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I didn't recognize her until I spotted the necklace.

My neighbor was waving at me from across the restaurant, and I genuinely had no idea who she was. The face was unfamiliar—wide-eyed, oddly taut in a way that read as alert but not quite right. It was the distinctive pendant at her collarbone that gave her away. She’d had a blepharoplasty. And it had worked, technically. Her lids were lifted, her eyes were open, her face was refreshed. She just didn’t look like herself anymore.

I went home and canceled my consultation.

I’d been building toward a bleph consult for months. It started the way these things usually do, in the unforgiving overlap of Zoom meetings and late-afternoon light. Not wrinkles exactly, but a heaviness in my eyelids that made my resting face look perpetually exhausted. In response, I did what any beauty journalist with access and curiosity would do. I experimented. Heated metal pyramids stamped across my eyelids (Tixel). Electromagnetic pulses fired through my brow muscles (EmFace). High-pressure microjets punched beneath my skin (Enerjet). All in pursuit of looking—and feeling—less tired.

I’ve always had mild eyelid hooding, or ptosis. You can see it in childhood photos. It never really bothered me. But in my early 40s, something shifted. My upper lids began to actually feel heavier. That sliver of lid visible between crease and lash line seemed to vanish beneath a sagging overhang. By mid-afternoon, I was fighting to keep my eyes open. My dad, who is 80, has watched his lids slowly descend into his visual field, partially obstructing his vision on particularly saggy days. I’m looking at the early chapters of that story, which also includes a subplot: A few millimeters south, my undereye bags have inflated over time, beyond the usual post-salty-meal puff.

When I brought up my situation to multiple dermatologists (see: access, curiosity), they casually floated: “You could always do a blepharoplasty.” Not in a judgey way, but with the nonchalance of suggesting I get my cracked phone screen fixed.

Blepharoplasty—surgically removing or repositioning excess eyelid skin and fat—is consistently among the top five cosmetic surgical procedures in the US, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and interest is only growing. On TikTok (which my over-40 female algorithm has turned into BlephTok), the hashtag #blepharoplasty has amassed more than 542 million views, while before-and-afters and surgeon reaction clips have become their own booming subgenre.

As plastic surgery goes, blepharoplasty is a relatively straightforward procedure with a minimal recovery time. As plastic surgery goes. This is still very much surgery with the attendant financial and physical and emotional tolls. So a new question has entered the mainstream: How close can today’s nonsurgical tools actually get you to that lifted, rested look a bleph is meant to provide? I decided to find out the hard way, with my own face.

Why Eyes Age the Way They Do

The upper face plays a central role in nonverbal communication, with the eyes, brows, and forehead transmitting many of the emotional cues people use to perceive us. We read the eyes first. They broadcast mood, vitality, threat, trust. Shift the position of the eyelids even a millimeter, and the entire expression recalibrates. The mechanics of how this happens are more layered than most people realize. As we age, our anatomy shifts, affecting what our face conveys. “The shape of the eye socket remodels, and the bone breaks down,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “Plus, soft tissue volume shifts, so the eyes physically sit deeper within the skull.”

At the same time, the internal “scaffolding” that holds up the eyes—called the orbital septum—gradually relaxes. This is where saggy undereye bags come in. “The fat can protrude forward as the orbital septum becomes thinner and less supple,” says Robert Schwarcz, MD, a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon in New York City who specializes in blepharoplasties. Additionally, “the orbicularis oculi muscle loosens and descends downward.” Dr. Zeichner offers a more visual metaphor: “You’re wearing a pair of Spanx that has loosened over time, and the fat is bulging out.”

Adam Kolker, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City, offers a counterintuitive explanation on the puffiness many of us mistake for weight gain. “People misconstrue that extra fullness of the lower eyelid as gaining fat. It’s actually the opposite. The septum becomes lax, and you lose some of the superficial soft tissue volume. When the tide goes out, you see more of the fat pocket and more of the shadow.” And as the anatomy around our eyes evolves, so does the story our eyes can tell so powerfully. Over time, you may have a face that miscommunicates how you feel. You can be wide awake and fully present, but your face reads as disengaged or running on three hours of sleep.

Here’s the paradox: The same heavy-lidded eyes we now rush to fix were once the definition of sex appeal. From Greta Garbo to Lauren Bacall, "bedroom eyes" signaled seduction. The trouble is, the line between sultry and sleepy is razor thin. And for years, my eyes lived somewhere in between.

Why I Haven’t Gotten a Blepharoplasty

Before considering any treatment, I wanted to understand if my heavy lids had something to do with underlying anatomy. So I sent photos to Jason Diamond, MD, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills. Two things he said stopped me cold.

First, from the photos, he thought I might have both ptosis and negative-vector anatomy, though he stressed that only a precise, in-person evaluation could confirm either. Negative vector anatomy sounds extremely concerning but just means my eyes protrude slightly forward relative to my cheekbones. Who knew the positioning of your eyeball inside your skull was part of this equation? “Negative vector patients with ptosis are tough,” he told me. “You have to be very careful about how much skin you remove [in a blepharoplasty] because you can create a real hollow look, like an owl’s eye. The excess skin actually looks better than the alternative.” In other words, a blepharoplasty could correct the hooding, but also, potentially, leave me permanently bug-eyed.

Second, and more surprisingly: “More than 50% of the time, an endoscopic brow lift is actually more undetectable than doing the upper eyelids,” Dr. Diamond says. Unlike a blepharoplasty, which removes or repositions skin and fat from the eyelid, an endoscopic brow lift works from above, through small incisions hidden in the hairline, releasing the ligaments that tether the brow to the orbital rim. “Think of it like a strip of Velcro running all the way across the brow,” he says. “Once it’s released, you can slide everything back up,” creating the lifting effect of a high ponytail.

Without releasing those ligaments, even thread lifts don't last. The procedure restores support rather than subtracting tissue, often making it look less "operated on." Maybe my eyelids didn't need anything cut away—they needed support. Plus, my neighbor's bleph result had given me pause, so I decided to see what noninvasive treatments could realistically accomplish first. These can tighten skin and improve texture, but they can't fix the structural laxity behind hooding or reposition bulging fat pads. “A millimeter of fat removal or repositioning, done within an hour in a procedure room, is going to be more valuable than five years of devices,” says Dr. Kolker. Consider my reality checked.

My “Fake Bleph” Treatment Plan

Photo: Courtesy Subject; Design: Mark Baker-Sanchez/Allure

My shift in perspective landed me in the office of Ava Shamban, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles. She was on the same page as Dr. Diamond: “For you, we don’t want to erase the hooding. We want to tighten and support it.” Her strategy involved a series of nonsurgical treatments done both in-office and at home that would target multiple factors: muscle, collagen, surface texture, and ligaments.

Over the next eight months, I worked through the following protocol in phases. Treatments aimed at improving structural support and skin laxity came first, followed by procedures targeting texture and skin quality. Sometimes I was getting one treatment per appointment; other times, we’d do two in the same session. The sequencing allowed Dr. Shamban to assess how my face responded at each stage and build results gradually rather than chasing a dramatic one-time transformation.

One note: The downtime and side effects described throughout this story—many of which were minimal or nonexistent—reflect my personal experience. All of these treatments come with some level of risk, and individual results and recovery time may vary based on the treatment, provider, settings, and the patient’s skin.

1. Muscle Support: EmFace

EmFace is a 30-minute treatment that combines radiofrequency to stimulate collagen with high-intensity electromagnetic stimulation to contract muscle. We started here because Dr. Shamban thinks muscle tone and structural support were the main cause of my issue. After a few weeks of EmFace-only appointments, she added more of the treatments below.

At each appointment, a grounding pad went on my stomach, and two adhesive strips were placed across my forehead and undereyes. When the machine was turned on, my brows and undereye areas would start twitching in rhythmic pulses. “The brow elevators are muscles,” says Dr. Shamban. “If we strengthen the lifters without over-relaxing the depressors, we create upward support.” Translation: Train the muscles that pull up, don’t just freeze the ones that tug down, which is what a neuromodulator like Botox does.

What it feels like: An involuntary eyebrow workout. Not painful, just quiver-y spasms, like your face is doing Pilates without asking you.
Downtime: I experienced no downtime or side effects, though temporary redness, warmth, and mild swelling can occur.
My results: Subtle but real. My brows felt more supported, with a slight visible lift in the outer corners that made my eyes look more open by the end of the series.
Series: 4 treatments, 1 week apart. Full results at 3-4 months
Lasts: 6 months
Devil’s Advocate: Studies are promising, but many are manufacturer-funded. If you’re expecting browlift-level results, temper expectations…a lot.
Price: $1,800 for a series of four

2. Collagen Remodeling: Sofwave

If EmFace is about muscle training, Sofwave is about collagen building. About four weeks later, after EmFace had strengthened the muscles supporting my brow, Dr. Shamban layered in Sofwave to target the skin itself. In a Sofwave treatment, focused ultrasound energy penetrates the mid-dermis, deep enough to trigger increased collagen and elastin production, but not so deep that it melts the fat layer underneath. Around the eyes, that distinction is everything. You cannot afford to lose volume here. Instead, the goal is to make the skin that’s already there thicker, denser, and more supportive over time. “If you tighten along the brow, you can get a visible lift,” Dr. Shamban says.

For similar effects, other dermatologists are partial to using devices like Thermage FLX, which delivers radiofrequency, and Ultherapy PRIME, which uses focused ultrasound, to achieve collagen-stimulating, skin-tightening effects around the eyes.

What it feels like: Concentrated bursts of heat that build and peak, like someone pressing a very hot spoon against your brow for one sharp second. With 45 minutes of numbing cream first, it’s tolerable. Without it? I probably would’ve clenched my jaw the entire time. I asked for Pronox (laughing gas) for the most intense passes, especially over the brow bone, where the skin is thinnest and the heat feels sharpest.
Downtime: A few hours of redness
My results: A visible tightening along the brow line and upper lid area that created a modest but meaningful lift
Series: 1 treatment, full results at 12 weeks
Lasts: 1-2 years
Devil’s Advocate: Sofwave can tighten skin. It cannot remove skin. If you have significant excess skin, known as dermatochalasis, surgery will always be your better bet.
Price: $1,250 for eye area and brows

3. Eyelid Tightening: Fotona Dynamic Pro SmoothEye

One of the challenges with a nonsurgical approach is that even if you strengthen the brow muscles and firm the skin above the eye, the eyelid itself can still look lax. That's where SmoothEye comes in. Unlike Sofwave, which treats the broader brow and periocular area, SmoothEye uses a non-ablative Er:YAG laser to target the tissue-thin eyelid skin itself, triggering collagen remodeling. “We're contracting existing collagen while stimulating new production,” Dr. Shamban explains. “The goal isn't to change your anatomy. It's to make the tissue behave younger.” We added this after EmFace and Sofwave addressed deeper support layers.

