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Hair wash days—though essential—can be a hassle. They refuse to align with your social plans. You schedule your workouts around them. And even under ideal circumstances, getting your head wet and going through your whole styling routine from scratch can feel like an ordeal. That said, it’s hard to beat the confidence boost that comes from a clean and well-conditioned head of hair in all its bouncy, shiny, swishy glory.
The right products can make your wash-day regimen feel like way less of a chore. Ideally they can even add enough delight and luxury to your routine to make you look forward to lathering up. That’s where the 2024 SELF Healthy Beauty Awards come in. Over the last few months, our team of testers—who have an impressive variety of hair types and textures—hit the showers with hundreds of shampoos and conditioners to select the best offerings of the past year.
Whether you’re looking to repair damage, define curls, preserve color treatments, amp up volume, or tamp down frizz, we’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find the best shampoos and conditioners for your unique hair needs. From scalp health to end maintenance—and everything in between—these 2024 essentials will help get the most out of your routine (and, to be honest, your whole shower aesthetic).
Be sure to check out the rest of SELF’s 2024 Healthy Beauty Award winners here.
Best Volumizing Shampoo: Not Your Mother’s Plump for Joy Volumizing Foam Shampoo
Not Your Mother’s
Plump For Joy Volumizing Foam Shampoo
Why we love it: This foam shampoo works into a rich, creamy lather that both cleanses and volumizes hair from root to tip. It’s formulated to enhance fullness in typically flat hair, making it the perfect prep cleanse for full bodied hairstyles.
Bonus points, per the experts: This shampoo is made with dimethicone, which helps fine or thinning hair, in particular, retain moisture and body.
One tester said: “Compared to other foam shampoos, I was very pleased by how much was dispersed in one pump and how truly substantial it felt. And the result? Volume, baby! It made my fine, thin hair look like I had some.”
Best Shampoo for Curly Hair: Cécred Hydrating Shampoo
Why we love it: Beyoncé’s hair—typically seen flowing behind her onstage, swept back by forces unknown—has never exactly screamed “attainable”—until now. Her new hair care line, Cécred, came out swinging with this hydrating shampoo. It’s a perfect fix for drier hair that regularly needs both a deep shot of moisture along with a thorough cleanse.
Bonus points, per the experts: Although this shampoo can help hydrate hair of any type, it contains hydrolyzed rice protein, which is especially great for natural curl definition.
One tester said: “Most hydrating shampoos can feel a little too gentle, but this one had a great, sudsy consistency that was nourishing at the same time. It made my hair (and scalp) feel fresh between clarifying washes and primed it for conditioner beautifully. This shampoo is so spa-like—everything from the formula to the fragrance to the packaging felt so luxe.”
Just so you know: This shampoo contains coconut and argan oils, which are super nourishing for curls and thick textures but can weigh down fine hair.
Best Shampoo for Dry or Damaged Hair: Verb Bonding Shampoo
Why we love it: Your go-to hot tool hairstyles can make you feel invincible, but your hair, unfortunately, is not. When you start to notice dryness and breakage, this shampoo from Verb is a perfect nourishing reset. It works by rebuilding bonds to strengthen your hair from root to (split) end.
Bonus points, per the experts: This shampoo uses dimethicone, a type of silicone that coats and protects each individual strand of hair against damage.
One tester said: “This shampoo made my dry, damaged hair super smooth—and actually ‘repaired.’ I recently used it after traveling abroad for 10 days (where I was stranded with crappy, travel-size shampoos), and it immediately cleaned out product buildup and made my roots feel hydrated and clean.”
Best Shampoo for Blondes: R+Co Bleu Blonded Brightening Shampoo
R+Co BLEU
Blonded Brightening Shampoo
Why we love it: For most people who highlight or dye their hair blonde, maintaining that fresh-out-of-foils brightness is an ongoing battle. Dullness and brassy tones can easily creep in without the right neutralizing products. This blonde-specific shampoo not only counteracts discoloration with its rich, purple-y blue hue, but also helps treat damage and dryness in bleached hair.
Bonus points, per the experts: The shea butter in this shampoo is a rich source of moisture for chemically treated hair, which tends to dry out easily.
One tester said: “Everything about this shampoo—packaging and scent included—felt luxe. I have definitely noticed the brightness in my hair lasting much longer in between highlight touch-ups since adding it to my routine once a week.”
Best Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair: Herbal Essences Pure Grapeseed Oil Color Nurture Shampoo
Herbal Essences
Pure Grapeseed Oil Color Nurture Shampoo
Why we love it: While getting your hair professionally colored can be a big investment, preserving it in between sessions doesn’t have to be. This drugstore shampoo preserves natural oils in hair, which helps to keep color fresh and intact.
