The GHI beauty lab was founded a decade ago to help readers decide which buzzy buys are worth spending on, and which are all just talk. This year marks 100 years of GHI testing, and we’re celebrating with our Hall of Fame Awards, which recognise the very best in beauty.
The awards are running through the year – we’ve already celebrated our makeup winners and most innovative beauty tools and now we’re crowning the top haircare performers.
These are the heroes of the haircare world, from shine-enhancing glosses and heat-protecting sprays to hair-resuscitating treatments. You name it, we’ve tried and tested it, so we can tell you which iconic brands are worth the investment and which smart new treatments deserve a spot on your bathroom shelf. These are the newest entries into the GHI Beauty Hall of Fame…
How we test haircare
Our lab experts go to great lengths to work out which styling, softening and growth-stimulating products are a cut above the rest. They use specialist machines to check them against their claims, whether that’s measuring any moisture loss from the hair shaft after using an oil, or assessing frizz with and without a heat protection spray.
We also send each product out to our firm-but-fair panellists, who give us detailed feedback on how they perform. Over the course of testing, thousands of readers have tried hundreds of hair products for us. We then combine all the results, so we can confidently tell you which products are the best of the best.
Shower staples
Best shampoos
Best shampoo
Color Wow Color Security Shampoo
Now 26% Off
Score: 85/100
This sulphate-free shampoo is designed to wash away chemicals that can dull your colour, and our panellists were impressed. “It gave my hair a thorough clean without stripping the oils – instead it felt soft and nourished,” said one tester. Everyone found it easy to use, with the majority agreeing it left their hair feeling more hydrated. It didn’t irritate the scalp or leave any residue either.
Best bond building shampoo
Pantene Molecular Bond Repair Shampoo
Score: 82/100
This bond repair shampoo is designed to protect and restore damaged hair, caused by everything we put it through –heat styling, sun exposure and scraping it into a bun, for a start. Our panellists said it was creamy and smooth and lathered perfectly. The scent was also a big hit, with one tester telling us it “smelt divine, like apples.” It feels luxurious for the price, and it didn’t leave behind any residue. Lengths looked more hydrated, less greasy and more healthy after use.
Best collagen shampoo
OGX Thick and Full Collagen Shampoo
Score: 82/100
Formulated with sulphate-free surfactants (which are gentler on the hair and skin), this shampoo aims to help strengthen thinning hair and add a healthy dose of volume. OGX says it’s “on a mission to help you fall in love with your natural hair” and it succeeded for most of our testers, who had a wide range of hair types. In fact, almost everyone who tried it said this added fullness to their ’do.
Full list of winners
Best conditioners
Best conditioner
Philip Kingsley Body-Building Weightless Conditioner
Score: 88/100
Our panel confirmed that this conditioner from the holistic haircare experts at Philip Kingsley delivers on its promise: softer, stronger, more bouncy hair. They praised the “gorgeous” scent and quality packaging, and said it hydrated without weighing their hair down. “This lightweight formula is perfect for someone like me who has straight, fine hair; it left it super soft and shiny,” said one happy tester.
Best conditioner for smoothing
Pantene Molecular Bond Repair Hair Conditioner
Score: 87/100
Pantene’s bond repair conditioner uses biotin to help reverse damage caused by heat styling and colouring, and its performance belied its affordable price tag. It left our testers’ hair softer and shinier and helped minimise frizz, with one ‘dye-hard’ colour fan saying it made their hair look healthier. The only quibble? “I wish the bottle was bigger,” said one tester.
Best for coloured hair
K18 Damage Shield Protective Conditioner
Score: 86/100
This conditioner is formulated with the K18 peptide, which the brand claims reduces protein loss, helping to strengthen hair. It also contains polysaccharide – a biomolecule that alleviates any inflammation around hair follicles, helping to promote new hair growth and shield against UV rays, pollution and even heat styling. Testers said it left their hair “thick, shiny, and not frizzy”, with no “stickiness or unpleasant smell”.
Full list of winners
Best hair masks
Best hair mask
Percy & Reed Totally TLC Hydrating Mask 175 ml
Now 20% Off
Score: 90/100
Living up to the promise of transforming strands from parched to quenched, this mask left almost all our testers with healthier-looking hair. They said their locks felt more nourished, smoother and less frizzy after leaving it on for just three minutes. Everybody said its spreadable texture was ideal for working into their ends, too.
