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Good Hair Days, Engineered

Purple Star emoji 59 items
Haircare choices, pre-vetted. This list is aggressively edited - if it’s here, it works.
Sections
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Shampoo

Cleans your scalp, not your soul. The goal is removing oil and buildup without turning your hair into a dry, squeaky cautionary tale.

 
Rebecca Smith profile picture
This has been my default shampoo forever - it works, its available everywhere, and it smells fantastic.
Kristin Ess Signature Shampoo - Sulfate Free and Color Safe - 33.8 fl oz: Moisturizing, Vegan, Daily Use, Cream Form
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
This was so good!! My hair felt so light after using it, no weight/residue at all.
12.0 oz Ghost Shampoo - Verb | Ulta Beauty
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
For sleek and shiny hair, with a price tag…I do love it, but this is a splurge product.
9.2 oz Mirrorball High Shine + Protect Shampoo - amika | Ulta Beauty
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
The BEST shampoo for glossy shiny hair!
Elvive Glycolic Gloss Shine Boosting Shampoo - L'Oréal | Ulta Beauty
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
Smells so good, works so well…
Extra Volume Shampoo - Moroccanoil | Ulta Beauty
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
Another classic shampoo that does its job well.
California Naturals Classic Coconut Shampoo - 16.5 fl oz: Vegan, Basic Cleansing, All Hair Types Gel, Paraben-Free
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
This is the best clarifying shampoo, gets rid of all the residue of anything else.
Pantene Pro-V Sheer Volume Shampoo - 23.6 fl oz: Volumizing, All Hair Types, Paraben-Free, Apple Vanilla Berry Scent
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
Dove is so underrated, this is a great protein shampoo.
Dove Beauty Bond Strength Peptide Complex Hair Care Shampoo - 12 fl oz: For Dry Hair, Vegan, Damage Repair
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
My favorite Dove shampoo, doesn't weigh my hair down!
Dove Beauty Volume + Fullness Hair Shampoo Pump with Biotin & Bio-Protein Care - 28 fl oz
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
One of the best and most reasonably priced shampoos, I've used it for 10+ years.
L'Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Bond Repair Color Care Shampoo - 6.8 fl oz: For Colored Hair, Daily Use
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Conditioner

This is where your hair becomes manageable instead of hostile. It smooths, hydrates, and prevents you from ripping half your hair out with a brush.

 
Rebecca Smith profile picture
This has been my default conditioner forever - it works, its available everywhere, and it smells fantastic.
Kristin Ess Signature Conditioner, Sulfate Free and Color Safe - 10 fl oz
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
Conditioning without being greasy/heavy.
12.0 oz Ghost Conditioner - Verb | Ulta Beauty
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
A splurge, but such a nice treat.
9.2 oz Mirrorball High Shine + Protect Conditioner - amika | Ulta Beauty
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
Great protein conditioner!
EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Strengthening Conditioner - L'Oréal | Ulta Beauty
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
Smells so good, works so well…
Extra Volume Conditioner - Moroccanoil | Ulta Beauty
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
The counterpart to the BEST glossing shampoo.
Elvive Glycolic Gloss Shine Boosting Conditioner - L'Oréal | Ulta Beauty
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
Good all-around conditioner.
California Naturals Classic Coconut Conditioner - 16.5 fl oz: For Dry Hair, Paraben-Free, Silicone-Free, Vegan
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
I use this as a mask sometimes, and it is SUCH a good product.
Pantene Pro-V Miracle Rescue Deep Repair Conditioner - 8 fl oz: Deep Hydration, Vitamin B, Cream Form, Scented
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
Dove's incredible protein conditioner.
Dove Beauty Bond Strength Peptide Complex Conditioner - 12 fl oz: Sulfate-Free, Paraben-Free, Vegan Formula for All Hair Types
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
A great conditioner that doesn't weigh down your hair.
Dove Beauty Volume + Fullness Hair Conditioner Pump with Biotin & Bio-Protein Care - 28 fl oz: For Dry Hair, Vegan, Gel Formula
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
Really good protein conditioner.
L'Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Bond Repair Color Care Conditioner - 6.8 fl oz: Strengthening, Vegan, Daily Use
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Medicated Shampoo

For when your scalp is acting up and regular shampoo is out of its depth.

