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Whether you’ve spent years perfecting your shade of blonde or can’t resist experimenting with the latest multistylers or blow-dryer brushes, the best hair treatments for damaged hair can help bring brittle, easily-tangled strands back to life. “Damaged hair will feel dry to the touch and lose its shine, the ends of your hair will start to split—indicating breakage—and your hair may even become frizzy and unruly,” says Jennifer Nast, a hairstylist based in New York City. But you’re far from the only one to experience this—almost everything we do to our hair can cause some damage, including brushing, tight ponytails, and sun exposure.
Our Top Treatments for Damaged Hair
- Best Overall: K18 Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask, $75
- Best for Shine: Oribe Mirror Rinse, $64
- Best Overnight Treatment: Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum, $62
- Best Heat Protectant: Gisou Honey Milk 5-in-1 Styling Cream, $29
- Best for Scalp Health: Virtue Overnight Scalp and Hair Elixir, $60
- Best for Bleached Hair: Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector, $30
- Best In-Shower Treatment: Pantene Pro-V Miracles Miracle Bond Repair Conditioner, $10
Let’s dig a little deeper. There are several types of hair damage and countless things that cause them. “Heat styling with tools like straighteners and curling irons, coloring and chemical treatments like bleaching and perming, over-washing, and rough handling, such as brushing too hard or using tight hairstyles,” says Angelo David, a hairstylist based in New York City. While there’s no single fix for all types of damage, the right treatments and care can restore shine, bounce, and overall health. Read on for hairstylist tips to revive troubled strands, plus editor-approved fixes we swear by.
Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron
- What is the best treatment for damaged hair?
- How can I heal my damaged hair?
- Can very damaged hair be repaired?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: K18 Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask
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K18
Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask
$75
Amazon
$75
Sephora
Why we love it: K18 Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask isn’t your run-of-the-mill hair mask. It still promises similar benefits to that of rinse-off masks (shinier, bouncier, and stronger hair), but it’s a leave-in treatment that's meant to be applied on shampooed, unconditioned hair—and it's formulated totally differently, too. Unlike hair masks that sit outside each strand, this one actually penetrates the cortex to repair bonds that are broken during heat styling and color treatments.
"Even though it’s lightweight, it delivers a serious hit of moisture and repair by reconnecting polypeptide chains to strengthen the hair,” says Nast. “My clients love it, especially those with color or heat-styling damage. Plus, it’s lightweight enough for fine hair so that it won’t weigh you down." The brand recommends working it through your strands and letting it sit for four minutes to activate (you can layer on your usual styling products during the wait), then styling as usual. Results build over time, so don’t be surprised if it takes a few washes before you start to see what all the hype is about.
Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying K18’s Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask
Shanna Shipin
Shipin after applying K18’s Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask
Shanna Shipin
Tester feedback from Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
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“I put my hair through so much—the blow-drying, the flat-ironing, the re-curling!—my split ends were practically visible from outer space. It wasn't until I diligently started using this now-classic leave-in mask that I believed you could actually undo years of damage. There's a learning curve to using it; you need to essentially emulsify the product in your hands, then apply and wait a few minutes, and then continue to style. You also can't use conditioner before applying. Sure, it's a bit finicky, but this stuff works—seemingly instantly. I got heaps of compliments after using it for a consistent month; people thought my hair was shinier when blown out, and my curls were brought back to life; their pattern restored, their joie de vivre revived!” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: biotech-developed peptides, hydrolyzed wheat protein, glycerin
- Fragrance-free: no
- Who it’s for: all hair types
Best for Shine: Oribe Mirror Rinse
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Oribe
Oribe Mirror Rinse
$64
Amazon
$64
Nordstrom
$64
Dermstore
Why we love it: Why should your skin get all the glassy glory? Oribe Mirror Rinse is an in-shower treatment designed to give hair that same high-shine, light-catching finish. Used after shampooing, it smooths the cuticle and boosts reflectivity in just a minute, leaving strands noticeably glossier and silkier. “This is the in-shower treatment that’s my personal go-to for giving my natural hair the prettiest gloss—and even makes my extensions look extra fresh,” says Kelley Alvarez, a hairstylist based in Oak Brook, Illinois. The shine comes from a smart blend of smoothing conditioners and lightweight silicones, while glycerin helps keep hair soft and supple. Oribe’s proprietary complex—watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss flower—adds weightless nourishment and helps shield strands from shine-depleting environmental stressors. “It’s super quick to use, and the scent is amazing,” adds Alvarez.