Best hair mask for shine
Color Wow + Chris Appleton Money Masque
Now 28% Off
Score: 89/100
Celebrity hair stylist Chris Appleton has collaborated with Colour Wow on this deep conditioning mask, delivered in a gorgeous aqua blue pot. It contains blue sea kale and a sea kelp and algae blend that helps to strengthen and draw in moisture, with a bonus layer of heat protection. Our panel loved the mask’s “scoopable” consistency and the glossy, “swishy” results.
Best hair mask for curly hair
Bouclème Curls Redefined Mask
Score: 87/100
This offering from Black-owned beauty brand Bouclème impressed our panel, making their tresses look and feel noticeably more nourished and bouncy. One tester couldn’t stop raving about their new “soft and juicy” hair. It left strands smooth and most testers agreed it relieved any dryness. Everyone loved its creamy consistency, too.
Full list of winners
Shiny hair heroes
Best hair glosses
Best transparent hair gloss
L’Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss Lamination Rinse-Off Treatment
Now 38% Off
Score: 88/100
Glycolic acid is known for its hydrating benefits in our skincare, and it does a similar job in this gloss. The formula penetrates deep into the hair’s fibre to boost strength while also working to seal cuticles. After leaving it on for just five minutes (the perfect opportunity to squeeze in a leg shave), it delivers super glossy and hydrated hair, according to our panel.
Best colour hair gloss
Wella Professionals Color Fresh Mask
Score: 88/100
If you’re looking for a quick refresh between salon visits, or a temporary change of shade, then Wella’s colour mask is a great place to start. It combines conditioning care with semi-permanent colour, so you can top up your tone and add a glossy finish at the same time. Our panel liked how it left their hair feeling “vibrant and shiny”, without any tackiness or residue. It comes in 13 shades.
Best leave-in hair gloss
TRESemmé Lamellar Shine Leave-In Cream Hair Serum
Now 50% Off
Score: 84/100
Our panellists said this leave-in gloss helped reduce frizz, and their hair felt soft for days after use. TRESemmé’s patented technology works to envelope strands, keep locks tangle-free and allows for maximum light-reflection, creating extra shine from roots to ends. This is a leave-in option, so you can skip the required rinsing and save yourself some beauty admin. Sold!
Full list of winners
Best hair oils
Best for frizzy hair
Garnier Ultimate Blends Coconut Hair Oil for Frizzy Hair
Score: 87/100
This vegan formula from Garnier is an absolute gift for those with dry, damaged or frizz-prone hair. In our lab test, it proved excellent at improving smoothness, while many of our testers said it added definition to their curls. Most agreed it left their ends feeling softer as well.
Best for coily hair
Charlotte Mensah Manketti Hair Oil
Score: 87/100
This cult favourite from award-winning Black British hair stylist Charlotte Mensah topped our list for curl definition, leaving almost everyone raving about their salon-worthy finish. All agreed that it helped smooth ends and reduce flyaways, with most seeing a boost in shine and hydration, too.
Best for long-lasting results
Living Proof Moisturising Oil
Score: 87/100
For those looking for long-lasting definition, this silicone-free oil did a great job of keeping most testers’ curls and waves intact for longer than usual. Almost all panellists saw an improvement in the smoothness, hydration and softness of their lengths, while those with colour-treated hair noted a boost in vibrancy.
Full list of winners
Styling pros
Best hair mousses
Best hair mousse
Amika Plus Size Perfect Body Mousse
Score: 86/100
This medium-hold mousse promises added oomph and an oh-so-cushiony finish, and most of our panellists agreed their hair looked bouncy and soft after use. Everyone said it added volume, with one tester telling us: “I absolutely love the volume it gave my long, typically flat hair.” Many praised the holding power and lack of residue left in its wake, too. A clear winner.
Best lightweight hair mousse
Larry King Hair Care My Nanna’s Mousse
Now 12% Off
Score: 84/100
Hair stylist to the stars Larry King brings his own personal twist to his styling range, including this mousse, which he formulated in homage to his nan and her signature glamorous blow dry. All our testers said it was easy to dispense and distribute, and almost everyone agreed it felt lightweight on their hair while still adding volume that truly holds. Nanna knows best.