What it feels like: Warm pulses that build gradually, similar to a heated massage around the eyes.
Downtime: Temporary redness and swelling can occur for 24 to 48 hours. I had mild pinkness and puffiness during that window, but both resolved quickly.
My results: The skin on my upper lids looked firmer and less crepey, especially along the fold where hooding collects. Not dramatic on its own, but a meaningful contribution to an overall more open, rested appearance.
Series: 3 treatments, spaced 4-6 weeks apart
Lasts: About a year
Devil’s Advocate: Individual before-and-afters can be impressive, but the clinical data on SmoothEye is still emerging. Think refinement, not reinvention.
Price: $600-$1,200 per treatment, depending on the area

4. Skin Resurfacing: Tixel + Regenerative Topicals

Eyelid skin is the thinnest on the body, which means it keeps no secrets: crepiness, fine lines, and laxity show up here first. Thickening it can bring some of those things back under wraps. Tixel is a procedure that does that with a heated titanium tip studded with tiny pyramids that briefly stamp the skin, creating controlled microthermal injury. As those injuries heal, the skin responds by going into repair mode: producing new collagen and strengthening existing tissue to create a thicker, smoother surface over time. At a separate appointment from the treatments listed above, Dr. Shamban paired the Tixel with VAMP, a gel containing PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide), derived from purified salmon sperm DNA. Regenerative medicine is glamorous like that. Applied after the Tixel treatment, PDRN is intended to support the skin’s repair response. Research suggests it may help activate pathways involved in tissue regeneration, including fibroblast activity and collagen production.

What it feels like: Rapid hot taps that are sharp and a bit startling
Downtime: I felt sore for a couple of days, with some redness, tenderness, and tiny sand-grain crusts.
My results: The fine, crepey texture around my eyes (underneath and on my lids) was softened in a way concealer never quite achieves.
Series: 4 sessions, spaced 4 weeks apart, full results 4-6 months after final treatment
Lasts: 6-12 months
Devil’s Advocate: Tixel can improve crepiness, but it’s not lifting anything. Smoother skin is not the same as less skin.
Price: $900 per treatment

5. Subtle Brow Lifting: Daxxify

Neuromodulators like Botox and Daxxify can be blamed for frozen foreheads and heavy lids. But in the right hands, it’s precision engineering. The goal of the forehead muscle is lift. That’s why you have horizontal lines. If you leave it alone and relax only the downward-pulling muscles around the eyes, you get an unopposed upward pull, which lifts the brows. Dr. Shamban injected my Daxxify with particular restraint. “If you relax the muscles too much, you lose the squeeze that helps move lymph. Then the eyelid can look puffier,” she explains. Instead of freezing everything in my face, she targeted only the depressors, the muscles that pull the brow down over time. By leaving the forehead elevator muscle active, the upward pull became unopposed.

What it feels like: Quick pinches, minimal discomfort
Downtime: Aside from a few tiny injection-site bumps that disappeared within an hour, I didn’t have much immediate downtime. A few days later, I developed a slight “Spock brow” on one side—a slightly overarched brow that’s a known possibility with neuromodulators and was easily adjusted at a follow-up visit. I, like most people, have natural muscle asymmetry, and those differences can become more noticeable after treatment.
My results: The tails of my brows looked higher, and I could see more of my lids.
Series: Every 3-4 months, full results at 2 weeks
Lasts: 4 months
Devil’s Advocate: This is precision work. Consider the Spock brow as your cautionary tale: One overly arched eyebrow that locks your face into permanent skepticism. On the flip side, if the heaviness is due to skin laxity rather than muscle pull, the lift could be minimal. Plus, injectors tend to be super-conservative in that area to preserve natural movement, so the results are often intentionally subtle.
Price: $900-$1,200 for full eye area

6. Intense Hydration: EnerJet

EnerJet is a handheld device that uses high-pressure jet propulsion (not heat or needles) to push small amounts of hyaluronic acid into the upper dermis. My treatment was focused along the hairline and upper forehead, reinforcing the brow’s anchoring points rather than adding volume to the lid itself.

What it feels like: Sharp, rubber-band snaps. Loud but brief.
Downtime: Mild swelling and tiny, mosquito bite bumps for 2-3 days. Bruising from a ruptured capillary is possible; I got bruising that took 5 days to clear.
My results: A slight improvement in skin quality and bounce, with a subtle supportive effect along the brow
Series: Every 4 months, results are immediate
Lasts: 3-4 months
Devil’s Advocate: The science is still evolving, and I’m not convinced the results fully justify the price. This is more supporting actor than leading role.
Price: $1,500 per session

7. (Very) Temporary Lid Lifting: Upneeq

The active ingredient in these prescription eye drops is oxymetazoline hydrochloride, which stimulates the Müller’s muscle that controls involuntary eyelid elevation, causing it to contract and lift the lid for up to eight hours. It’s surprisingly impactful. “I use them in the morning if I’m tired,” Dr. Shamban told me. “It pops my eyes open, and I literally feel more awake.” When I put one drop in each eye (they come pre-dosed in pouches), my eyes look noticeably wider within a few minutes. Upneeq is the only FDA-approved, at-home treatment for ptosis.

What it feels like: A mild tightening sensation for a few seconds, then nothing
Downtime: I didn’t experience any, but possible side effects include temporary redness, irritation, dryness, or blurred vision.
My results: Noticeably more open eyes within minutes, a quick, reliable refresh
Series: Daily as needed, results in 5-10 minutes
Lasts: 8 hours
Devil’s Advocate: The effects last only 12 hours at most: You won’t see any permanent or even semipermanent lifting, even if you use these consistently.
Price: About $200-$250 for a box of 30 prefilled droppers. Each single-use dropper contains enough solution for both eyes.

8. Depuffing: CARA Multi-Modal Device

I’ve been using the CARA microcurrent device—a wand Dr. Shamban helped develop that combines radiofrequency, electrical muscle stimulation, and LED—several nights a week. Before each session, I apply a conductive gel that helps the electrical currents travel evenly and allows the device to glide across my skin. It hums faintly across the brows and undereye areas. It's not painful, just a steady, almost meditative tickle. Microcurrent won’t replicate surgery, but over time, supporting muscle tone and lymphatic flow can make lids look less puffy and undereyes more smooth. Other at-home microcurrent devices that Allure editors have seen results from are the NuFace Trinity and Ziip Halo, though any model requires consistent use for noticeable change.

What it feels like: Gentle tingling and rhythmic contractions beneath the skin. The device warms slightly as it glides, creating a relaxing, almost spa-like sensation.
Downtime: None
My results: Less morning puffiness, particularly under my eyes, and a slightly more lifted, refreshed look with ongoing use. Subtle and cumulative, definitely no drama here.
Series: 15 minutes per session, 3-5 times a week
Devil’s Advocate: Consistency is everything. Use home energy devices religiously and you may see a difference.
Price: $350 for the device

My Final Results (and Final Receipt)

Courtesy Subject

Eight months after starting treatments (a total of 19 appointments with Dr. Shamban and her team of registered nurses and physician assistants), the changes are real. I’ve actually seen way more improvement than I expected. Maybe I managed my expectations a little too much? No one has gasped or asked what I’ve “had done.” But that’s the point, especially in this part of the face. The outer third of my brows sits slightly higher. More lid is visible when my eyes are open. The fine crepiness around my eyes has noticeably diminished. Friends tell me I look rested. Unflattering lighting is harder to come by.

If surgery is 100%, I’d call this tweakment extravaganza a solid 40%. But what surprised me most wasn’t the visual shift. It was the one I could clock without looking in the mirror. The midday droop that used to make me feel exhausted around 3 p.m.? Gone. I stopped instinctively tilting my chin to manufacture a good angle. I no longer keep a scrunchie at my desk for an emergency ponytail lift.

I still have hooding. That slight droop is part of my eye shape, part of my identity. Erasing it entirely would change me. I know this after seeing a familiar necklace across a restaurant and realizing it belonged to a woman I’ve known for years but no longer recognized. The difference now is that my face finally reflects how I actually feel. And at this stage of aging, that may be enough.

Courtesy Subject

Then there’s the financial reality. It’s a lot. A comprehensive, nonsurgical protocol like mine can easily reach $12,000—and a year later almost all results will be gone. The treatments must be repeated indefinitely to maintain results. (My initial series of procedures was provided gratis by Dr. Shamban’s practice.) By comparison, an upper blepharoplasty averages about $5,000 in the US, while a lower blepharoplasty typically runs around $8,000, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, but the final bill can be several thousand dollars higher once anesthesia and facility fees are added. A brow lift, which can be performed alone or combined with a blepharoplasty, averages around $5,500. In major markets, the total can climb significantly. A conservative upper and lower blepharoplasty in Los Angeles or another major city can approach $20,000 once all fees are factored in.

Surgery also comes with very real recovery–about two weeks of swelling and bruising, with most patients returning to normal activities within two weeks. Surgery is more invasive and painful, but “a well-executed surgical result can last a decade or longer,” Dr. Schwarcz says. One thing to keep in mind: If excess upper lid skin is significant enough to impair vision, insurance may cover part or all of a blepharoplasty, though this requires testing and documentation.

I’m thrilled with what Dr. Shamban’s protocol delivered. Her layered approach was cumulatively powerful. The changes are real. I look like myself, only less tired. But maintaining those results is a commitment. I won't pretend the process was easy. At roughly $12,000 a year out of pocket—not to mention the appointments, the driving, the numbing, the downtime, the recovery—I find myself thinking, Wouldn't one surgical procedure actually be easier than repeating this cycle indefinitely? Honestly, maybe.

I haven’t booked surgery. But I’ve also stopped romanticizing the idea of avoiding it. What I’ve realized is that I’m not anti-surgery. I’m just not into overcorrection. If I move forward, I may consider an endoscopic mini brow lift rather than a traditional upper bleph. It’s an option I didn’t even know to ask about before reporting this piece.

