The Best Drugstore Hair Care Products

“I love working on hair that has some grit, especially when doing braids or updos. This product gives great bang for your buck!” —Wendy Rorong, makeup and hair artist

“This line is the first mass-market shampoo and conditioner to be verified by the Environmental Working Group, a non-profit that assesses the relative toxicity of thousands of personal-care products.” —Charlotte Herrold, deputy editor, Flare

“As a stylist who suffers from psoriasis and alopecia, I’ve learned that maintaining a healthy scalp is necessary for full, healthy hair. Along with my prescribed medications, this shampoo recently became a favourite.” —Alicia Melanson, master stylist and makeup artist

“Thanks to over a decade of bleaching, my hair is mega dry. This hair mask holds up against its pricier counterparts and swaps out nasties like parabens, silicones and sulphates for rich shea butter and coconut oil.” —Emily MacCulloch, contributing style editor, Chatelaine

“In just a few minutes, ragged ends are spun into shimmering silk— without feeling heavy or greasy. I’m convinced it has spared me the inevitable damage that comes with transitioning from brown to blond.” —Katherine Flemming, beauty writer and editor

“Just as my skin gets oilier in the summer, so does my hair—ugh! Made with activated charcoal and mint, this duo leaves my hair feeling clean and fresh. Plus, both products are silicone-free.” —Jessica Desjardins, beauty expert

“It’s a classic, it works and the price is right. No wonder it’s a staple in the kits of so many editorial stylists.” —Sam Stonehouse, salon director

“As a woman with super curly Afro-textured hair, I’m always on the lookout for products that boost moisture and definition. Loaded with shea butter, coconut oil, hibiscus, silk protein and neem oil, this leave-in treatment checks those boxes.” —Natasha Bruno, beauty writer

“The hold is strong yet flexible; it doesn’t flake or harden to a crisp; it shields against humidity, provides volume and lasts. It’s also sulphate-, phthalate- and paraben-free.” —Christine Cho, makeup artist and on-air beauty expert

“This product has a super fine spray, and it doesn’t feel gritty. It comes in darker colours, too, but I find the original formula works fine with my black hair.” —Susana Hong, makeup and hair artist

“My dry, naturally curly heat-styled hair never looks as good as when I spray the ends with this nourishing dry conditioner. It also doesn’t weigh hair down.” —Bahar Niramwalla, beauty expert

“In an effort to wash my hair less, I rely on dry shampoo. The inevitable result is lots of product buildup—which this shampoo easily takes care of!” —Alexandra Ward, editor

“I love Toppik. It’s easy to apply, comes in a variety of shades and really creates the illusion of more hair.” —Helen Kenny, hairstylist

“Not only does it smell amazing, but it doesn’t weigh down my super fine hair. It’s also rare to find a drugstore brand that really pays attention to its carbon footprint.” —Simone Olivero, senior editor, Today’s Parent

“Hairspray is my most treasured styling product, and I go through a lot. This one is lightweight and affordable, and it doesn’t weigh down my fine hair.” —Tara MacInnis, style writer

“Féria is my favourite at-home colour. It’s pretty foolproof to apply and stains skin far less than other brands. I even like the way the colour fades, which isn’t always the case with reds.” —Andrea Karr, beauty writer

“After styling, I like to work this finishing cream into my hands and apply to the areas that need a little extra shine and control.” —Jason Lee, hairstylist

“There are some products you just can’t quit, and for me, Dove shampoo is one of them. The fresh scent, great lather and affordable price tag mean I always have a bottle on hand.” —Erinn Stewart, style writer

“I’ve never found a mousse quite like this. It provides soft (not crunchy) hold for my wavy-curly hair.” —Sasha Emmons, director, lifestyle content, St. Joseph Communications

“I’m busy, so I love dry shampoo. But I don’t love the white residue many leave on my dark hair. This one is dark enough to blend in, plus it smells lovely.” —Gillian Grace, deputy editor, Chatelaine