Easiest mousse to use
Arkive The Body Hybrid Mousse
Score: 82/100
Adam Reed’s hard-working Arkive range combines thoughtfully formulated products with a comparatively affordable price point. Our panellists loved this lightweight mousse, saying it held all day and was easier than most to apply evenly. One told us: “This is the first mousse I’ve ever used that is genuinely non-sticky.” Can’t say fairer than that.
Full list of winners
Best hairsprays
Best hairspray
Color Wow Cult Favorite Hairspray
Score: 90/100
Firm but flexible is exactly what this hair spray delivers. Everyone achieved their desired styling result upon first spray. “It held its shine”, “it lasted all day” and “it was easy to brush out” are just a few of the positive comments we received. People loved that it didn’t smell the same as old-school hair spray and held firm for hours despite feeling lightweight. You don’t need a lot of product either.
Best hairspray for frizz control
TRESemmé Firm Hold Hairspray
Score: 85/100
Another product that says what it does on the tin (can). This outperformed all other hair sprays for its staying power in humid conditions and for preventing frizz. “It fixes my curls without making them feel dry,” one tester told us, while another added: “I liked the application process because it delivered a fine, even mist across my whole head.”
Best lightweight hairspray
WELLA Silvikrin Maximum Hold Hairspray, 400ml
Now 21% Off
Score: 83/100
“A strong hold that feels lightweight” is how our panel described this hairspray, heralded as the least heavy of all our winners. It has UV protection and can be brushed out easily, yet most testers said it held their desired styling after just one use. It worked best for those with short and fine hair, whereas heavy, thicker styles may need a stronger hold.
Full list of winners
Best heat protectants
Best heat protectant
K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil
Score: 87/100
As well as offering heat protection up to 232°C, this oil promises to repair damage, reduce frizz and improve shine – and it delivered across the board, regardless of hair type. Panellists found it easy to dispense and said a small amount went a long way. “Having grey hair can mean it feels coarse and frizzy, but this brought my healthy texture back,” said one. It also fared well in humid conditions and kept hairstyles intact for longer without any need for hairspray.
Best heat protection serum
Olaplex Nº.9 bond protector serum
Score: 86/100
This nourishing hair serum has been formulated with Olaplex’s patented bonding technology to protect against heat damage (up to 232°C) and pollution, add shine and reduce static and tangles. Our testers agreed that their hair was less frizzy after use. “It left my hair really soft and hydrated, right through to the next wash day,” said one. “This serum is lightweight and made my lengths feel silky and look shiny,” added another.
Best heat protect spray
ghd Bodyguard Heat Protect Spray
Now 33% Off
Score: 86/100
This immediately made our testers’ hair shinier, sleeker and more glossy, even in humid environments. Our panellists praised its ability to prevent breakage and make hair look and feel more healthy and lush long-term. This is perfect for those who want something quick and convenient, but note that creams or oils may be more suitable for hair that needs a lot of repair (think bleached locks or broken ends).
Full list of winners
Best dry shampoos
Best dry shampoo
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day™ Dry Shampoo
Score: 89/100
Our winner was effective at removing grease and sebum, leaving hair with a pleasing touch of texture and a long-lasting, light floral scent. Only a small amount of product was needed, it was easy to distribute through the hair and it left locks feeling “shiny and fresh” all day. For most, it didn’t leave a chalky finish or feel claggy on the scalp, but those with darker hair did notice a slight white cast.
Best value dry shampoo
Schwarzkopf got2b Fresh It Up Extra Fresh Dry Shampoo
Score: 85/100
This great-value option was praised by our panel for not leaving a white cast, and it scored highly in the lab for reducing hair’s greasy appearance. Most of our testers were fans of its fresh citrus scent, too. Some found that the de-greasing effects didn’t last the whole day, but for this price, you can probably afford to give your ’do a few top-up sprays.
Best moisturising dry shampoo
Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk Spray 50ml
Score: 83/100
Our testers praised this oat milk-enriched dry shampoo for leaving their hair looking shiny, healthy and more voluminous after use. Sebum was soaked up perfectly and the initial white cast was wiped away with a quick zhoosh of the roots. The moisturising formula is also free from sulphates, parabens and colourants, making it gentler on your hair.