More than anything, it’s bought me time to understand what’s changing, to get clear on what bothers me and what doesn’t, and to figure out how to get a face that matches how I feel. Watching my neighbor wave at me from across the restaurant, I finally understood what I was actually after. The goal was never to look sculpted, dramatically retouched, or surgically finessed. After eight months and 19 appointments, the goal is simple: to look awake—and legible.

Note: Throughout this story, I mention the exact brand names of the tools and products Dr. Shamban and her team used. However, many of these technologies are not unique and represent one example in a broader category. SmoothEye is one of several Er:YAG lasers used around the eyes. Other popular Er:YAG devices for the eye area include Sciton Joule and Lutronic Action II. Sofwave is one of a handful of ultrasound-based skin-tightening devices. Other energy-based approaches include Thermage FLX, which uses monopolar radiofrequency, and Ultherapy PRIME, which uses microfocused ultrasound. Daxxify is one of six FDA-approved botulinum-toxin neuromodulators, including Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau, and Letybo. EnerJet is one of several needle-free, pressure-based injection systems. EmFace and Tixel each use patented mechanisms (HIFES muscle stimulation and Thermo-Mechanical Action, respectively) that are more unique to their manufacturers. Upneeq is currently the only FDA-approved at-home treatment for ptosis, with no direct branded competitor.

Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

The best hair oils might sound completely counterintuitive. If you're trying to keep your hair from looking greasy, why would you add oil to it? But today's formulas are a far cry from the heavy, greasy treatments of decades past. The right hair oil can be the difference between hair that puffs up the second you step outside and strands that stay smooth, glossy, and manageable.

Whether you're dealing with frizz, dry ends, heat damage, or simply want to add a little extra polish to your style, there's a hair oil designed for the job. Some are packed with nourishing botanical oils (like argan oil, squalane, and castor oil) that seal in moisture, while others rely on lightweight silicones to seal the cuticle, dial up the gloss, and shield hair from humidity without weighing it down.

Our Top Hair Oils

• Best Overall: Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil, $59
• Best for Frizz: Kérastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops Anti-Frizz Hair Oil, $39
• Best for Fine Hair: Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil, $46
• Best for Protective Styles: Cécred Nourishing Hair Oil, $45

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• How do hair oils work?
• Which hair oil is right for me?
• When should I use hair oil?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil

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Oribe

Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil

$59

Amazon

$59

Nordstrom

$59

Sephora

Allure social director Kassidy Silva applying the Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil.

Kassidy Silva

Why it's worth it: Oribe’s Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil is the ultimate indulgence for every hair type. Silky and weightless, it tackles dryness and frizz with a blend of argan and jasmine oils, plus Oribe’s Signature Complex—a mix of antioxidant-rich watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss flower extracts—to keep strands strong, hydrated, and shiny. It has a subtle sandalwood and bergamot scent that leaves hair smelling as luxe as it looks. New York City-based hairstylist, Andrew Inconstanti, calls it “liquid gold” for its instant smoothing effect, effortless shine, and color-enhancing boost. “It also smells like a high-end perfume, so your hair will smell expensive all day long,” he says.

Silva before applying the Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil

Kassidy Silva

Silva after applying the Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil

Kassidy Silva

Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva

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“Two pumps of the Oribe Gold Lust oil are all it takes to keep my hair shining all day long. After towel-drying my hair, I pump a quarter-size amount into my palms and work it through the ends, and run a comb through a few times to lightly distribute the product to my roots. If my hair is looking a little dull after drying, I'll add one more pump once I'm finished styling.” —Kassidy Silva, social director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: jasmine oil, argan oil, edelweiss flower, lychee
• Who it's best for: all hair types
• When to apply: on damp or dry hair
• Fragrance-free: no
• Sizes: 1.7 oz., 3.4 oz.

Best for Frizz: Kérastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops Anti-Frizz Hair Oil

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Kérastase

Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops Anti-Frizz Hair Oil

$39

Amazon

$39

Sephora

Allure senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino applying the Kérastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops Anti-Frizz Hair Oil

Elizabeth Gulino

Why it's worth it: If you've long loved Kérastase's iconic Elixir Ultime, but wish it delivered an even more mirror-like, glass-hair finish, Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops is the answer. As the brand's lightest hair oil in its lineup, it swaps heavier botanical oils for a featherweight silicone blend to tame frizz and boost shine without leaving hair greasy or limp. Hyaluronic acid pulls in moisture, wild rose oil leaves hair softer, and glycolic acid smooths the hair cuticle so it reflects more light. The formula acts like an invisible raincoat against humidity—keeping hair sleek and glossy for up to four days, according to the brand.

Gulino before applying the Kérastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops Anti-Frizz Hair Oil

Elizabeth Gulino

Gulino after applying the Kérastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops Anti-Frizz Hair Oil

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 in a few curls with a curling iron to try and tame any 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 ingredients: wild rose oil extract, silicones, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid
• Who it's best for: everyone, especially those with dull hair
• When to apply: on damp or dry hair
• Fragrance-free: no
• Size: 1.5 oz.

Best for Protective Styles: Cécred Nourishing Hair Oil

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Cécred

Nourishing Hair Oil

$45

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: Unlike hair oils that rely on silicones for slip and shine, Cécred's Nourishing Hair Oil is powered almost entirely by a blend of 13 botanical oils—including baobab, moringa, castor, black seed, and sea buckthorn—to help replenish the hair's natural lipids and reduce moisture loss. That makes it especially ideal for protective styles like braids, twists, and cornrows, for which keeping hair nourished between wash days is a priority. Because it's a true oil blend rather than an oil with a silicone base, it can also be massaged directly onto the scalp—as our tester demonstrates—to soothe dryness and keep both the scalp and the hair underneath feeling conditioned.

Allure contributor Jailynn Taylor applying the Cécred Nourishing Hair Oil

Jailynn Taylor

Taylor after applying the Cécred Nourishing Hair Oil

Jailynn Taylor

Tester feedback from contributor Jailynn Taylor

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"I've tried countless oils searching for one that nourishes my locs without causing buildup, and the Cécred Nourishing Hair Oil delivers on both fronts. Upon application, my locs feel softer and better sealed with the moisture they need to stay strong and flexible. Rather than sitting on the surface, this oil absorbs well and keeps my locs hydrated for days with a subtle sheen. I apply a few drops to my scalp and along the length of my locs between wash days, and the results are immediate: less dryness, more movement, and easier manageability. The Temple Oud fragrance is pleasant and lingers just enough without being overwhelming." —Jailynn Taylor, contributor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: baobab oil, sea buckthorn oil, bioactive keratin ferment
• Who it's best for: all hair types, especially textured hair
• When to apply: after styling
• Fragrance-free: no
• Size: 1.7 oz.

Best for Curly Hair: Chris McMillan The Glassy Smooth Hair Oil

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Chris McMillan

The Glassy Smooth Hair Oil

$58

Sephora

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Chris McMillan The Glassy Smooth Hair Oil

Shanna Shipin

Why it's worth it: If you've written off hair oils because they always seem to leave your roots greasy or your hair limp, maybe the problem isn't necessarily the formula—it's how you're applying it. Chris McMillan's The Lightweight Glassy Hair Oil Mist rethinks the experience with an ultra-fine aerosol mist that evenly disperses the product throughout your hair, making it much harder to overdo than a traditional dropper or pump. The mist format is especially great for curls and textured hair, since it distributes product evenly without soaking one section or weighing down your curl pattern. It doesn't hurt that the formula is incredibly lightweight, either: Smoothing silicones team up with blackcurrant, camellia, moringa, and wheat germ oils to soften frizz and add next-level shine, while hyaluronic acid helps hair hold onto moisture so it stays sleek even when humidity rolls in.

Shipin before applying the Chris McMillan The Glassy Smooth Hair Oil

Shanna Shipin

Shipin after applying the Chris McMillan The Glassy Smooth Hair Oil

Shanna Shipin

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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“Chris McMillan seemingly can’t miss, and the Lightweight Glassy Hair Oil Mist is the latest proof point. Frizzy hair? Gone. Heat protection? Covered. Shine? Just the right amount, and never greasy! The best part is the delivery with this hair oil: it’s a true, super-fine mist that gently anoints your strands with a halo of shine (forgive the flowery language, but the mist warrants it). It also happens to be absolutely perfect for curly hair. My hair is naturally quite dry, so I’m always fighting frizz, and scrunching out my curls or splitting strands for volume (which I love) isn’t ideal, so it feels like Chris designed this with curly girls in mind. You don’t need to rake or mess up your curls with this kind of product. Because the mist is so lightweight, it’s also going to be great for those with fine hair, and really anyone who wants a veil of shine (without any fuss). Plus the packaging is stunning; it’s a lovely, heavyweight glass bottle with an oversized top and elegant dispenser. It sits perfectly next to my perfume bottles on my vanity.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: black currant seed oil, camellia seed oil, moringa seed oil, wheat germ oil, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone
• Who it's best for: all hair types, especially curly or textured hair
• When to apply: on damp or dry hair
• Fragrance-free: no
• Size: 3.4 oz.

Best for Fine Hair: Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil

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Gisou

Honey Infused Hair Oil

$46

Amazon

$46

Sephora

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it's worth it: What happens when a beekeeper marries a hairstylist? Their daughter bottles the family secret and creates Gisou’s Honey Infused Hair Oil. At the heart of the formula is the brand's proprietary Mirsalehi Honey, harvested from the family's bee garden in the Netherlands, which acts as a natural humectant to help hair attract and hold onto moisture. It’s paired with an antioxidant-rich blend of eight botanical oils—including sweet almond, coconut, argan, and passionfruit seed oils—packed with nourishing omega fatty acids to soften frizz, seal in hydration, and boost shine. Lightweight silicones finish the job by smoothing the hair cuticle, leaving hair glossy and polished without weighing down finer strands. “It's also a good one to reach for on day two or three after wash day, when the hair needs waking up rather than a full reset,” says Kenna Kennor, a hairstylist based in Brooklyn, New York.

