to soothe and tame my red and inflamed scalp, and thanks to ingredients like Piroctone Olamine and Climbazole, flakes were minimized and excess oil was balanced.

Piroctone Olamine is an antifungal ingredient that has been proven to reduce hair shedding and thinning, and salicylic acid on the scalp helps to reduce dandruff, thereby reducing irritation and itchiness.

This light and airy shampoo didn’t weigh my fine hair down at all, and it truly smells amazing. The ginger and menthol scent was totally calming during my shower. I loved the smell. The formula helped to soothe and tame my red and inflamed scalp, and thanks to ingredients like Piroctone Olamine and Climbazole, flakes were minimized and excess oil was balanced.All in all, it helps to balance and protect the health of your scalp, which in turn, allows healthy hair to grow.

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#6: Michael Van Clark 3''' More Inches Exfoliating Scalp Shampoo — $33.00

I know that I’m guilty of not washing my hair as often as I used to, thanks to less in-person meetings because of the pandemic. But sometimes, that means there is an excess build-up of products like dry shampoo sitting on our scalps.

I love the 3”’ More Inches Exfoliating Scalp Shampoo because I really feel like it makes my scalp clean. It works to rebalance the scalp and increase blood circulation, which helps hair grow. There is a multivitamin complex including vitamins A, B, and E that help with hair loss. Simultaneously, amino acids help repair and strengthen strands to make hair look fuller and more voluminous.

Founded by celebrity hairstylist Michael Van Clarke, who runs “the most professional salon in London” according to British Vogue, his products contain no silicones or parabens and really target both scalp and hair health.

While you’re at it, pick up his No. 1 brush, which is amazing at detangling stubborn knots to minimize breakage.

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#5: Petal Fresh Hair ResQ Original Formula Natural Thickening Biotin Shampoo — $30.00

This formula for thinning hair helps to strengthen and volumize strands for a gorgeous look. The invigorating minty menthol scent was so amazing in the morning (from the certified organic peppermint) and it works alongside green tea and rosemary to remove impurities and ensure a healthy scalp.

It doesn’t burn or sting and provides a rich lather. It uses biotin and vitamins B3, B5 & B7 to strengthen and grow the hair. Caffeine kick starts growth starting at the hair follicles, resulting in more pronounced strands. If you get the corresponding conditioner, it won’t weigh hair down, even if you have finer strands like me.

The shampoo is vegan, color-safe, pH balanced, and free of sulfates and parabens. The bottle is made with 100 percent recycled ocean-bound plastic, and the formula is made with natural and organic ingredients.

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#4: Foligain Triple Action Shampoo For Thinning Hair — $20.00

With over 500 reviews on Amazon, this product has 4.3 stars and customers rave about how they have noticed a difference in the fullness, texture, and growth of their hair.

In my testing phase, I noticed that this isn’t a super bubbly shampoo, instead, it’s a rich, creamy lather. Since it’s not very sudsy, I did have to use more shampoo than I normally do. However, despite the 2 percent Trioxidil, which has been clinically proven to slow hair loss, it doesn’t have a harsh chemical smell. Additionally, there are no parabens, sulfates or phthalates.

Since the instructions are to massage the shampoo on your head for a few minutes to stimulate growth, you’re basically forced to give yourself some self-care, something that I appreciated.

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#3: Vegamour GRO Revitalizing Shampoo — $48.00

This (Nicole Kidman-approved) anti-thinning shampoo provided a rich, easy lather with a lovely citrus scent (bergamot). My hair felt smooth and silky after just one use. With continued use, the brand has clinicals stating hair appeared denser by up to 52 percent, and that customers saw fuller-looking hair at 90 days. Remember that hair doesn’t grow at super speeds and it may take a while for you to see noticeable results with any new routine you try.

This color-safe shampoo is vegan and cruelty free and uses Karmatin (which is a vegan keratin alternative) to smooth and strengthen the hair. It also delivers a silky shine, which I can attest to, and body. The shampoo is free of GMOs, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, silicones, mineral oils, gluten, and synthetic fragrance.

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#2: Nioxin Scalp Relief System — $22.00

This cleanser is for a sensitive scalp, something you most likely have if you’re experiencing hair loss. Since many people with inflamed, dry, flaky scalps do shed more, this shampoo sets out to target your scalp health and provide relief. There is a stimulating scent thanks to the aloe vera. There is a rich lather, and I did notice less shedding after only a couple of uses.

