"If it ain't broke, don't fix it" may very well sound like something a 78-year-old man who's lived in the same small town since birth might say, but sometimes, like with certain hair products [1], the sentiment rings true. Think about it: in a world where there's a formula for everything — Need to repair damage? Add shine? Smooth frizz [2]? Increase happiness level by 198 percent? — it's pretty remarkable when one has earned enough praise across hair types [3] and preferences to stand the test of time [4].
Maybe it's a dry shampoo that disguises the fact you haven't washed your hair [5] in enough days for the milk in the fridge to go bad or a shampoo that brings your scalp back [6] from North Pole status to Planet Earth. Whatever their secret sauce, we've rounded up the best hair products [7] of all time ahead — so you too can experience the magic of a really good hair day.
Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray
Everyone from editors to hairstylists to Meghan Markle [8] swears by the Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray [9] ($46), and for good reason: it adds volume and (subtle) grit to fine hair and doubles as a dry shampoo. Oh, and the scent is so legendary, the brand bottled it [10].
Mason Pearson Brush
What makes the Mason Pearson Brush [11] ($230) so popular among stylists is the combo of boar and synthetic bristles. You can use it to smooth back your hair into a ponytail or create volume for your at-home blowout.
L'Oréal Elnett Hair Spray
This L'Oréal Elnett Hair Spray [12] ($15) was once banned for nearly 30 years due to the formula's ozone-damageing chlorofluorocarbons, causing stylists everywhere to smuggle it back from France in their suitcases. Once it came stateside in 2008, we finally learned the big draw: it locks down any look but keeps strands totally touchable, not shellacked or crispy.
Harry Josh Pro Dryer
Harry Josh is one of the most sought-after stylists in the world and has worked with celebrities like Gisele Bündchen [13], Gwyneth Paltrow [14], and Christy Turlington, to name a few. While this Harry Josh Pro Dryer [15] ($249) may cost a pretty penny, it's basically guaranteed to give you nothing but good hair days. The tool is lightweight, has an ultrawide nozzle to blast more hair at once, and features eight different settings for professional-quality results.
Klorane Dry Shampoo With Oat Milk
Ever mourn the end of a beauty product? That's us, every single time we go through a bottle of Klorane Dry Shampoo With Oat Milk [16] ($20). It's often lauded as one of the top dry shampoos on the market, mostly for its heavy-duty, oil-absorbing powders that completely refresh hair after just a few spritzes — without the tacky feel.
Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub With Sea Salt
Editors agree that the Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub With Sea Salt [17] ($53) is a must-try. The exfoliating cleansing paste gently buffs away dead cells sitting on the scalp and promotes blood circulation for healthier, stronger hair.
Head and Shoulders Classic Clean Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
There may be more scalp products [18] on the market these days than we can count, but we'll always have room in our hearts for the tried-and-true Head and Shoulders Classic Clean Anti-Dandruff Shampoo [19] ($24 for a two-pack). Formulated with flake-fighting zinc pyrithione, there's arguably no better (or research-backed) means of dealing with dandruff.
Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3
If you colour your hair and you've yet to try the Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3 [20] ($28), um, where have you been? The pro formula is a go-to for hairstylists [21] at salons because it rebuilds the broken bonds caused by the chemical treatment process, but the at-home version is just as impressive as the OG — and just as much of a must-use.
Tangle Teezer The Original Detangling Hairbrush
When you need a no-fuss hairbrush to use in the shower that detangles with no pain or breakage (so, always?), Tangle Teezer The Original Detangling Hairbrush [22] ($12) will become your go-to.
Psssst! Dry Shampoo
Rachel Brosnahan once told us [23] that, while she's tried upward of "1,000" dry shampoos, she has yet to find anything better than the Pssst! Dry Shampoo [24] ($5) — and we tend to agree. Your post-workout grease will be long gone after using this formula . . . for less than the cost of a latte.
Ouai Wave Spray
The mastermind behind Ouai Wave Spray [25] ($26) was once dubbed the most influential hairstylist [26] by The New York Times (and stands as a low-key celebrity by all other accounts), so you know it's going to be good — but, plot twist, it's even better than good. Not only does it leave fine-to-wavy hair with lived-in waves, but it'll also make you smell like you own a yacht (even if you don't).
Moroccanoil Treatment
Regardless of your hair type, you'll find a use for this wonder product. We've used the Moroccanoil Treatment [27] ($15) as a conditioner, finishing treatment, detangler, you name it, and it's provided us with glossy, healthy, deliciously scented hair every time.
Sarah Potempa Beachwaver
Victoria's Secret models credit the Beachwaver Co. Beachwaver Pro [28] ($199) for their voluminous bombshell waves, but here's a secret: it's ridiculously easy to use. The curling iron features a rotating barrel with a button that switches the direction from clockwise to counterclockwise, which means you can re-create the same style with minimal effort.
Sexy Hair Big Sexy Hairspray
For anyone with a "bigger is better" mentality, Sexy Hair Big Sexy Hairspray [29] ($18) is a staple. It'll give your hair loads of body and hold without feeling sticky, and the wheat protein will soften and protect it from humidity.
Slip Large Slipsilk Scrunchies
We get it: scrunchies are so '90s. But try the Slip Large Slipsilk Scrunchies [30] ($39) — which are made with silk, meaning they're gentler on your hair — just once, and you'll never go back.
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo
Looking for a dry shampoo that soaks up oil in a pinch but doesn't leave that telltale white cast behind? Living Proof Perfect Hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo [31] ($24) is here for you. Editors swear by the formula for its fast-acting properties, and it also features a time-release fragrance that keeps your hair smelling fresh all day long.
Goody Spin Pins
The Goody Spin Pins [32] ($6) are an absolute essential if you're prone to a sweaty neck in Summer — just create a ponytail, twist it into a bun, stab it with a spin pin, and you're good to go. (Finer hair types can make do with just one, while thicker textures may need to use both pins at once.)
Rita Hazan Root Concealer
Concealing grey hair with the Rita Hazan Root Concealer [33] ($25) is impossibly easy — just act like you're a graffiti artist spraying over the colour. The formula won't budge until you wash it out, so you don't need to be paranoid about getting streaks on hats, scarves, or hands.