Prevention’s 2022 Healthy Hair Awards: Expert-Recommended Products

“This is the friendliest and most lightweight serum to apply to the hair prior to air drying. Hyaluronic acid helps draw in and maintain moisture within the cuticle. This product specifically helps reduce frizz, protect the hair against pollution, and improve shine.” —Reslan

“Hair oils can be intimidating to use due to fear of making strands greasy, but there’s no risk with this argan oil and aloe mist. Sprayed on damp strands before drying, it leaves them soft and supple with no heaviness or oily look,” —Franzino

“This product uses a natural approach with guar gum and mallow (both plant-based ingredients) to help with providing hydration but also helps seal the cuticle to make your blowout last longer. Plus, it also reduces the drying time.” —Dr. Reid

“This collection is among the best conditioning I’ve ever experienced for my hair that’s dry and damaged due to coloring and heat styling. It contains high levels of coconut oil, which a study found is able to penetrate strands, preventing the loss of protein that makes up hair and preventing damage.” —Franzino

“One of the key ingredients is the detoxing charcoal powder, which helps lift dirt and buildup while absorbing oil and sweat. It’s great for anyone with fine, medium, or coarse textures.” —Du

“This is my absolute favorite. Its weightless formula conditions and lifts the hair to megastar heights. It’s also made with heat protection for great wet-to-dry styling that builds a foundation for more involved styles.” —Korab

“This product is an ultimate time-saver. Just apply it to towel-dried hair, and it smooths while adding shine, separation, and texture on all hair types.” —Fitzsimmons

“This easy-to-use spray helps lock in moisture for enhanced waves and curls using glycerin and aloe. The more you apply, the more defined your texture becomes. Spray in towel-dried hair and allow to naturally air dry for a frizz-free finish.” —Reslan

“This lightweight but moisturizing crème conceals dryness and split ends, helps protect from heat styling, and gives hair a shiny finish.” —Du

“Since my hair can fall flat on its own, I apply a volumizing or thickening spray every time I wash when it’s damp to help bulk up the texture. This formula, made with strand-plumping caffeine, feels like water—zero stickiness— yet once it’s dry, makes hair feel and look noticeably thicker. I can definitely tell the difference when I use it!” —Franzino

“Packed with oils, emollients, and antioxidants—the ingredients from beginning to end are clean and provide a good balance between moisture and protein. Algae may have hair-growth-promoting properties, thanks to its omega-3s and omega-6s. Studies suggest that’s true if you eat it, but it can’t hurt to use it topically as well. Also, it’s silicone-free.”—Dr. Reid

“Curly hair is more susceptible to static friction and frizz. This product contains sulfate-free cleansing fatty acids from natural coconut oil and shea butter, which are key ingredients that lessen static while moisturizing and help maintain the natural oil from the hair. It’s also mild and non-irritating to the scalp and has a rich foam that makes hair cleansing more effective.” —Dr. Mitchell.

“To help seal in moisture, Ouidad’s leave-in incorporates prickly pear and green tea extract to help hydrate and smooth curls. The result is shiny, healthy hair that’s touchable and soft.” —Korab

“This new curl cream provides a touchable hold while providing definition, bounce, and frizz-free shine. It also acts as a heat and UV protectant.” —Fitzsimmons

“This heat protectant protects your curls from any heat styling up to 450 degrees. This leave-in heat protecting spray is lightweight that protects against heat damage and adds a glossy shine.”—Korab

“This does not contain harmful chemicals and can be used on all hair types. The best ingredients are almond oil, sacha inchi oil, and mongongo oil, which stimulate and condition the scalp. It’s used to pre-condition the hair and scalp for easier shampooing and detangling.” —Dr. Mitchell

“Coily hair needs all the emollients it can get and this has avocado and coconut oil, both well-known ingredients that contain large amounts of fatty acids. The formula also has thermal and UV protection.” —Dr. Reid

“The best hair oil for curly hair to me is the Olaplex bonding oil. It helps penetrate the cuticles as well as make your strands stronger from the inside out!” —Sabrina Porsche

“The main ingredients of this mask that are responsible for adding strength, softness, and hydration to hair are the rice water ferment and moringa seed extract, an ancient natural treatment that leaves the hair feeling pampered, silky, and hydrated. It also gives the hair more defined, bouncy, and elongated curls” —Dr. Mitchell

“A wide-tooth comb is one of the best hair tools for thick, coily hair. Consider this your go-to hair tool, whether your hair is wet or dry. A wide-tooth comb lets you get through the knots and tangles a bit more seamlessly.” —Du