Lee before applying the Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“If you have long hair like mine (it practically reaches my waist), a good hair oil isn't optional. I'll admit I got a little overzealous in this demo and used too much, which deflated my blowout a little more than I would've liked. But once I figured out the sweet spot—just two drops per side instead of a whole dropper full—Gisou's Honey Infused Hair Oil completely won me over. It leaves my mid-lengths and ends unbelievably soft and silky with a glossy shine, all without weighing my hair down and zero greasiness. I can't stop running my hands through my hair when I use this.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: Mirsalehi Honey, sweet almond oil, coconut oil, argan oil, passionfruit seed oil, dimethicone
• Who it's best for: all hair types, especially dry or fine hair
• When to apply: on damp or dry hair
• Fragrance-free: no
• Sizes: 0.6 oz., 1.7 oz., 3.4 oz.

Best Pre-Wash: Fable and Mane HoliRoots Hair Oil

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Fable & Mane

HoliRoots Hair Oil

$38

Amazon

$38

Sephora

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Fable and Mane HoliRoots Hair Oil

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: Inspired by Ayurvedic hair oiling, a 5,000-year-old practice in India that involves massaging warm, herb-infused oils into the scalp and strands to nourish, Fable and Mane’s HoliRoots Hair Oil is designed to be worked into the scalp section by section before your shower. Leave it on for at least five minutes—or use it as an overnight treatment—for stronger roots, reduced breakage, boosted circulation, and deeply hydrated, healthy-looking hair. Key oils like castor, olive fruit, jojoba, grapeseed, and sesame, along with Ayurveda classics like ashwagandha and amla (which are known to stimulate keratin production), work together to nourish strands and calm the scalp. Rest assured: Despite being packed with oils, you won’t find any residue in your scalp post-shampoo. “It absorbs beautifully, leaving fine or damaged hair feeling deeply resilient, denser, and soft,” says Inconstanti.

Han before applying the Fable and Mane HoliRoots Hair Oil

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Fable and Mane HoliRoots Hair Oil

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“I’ve been using this product pretty consistently for two years, applying about three half-droppers of product to three sections of my scalp for at least 15 minutes before I hop into the shower. I'll occasionally use a scalp massager to work the product more deeply, but my fingers do the trick, too. I deal with a dry, itchy scalp—probably because I don't wash my hair enough; I wholly admit it! I'm the problem!—and I find that this formula makes a world of difference in calming said irritation. Thank you, root extracts. The oil rinses away swiftly down the drain, and my scalp always feels lighter and more balanced post-shampoo.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: ashwagandha, amla, castor, olive fruit, jojoba, grape seed, and sesame oils
• Who it's best for: people with dry, broken strands looking to boost growth
• When to apply: on dry hair as a pre-shampoo treatment
• Fragrance-free: no
• Size: 1.8 oz.

Best for Flat Hair: LolaVie Lightweight Hair Oil

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LolaVie

Lightweight Hair Oil

$33

Amazon

$33

Ulta Beauty

$33

Credo Beauty

Former Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen applying the LolaVie Lightweight Hair Oil

Nicola Dall'Asen

Why it's worth it: Pulling off the (near) impossible, LolaVie’s Lightweight Hair Oil leaves hair with a patent-like shine without flattening your meticulously styled blowout. The dilemma with most hair oils is that they have at least some weight, which can lead to a deflated style, especially if you have naturally fine, thin, or otherwise flat hair. But LolaVie’s nourishing formula “is so fluid and fast-absorbing that you won’t even feel it, but you'll definitely see the brilliant shine,” says Inconstanti. Coconut-derived emollients and squalane deliver that glossy finish, while sunflower and apricot kernel oils soften frizz and seal in moisture. Antioxidant-rich chlorella, chia seed, and olive leaf extracts protect hair from environmental stressors, and a blend of quinoa, chickpea, and lentil extracts helps strengthen strands. Considering it's Jennifer Aniston's hair-care brand, salon-worthy results were pretty much a given.

Dall’Asen before applying the LolaVie Lightweight Hair Oil

Nicola Dall'Asen

Dall’Asen after applying the LolaVie Lightweight Hair Oil

Nicola Dall'Asen

Tester feedback from former senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen

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“Short, fine hair like mine and oils don't always get along, but I never have to worry about that with LolaVie's Lightweight Hair Oil—hell, its distinguishing factor is right there in the name. Just a few drops of this keratin-based oil give my hair the hydration and shine it desperately needs, and thankfully without that heavy, greasy feeling.” —Nicola Dall’Asen, former senior news editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: coconut derivatives, squalane, sunflower seed oil, olive leaf extract, chlorella vulgaris (algae) extract, chia seed extract, bamboo extract
• Who it's best for: people who lack volume
• When to apply: after towel-drying and/or after styling
• Fragrance-free: no
• Size: 1.5 oz.

Best for Damaged Hair: Virtue Healing Oil

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Virtue

Healing Oil

$46

Amazon

$46

Nordstrom

$46

Bluemercury

Lee applying the Virtue Healing Oil

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it's worth it: Almost every hair oil can boost shine and zap frizz, but what sets Virtue’s Healing Oil apart is that it repairs damage, too. It's the only hair oil formulated with a human hair-identical protein (Alpha Keratin 60ku) that fills in cracks along the hair cuticle to reinforce weakened strands. “It doesn’t fake smoothness; it gives compromised hair what it really needs,” says Kennor. The texture also stands out: Instead of feeling overly rich or greasy, it relies on weightless silicones along with marula, Kalahari melon seed, and coconut oils for silky slip and glossy shine without weighing hair down.

Because Alpha Keratin 60ku is a water-loving protein suspended in an oil base, you'll need to give the bottle a shake before each use to blend everything together and activate the formula. “A little goes a long way—you’ll feel the difference immediately in how it brushes and how it takes a style,” he says.

Lee before applying the Virtue Healing Oil

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the Virtue Healing Oil

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from Lee

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“I'm on my third bottle of Virtue's Healing Oil—which really isn't something I can say about many beauty products. I only get my hair cut once or twice a year (zero trims in between) because I'm fiercely loyal to my stylist, who happens to be more than an hour away, so my styling products have to pick up the slack. My biggest battle is dry, damaged ends from frequent heat styling, and while I know nothing can truly glue split ends back together, this oil makes them look and feel so much healthier. My hair feels silkier, and I swear it's helped keep my ends from becoming even more prone to breakage between salon visits.” —Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: Alpha Keratin 60ku, marula oil, Kalahari melon seed oil, coconut oil, silicones
• Hair it's best for: dry, damaged, heat-styled, or chemically processed hair
• When to apply: on damp or dry hair
• Fragrance-free: no
• Sizes: 1.7 oz., 0.67 oz.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do hair oils work?

Unlike hair masks and leave-in conditioners, which primarily condition and replenish moisture, hair oils are formulated to seal everything in. "Hair oils help smooth the hair cuticle and reduce styling breakage while minimizing frizz," Cincinnati-based cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos says. However, it isn't the oil smoothing the cuticle on its own. "Most hair 'oils' on the market actually contain very little oil; they're primarily made from siloxanes and hydrocarbons,” explains Dobos. These ingredients, also known as silicones and mineral oils, respectively, are added to many hair oils because some of the lipids in natural oils can weigh hair down and cause fine hair to look greasy. Therefore, products with a high oil concentration are better on thick, textured, or coily hair, Dobos says.

Which hair oil is right for me?

"Rather than choosing an oil for your hair type, you should consider what you need the oil to do for your hair," says Sophia Emmanuel, a hairstylist in New York City. For example, if you're looking to enhance shine and softness, olive, carrot, and jojoba oils, all of which act as moisture-sealing emollients, are helpful. On the other hand, avid users of hot tools like blow-dryers or straighteners should reach for silicone-infused products to protect the hair's cuticle. Keep in mind, however, that silicone has long-term effects. New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, tells Allure, "Continued use of silicones over time can weigh down the hair, so it's important to regularly wash hair to prevent any buildup."

When should I use hair oil?

Hair oils can have varied application directions, so be sure to read the bottle before you start your treatment. While many hair oils are applied to dry or damp hair on the mid-lengths and ends for a smooth finish, others are meant to be applied pre-wash. "The main benefit of pre-wash oils is that of an emollient, which provides a coating over the hair shaft, which seals the cuticle and traps moisture inside," Vladyslava Doktor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Boston, told Allure. Apply your pre-wash oil from mid-lengths to ends and to your scalp if it feels dry. Gently massage it in, let it sit for at least 10 minutes (or however long the instructions state) or overnight, and then shampoo and condition the hair. For extra absorption, you can wrap your strands in a warm towel or a shower cap while the oil sits.

Meet the experts

• Kelly Dobos, a cosmetic chemist based in Cincinnati
• Vladyslava Doktor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Center Boston based in Boston
• Sophia Emmanuel, a hairstylist at Crown Worthy based in New York City
• Andrew Inconstanti, a hairstylist at Umi Salon based in New York City
• Kenna Kennor, a hairstylist and founder of Kennaland based in Brooklyn, New York
• Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist 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 certain 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 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 oils, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, professional stylists, cosmetic chemists, and board-certified dermatologists—who spoke about how to choose a hair oil and its range of benefits, depending on hair type, texture, hair concerns, and desired outcome. Testers considered performance across three primary categories: efficacy, formula, and application. 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.

Photo: Adobe StockSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

If there is one certainty among the many, many uncertainties in our world right now, it is this: Taking the time to care for ourselves should no longer be considered an indulgence. Rather, for so many reasons, it is a necessity. With skin care, though, there is another undeniable truth: It can often feel overwhelming. "The skin-care market has really boomed in the last few years," says Sejal Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. "While this is great because it gives us a variety of new ingredients and formulations, this can be really confusing for the consumer—especially a newbie."

So forget everything you’ve seen on TikTok and start here, with this simple, no-nonsense guide to building a skin-care routine. We consulted a team of dermatologists to walk us through exactly which products you need, how to use them, which ones to avoid, and when to level up.

In this story:

• The Basics
• Skin-Care 101: The Foundation of Your Routine
• Skin-Care 201: Extra Credit

The Basics

Start simple

They say a good chef must first master a simple omelet. Think of your skin-care routine as your omelet. After you have a solid foundational routine in place and know that you can stick to it, you can add ingredients, if you choose. “You don’t need a dozen products to have healthy skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Jenna Queller, MD. “In fact, the more products you introduce at once, the harder it becomes to know what’s actually helping and what’s causing irritation.”

It may not sound very exciting, but keeping to the essentials and avoiding trendy ingredients or methods is your best bet. “Social media often promotes products that aren’t appropriate for everyone,” Dr. Queller says. Instead, she recommends “choosing products based on your skin type and concerns, rather than what’s currently popular online.”