 
Rebecca Smith profile picture
Pyrithione zinc 1%, good for mild dandruff, itchy scalp, ongoing maintenance.
Head & Shoulders Dandruff Shampoo, Anti-Dandruff Treatment, Classic Clean for Daily Use, Paraben-Free - 12.5 fl oz
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
Salicylic acid 3%, good for flaky scalp, oil overproduction.
Neutrogena Tea & Sal Therapeutic Shampoo - 4.5 fl oz: For All Hair Types, Liquid Form, Basic Cleansing
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
Ketoconazole 1%, good for seborrheic dermatitis, hefty dandruff issues.
Nizoral Anti Dandruff Shampoo with 1% Ketoconazole, Clean Fresh Scent - 7 fl oz: Paraben-Free, For Dry Hair
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Leave-In Conditioner

Lightweight support that stays in your hair and quietly does the work all day. Detangles, protects, and keeps your ends from looking like they’ve given up on life.

 
Rebecca Smith profile picture
Smells so good, works so well…
Detangling All in One Leave-In Conditioner - Moroccanoil | Ulta Beauty
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
Multi-tasking elite, leave-in with heat protectant.
Pantene Miracle Rescue 10-in-1 Multi Tasking Leave-in Hair Treatment - 5.7oz: Cream For All Hair Types
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
Makes my hair so soft and silky!
The Leave-In Conditioner Cream for Hydrated Hair - Crown Affair | Sephora
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Hair Oils

Adds shine, reduces frizz, and gives the illusion that you have everything under control. Use sparingly unless you’re aiming for “deep fryer chic.”

 
Rebecca Smith profile picture
Love this on my ends on Day Two hair.
2.0 oz Ghost Weightless Hair Oil - Verb | Ulta Beauty
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
A mist, so no slick strands!
3.4 oz Moroccanoil Treatment Hair Oil Mist - Moroccanoil | Ulta Beauty
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Dry Shampoo

Absorbs oil, revives limp roots, and makes day-three hair socially acceptable again.

 
Rebecca Smith profile picture
Yes this is the only one on the list, because it actually is the only one I like. Pro tip - apply at night and then brush in the morning.
Batiste Tropical Exotic Coconut Dry Shampoo - 5.71oz: For All Hair Types, Aerosol, Basic Cleansing
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Hair Masks & Treatments

Deeper repair and hydration for hair that’s been through things. Think of it as rehab for dry, damaged, or overprocessed ends.

 
Rebecca Smith profile picture
Smells so good, works so well…
Weightless Hydrating Mask - Moroccanoil | Ulta Beauty
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
This is pre-shampoo, and its magic.
L'Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Bond Repair Pre Shampoo Treatment: Vegan Formula, Damage & Strengthens, 5.1 fl oz
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
Slather this on and let it de-crisp your hair.
Pantene Pro-V Miracle Rescue Intensive Bond Repair Mask Conditioner - 10.1 fl oz: Contains Vitamin B, Scented
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Heat Protectant

Non-negotiable if you use heat. It creates a barrier so your daily styling doesn’t slowly cook your hair into irreversible regret.

 
Rebecca Smith profile picture
Smells so good, works so well…
6.0 oz Perfect Defense Heat Protectant - Moroccanoil | Ulta Beauty
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
Incredible workhorse heat protectant!
Tresemme Protecting Heat Spray Keratin Smooth for Taming Frizz & Reducing Breakage - 8 fl oz: Aluminum-Free, Paraben-Free
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
Multi-tasking elite, leave-in with heat protectant.
Pantene Miracle Rescue 10-in-1 Multi Tasking Leave-in Hair Treatment - 5.7oz: Cream For All Hair Types
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Hairspray

Keeps your style where you put it, without gluing it into a time capsule. Think control and flexibility, not shellac.