Bonus points, per the experts: Chemical color treatments can leave hair feeling dry and damaged; the aloe vera in this shampoo is a great deep moisturizer.
One tester said: “This product is easy to lather and leaves my hair—which I dye regularly—feeling soft and moisturized. The best part is the scent! It smells like freshly cut, juicy burgundy plums.”
Best Shampoo for Frizzy Hair: Tresemmé Keratin Smooth Shampoo
TRESemme
Keratin Smooth Shampoo
Why we love it: Our testers were impressed with the upscale feel of this affordable shampoo—from its luxurious scent to its calming effect on frizz. The product boasts 72 hours of smoothing action after one wash, making it a great option to manage your natural texture or prep your hair for straightening, a blowout, or any sleeker style.
Bonus points, per the experts: Hydrolyzed keratin acts as a volumizer, so you don’t have to sacrifice volume when calming frizz.
One tester said: “I love this shampoo! It came in a really large size for the price, which I appreciate for my thick hair. I’ve been reaching for it daily, and it’s by far my favorite shampoo to use because I really feel like it makes my hair smoother.”
Just so you know: This shampoo contains sodium laureth sulfate, which can be drying—especially for thin or damaged hair or sensitive scalps.
Best Shampoo for Scalp Health and Dandruff: Hers Clear Slate Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
hers
Clear Slate Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Why we love it: Clean, strong hair starts with a happy scalp. This shampoo from Hers promises to treat dandruff and support scalp health long after symptoms (and scratching) subside.
Bonus points, per the experts: This shampoo is formulated with zinc pyrithione, which targets dandruff-causing yeast on the scalp.
One tester said: “I really like this shampoo! It has the active ingredient my dermatologist mom always recommends for dandruff, and it left my hair and my scalp feeling nourished. The packaging is also nice: simple and pleasant to use.”
Best Shampoo for Scalp Health and Dandruff / Splurge: Augustinus Bader The Rich Shampoo
Augustinus Bader
The Rich Shampoo
Why we love it: If your shower rotation could use a little more luxury—and you’re willing to invest a bit—the Rich Shampoo lives up to its name. It’s a great upgrade for all hair types and textures and promises to deliver a deep, non-stripping clean, plus noticeable shine and breezy lightness.
Bonus points, per the experts: This shampoo contains glycerin, which can hydrate and soothe a dry scalp.
One tester said: “It was light but SO effective: My hair felt like silk after I used this, and I changed no other part of my hair-washing routine. If you’re looking for one VERY nice product to level up your hair-cleansing zone, this is it.”
Best Volumizing Conditioner: Method Pure Peace Volumizing Conditioner
method
Pure Peace Volumizing Conditioner
Why we love it: Conditioner and volume might not always go hand-in-hand—heavy-duty hydration can lead to limp, weighed-down hair—but our testers found the best of both worlds in this Method pick. They reported more body than usual in their hair (without sacrificing silky softness), and the spa-like scent added a little extra zen to their shower routines.
Bonus points, per the experts: For textured hair, this conditioner contains hydrolyzed quinoa protein, which can help define curl shape in addition to boosting overall volume.
One tester said: “I was especially pleased with how strong my hair was after using this product. Other conditioners can sometimes make my hair feel thin and wispy; this did the opposite—it was restorative and made me feel like I had a nice, lush mane.”
Best Conditioner for Curly Hair: Herbal Essences Apricot Oil Curl Define Conditioner
Herbal Essences
Apricot Oil Curl Define Conditioner
Why we love it: Is it too much to ask for a conditioner that adds moisture without buildup, nourishes and defines curls, and leaves your hair smelling like you’ve spent the day rolling around in a luscious secret garden? Apparently not, thanks to this curl-enhancing conditioner—an easy everyday product for all types of waves and coils.
Bonus points, per the experts: This curly conditioner is made without sulfates, a common ingredient that can dry out your scalp and natural hair.
One tester said: “I haven’t used Herbal Essences in a very long time—and this product pulled me back in. I love the natural, fruity apricot scent, and my hair has felt softer and more hydrated every time I’ve used it. I also love that it’s cruelty-free and that the bottle uses significantly less plastic than previous incarnations.”
Best Deep Conditioner: Cécred Moisturizing Deep Conditioner
Cécred
Moisturizing Deep Conditioner
Why we love it: The rich texture of this deep conditioner is indicative of how deeply it hydrates, according to our testers. It’s especially great for detangling and locking in moisture for curly hair, and the packaging feels spa-worthy.