Consider your skin type

Dr. Queller says she frequently sees people using products designed for someone else's skin type. “A friend’s favorite product may not be appropriate for your skin, and what works well for one person can cause irritation or breakouts for another.”

Introduce one product at a time

Start simple and slow. “I recommend introducing only one new product every two to four weeks,” says board-certified dermatologist Kseniya Kobets, MD. “That way, if you develop irritation, it’s much easier to identify the culprit instead of guessing between five new products.”

Stay consistent

Sticking with your routine—provided you don't have any reactions to the products—is key to seeing results. “One of the biggest misconceptions is that skin care works overnight,” says Dr. Queller. “Most active ingredients need at least six to 12 weeks of consistent use before you see meaningful improvement.”

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

You don’t have to do this alone. If you’re dealing with issues like persistent acne, eczema, rosacea, melasma, or just want to fact-check your routine, it’s worth visiting a dermatologist. “A personalized treatment plan can often save months of frustration,” says Dr. Queller, “and help you achieve better results more quickly.”

Skin-Care 101: The Foundation of Your Routine

Step 1: Cleanse

You can’t cook an omelet in a dirty pan (well, you can, but it wouldn’t pass a health inspection). Using a gentle cleanser twice per day—once in the morning, once in the evening—is where you should start.

Cleansing in the morning will help remove any evidence of sweat or oil left from your beauty sleep, says board-certified dermatologist Divya Shokeen, MD. If you have very dry or sensitive skin, you can skip the product and just rinse your face with water in the morning to keep things as gentle as possible; but cleansing in the evening is a nonnegotiable, since you’ll have accumulated a day’s worth of all kinds of pore-clogging culprits (makeup, sweat, dead skin cells, and other debris). Plus, Dr. Queller notes, “a properly cleansed face allows the rest of your skin-care products to work more effectively.”

Lukewarm water is best, as hot water can cause redness or irritation. And though you may see all manner of scrubbers, washcloths, and brushes online, Dr. Queller says good old-fashioned fingertips are the best option, as brushes can be harsh on the skin and bristles or fabric collect bacteria over time. “Massage the cleanser into the skin for about 30 to 60 seconds before rinsing,” she says.

Choosing a facial cleanser for this step depends entirely on your skin type. When in doubt, though, “any skin type will tolerate a hydrating cleanser,” says board-certified dermatologist Michele Farber, MD.

Oily skin

For oily skin types Dr. Kobets recommends a foaming cleanser, because the lather literally breaks down and lifts away excess oil and dirt from your pores, which, left uncleansed, would eventually lead to a breakout. She suggests Avène Tolerance Foaming Facial Cleanser—formulated with trusty hydrating ingredients like niacinamide and glycerin—as the foaming action doesn’t strip away too much moisture.

For those battling breakouts or acne, a more targeted cleanser could do the trick. PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash uses a high concentration of benzoyl peroxide, which, Dr. Kobets says, can help kill acne-causing bacteria. Or try Dermalogica Acne Clearing Skin Wash, which is formulated with salicylic acid and clears away buildup in your pores.

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Avène

Tolerance Foaming Facial Cleanser

$20

Amazon

$20

Dermstore

$20

Ulta Beauty

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Panoxyl

Acne Foaming Wash

$11 $10 (9% off)

Amazon

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Dermalogica

Acne Clearing Skin Wash

$49

Amazon

$49

Ulta Beauty

Dry skin

“If your skin feels tight after washing, opt for a hydrating cleanser,” says Dr. Kobets, who recommends Prequel Gleanser and CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser. They contain the same type of hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, you might see in moisturizers.

Dr. Queller seconds the CeraVe cleanser suggestion, but also recommends La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser: “They’re both excellent options because they contain ceramides and other moisturizing ingredients that help support the skin barrier while leaving the skin clean, soft, and hydrated, rather than tight or dry,” she says.

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Prequel

Gleanser

$36

Amazon (2-Pack)

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CeraVe

Hydrating Cleanser

$19 $16 (16% off)

Amazon

$19

Ulta Beauty

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La Roche-Posay

Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser

$20

Amazon

$22

Ulta Beauty

Sensitive skin

Hydrating cleansers are usually good options for those prone to inflammation, but be sure they don’t include any added fragrance, essential oils, or botanical extracts. “They can be common causes of allergic reactions and irritation,” says Dr. Queller, who recommends Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser because “it gently cleanses the skin without compromising the skin barrier.” Opting for a cleanser with soothing ingredients like aloe or oat extract, found in Tower 28 SOS Gentle Hydrating Gel Cleanser, can help calm down an active flare-up.

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Vanicream

Gentle Facial Cleanser

$10

Amazon

$13

Ulta Beauty

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Tower 28

SOS Gentle Hydrating Gel Cleanser

$20

Amazon

$20

Sephora

$20

Credo Beauty

Step 2: Moisturize

Now that you have a clean slate, it’s time to start feeding your skin the good stuff. “Moisturizer is an important step for every skin type, not just dry skin,” says Dr. Queller. “It helps support the skin barrier, prevent water loss, and keep skin balanced.”

Apply moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp from cleansing to lock in that hydration, making sure to cover the face and neck, she adds.

Oily skin

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, please don't think you can (or should) skip daily moisturizer use. Says Dr. Shokeen, "Over-washing without the appropriate use of a moisturizer will actually trigger an over-production of oil on your skin."

Dr. Farber explains further: "No matter how oily or acne-prone your skin may feel, it will become dry without rehydration, and dried-out skin is irritated skin."

However, those with oily skin should seek out moisturizers that are labeled “noncomedogenic,” meaning a product that does not contain ingredients known to clog pores and cause more breakouts, Dr. Shokeen explains. Dr. Shokeen, Dr. Queller, and Dr. Kobets all recommend Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, a hydrating but lightweight gel-based moisturizer.

“Formulations containing larger amounts of dimethicone or richer emollients can become overly occlusive in acne-prone individuals and worsen congestion,” Dr. Kobets notes. “I generally recommend gels or lotion for patients who are oily or prone to breakouts.” If you need a slight step up from gel hydration, a lotion formula (like the CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion) is a good middle ground between gel and dense cream.

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Neutrogena

Hydroboost Water Gel

$30

Ulta Beauty

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CeraVe

Daily Moisturizing Lotion

$18 $15 (17% off)

Amazon

$18

Ulta Beauty

Dry or sensitive skin

Unlike oily skin, dry or inflamed skin can actually benefit from a richer cream that contains oils or lipids to help restore a damaged skin barrier. Look for “barrier-supporting ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, niacinamide, or squalane,” says Dr. Kobets.

Skinfix Triple Lipid Peptide Cream is packed with ceramides and fatty acids to help replenish moisture, and a humectant blend to help lock it in. Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream is formulated with squalane, a lipid used to seal in moisture, and Aestura Atobarrier365 Hydro Soothing Cream features compressed hyaluronic acid for moisture and super rich dimethicone as an emollient.

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Skinfix

Triple Lipid Peptide Cream

$54

Ulta Beauty

$54

Sephora

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Kiehl's

Ultra Facial Cream

$39

Amazon

$39

Nordstrom

$39

Ulta Beauty

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Aestura

AtoBarrier365 Hydro Soothing Cream

$32 $25 (22% off)

Amazon

$32

Sephora

Step 3: Protect

In the evening, steps one and two (cleansing and moisturizing) are truly all you need before bed. But in the morning, you should be adding a third step: SPF. "Sunscreen is your first line of defense and protection against skin cancer," Dr. Farber explains. "If you were to do nothing else for your skin, sun protection is the most important."

Opt for using a broad-spectrum sunscreen—a formula that protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays—every day, with at least SPF 30, no matter what your plan is. “You’re always getting intermittent UV exposure throughout the day—walking to your car, loading groceries, or driving,” says Dr. Kobets. Sitting on the couch all day? Surprise! You still have windows. There is truly no situation in which you should skip this step.

While an SPF 100 does block slightly more UVB radiation, it does not protect twice as well or last twice as long. “What matters much more is applying enough sunscreen—about one-half teaspoon for the face and neck—and reapplying every two hours when you’re outdoors or after swimming or sweating,” says Dr. Kobets. “I’d much rather see someone apply SPF 30-50 correctly and reapply it than use SPF 100 once in the morning and forget about it.”

Oily skin

The market isn’t short on lightweight, oil-free SPF options. Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free SPF is a good bet, says Dr. Kobets of the mineral formula that doesn’t leave a white cast. We also recommend the Proactiv Clear Skin SPF 30, which has a matte finish to help combat any greasiness.

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Shiseido

Urban Environment Oil-Free Mineral Sunscreen

$38

Amazon

$39

Nordstrom

$39

Ulta Beauty

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Proactiv

Clear Skin SPF 30

$24 $17 (29% off)

Amazon

$24

Ulta Beauty

Dry skin

Peach and Lily Beam Blocker Invisible Sunscreen contains ceramides, squalane, niacinamide, and aloe to help soothe and hydrate your skin, and Beauty of Joseon Dayscreen SPF 30 Moisturizer is a hydrating, lightweight option formulated with hyaluronic acid. If you want a little color in your SPF, Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen has a super subtle tint, and it’s formulated with hyaluronic acid.

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Peach & Lily

Beam Blocker Invisible Sunscreen SPF 30

$34

Ulta Beauty

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Beauty of Joseon

Dayscreen Moisturizer SPF 30

$20

Sephora

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Ilia

Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen

$40

Amazon

$40

Nordstrom

$40

Ulta Beauty

Sensitive skin

For reactive skin, Dr. Queller likes MD Solar Sciences Mineral Crème SPF 50, which is fragrance-free and noncomedogenic. If you have rosacea or are dealing with redness, there are plenty of sensitive-skin-friendly SPFs that have color correction built in, such as EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting Green Tint SPF 50.

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MDSolarSciences

Mineral Cream SPF 50

$46 $34 (26% off)

Amazon

$46

Nordstrom

$46

Dermstore

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EltaMD

UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting Green Tint SPF 50

$52

Amazon

$52

EltaMD

Skin-Care 201: Extra Credit

With cleansing, moisturizing, and SPF, you have everything you need to get started. After you’ve mastered that omelet, though, you may want to add a few extra steps, such as products that target specific issues you may have.

