The Best Hair Care Products to Transform Your Locks
Got (hair) damage? These are the best hair products that have been tried and tested, and will nurse your locks back to health.
In recent years, haircare has moved to the forefront of the beauty industry. Gone are the days when a simple shampoo and conditioner (dare we recall the days of an all-in-one) was enough to tend to our locks. More people are realising that we take measures to look after our skin, forming multi-step routines, so why haven’t we been applying the same rules to our hair?
Certified Trichologist Chelcey Salinger tells Sitchu that scalp care is vital, highlighting its crucial role in maintaining healthy hair growth.
“The scalp is where our hair follicles are held, and it controls the health of our hair as it continues to grow,” says Chelcey. But how are you supposed to know which haircare products work, and which are a waste of money? Or how many steps you should have in your routine?
Chelcey says simplicity is key for those of us who are frequent hair washers, cautioning against overcomplicating routines and “if you have found something that is appropriate to your hair and scalp needs, then there's no need to switch!” She suggests finding products tailored to your individual hair and scalp needs and sticking with them for optimal results.
Much like the makeup and skincare world, the haircare market is oversaturated, full of thousands of products that serve a range of purposes and deciphering the myriad of options can be overwhelming, but you’re not alone. My own haircare journey has taken me along a jaw-droppingly long list of brands, products, tips and tricks. I’ve tried and tested dozens of products and spoken to experts to see what works - and more importantly, what ones to give a miss.
Here’s my roundup of the best hair care products that will actually improve your hair health, rather than making you want to tear your hair out in frustration.
Best Hair Care Products: Pre-wash
Scalp Massager
Everyone loves a good scalp massage – it’s our favourite part of our trip to the hairdresser. So what if I told you that indulging in a scalp massage isn’t just a luxurious treat—it also promotes hair thickness and potential growth? Research indicates that scalp massages stretch the cells of hair follicles, which may potentially lead to increased thickness in the hair. It also helps to stimulate blood flow, which can encourage hair growth.
While you can do it with your fingertips, a scalp brush makes it feel that little bit sweeter. Spend five minutes taking the time to thoroughly massage your roots all over your head before stepping into the shower. My personal favourite is the STRAAND Scalp Brush ($19.95), as it really gets in there without being too harsh.
Mielle Rosemary & Mint Strengthening Hair Oil, $22.60
If weak, thin and brittle hair is one of your concerns, applying this Mielle hair oil as a pre-shampoo oil mask is exactly what you need. Enriched with Rosemary oil, known for it’s hair-strengthening properties, this oil helps to stimulate hair growth, strengthen circulation and reduce hair loss. With consistent use, you’ll notice fewer strands falling out in the shower, and your locks will be left feeling soft, shiny and stronger. Apply it to your scalp (you can use a different oil for the ends, such as a hydrating hair oil) and leave it for as little as 30 minutes or as long as several hours before washing it out with shampoo.
Best Hair Care Products: Shampoo
If there’s one thing you should never slack on in your hair care routine, it’s shampoo. According to Chelcey it’s the most important aspect, and she emphasises that it’s important to use the right one.
“Look for one with a pH of around 5.5, which matches the natural pH of both your scalp and hair,” she explains. “This helps close the hair cuticle, resulting in smoother, shinier hair that's less prone to tangles.”
Not only that, but regular shampooing is essential for removing dirt and debris, as well as excess sebum buildup.
Chelcey points out that “sebum is a natural oil produced by the scalp, but its accumulation can create a breeding ground for unwanted yeast.” That yeast then leads to dandruff, which is a cause for frustration for many of us.
Here are some of the best hair care products for shampooing your hair, addressing various concerns and needs.
People Haircare Curl Shampoo, $16
The latest release - which sold almost 10,000 units upon its first release into stores - from the Aussie-made brand, this Curl Shampoo is a game-changer for ringlet-inclined folks. Infused with mango and olive oil to nourish strands, it actively hydrates while shampooing. It also improves wet and dry combing, adds gloss and controls frizz. That's one hard-working shampoo!
STRAAND Crown Cleanse Shampoo, $28
Speaking of dandruff, the Crown Cleanse Shampoo from STRAAND will get rid of yours in a jiffy. If an itchy and flaky scalp is your cause for concern, the prebiotics in this gentle-but-thorough formula will help to cleanse, exfoliate and hydrate your scalp, helping to get rid of dandruff and restore your scalp’s microbiome.
Sitchu tip: Use STRAAND’s Miracle Worker Scalp Scrub beforehand for the ultimate scalp reset. Build-up, begone!
Vegamour Gro Revitalising Shampoo, $89
Vegan? Check. Restorative? Check. Vegamour’s Gro Revitalising Shampoo loved amongst those who wish to strengthen their hair. Featuring Karmatin™, which is a vegan alternative to keratin, along with powerful phytoactives and biomimetic peptides, this shampoo works to strengthen and nourish strands while simultaneously cleansing your scalp. Used with the rest of the Vegamour range, your hair will be nursed back to health over time.
Bondi Boost Curl Boss Shampoo, $44.95
Curly girls, this one’s for you! Curly hair needs extra hydration, as it tends to be on the dryer side for most, which is why it’s important to have an ultra-hydrating shampoo that doesn’t strip the hair of its natural oils. Curl Boss by Bondi Boost is a low-lather shampoo that gently cleanses the hair and nourishes it with a blend of hydrating ingredients including coconut oil, argan oil, rosemary oil and aloe vera.