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee before applying the Oribe Mirror Rinse
Lee after applying the Oribe Mirror Rinse
Tester feedback from Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“I’m a huge Oribe fan—the scent alone gets me every time—but beyond that, I always see and feel a real difference in how my hair looks and behaves after I use their products. Mirror Rinse is unlike any in-shower treatment I’ve tried before. The texture is completely clear and serum-like. First squeeze out excess water and then apply it directly to your hair (trying to use your hands is a lost cause—it’ll slide right through your fingers), let it sink in for a minute or two, then rinse, using it in place of conditioner as directed. I was skeptical at first that something so lightweight could actually cling to wet hair—or deliver the same moisture as a traditional conditioner. But, as I started blow-drying when I got out of the shower, the softness was immediate. The after photo here has zero other product in it besides Mirror Rinse, and my hair (which I only cut twice a year so it's prone to dry ends) has never looked shinier or felt smoother.” —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: silicones, glycerin, watermelon seed oil, lychee fruit extract, edelweiss extract
- Fragrance-free: no
- Who it’s for: people with dull or lackluster hair
Best Overnight Treatment: Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum
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Kérastase
Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum
$62
Amazon
$62
Sephora
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum
Deanna Pai
Why we love it: Nighttime is when most of us want less effort, not another step. Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum fits right in by treating hair while you rest. Instead of rinsing out a mask or dealing with oily residue in the morning, you smooth this lightweight serum onto dry or damp lengths before bed and let it do its thing while you sleep. “It works like hand lotion for the hair,” says Annie Miller, a hairstylist based in Franklin, Tennessee. “It smells incredible, and it absorbs completely by morning without any greasiness.” Plant-based soy and wheat proteins and vitamin B-rich niacinamide help nourish and lock in moisture, while iris root extract and panthenol soften and detangle. By morning, hair feels hydrated, smoother, and easier to manage.
Pai before applying the Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum
Deanna Pai
Pai after applying the Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum
Deanna Pai
Tester feedback from Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“I don’t really damage my hair in the traditional sense—but I do wash it every single day, which can leave it dry and frizzy, especially in the winter. I’ve been using this to wake up to shinier, smoother hair in the morning, and have noticed a difference in the flyaways and breakage (especially around my hairline).” —Deanna Pai, Allure contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hydrolyzed wheat protein, hydrolyzed soy protein, niacinamide, iris root extract, panthenol
- Fragrance-free: no
- Who it’s for: people with dry or coarse hair
Best Leave-In Treatment: Crown Affair Overnight Repair Serum
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Crown Affair
Overnight Repair Serum
$58
Sephora
Shipin applying the Crown Affair Overnight Repair Serum
Shanna Shipin
Why we love it: After heat styling or everyday wear and tear, Crown Affair’s new Overnight Repair Serum is exactly what the stylist ordered to repair dry, limp strands. Inspired by the body’s natural overnight cell replenishing and repairing process, it nourishes while you sleep, strengthening, smoothing, and boosting shine, with no rinsing required come morning. I know what you're thinking, but don’t worry—it leaves behind zero greasiness, making it great for finer hair textures. The source of its silky-ifying powers? A seriously stacked ingredient list, including flaxseed and chia that support repair, while a Tsubaki Meadow’s blend—meadowfoam seed oil and tsubaki, the oil extracted from the camellia seeds—locks in moisture, and rosemary adds a natural shine.
