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There are so many everyday factors that can leave your hair feeling drier than straw—chlorine, hard water, cold weather, color treatments, and heated hair tools are just a few—but the best shampoos and conditioners for dry hair can soften even the crunchiest, brittle strands out there. After all, while there's a place and time for hydrating hair masks and nourishing hair oils, “fighting frizz starts in the shower,” says Nicolas Flores, a hairstylist based in Los Angeles.
The key to these moisturizing shampoos and conditioners is in their formulations, which gently cleanse hair of product buildup (yet another root cause of dry hair) while smoothing it with a blend of hydrators and conditioning agents you might be familiar with—do vitamin E and coconut oil ring a bell? They're not hard to find, either; even drugstore shampoos deliver. Below, we're talking all things dry hair, including hairstylist tips on minimizing dryness and editor-approved shampoos and conditioners to enhance texture and shine.
Our Top Shampoos and Conditioners for Dry Hair
- Best Overall: K18 Damage Shield pH Protective Shampoo and Conditioner, $39 each
- Best for Shine: Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner, $72
- Best for Damaged Hair: Wella Professionals Ultimate Repair Shampoo and Conditioner, $70
- Best for Curly Hair: Redken All Soft Mega Curls Shampoo and Conditioner, $58
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What causes dry hair?
- How can I minimize dry hair?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: K18 Damage Shield pH Protective Shampoo and Conditioner
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K18
Damage Shield pH Protective Shampoo and Conditioner
Amazon (Shampoo)
Amazon (Conditioner)
Sephora
Why it's worth it: Allure editors and pro hairstylists alike are fans of K18’s Damage Shield pH Protective Shampoo and Conditioner, which won a 2024 Best of Beauty Award. Los Angeles-based hairstylist Clayton Hawkins and New York City-based hair colorist Kimberly Ruszczyk call out the brand’s proprietary peptide, K18, which works at a molecular level to support bond maintenance and reduce protein loss, while leaving strands with a softer texture and more vibrant shine. “It strengthens and repairs dry, damaged hair from the inside out, leaving it healthier, smoother, and more manageable without weighing it down,” says Hawkins.
Allure social director Kassidy Silva before using the K18 Damage Shield pH Protective Shampoo and Conditioner
Kassidy Silva
Silva after using the K18 Damage Shield pH Protective Shampoo and Conditioner
Kassidy Silva
Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva
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“I use half a dozen hair products on a weekly basis; dry shampoo, hairspray, gel, you name it. To give my hair a reset, I use the K18 shampoo and conditioner once a week and like to keep the shampoo on for at least five minutes to really cleanse my scalp before moving on to the conditioner.” —Kassidy Silva, social director
More to know
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- Key shampoo ingredients: K18 (peptide), plant-derived surfactants (sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium methyl 2-sulfolaurate, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate)
- Key conditioner ingredients: K18, ceramides, polysaccharide
- Fragrance-free: no
- Sulfate-free: yes
Best for Fine Hair: Nécessaire The Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner
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Nécessaire
The Hair Moisture Duo
Nécessaire
Why it's worth it: Necessaire’s The Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner duo gives wavy hair the moisture it craves without the heaviness it doesn't, thanks to the brand's proprietary Botanical Silk Complex—a plant-derived alternative to synthetic silicones. Plus, there’s nourishing argan oil, extract, and water for softness, shine, and smoothness that won't leave waves looking limp. You'll also find five types of ceramides to strengthen hair fibers and support the scalp barrier, making this an especially great pick for hair that's been put through the wringer recently by sun, chlorine, and salt water. The finishing touch: Arganier, a warm, skin-like fragrance with notes of white musk, ambrette, vanilla, and oak that lingers subtly in the hair.