Exfoliants

Exfoliating as part of the cleansing step—physically or chemically—can help slough away excess buildup and improve dull skin. But it’s easy to overdo it and leave your skin in worse condition than when you started. “If you use a physical scrub, be very gentle, and limit it to every one to two weeks,” says Dr. Kobets. “I also wouldn’t use it on the same day you’re introducing a new product or using a retinoid.”

Chemical exfoliants leave a little less room for error and abrasion, but are best used after consulting with a dermatologist.

Serums

Facial serums are high-potency, lightweight topicals that are formulated with a higher concentration of active ingredients to target more specific skin concerns. They’re meant to be sandwiched between your cleanser and your moisturizer.

“Treat what you actually have,” says Dr. Kobets. So if you’re dealing with dry skin, opt for a hyaluronic acid serum. For brightening or treating pigmentation, try adding a vitamin C serum to your routine, she says. Just don’t feel like you need to add serum after serum just for the sake of it.

Masks

“Think of masks as occasional treatments rather than necessities,” says Dr. Kobets. “Hydrating masks containing ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, squalane, and niacinamide—without added fragrance or botanicals—are my go-to. For most people, they’re more useful than aggressive exfoliating masks. They’re also great before a night out or before applying makeup, especially right after a shower, to give the skin an extra boost of hydration.”

Retinoids

“Retinoids are one of the most well-studied ingredients for treating acne, fine lines, uneven pigmentation, and improving overall skin texture,” says Dr. Queller. “I recommend starting slowly by applying a retinoid two nights per week, and gradually increasing frequency as your skin tolerates it.” Retinoids should always be followed by moisturizer, she adds, and used consistently with daily sunscreen, because they can be sensitizing.

Meet the experts:

• Michele Farber, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
• Kseniya Kobets, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care Dermatology.
• Jenna Queller, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Boca Raton, FL.
• Sejal Shah, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
• Divya Shokeen, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Manhattan Beach, CA.

Additional reporting by Rebecca Dancer.

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The best exfoliating body washes do more than cleanse—they smooth out rough skin using a blend of chemical or physical exfoliants and barrier-supporting ingredients. Whether you’re dealing with keratosis pilaris (a.k.a. strawberry skin), body breakouts, ingrown hairs, or general dryness, the right formula can make a major difference.

Many exfoliating body washes use chemical ingredients, like glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid, to break down dead skin cells and clear out clogged pores. These acids (often labeled as AHAs, BHAs, or PHAs) do the heavy lifting when it comes to maintaining even skin texture and controlling breakouts. Others may include physical exfoliants, such as fine scrub particles, to manually remove dead cells from the skin.

Our Top Exfoliating Body Washes

• Best Overall: Nécessaire The Body Wash in Hinoki, $28
• Best for Keratosis Pilaris: First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub, $30
• Best for Dry Skin: Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash, $16
• Best for Acne: Byoma Blemish Acne Clearing Body Wash, $15

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Is it okay to use an exfoliating body wash daily?
• What is the best exfoliating body wash for sensitive skin?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Before you brace yourself for a rough, red, irritated aftermath, know this: You’ll often find these paired with soothing ingredients like aloe, ceramides, or niacinamide to calm and protect the skin barrier. Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best exfoliating body washes for every skin concern, whether you're looking for a heavy-duty polish for a weekly reset or body care that’s gentle enough for daily use.

Best Overall: Nécessaire The Body Wash in Hinoki

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Nécessaire

The Body Wash in Hinoki

$28

Amazon

$28

Nordstrom

$28

Credo Beauty

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai using the Nécessaire The Body Wash in Hinoki

Deanna Pai

Why it’s worth it: Nécessaire's The Body Wash in Hinoki is a skin-care treatment disguised as a cleanser. Since we crowned the fragrance-free version as the best body wash for sensitive skin, it doesn’t surprise us that dermatologists also love the exfoliating, scented version. “This formula is incredibly well-balanced,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “It exfoliates with a gentle blend of glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids, while also nourishing the skin with niacinamide and glycerin.” She recommends it for body breakouts, dullness, and dryness, noting that it “supports the skin barrier instead of stripping it.” The woodsy Hinoki scent, inspired by Japanese cypress, instantly evokes a mountain spa vibe, and honestly, who wouldn’t want that in their shower routine?

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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“I hoard Nécessaire's body washes for one reason: They're good! But the Hinoki is my favorite, especially in the summertime when my skin is peppered with mosquito bites—which inevitably lead to dark spots. The exfoliating acids help them fade more quickly (think weeks, not months) and I love the sheer convenience of having a potent exfoliant and body wash in a single step. Bonus: The Hinoki scent is fresh and green, like a walk in the woods.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann

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“I’m a certified Hinoki Head™. As evidenced by my well-loved bottle, I adore it, but I'd still be hoarding these body washes even if they hadn't added my favorite woody, slightly spicy fragrance to it. It forms a nice, medium lather, and the trio of exfoliating acids—AHA, BHA, and PHA—smooth out rough patches of skin—has definitely made a difference in the KP on my upper arms. I am not an early riser at all, but having my morning shower smell like a lush, tree-lined spa makes waking up with my alarm a little easier.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: lactic acid, glycolic acid, mandelic acid, salicylic acid, niacinamide
• Scent: hinoki, basil, magnolia, vetiver

Best for Keratosis Pilaris: First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub

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First Aid Beauty

KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub

$30 $25 (17% off)

Amazon

$30

Nordstrom

$30

Dermstore

Allure former content director Kara McGrath using First Aid Beauty’s KP Smoothing Body Lotion

Kara McGrath

Why it’s worth it: If you've got keratosis pilaris, chances are you've cycled through more body scrubs and lotions than you can count—only to end up with the same stubborn bumps. “KP is one of those conditions where patients often feel like nothing works, and I find First Aid Beauty's KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub actually delivers noticeable improvement with consistent use," says Alexandra Bowles, MD, board-certified dermatologist based in Cincinnati.

This 2025 Best of Beauty-winning formula takes a two-pronged approach, pairing 10% glycolic and lactic acids (to dissolve the buildup of dead skin cells that clog hair follicles) with fine pumice buffing beads that instantly smooth rough texture. To keep all that exfoliation from feeling overly aggressive, soothing bisabolol calms potential irritation while vitamin E replenishes moisture and supports the skin barrier. “Treating KP requires patience, but this addresses the root issue rather than just temporarily softening the skin,” she says.

Tester feedback from former content director Kara McGrath

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"First Aid Beauty’s KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub has a potent, 10% alpha-hydroxy acid-infused formula, along with a gritty texture to double down on all the clogged pores, ingrown hairs, and keratosis pilaris along my body. This stuff means business, so I usually use this scrub once per week on problem areas, like my upper arms and back, and rougher patches of skin after cleansing." —Kara McGrath, former content director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: pumice buffing beads, glycolic acid, lactic acid, bisabolol, vitamin E
• Scent: none

Best Drugstore: CeraVe SA Body Wash for Rough & Bumpy Skin

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CeraVe

SA Body Wash for Rough & Bumpy Skin

$14

Amazon

$14

Dermstore

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee using the CeraVe SA Body Wash for Rough & Bumpy Skin

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it’s worth it: When it comes to skin care, CeraVe is one of the best-known drugstore brands around, and their SA Body Wash for Rough & Bumpy Skin is a derm go-to for smoothing and restoring rough skin. “It cleanses and exfoliates while simultaneously helping to restore the skin barrier with three essential ceramides,” says Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. In addition to barrier-repairing ceramides, the formula includes salicylic acid to clear pores and gently exfoliate, as well as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to deeply hydrate, soothe, and strengthen the skin. It’s fragrance-free and non-stripping, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“I’ve dealt with strawberry skin on my thighs and upper arms for most of my life, and this is one of the few body washes that actually helps without irritating my skin. The gel texture feels silky going on, builds a satisfying lather, and somehow manages to exfoliate while leaving my sensitive skin feeling calm, moisturized, and noticeably smoother.” —Christa Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide
• Scent: none

Best for Dry Skin: Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash

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Glytone

Exfoliating Body Wash

$16

Amazon (2 fl oz.)

$38

Dermstore (6.7 fl oz.)

Why it’s worth it: Glytone literally takes its name from its hero ingredient, glycolic acid, "which is one of the most well-researched AHAs for improving skin texture, tone, and overall radiance," says Dr. Bowles. Glycolic acid exfoliates dead skin cells that can otherwise contribute to rough patches and keratosis pilaris, while glycerin offsets dryness by drawing moisture into the skin. "It's effective without being overly harsh, and it works well for people dealing with rough skin or dullness on the body," says Dr. Bowles, who recommends letting it sit on the skin for a minute or two before rinsing to maximize the exfoliating benefits.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycolic acid, glycerin
• Scent: none

Best for Acne: Byoma Blemish Acne Clearing Body Wash

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Byoma

Blemish Acne Clearing Body Wash

$15

Amazon

$15

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: If you're prone to body acne, one of the easiest ways to keep breakouts at bay is by reaching for an exfoliating body wash. Byoma's Blemish Acne Clearing Body Wash combines 2% salicylic acid to unclog pores and reduce excess oil, and bakuchiol (a gentle alternative to retinol) to promote skin cell turnover and reduce the appearance of uneven texture. "What I appreciate about this one is that it tackles body acne without completely wrecking the skin barrier, which is a common complaint I hear from patients who've tried more aggressive options," says Dr. Bowles. Alongside the salicylic acid, the formula features ceramides and glycerin to nourish and comfort skin. "The texture is lightweight, which helps with consistently remembering to use it,” she says.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 2% salicylic acid, bakuchiol, glycerin, ceramides
• Scent: none

Best for Mature Skin: Skinfix Resurface+ Glycolic and Lactic Acid Renewing Body Scrub

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Skinfix

Resurface+ Glycolic Renewing Body Scrub

$33

Sephora

Why it’s worth it: If you’re looking to improve skin texture fast, Skinfix's Resurface+ Glycolic and Lactic Acid Renewing Body Scrub combines both chemical and physical exfoliants to get the job done. “It combines willow bark extract, glycolic and lactic acids with soothing aloe and skin-conditioning ingredients,” says Dr. Engelman. “It’s great for targeting roughness, uneven tone, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation on the body.” While it does contain physical exfoliant particles, the super-milled texture is ultra-fine and gentle, so it won’t scratch or irritate sensitive skin. “I especially like this for patients with more advanced sun damage or those prepping for body treatments like lasers or peels,” she says. Unlike your typical body wash, this one is meant to be used on dry skin before your shower. Then, rinse off with warm water.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 5% glycolic acid, 5% lactic acid, willow bark extract
• Scent: subtle and fruity, thanks to orange and lemon extract, with zero added fragrance

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to use an exfoliating body wash daily?

