THE BEAUTY

The year so far has conjured up trends inspired by K-pop curls and Italian cake, plus the rise of multi-step hair care.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel
The year so far has conjured up trends inspired by K-pop curls and Italian cake, plus the rise of multi-step hair care. Think: Diverse formulas for ever-evolving concerns like stressed scalps, humidity-triggered frizz and overly heat-styled strands. These are the 77 products and treatments that were put under the tress test and came out victorious.
 
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BEST SHAMPOOS

Gentle, purifying cleansers that ensure the first step to a supple scalp and luscious locks is covered

BEST SHAMPOO FOR SENSITIVE SCALP

1. Sensitive Foam Shampoo, $30, Goldwell Dualsenses

A sensitive scalp is usually one that is out of balance. Target the root of the problem with a calming cleanser that gently sweeps away dirt and oil without stripping moisture. This ultragentle, pH neutral formula is enriched with antiinflammatory lime blossom extract to soothe and alleviate any itchiness or irritation.

BEST SHAMPOO FOR DANDRUFF

2. Dandruff Relief Shampoo, $16.90, Ryo

Minimise flakes in a wash with a cocktail of premium Korean medicinal herbs such as camellia oil, bamboo sap and chestnut shell, which soothe the scalp, alleviate dryness and irritation, and leave strands soft and moisturised.

BEST DRY SHAMPOO FOR NORMAL HAIR

3. No-Fuss Fabulousness Dry Shampoo, $26, Percy & Reed

This soaks up excess oil fast and cleanses the scalp to leave hair looking fresh and revitalised even if you haven’t had the time for a shower. The best part: It leaves no residue.

BEST SHAMPOO FOR COARSE HAIR

4. Lecithin Nourishing Shampoo, $19, Mario Badescu

Having coarse hair means you have thick strands, which tend to be dry and unruly because moisture takes quite a bit longer to penetrate deeply. Reach for this rich, nutritive formula that repairs and strengthens follicles, with jojoba oil to alleviate dryness and lock in moisture.

BEST SHAMPOO FOR NORMAL HAIR

5. Renewing Shampoo, $29.50, Davines

Good hair starts in the shower and this anti-ageing treatment, as its name suggests, renews hair health by protecting hair and scalp with antioxidant-rich spinach extract and maqui berry.

BEST SHAMPOO FOR FINE HAIR

6. Triphasic Stimulating Shampoo with Essential Oils, $39.90, René Furterer
Fine hair has a tendency to go flat and limp. This shampoo promotes hair growth and vitality with ATP and natural Pfaffia extract, while nourishing and boosting shine with microbeads of essential oils.
 
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BEST SHAMPOOS  FOR OILY HAIR

7. Deep Cleansing Shampoo, $30, Goldwell Dualsenses

The zinc-PCA and hydro-lime extract regulate the production of sebum, prevent grease buildup and moisturise the scalp to leave hair feeling clean and light all day long. What does all that mean for you? Peace of mind as oily roots are left behind in the past.

BEST SHAMPOO FOR DRY HAIR

8. Dry & Damaged Hair Shampoo, $32, Abyssian

Repair and rejuvenate dull, damaged hair and split ends with this mix of regenerating Abyssian oil, healing chamomile flower extracts and a host of vitality-boosting vitamins. Lather and leave on for two to three minutes for the goodness to seep in.

BEST SHAMPOO FOR MEN

9. Freia Professional Scalp Care Shampoo, $48, Freia Hair Solutions

Leaving a fresh, minty feeling, this sweeps away pore-clogging oil and impurities while restoring optimal scalp pH with a cocktail of exfoliating salicylic acid, stimulating copper tripeptide and conditioning agents.

BEST DRY SHAMPOO FOR OILY HAIR

10. Instant Fullness Dry Cleanser, $22, Nioxin

Thanks to an exclusive technology that effortlessly absorbs sebum and crafts space between each strand for an instant boost when roots go flat, you can say hello to hair that looks and feels freshly washed.

BEST NATURAL SHAMPOO

11. Classic Shampoo, $50, Rahua

Based on the centuries-old remedy of Amazonian women, Rahua is fortifi ed with a potent restorative oil of the same name. This organic shampoo deeply nourishes scalp and hair follicles. It contains healing quinoa, coconut and shea butters to gently remove oil and impurities without stripping away necessary nutrients.

BEST SHAMPOO FOR THINNING HAIR

12. Hair Fall Control Shampoo, $38, Verdure

Meet the wash-and-go volume booster that doesn’t just purify the scalp and make hair appear fuller, it also prevents loss and encourages growth with ingredients like ginger root and gingko biloba extract.

