The Absolute Best Hair Products Of The Year
(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)
This past year has been a roller coaster of canceled salon appointments, box dye and hair experimentation—from growing out greys to quarantine bangs. Thankfully, there were plenty of new products on hand to give our locks a much-needed lift. But with so many innovative formulas to choose from, figuring out what really works (and what’s worth your $$$) is no small task.
From shampoos and conditioners to air-dry balms and nourishing treatments, we sent our top picks to readers across Canada for their no-holds-barred feedback. Here, they share their thoughts on the best hair products of the past year, at every price point.
The Absolute Best Hair Products Of The Year
Best Drugstore Shampoo & Conditioner: Maui Moisture Shine + Awapuhi Shampoo and Conditioner
“This shampoo-and-conditioner duo has a beautiful scent. It reminds me of a tropical vacation—it’s energizing, with a sweet and slightly spicy twist. Together, the products leave my colour-treated hair soft, hydrated and smooth, without a knot in sight.” —Andréanne Turcotte, 34
Shampoo, $11, shoppersdrugmart.ca, conditioner, $11, shoppersdrugmart.ca
Best Prestige Shampoo & Conditioner: Drunk Elephant Cocomino Glossing Shampoo and Cocomino Marula Cream Conditioner
“I have fine, dry hair, and this shampoo and conditioner leave it clean, smooth and shiny without drying it out or weighing it down. The subtle almond scent is intoxicating and clings to my hair for a few hours post-shower.” —Rachelle Sunga, 44
Shampoo, $33, sephora.ca, conditioner, $33, sephora.ca
Best Drugstore Hair Treatment: SheaMoisture Moringa & Avocado Power Greens Reconstructor
“This hair treatment gives me instant results. After every use, my hair feels revitalized and strong, and my dry, split ends look shiny and healthy.” —Maureen Par, 44
$14, shoppersdrugmart.ca
Best Prestige Hair Treatment: AG Hair Nourish Mask
“As a busy mom, I can’t resist the time-saving convenience of an in-shower hair mask. The rich texture and the clean, refreshing scent make my me-time more luxurious. Each application helps tame my damaged, colour-treated hair, leaving it smooth and soft.” —Andrée-Anne Jutras, 36
$26, aghair.com
Best Drugstore Dry Shampoo: Pantene Pro-V Never Tell Dry Shampoo
“This dry shampoo comes out in a fine mist and doesn’t leave any white residue behind. It refreshes greasy roots and adds gorgeous volume to limp strands. I use it after my midday workouts to give my hair a quick boost before rushing to my next remote meeting.” —Cynthia Laventure, 34
$9, walmart.ca
Best Prestige Dry Shampoo: Kérastase Fresh Affair Dry Shampoo
“A few spritzes of this dry shampoo leave my hair feeling fresh and clean. The nozzle distributes the product evenly, so there’s none of the dreaded white residue often left behind by other dry shampoos. I also love the scent, which reminds me of a high-end hair salon.” —Pam Edwards, 43
$45, sephora.ca
Best Drugstore Air-Dry Styling Product: Sephora Collection Air Dry Styling Cream
“This styling cream spreads easily through damp strands without leaving a sticky residue on my hands. It makes my hair soft and manageable, giving my natural texture plenty of definition.” —Monica Polkowski, 37
$16, sephora.ca
Best Prestige Air-Dry Styling Product: Alterna My Hair My Canvas Easy Does It Air-Dry Balm
“This vegan balm’s texture is halfway between a paste and a gel. I apply it to damp hair before bed and wake up with voluminous, silky tresses. It makes my hair easy to style for days after application, and it banishes frizz instantly.” —Marie-Hélène Faucher, 37
$32, chatters.ca
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