Using an exfoliating body wash every day isn’t always the best idea, especially if you have sensitive or dry skin. “I do not typically recommend using an exfoliating body wash every day, as this can dry out the skin and cause irritation, especially in those with sensitive skin,” says Dr. Chang. “I recommend using exfoliating body washes two or three times per week as tolerated, and alternate with a gentle hydrating body wash.” If your skin starts to feel tight, itchy, or irritated, it’s a sign to scale back and focus on replenishing your barrier with more moisturizing formulas in between.

What is the best exfoliating body wash for sensitive skin?

The best exfoliating body wash for sensitive skin is one that uses gentle chemical exfoliants and includes barrier-supporting ingredients. “For those with sensitive skin, I recommend gentle exfoliants like lactic acid and PHA, both of which are unique in that they exfoliate and hydrate at the same time,” says Dr. Chang. She adds that low concentrations of salicylic acid and glycolic acid may also be tolerated, but higher concentrations can be too harsh. “I also typically prefer chemical exfoliants over physical exfoliants, which may cause excessive irritation and inflammation of the skin.” Look for formulas with added hydrators, such as ceramides, aloe, or hyaluronic acid, to keep the skin calm and balanced.

Meet the experts

• Alexandra Bowles, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology based in Cincinnati
• Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm based in New York City
• Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic based in New York City

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best exfoliating body washes, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read 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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Nicole Kidman has received countless accolades in her decades-long career, thanks to her chameleon-like abilities on-screen. (Who can forget that prosthetic nose in The Hours?) Off-screen, though, she only wants to look and feel like herself.

“I’ve got to be able to walk a red carpet and feel comfortable,” she says, “feel like myself and feel very free. If I feel too confined, that won’t be good for anyone. That ability to feel free and normal in those really extreme situations, I’m wired for that now.”

It turns out that sense of freedom is not innate. It’s something that has come with age to Kidman, who is 59. “I started modeling at 14 and 15, and I started acting at the same time. I wanted to be an actress, but I was using the modeling to make money so that I could fund my acting,” she says. “People used to always say to me, ‘When you grow up, you’re gonna be so pretty. I was like, ‘Huh?’” The backhanded compliments did their damage. “I’d look in the mirror and I’d go, What does that mean? I wanna be pretty now. But I suppose I was a gawky kind of teenager.” Kidman, 5’10 even then, towered over her peers—“I was all arms and legs, and I didn’t have control over my body, in a way’” she says—and lamented not having pin-straight, blonde hair.

Those early tests to her confidence didn’t hamper her acting career; if anything they may have fueled it through an astonishing series of memorable roles. In 2026, she’s had another busy year (the new season of Lioness debuted this month, and the sequel to cult classic Practical Magic is slated for release in September). She also fronts a video series, The Many Sides of Radiance, a campaign for Clé de Peau Beauté, unveiled Monday, for which she has served as a spokesperson since last year. That series focuses on her acting work, her work as a producer, and her advocacy for fellow women film directors and actors.

Nicole Kidman in Clé de Peau Beauté's “The Many Sides of Radiance” campaign.Courtesy of Clé de Peau Beauté

It’s what Kidman calls “the many sides of myself.” In pursuit of those different facets, she’s not a stranger to adventure, having done an Allure cover interview last year in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. For her work on camera, she says, “I love the idea of creating a character. That’s what makeup costumes, hair, all of it—even changing the way you move, does.” Those are nuances she’s always been sensitive to. Prior to technicolor, she notes that movement coaches were de rigueur, and she’s enthused by their return. “They’re really utilizing how you can become different characters,” she says, “I have zero interest in playing myself on screen.”

Looking back, she sees those criticisms from her earlier days from a different vantage point. “I understand what they were saying, in a way,” she says of past critics. “But I feel pretty now. I just go, okay, well, this is who I am. I’m grateful to have what I have and to be able to use it. I also think because of my coloring and the way in which my face is structured, I can morph and change so easily because I don’t really have any dominant features.” She’s also found different ways to modify her beauty routine, in that vein. “I do dermaplane, which I’d never done,” she says. “I started that about a year ago, and I feel like my moisturizer goes on more easily, the serums that I use. I’d been scared of it because I thought it’s like shaving. But it just gives my skin this natural exfoliation.”

Other recent interests of Kidman’s go beyond beauty. A lover of tennis, she just finished watching Rafa, the Netflix documentary series on Rafael Nadal; reading Arundhati Roy’s memoir Mother Mary Comes to Me, and is knee deep in The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout. “Some of those are odd recommendations,” she says recognizing the variances among her interests, “but that’s my cultural type.”

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While psoriasis can come with its fair share of everyday annoyances, hair removal should be a relative breeze as long as you don’t have an active flare-up. “The truth is that most people with psoriasis are not tremendously bothered by gentle hair removal as long as their psoriasis is controlled,” says Shira Y. Wieder, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care in New York City.

Anyone who hasn’t found an effective method to ward off their psoriasis flares should take serious precautions before doing any type of hair removal, as it carries a real risk of triggering new plaques even in areas that weren’t affected before. However, if your psoriasis is well managed by prescription treatments, you’ll likely be able to shave, laser, wax, and pluck almost exactly like anyone else. “The risk of triggering new plaques drops but doesn’t fully disappear,” says Divya Shokeen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of OSVI Dermatology and Surgical Institute in California. Here are a few precautions to keep in mind to avoid irritating your skin and triggering a flare-up.

Meet the experts:

• Shailer Carruth is a licensed esthetician in Brattleboro, Vermont.
• Tracy Evans, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the medical director of Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology in California.
• Divya Shokeen, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of OSVI Dermatology and Surgical Institute in California.
• Shira Y. Wieder, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care in New York City.

In this story:

• How having psoriasis can affect hair removal
• The best hair removal methods for psoriasis-prone skin
• Hair removal methods to approach with caution
• What to do if hair removal causes a flare-up

How Having Psoriasis Can Affect Hair Removal

“It’s one word: Koebnerization,” Dr. Shokeen says of what can make hair removal trickier for people with any inflammatory condition like psoriasis, especially during an active flare. For people with psoriasis, the Koebner effect occurs when trauma stimulates the immune system to develop plaques, Dr. Wieder says. In other words, if your psoriasis is active and you suffer any sort of minor skin injury (like a nick from a razor or a burn from too-hot wax), you could see more psoriasis, especially if it’s close to a psoriatic plaque, Dr. Shokeen says.

She emphasizes that this does not mean your psoriasis is “spreading” because psoriasis is not an infectious disease (meaning it’s not contagious). Instead, these minor injuries can start a new inflammatory reaction anywhere on the body, especially if your psoriasis is not controlled by medication.

In addition to the risk of Koebnerization, people with psoriasis tend to have drier skin, which compromises the skin barrier, Dr. Shokeen says. This means the skin can become irritated fairly easily. As a result, it “tends to develop more redness, stinging, or lingering marks from things that a non-psoriatic patient would tolerate,” she explains.

With all of that in mind, the first step in safe hair removal should be to manage your psoriasis with prescription treatments, many of which can completely eliminate symptoms. This is especially true if you’re taking an injectable medication like the biologics Humira or Skyrizi, says Tracy Evans, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the medical director of Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology in California. However, since psoriasis can only be managed and not cured, the risk of Koebnerization from hair removal remains for anyone with the condition, although it’s much lower in those cases.

On the flip side, if you’re still in the process of finding a psoriasis treatment that works for you, Dr. Shokeen says all hair removal methods carry a high risk. “Anything that’s causing repeated, mechanical trauma could potentially trigger your psoriasis.”

The Best Hair Removal Methods for Psoriasis-Prone Skin

If your psoriasis is well managed and the hair removal method is performed correctly, the dermatologists interviewed here agree you’ll likely be fine to use any method as long as you do so carefully. However, they note you should ideally speak with your own doctor before trying anything new. It will ultimately be a matter of trial and error to find which one works best for you, but these are a few safer options to consider.

Shaving

All three dermatologists interviewed for this piece agree that, aside from the risk of accidental cuts that could cause skin trauma, shaving is one of the safest hair removal methods for people with psoriasis. With shaving, “you’re [removing hair] above the follicle, not pulling it out,” Dr. Evans explains.

Dr. Wieder agrees and notes that it’s especially important for people with psoriasis to use a sharp razor and shave in the direction of hair growth rather than against the grain. Both will help ward off the irritation that can trigger Koebnerization. And if you’re trying to navigate around a psoriasis plaque, proceed with caution. “Avoid shaving off the scales because it’ll bleed underneath,” Dr. Wieder says.

Laser hair removal

Laser hair removal might sound like it carries a high risk of causing trauma, but the dermatologists interviewed agree it’s actually one of the safer options for psoriasis patients, as long as it is administered correctly. (Laser burns have the potential to cause, say it with us, Koebnerization.) “Even though you would think [a laser] would be traumatic to the hair follicle, it does seem to be safe,” Dr. Wieder says, pointing to studies on lasers that have shown their potential for treating psoriasis. Dr. Evans echoes this, noting that “heat and light” don’t seem to be an issue for people with psoriasis.

“I do laser hair removal on psoriasis patients all the time,” Dr. Shokeen says. She notes her preference for long-pulsed Nd:YAG lasers (1,064 nm), though she says diode lasers (about 800 to 810 nm) can also work if the settings are dialed down. Either way, it can be a tricky balance to get the levels just right, and the settings will need to be adjusted for each patient.

“If the energy of the device is too low, you’ll actually get hair regrowth,” she says. “It’s complicated to treat a psoriatic patient [with lasers], to say the least.” That’s why she always recommends that people who have psoriasis get laser hair removal in “a physician-supervised, medical-grade setting rather than a standard laser chain. There are more med spas than McDonald’s,” she says, noting her skepticism that all the people employed in those many locations would be fully trained to treat people with psoriasis.

Hair Removal Methods to Approach With Caution

As mentioned above, if your psoriasis is well controlled, you will likely be okay no matter how you remove unwanted hair as long as it’s done carefully. However, these methods carry some extra risks worth considering.