Best Hair Care Products: Masks & Treatments
Post-shampoo, pre-conditioner, is the best time to go in with a hair mask or treatment as your hair follicles are open and can soak up the benefits. If you’re lacking in hydration or need to give your hair some extra TLC, this is the time to do it.
People Haircare Curl Enhancing Cream, $16
If you care about your curls, this Curl Enhancing Cream is for you. From People Haircare's new Curl range, the cream contains ocean bamboo for hair repair and jojoba oil for conditioning and shine and has been formulated for curl manageability and antioxidant defence. Healthy fats in the cream protect and strengthen hair strands, allowing them to retain deep moisture while effectively controlling frizz.
K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask, $100
As far as bond builders go, the K18 hair treatment is the best of the best when it comes to repairing damaged hair. A little goes a long way with this hair mask and trust me when I say you don’t need a lot (unless you want your hair to feel like straw). When applied properly, the K18 hair mask is transformative; in 3 washes I saw my hair becoming healthier, softer and more manageable. The technology in this viral product is groundbreaking and worth every single cent.
Coco & Eve Super Nourishing Coconut and Fig Hair Mask, $57.90
Remember when your hair was irresistibly soft and healthy in its virgin status, before bleach ruined it all? This mask is as close as it gets to restoring that feeling and has been my ride or die whenever I need a burst of hydration to restore my parched locks. The Coco & Eve Like a Virgin Hair Mask works to moisturise, repair and restore your hair so that it’s good as new.
Sitchu tip: If your hair needs extra love, leave it on for 30 minutes before popping back into the shower to wash it out and condition your hair.
Vegamour HYDR-8 Deep Moisture Repair Mask, $85
The Vegamour HYDR-8 Deep Moisture Repair Mask is a nourishing mask that works to restore moisture in dry, brittle and dull hair. With ingredients including hydrating oils, amino acids, Karmatin™, this mask has been clinically proven to improve hydration and reduce frizz for 72 hours.
Sitchu tip: While it says to use in place of a conditioner, go ahead and use their conditioner afterwards anyway for extra hydration.
Best Hair Care Products: Conditioner
While shampoo gets into the hair follicle and cleanses it of dirt and debris, conditioner seals the follicle closed again, protecting it from breakage and keeping it feeling soft and moisturised.
Ouai Conditioner Range
Tailored to diverse hair types, Ouai offers a range of conditioners catering to fine hair, medium hair and thick hair, so you know you’re giving your hair exactly what it needs.
STRAAND Crown Boost Conditioning Treatment, $24
Part conditioner, part hair treatment, this is prebiotic scalp care from STRAAND, and it does wonders for damaged, dehydrated and dandruff-prone hair. The formula is designed to be absorbed by your hair and improve health and appearance for the long-term, rather than a quick fix.
Aveda Botanical Repair™ Strengthening Conditioner, $67
If you’re trying to take preventive measures for hair breakage, Aveda’s Botanical Repair™ Strengthening Conditioner is the way to go. This conditioner nourishes the cuticle, detangles hair and protects it from future damage. It also has a light formula, so your hair won’t be weighed down.
Best Hair Care Products: Post Wash
People Haircare Frizz Free Oil, $16
Have hair that (seemingly) breaks all the rules? This Frizz Free Oil from People Haircare controls frizz and adds hydration, thanks to a blend of argan and jojoba oils. Appropriate for all hair types, it can be used as a leave-in treatment on damp hair, or to achieve sleeker looks like slicked-back buns and ponytails.
GHD Bodyguard Heat Protectant, $45
Post-wash, if you’re using heat to dry and style your hair, you need a reliable heat protectant. And heat tool company GHD sure know what they’re doing when it comes to keeping your hair safe when heat styling. Their heat protect spray is formulated with protecting polymers and conditioning agents to keep your hair soft, light and healthy.
Sitchu tip: You can spray heat protectant on a piece of bread, put it in the toaster and see how light/dark it comes out to see how effective the heat protectant is.
Dyson Supersonic Nural™ Hair Dryer
A hair dryer that doesn’t damage your hair? It sounds too good to be true, but it’s not. The Dyson Supersonic Nural™ Hair Dryer automatically adapts its temperature to protect your scalp using innovative new technology. Using a network of Nural™ sensors that automatically reduce heat as the airflow nears your head, heat damage is minimised.
“[It] has been designed to never exceed 55℃ at the scalp when in ‘Scalp Protect Mode’ meaning you can continue to dry and style your hair without compromising its health,” Chelcey says. This limits heat damage, leading to a healthier scalp overall.
KYK Hair Mist-ique Hair Oil
This hair oil features a blend of nourishing ingredients to give your hair a gorgeous shine and enhance moisture. It’s ultra-lightweight, leaving your locks glossy without being weighed down. It also serves as a heat protectant, shielding your hair from temperatures up to 230 degrees while leaving a wonderful watermelon scent behind.
Looking for more hair and beauty advice? Why not try out one of these amazing hair masks or take a look at the best clean beauty brands out on the market right now.
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