Shipin before applying the Crown Affair Overnight Repair Serum
Shanna Shipin
Shipin after applying the Crown Affair Overnight Repair Serum
Shanna Shipin
Tester feedback from Shipin
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“I put my hair through the wringer—curly one day, blown out the next—so this serum is a lifesaver. It's weightless, leaves no residue on your fingers, and dries down quickly. No staining your pillowcase or getting a hair mask on your cheeks. It's meant to be an overnight serum, but I love using it in the daytime, too, essentially whenever I'm brushing my hair smooth—it seals up my split ends so well! On top of all the benefits I see from using this serum, it also has the signature Crown Affair scent; it’s a revelation for damaged ends.” —Shanna Shipin, Allure senior commerce director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: flaxseed, chia, Tsubaki Meadow’s blend, rosemary
- Fragrance-free: no
- Who it’s for: fine, dry hair
Best Heat Protectant: Gisou Honey Milk 5-in-1 Styling Cream
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Gisou
Honey Milk 5-in-1 Styling Cream
$29
Sephora
$29
Gisou
Why we love it: A heat protectant is non-negotiable before blow-drying, and Gisou’s 5-in-1 Styling Cream does that, and then some. Powered by honey from the Mirsaleh bee garden in Holland (a staple in all of Gisou’s formulas) and hydrolyzed milk protein that patches up weak spots in the hair shaft, it strengthens as it smooths. Hyaluronic acid is also thrown in the mix to add a hit of hydration and keep frizz at bay. Beyond 450-degree protection, it delivers flexible hold, glossy shine, and major moisture—it’s basically your blow-dry’s new BFF.
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying Gisou Honey Milk 5-in-1 Styling Cream
Sarah Han
Han after applying Gisou Honey Milk 5-in-1 Styling Cream
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Allure commerce editor Sarah Han
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"My hair-care routine is pretty minimal, so I adore a multitasking leave-in like this Gisou 5-in-1. My biggest concern is frizz, so I need all of the hydration I can get and this pre-styling treatment has plenty of it, thanks to the brand's signature Mirsalehi honey, a bee garden oil blend sourced from the same family plot, hydrolyzed milk protein, and both low and high molecular weights of good ‘ol hylauronic acid. Despite all these heavy hitters, my thin (though dense) strands don’t feel weighed down, and once I'm through with blow-drying, there's noticeably less frizz. I'm excited to pair it after a hydrating hair mask to compare results versus using a regular conditioner. —Sarah Han, Allure commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: Mirsaleh honey, hydrolyzed milk protein, hyaluronic acid
- Fragrance-free: no
- Who it’s for: all hair types
Best for Scalp Health: Virtue Overnight Scalp and Hair Elixir
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Virtue
Overnight Scalp and Hair Elixir
$60
Amazon
$60
Nordstrom
$60
Dermstore
Why we love it: Your scalp is basically ground zero for healthy hair, and Virtue’s Overnight Scalp and Hair Elixir understands that to the fullest. While you sleep, it rebalances your scalp and repairs damage, so hair feels softer, stronger, and shinier by morning. Packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid, fortifying peptides, and scalp-balancing prebiotics, it tackles dryness, flakiness, and itchiness without leaving any residue behind, so you can wake up and go (no washing or dry shampoo needed!). With lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood in the mix, it’s like sneaking in a little aromatherapy moment before bed, because who doesn’t long for better sleep?
Allure senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying Virtue’s Overnight Scalp and Hair Elixir
Jesa Marie Calaor
Calaor after applying Virtue’s Overnight Scalp and Hair Elixir
Jesa Marie Calaor
Tester feedback from Allure senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor
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“This milky serum is formulated to balance your scalp's microbiome and strengthen strands. In the two weeks I've been testing this, my ends feel less crispy and my scalp less flaky.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, Allure senior beauty editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, peptides, prebiotics
- Fragrance-free: no
- Who it’s for: those who have scalp irritation or flakiness
Best for Bleached Hair: Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector
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Olaplex
No. 3 Hair Perfector
$30
Amazon
$30
Nordstrom
$30
Dermstore
Why we love it: Before TikTok sent Olaplex’s No. 3 Hair Perfector into viral stardom, hairstylists (and Allure editors) were already in on the secret for restoring dry, damaged hair. “It's a bond builder that repairs the broken disulfide bonds in your hair that cause damage from heat styling, coloring, and chemical treatments,” says David. Even after one of his clients had undergone years of bleaching, No. 3 was able to bring it back to life. “After just one use of Olaplex No. 3, her hair felt noticeably softer and stronger,” David attests. “With continued use, it helped restore her hair's health and vitality. You'll notice less breakage, improved elasticity, and a smoother, shinier appearance.”