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai before using the Nécessaire The Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner
Deanna Pai
Pai after using the Nécessaire The Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner
Deanna Pai
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“It can be tough to find a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner that doesn't flatten my fine hair, which can land anywhere from 2B to 3A depending on the day and how they air-dry. But Nécessaire pulled it off with this duo. I love that a little goes a long way, and the shampoo lathers nicely despite the lack of sulfates. The conditioner has made a difference in my flyaways—a big deal, since I'm working with regrowth following postpartum hair loss right now—and overall frizz. I especially love the new scent, which leans cozy, warm, and velvety.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Key shampoo and conditioner ingredients: Botanical Silk Complex (plant-derived silicone alternative), argan oil, argan extract, argan water, five essential ceramides
- Fragrance-free: no
- Sulfate-free: yes
Best for Damaged Hair: Wella Professionals Ultimate Repair Shampoo and Conditioner
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Wella Professionals
Ultimate Repair Shampoo and Conditioner
Amazon
Ulta Beauty (Shampoo)
Ulta Beauty (Conditioner)
Why it's worth it: Do split ends, breakage, and rough texture ring any bells? If your hair is showing the telltale signs of damage, Wella Professionals' Ultimate Repair Shampoo and Conditioner are designed to counteract some of that wear and tear. The duo combines AHA (malic acid) to strengthen weakened hair with omega-9 and squalane to replenish the hair's protective lipid layer and smooth the cuticle. The shampoo—which is "light and foamy," according to Stanimir Hristov, a hairstylist based in Putney, London—also features the brand’s Metal Purifier technology to remove metal particles that can build up from hard water and contribute to dullness and damage over time. Follow with the conditioner, which leaves brittle hair feeling softer and silkier while "creating a barrier so that hair is protected from environmental stressors," says Hristov, who especially likes its rich, creamy texture.
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han before using the Wella Professionals Ultimate Repair Shampoo and Conditioner
Sarah Han
Han after using the Wella Professionals Ultimate Repair Shampoo and Conditioner
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“I'm always on the lookout for shampoos and conditioners that intensely hydrate my dry, brittle, and partially color-treated hair without stripping too much of said color—emphasis on the last part! So I was pleasantly surprised when my pale pink stayed intact. (I have a color-depositing shampoo that I use occasionally, but I'm trying to rely on it less.) This Wella duo initially stood out because of its AHAs, which I suspected would be a great clarifying treatment for my scalp, especially as someone who sometimes only washes her hair once a week. (Time flies, ok!) The conditioner also has AHAs, which help repair strands from within the shaft—I always use a leave-in conditioner or overnight mask post-shower, so the exfoliation helps the leave-in absorb better. My hair feels extra soft—softer than it does with other shampoos and conditioners, or even hair masks, I swear—the next morning, so consider me impressed. Thank you, AHAs!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key shampoo ingredients: AHA (malic acid), omega-9 (oleic acid), Metal Purifier technology, panthenol (pro-vitamin B5), squalane
- Key conditioner ingredients: AHA (malic acid), omega-9 (oleic acid), squalane
- Fragrance-free: no
- Sulfate-free: no
Best for Curly Hair: Redken All Soft Mega Curls Shampoo and Conditioner
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Redken
All Soft Mega Curls Shampoo and Conditioner
Amazon
Ulta Beauty (Shampoo)
Ulta Beauty (Conditioner)
Why it's worth it: Some products that promise intense moisture leave curls limp and heavy, but Redken's All Soft Mega Curls Shampoo and Conditioner achieves a better balance. The sulfate- and silicone-free shampoo gently cleanses while restoring softness with glycerin and aloe vera, and salicylic acid lifts away scalp buildup without stripping moisture. The creamy conditioner takes it from there, pairing Inca Inchi oil to replenish dry strands with hydrolyzed soy protein to strengthen the hair fiber, while conditioning agents smooth the cuticle and make detangling a breeze. "The conditioner is so thick and luxurious that your curls will drink it up even after one use," says Murphy.