Bonus points, per the experts: With ultra-deep conditioning ingredients like olive oil and shea butter, this conditioner is ideal for thick, textured hair that responds well to heavier products.
One tester said: “I use about a palm’s worth of this conditioner and rake it through my wavy hair, from the ends to the mid-shaft of my strands. I put my hair up in a clip and let it sit for the rest of my shower routine…and the results are pretty instant! It gives my hair a great slip so it’s super easy to detangle. Out of the shower my hair simply feels softer, shinier, bouncier, and more hydrated.”
Just so you know: This conditioner has a notably thick, buttery consistency, but our testers did not find that it significantly weighed down fine hair.
Best Conditioner for Dry or Damaged Hair: Soapbox Keratin Shine Boosting Conditioner
Soapbox
Keratin Shine Boosting Conditioner
Why we love it: You know those super slow-motion, impossibly glossy hair flips that once graced every hair care commercial on TV? This conditioner left our testers feeling like that—or at least, the closest real-life equivalent. It minimizes frizz and flyaways, and leaves hair with a next-level shine.
Bonus points, per the experts: This conditioner uses argan oil to combat frizz-causing dryness, and a combination of hydrolyzed proteins to smoothly define your hair’s natural shape.
One tester said: “For less than $10, this conditioner DELIVERS on its promises. My hair not only felt smoother, but looked so much silkier and felt WAY lighter. I have pitch black hair, and I felt like my hair color was so vibrant and popping more than usual.”
Just so you know: Many alcohols can dry out your hair, but, cetearyl and stearyl alcohol (both found in this conditioner) can actually be moisturizing and are generally okay to use.
Best Conditioner for Dry or Damaged Hair: Hairitage Mend to Be Damage Recovery Conditioner
Hairitage
Mend To Be Damage Recovery Conditioner
Why we love it: Pretty much every conditioner claims to reverse damage and dryness, but our testers saw the results with this Hairitage pick. It’s a budget-friendly choice that strengthens strands and boosts shine.
Bonus points, per the experts: Intense hydrators like shea butter and castor oil can add much-needed moisture to all hair types.
One tester said: “I was excited to try a conditioner that specifically catered to frizzy, damaged hair like mine, and I was not disappointed. My split ends felt so smooth, silky, and even shiny—and there was no annoying product buildup that usually gives hair that unwanted greasy look. Especially considering the low price point, this is definitely a new holy grail for me.”
Just so you know: Hairtage notes that you might see some variation in the color of this product over time due to its formula, but it won’t affect the quality.
Best Conditioner for Frizzy Hair: V&Co Beauty Wavy Hair Conditioner
V&Co.
Wavy Hair Conditioner
Why we love it: Naturally wavy hair demands a delicate balance, especially when it comes to conditioner; too much moisture can weigh down shape and bounce, while not enough leads to frizz and breakage. This V&Co pick is one of those rare wavy-hair conditioners that actually does its job without tipping the scale too far in either direction.
Bonus points, per the experts: Hydrolyzed proteins—which help define shape—are a wavy head’s best friend. This conditioner contains a whole suite, including kale, carrot, lemon, and rice proteins.
One tester said: “This conditioner worked really well for my hair—for both air drying and using heat products! It kept my hair moisturized and shiny, it smells amazing, and the cool modern packaging looks great in my shower.”
Best Co-Wash: Lush Cosmetics Coconut Co-Wash
Lush Cosmetics
Coconut Co-Wash
Why we love it: Ditch the shampoo and conditioner bottles cluttering your shower altogether for this co-wash bar. Testers were especially impressed by the rich lather and deep yet lightweight hydration it delivers.
Bonus points, per the experts: If you generally avoid sodium lauryl sulfate (a common ingredient that helps shampoo get sudsy but can dry out your hair and scalp), this co-wash uses sodium cocoyl isethionate as an alternative.
One tester said: “This has become my HOLY GRAIL HAIR CLEANSER. I have been using co-wash for my relatively dry curly hair for years, and none have compared to this particular one. Following the occasional scalp serum, I rinse and rub the bar against my hair four to six times, and that’s enough to get an amazing lather. My curls have been so defined, I love the gentle yet luxurious coconut scent, and the bar lasts a long time.”
Just so you know: This product (like most co-washes) is recommended for curly, coily, and natural hair, since it combines the cleaning and conditioning processes. Because of the heavy-duty hydrating ingredients, it’s not a great pick for thin, fine, or oily hair.
Source : Self.com