It’s to be used in its system, and I found the corresponding conditioner was thick but not heavy after rinsing. This product has a nearly 5-star rating with hundreds of positive reviews. One con is that this shampoo bottle is quite small and it’s meant to be used four times a week or more. It’s gentle yet effective and formulated without parabens, sulfates, or colorants.

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#1: Pura D’or Anti Hair-Thinning Biotin Shampoo — $40.00

This aloe vera-based formula has over 13,000 5-star reviews on Amazon. Made with an herbal blend of Vitamin E oil, Argan Oil, Tee Tree Oil, and more, it helps promote fullness and helps hair look visibly healthier thanks to a reduction in breakage.

This shampoo can be used by both men and women daily and contains no SLS or parabens. The biotin helps nourish and cleanse the scalp, all while strengthening the hair.

I loved that my hair felt stronger after just a couple of washes. I still shed, but I have noticed that the strength and overall health of my strands appeared to improve, and did lead to less breakage and an overall look of full, voluminous hair.

Customers rave that after only a couple of months, their hair felt stronger and thicker, and they noticed less shedding on their brush.

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“In particular, I like the Zerran Botanum shampoo because it’s formulated for chemically treated hair and it has the right pH of 3.5 to 4.5 to keep your hair follicles healthy and shiny,” says Dr. Chi.

The shampoo’s pH is acidic, which is a good thing for your strands. When your hair’s pH is basic (aka greater than 7),, it can increase its negative electrical charge, which in turn can increase the friction between fibers. According to Whitney Bowe, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, this increased friction “can actually lead to cuticle damage and fiber breakage, which translates into dull, damaged hair. Optimizing the pH of our hair-care products can, therefore, also benefit the overall health of our hair.”

Zerran Botanum Shampoo — $20.00

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The Zerran Botanum Shampoo ($20) is a creamy shampoo that’s designed to cleanse your hair while cleansing your scalp. The pH aligns hair cuticles that have been distorted by chemicals to renew strands from the inside out. It’s good for all hair types and is gentle enough to use daily if desired.

The stars of the formula are soy and corn proteins. These ingredients improve hair flexibility and prevent breakage, condition the hair for a smoother finish, and increase manageability by decreasing tangles. Overall, it’s a great shampoo. And for $20, you really can’t go wrong.

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Now, when it comes to hair care products–I couldn’t (hair) care less? I have very fine, thin blonde hair that I damaged into oblivion in the early 2000s. I just always assume no product or tool will work its magic. And quite often, a shampoo or hairspray can weigh my hair down. And unlike my relaxing skin-care routine, I kind of dread the process of washing, drying and styling my hair. It’s a whole long thing.

All that is to say: I’m much more skeptical about products that claim to repair damaged hair than I am skin-care, and so I guess my skepticism made me the perfect one to try out Coco & Eve’s new Bond Building Pre-Shampoo Treatment ($25). Coco & Eve has been on my radar for a while now because it has such a massive following and hugely popular reviews on Amazon.

Coco & Eve Bond Building Pre-Shampoo Treatment — $22.00

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How do you use a “bond building-pre shampoo treatment”?

This pre-shampoo treatment comes in a pump bottle and has a consistency similar to a conditioner. You apply before shampoo to damp, towel-dried hair. Make sure to work it through the roots to the ends, and keep it on for at least 10 minutes before rinsing it off. Treat it like you would a hair mask. I like to do my “non-shampoo” routine in the shower while my hair is soaking up the product (shave my legs, lather up my body gel, etc.) while avoiding getting my hair wet. It’s a little tricky to dodge the shower head, but it’s better than sitting around in my living room with a wet head. Then, after rinsing out, just continue with your typical hair care routine.

What I immediately noticed and loved about this treatment was the weight and the smell. So many pre-shampoo treatments are thick and gloopy, but this was nice and lighter—without being too runny. And then of course the smell is key. Coco & Eve’s signature scent is one of the main reasons it became so popular. It basically smells like vacation: coconut-y and light, but not overly sweet.

Who benefits most from this type of treatment?