Commerce editorial assistant Hailey Roy before using the Redken All Soft Mega Curls Shampoo and Conditione
Hailey Roy
Roy after using the Redken All Soft Mega Curls Shampoo and Conditione
Hailey Roy
Tester feedback from commerce editorial assistant Hailey Roy
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“With just one wash day a week and 3C curls that usually end up in a bun by day two, my hair is basically knot central by the time wash day rolls around. Thankfully, this conditioner made detangling those stubborn knots so much easier. Trust me, the detangling process is easily the most stressful part of my routine. My hair also sheds quite a bit, so a buttery-soft conditioner that melts through tangles without excessive tugging feels like a gift. That buttery formula carried through after rinsing, too, leaving my hair noticeably softer. Together, the shampoo and conditioner brought my curls back to life (or at least as much as they can before I add my styling products) without weighing them down. I'll take bouncy, voluminous curls over flat, overly defined ones any day.” —Hailey Roy, commerce editorial assistant
More to know
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- Key shampoo ingredients: glycerin, aloe vera, salicylic acid
- Key conditioner ingredients: Inca Inchi oil, hydrolyzed soy protein, glycerin, aloe vera, conditioning polymers
- Fragrance-free: no
- Sulfate-free: yes
Best for Shine: Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner
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Living Proof
No Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner
Amazon
Ulta Beauty (Shampoo)
Ulta Beauty (Conditioner)
Why it's worth it: There are approximately one million reasons your hair might be frizzy. Humidity that makes thirsty strands swell, bleach and heat tools that rough up the cuticle, natural oils that don’t make it down curly hair, and even everyday friction from your pillowcase all play a role. Living Proof's No Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner tackle frizz from every angle, no matter what's causing it. Both the shampoo and moisturizing conditioner feature the brand's proprietary Sili-Clone HairTech, which creates a lightweight protective shield around each strand to repel humidity, reduce friction, and keep hair smoother, sleeker, and less prone to frizz. And, even without sulfates, "the shampoo has the most incredible lather, breaking down any scalp buildup you may have, too," says Taylor Murphy, a hairstylist based in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Contributing commerce writer Christa Lee before using the Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner
Christa Joanna Lee
Lee after using the Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“For context, my hair is dry, reaches more than halfway down my back, and I only get it cut once or twice a year—no routine trims here—so crunchy ends and the occasional split end are just part of the package, along with a flaky scalp. I would've never guessed the shampoo was sulfate-free. The lather is rich and bubbly, leaving my extra-long hair feeling clean without that squeaky, stripped feeling. The conditioner strikes that perfect middle ground: thick enough to revive my parched ends without feeling like a heavy hair mask, but lightweight enough that it doesn’t feel heavy and coated. After using the duo, my lengths felt smoother, softer, and de-puffed, even when I air-dry. If I could only pack one shampoo and conditioner for a frizz-inducing desert island, this would be the pair I'd bring.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key shampoo ingredients: Sili-Clone HairTech, jojoba esters, sugar-derived humectants, sunflower derivatives
- Key conditioner ingredients: Sili-Clone HairTech, jojoba esters, behentrimonium chloride, hydrolyzed sodium PCA
- Fragrance-free: no
- Sulfate-free: yes
Best for Wavy Hair: Kérastase Gloss Absolu Shampoo and Conditioner
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Kérastase
Gloss Absolu Shampoo and Conditioner
Amazon
Why it's worth it: Wavy (but not curly) hair doesn't always need less moisture—it just needs lighter moisture. Kérastase's Gloss Absolu Shampoo and Conditioner delivers hydration minus the weight that can zap body and bounce. The shampoo combines hyaluronic acid to draw moisture into the hair with glycolic acid to “smooth the cuticle for a silkier feel and reflective shine,” says Flores. Wild rose oil, rich in vitamins A, C, and E, adds softness and nourishment, while the luxe lather thoroughly cleanses the scalp. "This shampoo will bring your hair back to life in just a few washes without adding extra weight to fine, fragile hair," says Murphy. The silky conditioner follows up with moisturizing emollients that detangle and smooth, leaving fine hair “softer, shinier, and more manageable,” adds Flores.