Full list of winners
Colour & care
Best bond builders
Best bond builder
K18 Leave-In Hair Repair Mask
Score: 86/100
This no-rinse formula wins bonus points for convenience and left our panellists’ hair stronger, shinier and smoother thanks to a patented bioactive peptide, or “miracle molecule” as the brand calls it. Our testers were impressed with how well it reduced frizz and made their hair more manageable. Our experts also found it “extremely effective” at preventing and repairing damage in the lab.
Best for fast results
Philip Kingsley Bond Builder Split End Remedy 50ml
Score: 85/100
Tapping into the new wave of plant-based peptides helping to reverse hair damage, this formulation uses hydrolysed oat protein to soften and hydrate lacklustre locks. It strengthened strands instantly in our lab, while improving the look of hair health immediately for at-home testers. The sweet scent proved divisive, but all agreed this ramped up softness, smoothness and shine.
Best in lab
Wella Professionals Ultimate Repair Protective Leave-In Lotion
Score: 85/100
It’s always impressive when a spray solution does as well as its cream counterparts, fusing convenience with performance. This was a hit with our testers, who said hair felt thick and healthy after use. This one scored 5/5 on the Dia-Stron machine, which measures a product’s ability to stem frizz and flyaways, and most of our panel agreed their hair was more manageable after use.
Full list of winners
Best blonde hair dyes
Best hair dye for a multi-tonal blonde
L’Oréal Paris Excellence 01 Supreme Lightest Natural Blonde
Score: 82/100
This box dye offers a three-step colour care routine, including a pro-keratin enriched colour cream, a gentle scalp shampoo and a conditioning mask – the perfect combination for creating a healthy-looking blonde. Our panel said it left hair feeling “hydrated and smooth”. The colour also impressed, with one tester noting it left their hair looking multi-tonal, rather than being one block shade.
Best blonde dye for shine
Schwarzkopf Oleo Intense Permanent Oil Colour Light Ash Blonde
Score: 82/100
“A colour equal to a professional salon treatment,” was how one tester described the result achieved with this at-home dye. As well as looking good in the mirror, our lab results also found there was minimal breakage and damage to hair during dyeing, easing any concerns you may have about DIY bleaching. This dye also scored highest with our testers for boosting shine.
Best hair dye for ease of use
Clairol Nice ‘n’ Easy 10B Extra Light Beige Blonde
Score: 82/100
There’s a reason why Clairol named this dye ‘Nice ’n’ Easy’ – most of our testers agreed it was really straightforward to use. They also praised the lovely blend of tones they achieved with the product, with one panellist saying they’d even been asked where they got their hair done. Spoiler: a little spot we like to call “over the bathroom sink”.
Full list of winners
Florence is our Senior Beauty Writer, specialising in expert-tested beauty and grooming reviews — from toothbrushes to the latest skincare launches. She’s committed to sharing recommendations for products that truly work and make people feel confident and healthy. Prior to this she was at Tropic Skincare, where she worked closely with biochemists in the lab, delving into the functions of each fresh, natural ingredient and conveying its efficacy to her audience in easy-to-digest terms.
With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE, Women’s Fitness, Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work.
When she isn’t packing for a trip away, working out, eating out or reading up on retinol serums, you’ll probably find her experimenting with her film camera and building her portfolio of portraits. Florence’s photography can be found at florencereeves-white.com, her Instagram is @florencereeveswhite and her twitter is @floreadsnwrites
Denny is our Beauty and Grooming Tester and has an in-depth knowledge and background in beauty and PR. She has spoken on panels with Cosmetics Executive Women (CEW) and has worked with many beauty brands as a commercial model. Since joining in October 2022, she has worked on numerous testing categories including over 18 different brands for vitamin C serums, scalp scrubs, shampoos for dry hair and many more. She has over 20k followers on TikTok where she shares beauty and fashion tips otherwise better known as Denny Daily.
Nora is our Beauty and Grooming Tester and has a master’s degree in cosmetic science. She is using her expert knowledge of product development, formulation, product evaluation and market research to test a wide range of hair and beauty products in the beauty labs for Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, ELLE, Men’s Health. In the lab she uses a variety of methods such as the Diastron, The Multi Skin Test Centre, The VISIA Complexion Analyser to test anything from hydration, skin barrier function, pore size and more.
