One tester said: “I love how lightweight this spray is; my roots were extra voluminous after styling. It also smells amazing—like an orange creamsicle. I’ll be grabbing this whenever I blow-dry, straighten, curl, or crimp my hair from now on!”
Best Curl Gel: Coilbar A Whole Snack Curl Defining Custard Gel
Why we love it: Never settle for crunchy curls again: Mango and tangerine butters in this custard-style gel provide the moisture coily hair needs to stay springy, and wheat protein adds shine.
Bonus points, per the experts: The hydrolyzed wheat protein in this formula also gives curls definition.
One tester said: “I love the texture of this cream-gel hybrid. It holds my curls nicely but not to the point where my hair feels hard, which can happen with other gels.”
Just so you know: According to Coilbar, this product is best suited for textured curls (3A, 3B, 3C) or coils (4A, 4B, 4C).
Best Curl Cream: Bondbar Bonding Curl Cream
Why we love it: Our testers love the creamy, smooth consistency of this bonding cream, which gives curls definition while keeping hair soft. And you can’t beat the price: At $10 a bottle, it won’t break the bank.
One tester said: “My curls really pop when I use this cream. They are clumping beautifully and are bouncy and light. It holds up great after wash day and easily refreshes as needed with a bit of water.”
Best Scalp Serum: Eva NYC H2-Whoa! Hydrating 3-in-1 Hair and Scalp Serum
Why we love it: Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, and this serum helps you show the area some TLC thanks to some skin care mainstays like hyaluronic and glycolic acid.
One tester said: “The past five years, I have lost a brush-full of hair every time I brush. After three applications of this, I noticed a difference in my shedding.”
Just so you know: People with sensitive skin should take note that this product includes fragrance, which could irritate your scalp (and is precisely what you’re trying to avoid).
Best Scalp Serum (Splurge): Act+Acre Microbiome Cooling Scalp Serum
Why we love it: Act+Acre claims this serum “relieves dry scalp itch in 30 seconds”; our testers didn’t set a timer, but can confirm that it had a near-instant cooling effect thanks to soothing peppermint oil.
Bonus points, per the experts: Ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid help moisturize your scalp.
One tester said: “Yes, yes, yes, yes. This serum is such a treat. I have a very dry, very itchy scalp, and have spent years looking for products that can appease it. Since using this, I don’t deal with creeping itchiness between hair washes. It’s quick-absorbing, not at all greasy, and wonderfully cooling. Oh, and it smells lovely.”
Best Scalp Scrub: Bumble and Bumble Bb. Seaweed Whipped Scalp Scrub
Why we love it: After several days of styling in a row, you may want to call in the heavy hitters to help remove built-up layers of curl cream, hair spray, oil, etc. from your scalp. The sea salt in this scrub from salon-staple Bumble and Bumble gently removes lingering product and dead skin, leaving hair feeling so fresh and so clean.