Allure senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino before using the Kérastase Gloss Absolu Shampoo and Conditioner
Elizabeth Gulino
Gulino after applying the Kérastase Gloss Absolu Shampoo and Conditioner
Elizabeth Gulino
Tester feedback from senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino
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“I would like to personally thank whoever formulated Kérastase's Gloss Absolu line because, wow, did it actually help with my frizz and dryness. The first time I used both the shampoo and conditioner was on a Friday before heading out to dinner with friends—usually, when I air-dry my wavy hair, I'll add a few curls with a curling iron to try to tame frizz with heat. But after using Kérastase's Gloss Absolu Shampoo and Conditioner, I didn't even need to plug in any hot tools; my hair was good to go as-is. The citrus-y floral scent of the products is a major plus, too, and made my shower smell like a spa. I have a feeling I'll go through these products fairly quickly.” —Elizabeth Gulino, senior staff writer
More to know
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- Key shampoo and conditioner ingredients: hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, wild rose oil
- Fragrance-free: no
- Sulfate-free: no
Best Clarifying: Medicube Rosemary PDRN Shampoo and Conditioner
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Medicube
Rosemary PDRN Shampoo and Conditioner
Amazon
Why it's worth it: If your scalp feels oily by day two but your lengths still somehow end up dry, Medicube's Rosemary PDRN Shampoo and Conditioner are designed to tackle both concerns at once. The shampoo takes a clarifying—but not overly drying—approach with salicylic acid to dissolve buildup, plus niacinamide, panthenol, and glycerin to keep the scalp balanced and the hair hydrated. The conditioner follows with a hefty dose of moisture from multiple forms of hyaluronic acid and hydrolyzed proteins to soften dry strands, while peppermint, tea tree, and rosemary lend the duo its fresh, tingly feel.
The headline ingredient in both shampoo and conditioner is plant-derived PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide), sourced from botanicals rather than traditional salmon DNA. In hair care, it's marketed as a way to support a healthier scalp environment and reinforce weak strands, creating the ideal conditions for stronger, fuller-looking. While those claims are intriguing, the science is still early and inconclusive. (Most research on PDRN has focused on injectable skin treatments or cell studies—not on topical shampoos and conditioners—so it's difficult to know how much of the duo's performance can be attributed to the PDRN itself.) Even if the jury is still out on PDRN, though, this formula stands on its own as a refreshing, scalp-first duo that deeply cleanses without leaving dry hair feeling parched.
Lee before applying the Medicube Rosemary PDRN Shampoo and Conditioner
Christa Joanna Lee
Lee after applying the Medicube Rosemary PDRN Shampoo and Conditioner
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from Lee
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“So the first thing you'll notice is the invigorating rosemary, peppermint, and tea tree scent. It gives your scalp that satisfying tingly feeling, though if you're sensitive around the eyes, I'd recommend tilting your head back while rinsing since the cooling sensation can get a little intense as it runs down your face. The shampoo works into a rich, bubbly lather and leaves my hair feeling genuinely clean yet not stripped—I’ve had zero issues using this as a daily shampoo. The conditioner is lightweight but has a slick enough texture to make detangling effortless—no greasiness in sight. The brand doesn't disclose exactly what's inside the tiny green capsules suspended throughout both formulas, but they burst instantly as you massage them in, adding a fun sensory touch that K-beauty is known for.” —Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key shampoo ingredients: plant-derived PDRN, salicylic acid, niacinamide, panthenol, glycerin, caffeine, multiple forms of hyaluronic acid
- Key conditioner ingredients: plant-derived PDRN, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, niacinamide, conditioning agents, hydrolyzed pea protein, biotin
- Fragrance-free: no
- Sulfate-free: yes
Best for Flaky Scalps: CosRx Peptide 132 Hair Bonding Shampoo and Hair Bonding Treatment
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Cosrx
Peptide 132 Hair Bonding Shampoo and Hair Bonding Treatment
Amazon
Why it's worth it: Whether you’ve been dealing with flakes forever or just pushed wash day one too many times (we’ve all been there), CosRx’s Peptide 132 Hair Bonding Shampoo and Hair Bonding Treatment (this acts like a conditioner and hair treatment in one) are the ultimate reset for your scalp and strands. Packed with strengthening peptides, this power duo repairs damage, melts away buildup, and leaves hair feeling silky and weightless. The pH-balanced formulas also soothe and hydrate your scalp with a calming blend of niacinamide and panthenol, so itchiness and irritation are officially canceled. The result? Clean, soft, ridiculously refreshed hair that feels brand new, sans any itchiness or irritation.