You’ll get the most mileage out of this product if you’re like me and have fragile hair that’s been chemically damaged from coloring, bleaching or overheating. All those things break down hair bonds, and this treatment rebuilds three structural hair bonds: disulphide, ionic and hydrogen bonds.

What is “bond building” in hair, and why does it matter?

Now, to be honest I didn’t at first understand the science behind bond building technology, which is what makes this treatment so reparative. So I reached out to Nassim Belhaq, innovation director at Coco & Eve for a little mini science class. There are three types of bonds this treatment repairs. “Disulfide bonds, which are the bonds in hair that give its strength and shape. Heat and chemical treatment can break these bonds,” explains Belhaq. “Then there are salt/ionic bonds, which are temporary and weak bonds that can be broken when hair is wet or because of pH imbalance.” Lastly: “Then there are hydrogen bonds, which are temporary but strong bonds that can be broken by water and heat. It’s responsible for hair strength, moisturization and conditioning,” he explained.

So, what did I think of Coco & Eve’s bond-building pre-shampoo treatment?

But the proof is in the pudding, as they say. I used the product for just about two weeks, and even after the first use I noticed a difference. You can see in my before picture that my hair was in rough shape: shattered ends, weighed down, just “tired” looking. And in the after pic, it looks so much healthier. I also have noticed less hair in my hairbrush–something I’ve been dealing with ever since the pandemic, really. Hair breakage is a common side effect of stress.

Bottom line? It didn’t completely transform me into a hair commercial model, but it absolutely made my stressed-out, damaged hair look and feel much healthier. And for $25 and ten minutes at a time, I consider that a major win.

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As much as I’d like to think I’m a mindful consumer and lead a considerably eco-friendly lifestyle—always vying for the more sustainable option and EWG-verified product on the shelf—I’ve been slow to jump on the shampoo bar train. These solid hair washes skip out on the plastic completely, promising all the benefits of traditional shampoo and conditioner, without the waste. But I’ve been skeptical: Would they really wash and moisturize my hair as well as the bottled stuff? Are they as easy to distribute or as tangibly satisfying as lathering a more sudsy substance into my locks? If you’re lathering up with Parrotfish, then the answer is yes.

Parrotfish is the adorable, efficacious new collection of plastic-free shower products that are better for the planet and your body. Founded by Katie Pearson Fucci, a National Geographic designer who’s seen the havoc bathroom plastic is wreaking on our oceans firsthand, Parrotfish is here to clean up your act, one shower at a time. “Daily, I would see gut-wrenching photos of sea creatures’ habitats littered with plastic, and they would be trapped in bags, soda rings, or netting,” she explains. “I also made infographics detailing plastic pollution by the numbers. This made me want to start living a more plastic-free lifestyle.”

Inspired by the parrotfish—a species of fish that helps clean saltwater and maintain reef health by munching on dead coral and algae—Parrotfish’s line of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash bars are all plastic-free, cruelty-free, and palm-oil free. The actual fish’s vibrant coloring and importance to the ecosystem translates perfectly into the brand’s color-happy, compostable packaging. It’s also all made without any suspect parabens, unnatural dyes, or anything else that you wouldn’t want in your hair or water once it washes down the drain. Most importantly, it got me to ditch my plastic bottles for good. Here’s why.

Parrotfish is effective and Earth-friendly

Being a sucker for cute packaging and ocean-themed products, Parrotfish caught my attention. But I still had my doubts—would the bars be more time-consuming to work into a froth? Would the conditioner actually work its way through my thick strands and not leave me more knotted than before?

“I definitely understand the hesitation in transitioning to a shampoo bar, which is why I focused on making the switch as seamless as possible by creating a super sudsy shampoo bar created with the safe synthetic ingredient, sodium coco sulfate,” Pearson Fucci says. Derived from coconuts over petroleum, she explains it’s much more mild than traditional sulfates but still produces that rich, bubbly lather you want when you shampoo.

Taking her word for it, I chose to go with the nourishing and clarifying Argan Cleanse Shampoo ($15) and Argan Conditioner ($15)– great for normal to dry (and color-treated) hair. Argan oil prevents dryness, reduces frizziness, and boosts luster and shine. It also repairs bad breakage (which I have from wearing my hair in a ponytail all too often) while keeping your hair and scalp moisturized.