Former Allure senior beauty editor Paige Stables before applying the Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector
Paige Stables
Stables after applying the Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector
Paige Stables
Tester feedback from former Allure senior beauty editor Paige Stables
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“I could see the difference this mask had by the time my hair was dry: My hair was frizz-free, particularly the pieces framing my face, and when I looked at the back of my head in the mirror, I couldn’t believe the overall smoothness. Normally, to achieve such a sleek finish, this would have required additional styling products on the lengths of my hair and a blast of hairspray to tame flyaways. But in a matter of minutes, my hair looked significantly healthier.” —Paige Stables, former Allure senior beauty editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: a patented bond builder (bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate), humectants, glycerin
- Fragrance-free: no
- Who it’s for: people with damaged hair, especially overprocessed hair
Best In-Shower Treatment: Pantene Pro-V Miracles Miracle Bond Repair Conditioner
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Pantene
Pro-V Miracles Miracle Bond Repair Conditioner
$10
Walmart
Why we love it: Got a minute? That’s all it takes for this powerful bond repair conditioner—and Allure Best of Beauty award winner—to start kicking frizz, dullness, flyaways, and dryness to the curb. Taking inspiration from the skin-care world, Pantene’s Pro-V Miracles Miracle Bond Repair Conditioner is packed with pro-vitamin B5, keratin, and vitamin E to strengthen hair from the core while adding hydration and shine back to your life. And the best part? It smells like a blooming garden, and the scent actually lingers in your hair until your next wash.
Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann before applying the Pantene Pro-V Miracles Miracle Bond Repair Conditioner
Sarah Hoffmann
Hoffmann after applying the Pantene Pro-V Miracles Miracle Bond Repair Conditioner
Sarah Hoffmann
Tester feedback from Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann
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“If your hair, attention span, and wallet are as damaged as mine, this mask is a true triple threat. I refresh my curls with water pretty much every day, and adding this mask as a step in that process has been a game-changer. I wet my hair from my ears to the ends, add a quarter-size dollop to each side, work through, rinse out after a tight 60 seconds, and violà—you'd never know how scraggly my hair was moments before. For a $10 hair product, it truly rivals other keratin treatments on the market." —Sarah Hoffmann, Allure commerce producer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: pro-vitamin B5, keratin, vitamin E
- Fragrance-free: no
- Who it’s for: people with dry hair
More treatments for damaged hair we like
Best for Second Day Hair: Moroccanoil Treatment Original
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Moroccanoil
Treatment Original
$38
Amazon
$35
Nordstrom
Why we love it: It’s been around forever, but Moroccanoil Treatment Original still delivers, reviving even the driest, most fried strands. David agrees, noting, “Moroccanoil Treatment is a versatile, multi-tasking oil that adds incredible shine, hydration, and manageability to all hair types.”It’s not just about the results but also the experience. The luxurious, lightweight texture absorbs quickly, and while the signature, slightly spicy scent is strong at first, it fades to a subtle level. “It doesn’t leave any greasy residue,” says David, who often uses a small amount on his ends throughout the day to refresh his style and add a touch of shine. “It's also fantastic for taming flyaways and creating a sleek, polished look,” he adds.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: argan oil, silicones, linseed extract
- Fragrance-free: no
- Who it’s for: people with dull, dry hair who want to restore shine
Best for Frizz: Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray
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COLOR WOW
Dream Coat Supernatural Spray
$28
Amazon
$28
Ulta Beauty
$28
Sephora
Why we love it: If hair could wear a raincoat, Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray would be the one you trust in a downpour. The 2020 Best of Beauty Award winner is hydrophobic—yes, it actually repels water—making it a go-to for frizz that shows up the second humidity hits. By using heat-activated polymer technology, you first apply it to damp hair then once you blow-dry with gentle tension, it forms an invisible matrix that smooths and compresses each strand into a sleek, silky shape while wrapping hair in a moisture-blocking shield. “Dream Coat is that girl when it comes to blocking frizz,” says T. Cooper, a hairstylist based in New York City. “It works on every hair texture and puts a humidity-proof barrier on the hair so styles last longer,” she says. Frizz-fighting polymers smooth and seal, while glycerin and soothing botanical extracts like chamomile and calendula flowers keep hair glossy.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: chamomilla extract, glycerin, calendula flower extract