 
Rebecca Smith profile picture
The gold standard, golden retriever hairspray.
Tresemme Extra Hold Hairspray - 14.6oz: Paraben-Free, Aluminum-Free, Aerosol, For All Hair Types
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
Holds well even if you brush it!
Kristin Ess Ultra Fine Workable Hairspray Light + Flexible Hold with Heat Protectant up to 450°F - 6.7 oz: Paraben-Free, For All Hair Types
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
I'm slightly scared of this stuff, but your hair will not BUDGE.
16.0 oz Volume Spray 25 - Kenra Professional | Ulta Beauty
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
Smells so good, works so well…
Luminous Hairspray Medium Hold - Moroccanoil | Ulta Beauty
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Styling Products

The difference between “I styled my hair” and “I hoped for the best.” These add structure, definition, or polish depending on what your hair is refusing to do on its own.

 
Rebecca Smith profile picture
Cuts down on blowdry time, smooths away frizz.
3.0 oz Complete Blowout Styling Milk - JVN | Ulta Beauty
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
This will definitely give you volume! Can be used on dry hair and then heat styled.
6.7 oz Xtra Large Bombshell Volumizer - Color Wow | Ulta Beauty
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
I don't love texturizing sprays, but I do tolerate this one - doesn't feel gross later on.
7.0 oz Style On Steroids Texturizing Spray - Color Wow | Ulta Beauty
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
If you do curls, this is so good.
Miss Jessie's Pillow Soft Curls - 8.5 fl oz: Paraben-Free, Sulfate-Free, Textured Hair, Daily Use
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
You will get volume - it feels like you've applied a glue stick - but you will get volume.
Sexy Hair Big Sexy Powder Play Volumizing Powder - 0.53 fl oz
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
I love this one for my roots if I'm going to blowdry.
Southern Belle Volume-Boosting Mousse - Drybar | Ulta Beauty
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Hair Tools

The unsung infrastructure of good hair. The right brush or pin makes styling easier; the wrong one quietly causes breakage and chaos.

 
Rebecca Smith profile picture
My basic brush for distributing products and combing when wet (carefully).
Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangler Hair Brush for All Hair Types - Pink: Hair Styling, 1.6" Length
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
The one for reviving style, distributing dry shampoo.
Conair Ceramic Wood Nylon Bristle Cushion Paddle Hair Brush - All Hair
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
I've been using these elastics for 20+ years.
Goody Brown 4mm Elastics - 30ct: Hair Styling, All Hair Types, Rubber Material
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
Clear ones that don't break!
scünci Mixed Size Polyband Elastic Hair Ties - Clear - All Hair - 300pcs: Secures Hair, Solid Pattern
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
The BEST bobby pins.
Diane 2" Black Bobby Pins, 1 Lb (600 pcs)
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
Clips that don't eat your hair.
Diane Duck Bill Hair Clips, Silver, 24-pack
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Styling Tools

These are your heavy hitters for shaping hair. Used well, they elevate everything; otherwise they’re just expensive damage devices.

 
Rebecca Smith profile picture
I got this and haven't looked back.
Kitsch Satin Heatless Curling Set Sunset Tie Dye Flexible Construction Hair Roller - 3pc
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
My favorite rollers.
Ceramic Thermal Hair Rollers - Kitsch | Ulta Beauty
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
The best flat iron. I strayed, and came back to this one.
Kristin Ess Nanoblack 3-in-1 Flat Iron - 1": Ceramic Iron for Straightening, All Hair Types, Electric Power
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
Great for drying with just a smidge of style.
Revlon One-Step Volumizer Hair Dryer and Hot Air Brush - Black: 1100 Watt, 3 Heat Settings, Not Travel Size
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
This is just fun, and totally worth the effort.
TIGI Bed Head Wave Affair 3 Barrel Digital Jumbo Hair Waver: Tourmaline Styling Tool with 10 Heat Settings
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
My ride-or-die curling iron. I'm on my third!
NANOBLACK 1.25'' Ceramic Curling Iron - KRISTIN ESS HAIR | Ulta Beauty
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
I've had this for like 15 years.
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Hair Dryer - Blue - 2000W
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