Let’s face it: There are a lot of hair products out there, and it can be hard to know which hair volume products, natural hair products, and curly hair products are actually worth the (often hefty) price tag.
Here, we break down the best hair products for women and men, plus how to pick the right hair care products, how to take care of natural hair, and more.
Guide to Picking the Right Hair Care Products
According to Erum N. Ilyas, MD, MBE, FAAD, CEO and Founder of AmberNoon, the amount of hair products you need depends on your needs.
“Daily shampoo use is in the same category as daily showering and soap use,” Ilyas says. “It’s perfectly OK for the average person. However, if someone is having issues with excess dryness, irritation, and inflammation, then it is worth reviewing habits of shampoo use, choice of shampoos, and even post-hair washing habits in terms of other hair products. There are significant variations among people with regard to their scalp’s ability to restore natural hair oils.”
Dr. Ilyas adds that other hair products people might want to use on a daily or weekly basis usually have to do with texture control, style control, and treatments. “For texture control, including frizz, dryness, and the lackluster quality of hair, these products are often used in conjunction with washing hair, she says. “Once used they tend to coat the hair follicles and do not need to be used routinely until they wash out.”
Rodan + Fields has two products that control frizz available including the Smooth+ Regimen, which helps improve scalp health while replenishing and repairing dry, damaged hair and eliminating frizz, and the Define+ Curl Cream, which hydrates and de-frizzes curls without weighing them down.
Style control often requires daily use as this includes hair sprays, hair gel, and hair mousse, she says. “These products hold the style for the day and often need to be used daily for maintenance”. If you’re looking for a great styling product, R+F’s Define+ Curl Cream is a great option, as is the Refresh+ Dry Shampoo.
Finally, she says, treatments of the scalp and hair can vary with frequency based on the outcome desired.
What Hair Products Should I Use?
Wondering exactly which hair products you should use? Here’s what you need to know.
Best Hair Products for Men
Men and women can benefit from similar hair products, Dr. Ilyas says—so it will really come down to your hairstyle. “Those with shorter hairstyles may not need to focus on moisture and detanglers compared to those with longer hair,” she says. I often hear from patients that they just don’t believe a two-in-one shampoo and conditioner can work, however they really can. These opposing effects are achievable with combinations of ingredients that take advantage of the special structure and pH of the hair and scalp. Shorter hairstyles may find these products advantageous for their simplicity and ease of use.”
Best Hair Products for Women
For women, or those with longer hair, Dr. Ilyas says to consider the role that hydration and detangling can play in preventing hair breakage. Women with longer hair will likely benefit from using a conditioner regularly.
Types of Styling Products
For styling products, Dr. Ilyas recommends leave-in conditioners for both style and control. “Leave-in conditioners tend to coat the hair giving it a bit more hydration, potentially increasing the hair’s tensile strength and protecting it from pollution,” she explains.
How to Take Care of Natural Hair
Dr. Ilyas says shampooing with conditioner and even using a leave-in conditioner can help cleanse while reducing the tendency for hair to tangle.
How Many Products Should You Use On Your Hair?
The amount of products you use on your hair really varies, and there’s no “right” or “wrong” amount.
“Each product that you use on your hair can impact the pH of your hair and scalp, affect the way your hair looks and feels, and potentially affect the strength of your hair. Shampoos are designed to cleanse the hair,” Dr. Ilyas explains. “They often do have conditioning agents also designed to be left behind to help with hydration. Using a conditioner to follow can add further moisture. After this point, there are so many products on the market that it can be overwhelming to figure out what is best for your hair goals.”
That being said, Ilyas explains, there is not a specific number of products to use. “The most important thing to consider is to avoid products that achieve similar results but with different marketing claims,” she says. “For example, a leave-in conditioner with help with frizz. Supplementing this with a detangler, a “heat protectant” and hair oil may lead to product accumulation that can weigh the hair down. Each of these products is marketed for a different purpose but may achieve similar results individually.”
Using these products together, she says, is not necessarily harmful but may weigh down the hair and leave it with less body.
When it comes to hair products, it’s really a personal choice as to which products fit you and your hair needs. If you ever have questions, feel free to ask your hair stylist or dermatologist.
HaircareMoisture + CurlsRefresh & ReviveSmooth & ShineVolume & Fullness