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Who it’s for: people with frizzy or dull hair
Best Detangler: Redken One United All-In-One Multi-Benefit Treatment
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Redken
One United All-In-One Multi-Benefit Treatment
$31
Amazon
$30
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: Trying to walk through all 25 (!) benefits of Redken’s One United would take a while, so we’ll give you the highlights. This lightweight leave-in is all about instant manageability, starting with detangling, which matters more than it gets credit for. When knots slip apart easily, you’re less likely to tug, snap, or cause the kind of friction that leads to breakage and split ends. The formula relies on conditioning and smoothing agents to soften strands and help tools glide, while coconut oil and lactic acid support moisture and overall hair health. “This is the quickest solution when someone needs their hair to feel healthy in seconds,” says Samantha Lawrence, a hairstylist based in Seattle. “In addition to detangling, it adds softness, reduces frizz, and gives heat protection all in one step without weighing hair down,” she says.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: lactic acid, coconut oil,
- Fragrance-free: no
- Who it’s for: people with frizzy or dangle-prone hair
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best treatment for damaged hair?
The best, salon-grade treatments are always going to be reserved for the hands of the pros, “meaning you’d need a cosmetologist to administer them,” explains Claire. But if you’re after at-home solutions, she says treatments for dry, damaged hair generally fall into two categories. “The first is surface-level cosmetic treatments, like hair masks and leave-in conditioners, that offer temporary shine and softness. The second is bond-building reparative treatments, like K18 Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask and Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector, which work at the molecular level to repair serious damage," she says. Remember that those reparative treatments need consistent use for long-term results, but they’re worth it for the deep restoration.
How can I heal my damaged hair?
Healing damaged hair requires consistent care, nourishing products with restorative ingredients, and healthy lifestyle habits. “At-home treatments can be just as effective, if not more so, when used properly and regularly,” says Nast. Start with a gentle shampoo and conditioner that focuses on scalp health and replenishing moisture. Incorporate a rich, deep-conditioning mask into your routine weekly to boost hydration and strength. If it’s possible, cutting back on heat styling and chemical processing is key. If you do reach for your hot tools, always prep hair with a heat protectant.
Small changes like sleeping on a silk pillowcase to minimize friction, eating a balanced diet, and staying hydrated will also help promote stronger, healthier hair. “In the case of excessive damage, you may need to consult a professional for an in-salon treatment, like a keratin treatment, which can deliver more concentrated, long-lasting results that are only available through a licensed stylist,” says Nast.
Can very damaged hair be repaired?
Yes, you can repair very damaged hair, but only to a point. The amount of improvement you see depends on the severity of the damage and the treatments you use. Extreme issues like split ends or breakage can’t be fully reversed, but the right care can make hair look and feel healthier. As David explains, surface-level damage often responds well to bond-repairing products, while more serious damage usually needs in-salon treatment.
Meet the experts
- Kelley Alvarez, a hairstylist at Tricoci Salon & Spa based in Oak Brook, Illinois
- T. Cooper, a hairstylist and founder of Major Face based in New York City
- Angelo David, a hairstylist and founder of Angelo David Salon based in New York City
- Samantha Lawrence, a hairstylist and CEO of Chromatique Salons based in Seattle
- Annie Miller, a hairstylist and founder of Nash & Co Salon based in Franklin, Tennessee
- Jennifer Nast, a senior stylist at Sharon Dorram at Sally Hershberger Salon 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 hair treatments for damaged hair, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and hair stylists—many of whom have damaged hair they'd like to treat. 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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