BEST SHAMPOO FOR COLOURED HAIR

13. Infuse My. Colour Copper Wash Shampoo, $33, My. Haircare

Stretch out the time between your colour appointments with this shampoo that refreshes and revives hair with copper, auburn, copper brown, copper rose and rose gold tones. Plus, it’s vegan and free of sulphates, silicones and parabens.

BEST SHAMPOO FOR CURLY HAIR

14. Be Curly Shampoo, $47, Aveda

Taming frizz, increasing shine and helping to seal cuticles, this multi-tasker works on waves and curls with a wheat protein and organic aloe blend that expands when hair is wet and retracts when dry—so you can expect good definition and bounce.

BEST SHAMPOO FOR CHEMICALLY TREATED HAIR

15. Résistance Bain Extentioniste, $39, Kérastase
Transform weakened hair that’s prone to breakage with this delicate daily treatment that doesn’t merely leave strands soft to the touch, but also boosts resilience and elasticity, while rebuilding hair fibre.
 
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BEST CONDITIONERS

Deep moisturisers that help to repair and reseal hair cuticles for silky, tangle-free tresses

BEST NATURAL CONDITIONER

1. Rosemary and Lavender Conditioner, approximately $49, Banyan Tree

Formulated with healthy hair growth in mind, this moisturises your mane and improves circulation in the scalp with organic rosemary and lavender essential oils. Organic argan oil helps to nourish and regenerate follicles while moringa seed extract shields hair from environmental stress.

BEST CONDITIONER FOR CHEMICALLY TREATED HAIR

2. Fusion Intense Repair Conditioner, $36, Wella Professionals

What does spider silk have to do with hair? Being one of the strongest fibres in nature, it’s the inspiration behind Wella’s unique silksteel fusion programme. Together with amino acids, it forms the basis for a conditioner that delivers some major TLC to damaged tresses and protects them against breakage.

BEST CONDITIONER FOR DRY HAIR

3. Dry Remedy Moisturising Condition, $63, Aveda

Quench dry, brittle, chemically treated locks with this conditioner that’s formulated with buriti oil—a rich antioxidant known for its deep moisturising and healing powers. The vitamin E found in this natural ingredient also protects hair against environmental stressors.

BEST CONDITIONER FOR FINE HAIR

4. Repower Volume Foam Conditioner, $46, Goldwell Kerasilk

This airy formula, with ingredients like keratin and elastin, adds body and fullness to fine and limp hair, while strengthening and smoothing at the same time. An added bonus: The creamy, lightweight foam texture doesn’t weigh down locks at all.

BEST CONDITIONER FOR SENSITIVE SCALP

5. Conditioner Gel with Peony, $14.60, Klorane

Whether dry, stressed, over-styled or aggravated by the environment, a sensitive scalp yearns for sufficient nourishment and comfort. This gel immediately relieves tightness, itching, burning or redness with Chinese peony, known for its soothing, anti-irritant properties and relaxing energy.

BEST CONDITIONER FOR CURLY HAIR

6. Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Shea Curl Defining Conditioner, $35, Briogeo

Thorough moisturising is the key to beautiful, bouncy curls. This ultra-hydrating formula penetrates the hair shaft and seals the cuticle, ensuring hair dries consistently while effectively locking out frizz-causing humidity, leaving even the kinkiest of locks soft and defined.

BEST CONDITIONER FOR NORMAL HAIR

7. Elements Lightweight Renewing Conditioner, $36, Wella Professionals

Quench thirsty tresses with this paraben-free, lightweight gel that preserves natural vitality, detangles, and leaves hair soft, silky and shiny.

BEST CONDITIONER FOR THINNING HAIR

8. Scalp Therapy Revitalizing Conditioner, $24, Nioxin

You’ll be glad to know this bestows moisture, balance and volume because the last thing we want is for a conditioner to weigh down fine strands like a midday slump.

BEST CONDITIONER FOR OILY HAIR

9. Feel The Green Tea Intensive Moisture Pack, $43, Amos

This lightweight conditioner locks in moisture while salicylic acid gently exfoliates the scalp and catechins strengthen hair from the root.

BEST CONDITIONER FOR COLOURED HAIR

10. Primience Colormuse Color Treatment, $28, Shiseido Professional
Those with bold colours have been taught to avoid overwashing. But this one-step plan, developed for Asian hair, makes maintaining your hair colour at home foolproof.
 

Photographed by Jonas Bresnan. Styled by Rosie Arkell-Palmer