Bonus points, per the experts: The key to repairing dry hair is hydration, hydration, and hydration. Ultramoisturizing ingredients like coconut oil provide just that.
One tester said: “This product felt really luxurious and ritzy, from the scent to the packaging to the texture. As for how it worked, my hair felt so freaking soft afterward and dried smoothly without frizz.”
Just so you know: Coconut oil is great for thick or coarse hair but can weigh down fine hair.
The Best Hair Ties: Slip Light Brown Skinny Scrunchies
Traditional hair ties can tug and damage hair. These silk alternatives are the perfect way to avoid breakage (and creases too).
One tester said: “They stretch with ease, don’t pull at my knots, and are honestly really cute. I’d recommend these for anyone who can’t seem to find a good option that’s not a basic elastic or full-on scrunchie.”
The Best Smoothing Brush: Pattern Beauty double-sided bristle brush
The great thing about this 2-in-1 brush—brought to you by the Tracee Ellis Ross—is that it detangles pesky knots and finesses stray strands for all hair types (dry or wet, thin or thick, straight or curly) thanks to its premium boar and nylon fibers.
One tester said: “This is an excellent brush for anyone who wants to tame frizz and flatten flyaways for a sleek look. Plus it’s excellent for sweeping your hair up in a bun or high ponytail.”
The Best Detangling Brush: Wet Brush Go Green Speed Dry Detangler
This Wet Brush is designed to glide through fragile, damp strands without creating damage. Thanks to heat-resistant bristles and a unique vented design, you can use it safely while blow-drying too.
One tester said: “I’ve used a knockoff Wet Brush for the last couple years, so I jumped at the chance to try the real thing. Unsurprisingly, it was a huge upgrade from my Amazon dupe. I rarely, if ever, felt it snag in my hair, and I could feel it pulling water away from my hair after a shower. It has a denser set of bristles than my knockoff, which I think makes it more effective in terms of drying and detangling. And the Go Green version is a really cute shade of pastel green!”
The Best Dual Bristle Brush (Splurge): Oribe Hair Italian Resin Flat Brush
Our testers were excited to take this expensive Oribe brush for a spin. The verdict? Yes, it’s around 10 times the price of a standard one—and yes, it really is 10 times better. If you’re willing to splurge on your next “forever” brush, you’ll be getting what you pay for here, with a rock-solid construction, real boar bristles, and rounded nylon pins that smooth all hair types without breakage.
One tester said: “This is the fanciest brush I’ve ever used on my head. Growing up with curly hair, I could only sometimes brush my hair in the shower to avoid it becoming a ‘rat’s nest,’ as my family so lovingly put it. I recently felt like I’ve been missing out on the benefits of brushing my hair regularly, so I wanted to give it a try. This brush has honestly changed everything. The brush itself is beautiful and the bristles are pleasantly scratchy. It feels like a scalp massage but is also gentle on my strands—I never felt like I was ripping at my hair or snagging it. The weirdest thing is that after brushing thoroughly for a while, my curls went pretty much back to normal (after running through with my hands). The way the oils at my roots were distributed down to the ends really helped to balance everything out, leaving my curls shiny and healthy-looking.”
The Best Comb: Act + Acre Detangling Hair Comb
Not only can this comb tame hair on its knottiest days, but it also offers great stimulation to your scalp—think of it like a DIY massage tool. Our curly-haired tester said it was an excellent option for wash day.
One tester said: “I wanted a comb that does well when wet, detangles without pulling, looks cute on my shower shelf, and is easy to travel with. This one checks every single one of my boxes—the color is neutral but still shiny and fun, it comes in a dreamy felt carrying case, and it’s totally waterproof.”
The Best Satin Bonnet: Ecoslay Satin Bonnet
Like a silk pillowcase, a satin bonnet protects hair from frizz, breakage, and tangling as you sleep. This affordable option from Ecoslay stays on all night—and you won’t wake up with a line on your forehead, either. Another standout: It’s so chic, you won’t want to take it off in the morning.
One tester said: “This is the most fashionable bonnet on the market! It feels silky smooth and has vibrant colors and patterns to work with everything in your evening wardrobe.”