Parrotfish, Argan Shampoo + Conditioner Bundle — $24.00

Available together for $24 or individually for $15 each.

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Since the gentler, more mild ingredients never strips the hair of its natural oils—as many mainstream shampoos tend to do—a little bit of the bar actually went a long way. Parrotfish really isn’t like normal solid shampoos that you have to keep scrubbing to work into even the smallest of suds. Rub a bit against your tendrils and before you know it, you’ll have a spa-worthy foam to wash and nourish your strands with ease.

The conditioner is even more impressive, as it detangled my hair with only one, thin layer, not multiple heavy coats like other conditioner bars tend to require. Created with natural butters, coconut oil, and jojoba oil, the mixture closely mirrors the scalp’s natural oils while moisturizing thirsty strands. You’ll notice alluring and heady scents of argan well after you’ve towel-dried your hair. It smells amazing—and feels just as good, too. As I brushed my wet hair, all of the notions that the bars would be more time-consuming or challenging to use compared to bottles washed down the drain. Ditching plastic would be more of a breeze than I thought.

Solid shower goodies allow your conscious to rest easy, too. Pearson Fucci explains that hair and body bars require 5x less energy to produce compared to their plastic counterparts. Plus, consumers use 30 percent less water when washing with a solid product. “A marketing strategy for many large companies is to make their product not last long, so the repeat purchase cycle is shorter,” she says. “With liquid shampoo, not only would you drive to the store and buy the product more often—using more emissions and money—but you would also have triple the amount of waste. Most liquid shampoo is comprised of 80 percent water, so when you take out the water, you’re not left with a lot of shampoo. On the flip side, one Parrotfish bar lasts as long as three 12-ounce liquid bottles.”

Overall, my transition from liquid to bar was literally and figuratively more smooth than I expected. Besides feeling good about finally joining the plastic-free shower movement, my hair has actually become noticeably healthier, softer, and less frizzy after just a few short weeks of use. The only thing fishy about these bars is the name—they’re effective, simple to use, and most importantly, better for Mother Earth.

Make the switch to plastic-free with Parrotfish

Peppermint Shampoo + Conditioner Bar — $22.00

Give your roots a major reset with this minty pair. A little goes along way with both bars, clarifying your scalp and strands with just a few, fresh-smelling swipes. Individual bars are also available for $15 each.

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Lavender Teak Soap — $10.00

Parrotfish makes skin goodies, too, so you can give your body some all-over TLC. The Lavender Teak soap is made with activated charcoal to suck all the dirt and grime out of your pores. There’s also nourishing calendula and relaxing lavender that soothe your senses while you wash.

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Coffee Clementine Exfoliant Bar — $10.00

Coffee and clementine come together to wake up your skin, no alarm clock required. The coffee grounds slough away dead skin while smoothing texture and treating blemishes, while the clementine, orange, and lime essential oils give it (and your mood) some brightness.

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Lemon Lychee Soap Bar — $10.00

Zesty and summery, the Lemon Lychee is another great soap to use when you want to rise and shine—literally. Its scent alone is invigorating, infused with tangy bergamot, turmeric, and litsea. But it’s its heavy load of antioxidants that brighten skin, stimulating cell growth for healthy, all-over glow.

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Rosemary Apple Cider Soap — $10.00

Sweat and grease are no match for this clarifying soap enriched with rosemary and apple cider vinegar for a powerful cleanse. Don’t worry about stripping your skin, though—its burst of spinach extract makes it wondrous at balancing your skin’s pH and maintaining moisture.

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Head to Toe Bundle — $38.00

Ready to revamp your shower routine? This bundle has got you covered. Each set includes a shampoo bar and conditioner bar (either argan or peppermint—you get to choose) as well as three surprise soaps. You won’t know what you’re going to get but it doesn’t really matter since it’s all great for you, and even better for the planet.

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Total Care Bundle — $62.00

Or go all in with the Total Care bundle, which gives you the shampoo and conditioners of your liking, plus all five soaps. If you order the bundle, you’ll automatically receive 20 percent off any two accessories at check out, all of which come from sustainable brands. Need some ideas? A Cotton Shower Pouf ($13) will get you squeaky clean while this Soap Dish Drainer ($16) will keep your soap fresh, too.

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