Han before using the CosRx Peptide 132 Hair Bonding Shampoo and Conditioner
Sarah Han
Han after using the CosRx Peptide 132 Hair Bonding Shampoo and Conditioner
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Han
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"I gave my initial samples to our senior commerce director, Shanna Shipin, and she ended up loving them—so, of course, I had to give them a real shot. The Peptide 132 Ultra Perfect Hair Bonding Shampoo deep-cleansed my scalp without being as harsh as other ‘typical’ clarifying shampoos, and left it feeling really gosh-darn soothed, rather than stripped. It was the ultimate test, as my scalp gets greasy pretty quickly and I hadn't washed my hair in over a week, so I think the zinc PCA did a great job minimizing sebum and irritation." —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key shampoo ingredients: peptides, zinc PCA, caffeine, niacinamide, panthenol
- Key conditioner ingredients: peptides, collagen, amino acids, biotin, niacinamide
- Scent: light, clean, floral
- Sulfate-free: yes
Best for Thick Hair: Squigs Gooseberry Delight Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner
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Squigs
Gooseberry Delight Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner
Amazon
Why it's worth it: A 2025 Best of Beauty Award-winning duo, the Squigs Gooseberry Delight Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner deliver serious moisture à la the brand’s ShineShield Complex, which features a blend of vitamin C-rich amla and moringa oils as well as strengthening red algae extract. The shampoo uses gentle, coconut-derived surfactants to cleanse (no sulfates here), so hair feels clean, not stripped. Next, the conditioner offers lightweight hydration from the aforementioned complex, smoothing each strand without weighing it down or leaving a greasy residue. The payoff? Hair that stays silky, detangled, and glossy for days—think full, bouncy, blowout-level shine, no salon visit required.
Allure senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor before using the Squigs Gooseberry Delight Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Jesa Marie Calaor
Calaor after using the Squigs Gooseberry Delight Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Jesa Marie Calaor
Tester feedback from senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor
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“Between frequent heat-styling and the harsh temperatures of a New York City winter, my hair has been feeling crispy and fragile at the ends. A squeeze of each of these bottles helps restore softness and bounce. The shampoo is emollient, creating a rich lather as I work it from my scalp to my ends. The conditioner is thick yet easy to distribute through my extra-long strands. And I love the scent, which is subtly citrusy and bright.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor
More to know
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- Key shampoo ingredients: amla extract, aloe extract, moringa oil, red algae extract, neem oil, tulsi extract
- Key conditioner ingredients: amla extract, aloe extract, moringa oil, red algae extract, neem oil, tulsi extract, kokum butter
- Scent: fresh, natural
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes dry hair?
Dry hair is caused by a lack of moisture, which can be attributed to a long laundry list of factors, says Hawkins. Our delicate strands are exposed to a lot, including harsh chemical treatments and environmental stressors like cold weather and dry heat inside your home or office, according to Ruszczyk. "Frequent washing or using products that strip moisture can deplete the scalp's natural oils," adds Jerome Lordet, a hairstylist based in New York City. According to all three experts, your hairstyling tools can also cause dryness. "Heat-styling tools, like flatirons and blow-dryers, can damage the hair cuticle, leading to moisture loss," says Hawkins.
How can I minimize dry hair?
Both Lordet and Hawkins agree that incorporating hair treatments and products with moisture-replenishing ingredients is key to enhancing the look and feel of your hair. "Look for ingredients that hydrate and restore moisture balance like argan oil, coconut oil, aloe vera, glycerin, panthenol, and honey to help restore moisture, reduce frizz, and keep hair looking healthy and shiny," says Lordet. Hawkins is also a fan of shea butter, which he calls "incredibly moisturizing and helps to smooth frizzy, brittle hair."
Meet the experts
- Nicolas Flores, a hairstylist and co-founder of Flore Los Angeles based in Los Angeles
- Clayton Hawkins, a hairstylist based in Los Angeles
- Stanimir Hristov, a hairstylist and founder of Your Hairdresser based in Putney, London
- Jerome Lordet, a hairstylist based in New York City
- Taylor Murphy, a hairstylist based in Raleigh, North Carolina
- Kimberly Ruszczyk, a colorist based in New York City
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are created in order to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn't want to pick up a purple shampoo that's only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that's never been tested by anyone with curls—right?
For our review of the best shampoos and conditioners for dry hair, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, hairstylists, and colorists. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture and experience, fragrance, and packaging. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
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