Depilatories

Hair removal creams (depilatories) may be a good option for someone with psoriasis because, like shaving, they don’t cause much trauma to the hair follicles. However, Dr. Wieder notes that these products can be irritating to many people, with or without psoriasis, so she always recommends a patch test beforehand on the areas where you plan to apply the depilatory. If you want to use it on your face, for example, Dr. Wieder recommends trying “some spots under the chin to see if you can tolerate it.”

Waxing

Although people with psoriasis can certainly get waxed, it’s the method that arguably comes with the most risk. “Waxing could pull on the skin and create microabrasions or tears,” says Dr. Evans. She says psoriasis is more likely to develop on areas that have been injured, even if the damage is minor. Dr. Evans also cautions that if the skin is damaged by waxing, new flare-ups could occur even in areas where you didn’t have plaques before.

For this reason, Shailer Carruth, a Vermont-based esthetician who specializes in Brazilian waxing, says she waxes with her eyes as well as her hands. “The first thing I do if I’m going to wax someone who has psoriasis is check for any broken skin,” she says.

If you’re going the DIY route, Carruth recommends using a hard wax, which adheres only to the hair, not the surrounding skin. A sticky strip wax, on the other hand, is going to exfoliate the top layer of skin, which could further aggravate a psoriatic flare-up.

Tweezing

“Plucking is very traumatic to the hair follicles,” Dr. Wieder says, so you’ll want to tweeze with caution if it is your preferred method. While Dr. Evans notes that it’s relatively uncommon to get psoriasis on the face, it’s not impossible, so you should think twice about plucking if you’re prone to getting plaques there.

What to Do If Hair Removal Causes a Psoriasis Flare-Up

Although hair removal is generally safe for people with controlled psoriasis, if you get any micro-injuries during the process, there is a small risk that it could trigger a flare-up. If that happens, Dr. Evans says you can use your topical prescription medication to treat the area. If the flare persists, reach out to your dermatologist.

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Poreless skin with a preternatural glow. Blonde highlights blended so well you can no longer see the individual strands. A nose that’s never even heard of a crook. A hand with individual, intricate tattoo “sleeves” on each finger. Manicures with textures and designs so complex they’d be impossible to recreate. Artificial intelligence has come for the beauty industry, and it seems many clients can’t resist the generative chatbots’ siren song. Experts across fields report a sharp increase in the number of AI-generated images their patients and clients are bringing as inspiration for the service they want provided.

“[Bringing AI-generated images] has become a normal part of the consultation,” says Melissa Doft, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon based in New York. July, a Leicester, England-based tattoo artist who goes by @inkedbyjuls, says “Nearly 30% of my clients have reached out to me with AI-generated images as a reference for their tattoo ideas in recent months.” While some practitioners are OK with using these as a jumping off point—and understand that some clients who struggle with verbally explaining their vision might find chatbots helpful for translating that idea into an image—everyone we spoke to for this piece agrees that these artificially-generated visuals are largely just setting people up for disappointment.

Many experts interviewed for this story acknowledged that their clients or patients may not even realize they’ve brought something AI-generated, since the online places where people typically get inspiration have become flooded with slop of varying quality. “When I clock the AI, I’m super upfront with them about a realistic result,” Anna Miles, a nail artist based in New York City, says, echoing the general consensus among these pros.

Here, a brief look into how AI-generated images are changing the consultation process across the beauty industry—and where these experts wish you would get your inspiration from instead.

For Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgeons have long cautioned patients against bringing in photos of celebrities as inspiration for their own rhinoplasty/breast implants/tummy tuck. That famous person’s face (or boobs or butt) is not your face, and no amount of amazing (and expensive) surgery will make you look like them.

“Patients arrive having already generated a version of themselves through a beauty app or ChatGPT. They say, ‘This. Make me look like this.’”

So, technically, you could say patients are more closely following doctors’ orders these days. “Years ago, I was the one holding the pencil, sketching a new profile onto a photo of your nose while you watched,” Dr. Doft says. Now, “patients arrive having already generated a version of themselves through a beauty app or ChatGPT, and they hand me the picture and say, ‘This. Make me look like this.’” She notes that some people even come in with a full, AI-generated medical plan, including the procedures they think they need and after-care instructions.

AI is a viable tool for research, but the humans actually performing plastic surgeries know the most about these procedures. “AI generated photos do not take into account anatomic constraints on potential surgical results such as skin thickness, skeletal anatomy for the face and underlying cartilage shape and strength for rhinoplasty,” Dr. Steven Pearlman, MD, a dual board-certified facial and reconstructive plastic surgeon in New York City. “AI does not understand what can and cannot realistically be accomplished in facial plastic surgery.”

“AI does not understand what can and cannot realistically be accomplished in facial plastic surgery.”

There’s also the issue that these generative AI-models are trained to view a very specific type of beauty as ideal. “A generated face optimizes for one thing: so-called ideal proportions [like] wide-set eyes, a small straight nose with a delicate tip, full lips, high cheekbones, and perfect symmetry,” Dr. Doft says. “Plenty of patients love the nose they inherited from their father or the eyes that run in their family, and a generated photo erases all of that in favor of a sameness I see over and over. You lose the individual.”

Both Dr. Doft and Dr. Pearlman agree that patients should seek out a qualified, experienced surgeon who can create an individualized plan. Dr. Pearlman says he does use computer imaging to show rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty patients their potential results, but only after carefully examining the patient to see what could actually be achieved.

As far as computer-free inspiration photos go, Dr. Doft recommends patients bring in older photos of themselves or “images of real people whose features feel authentic to them,” saying, “These give me far more to work with than a filtered ideal.”

For Manicures

Although Miles prefers drafting nail art looks with a pen and paper, she understands why clients might turn to generative AI. “AI can be helpful for the client if they can’t explain their concept in full,” she says. She even admits that these programs can occasionally come up with something cool. “Sometimes the computer hits shuffle and makes some valid points, like throwing digital spaghetti at a proverbial wall,” Miles says. “But my imagination is usually better than the logarithmic output.”

“I was relieved they were still hiring an artist to create the work, even though they used AI as a tool to mock it up.”

Sigourney Nuñez, a nail artist based in Los Angeles, recalls one time a brand she was working with presented her with a project brief “just covered with AI-generated photos.” She says it took her by surprise, but ultimately, “I was relieved they were still hiring an artist to create the work, even though they used AI as a tool to mock it up.”

Both Miles and Nuñez say that this type of inspiration creates unrealistic expectations for what a human nail artist can do, but that they’re typically able to bring the client back down to earth after some additional collaboration. Nuñez says she tries to explain that “the inspo pic is just a launchpad” for ideas. “I am not a photo copy machine,” she says. “I am an artist.”

“I am not a photo copy machine. I am an artist.”

Although she’s successfully worked with clients who bring in AI-generated images to align on a manicure concept they both love, Miles says she’s uneasy about the psychological, environmental, and copyright implications of the technology. “I personally love using my brain for creative tasks, but those who aren’t naturally inclined to flex that muscle have now replaced trying with a machine,” she says. “I’m broadly concerned about the atrophy of imagination.”

For Haircuts and Color

Carly Zanoni, a San Diego-based colorist who frequently shares tips with other pros on how to work from clients’ inspo photos, doesn’t mind an AI-generated image. “I love when clients bring inspiration because it gives me insight into the overall vibe they’re going for,” she says. “Is it bright? Soft? High contrast? Lived-in? AI images can communicate that really well.” Sara Briscoe, a colorist in Queensland, Australia, agrees—to a point. “Any visual reference helps, because verbal communication is tough for some people,” she says. “But it stops being useful when the image is so AI that there’s no real texture. The gloss, density and tone are all fake and unachievable.”

“Any visual reference helps, because verbal communication is tough for some people.”

Hannah O’Malley, a hairstylist in Wichita, Kansas who specializes in razor cuts, is vehemently not on board with generated photos and the unrealistic expectations they tend to set. “The AI pictures don’t show real hair patterns or reflect like real color,” she says, noting that this can cause a lot of frustration during the consultation process. “We can’t give clients robot hair.” O’Malley recommends that clients pull inspiration from the stylist’s portfolio; finding looks you like right on their social media account means the stylist is probably going to be able to achieve exactly what you’re looking for. She also recommends Pinterest, as long as you use its tool to filter out AI-generated images.

“We can’t give clients robot hair.”

Zanoni emphasizes that real photos are “the gold standard,” ideally with multiple angles and before-and-after transformation images that haven't been heavily edited. When a client does bring in something totally unrealistic (AI-generated or not), she sees that as a conversation starter. “I usually say something like, ‘I love this as inspiration. Let’s figure out what you love most about it and make a plan to create that feeling on your hair,’” Zanoni says. “Sometimes we can get really close in one appointment, and sometimes it’s more of a journey. I think clients appreciate honesty, and I’d much rather under-promise and over-deliver than promise an AI result that no one could realistically recreate.”

For Tattoos

If there’s one beauty-adjacent industry where the vibes around AI-generated images seem to be particularly negative, it’s tattooing. Of all the people Allure reached out to for this story, tattoo artists were the most likely to bring up ethical concerns—such as generative models being trained on other artists’ work and the environmental implications of using this technology—than pros in other industries. Many artists have explicit bans against sending AI-generated photos as inspiration on their social media and/or booking websites.

“I’ve had clients walk out when I’ve told them I wouldn’t tattoo their AI generated design.”

“I’ve noticed when people AI generate their tattoo references, they become attached to what they’ve received,” says Sam Bradley, a tattoo artist based in Tacoma, Washington who has one of the aforementioned AI bans pinned to the top of her Instagram account. “I’ve had clients walk out when I’ve told them I wouldn’t tattoo their AI generated design, or become frustrated when I’ve redrawn the image they brought in initially.”

Similar to Dr. Pearlman’s concerns about AI inspiration for plastic surgery, tattoo artist Alyssa Stokes says these generative programs simply don’t understand what type of art can actually be done on a person’s skin. “Generative AI does not have the years of experience and proper understanding of flow, contrast, line weight, and skin aging,” Stokes says, noting that the images she’s seen don’t take how a design would work with an individual’s anatomy into account. “It includes way too many details, not enough spacing, and leads the client to believe it is possible when it really isn’t.” Bradley seconds this. “A skilled tattoo artist knows how a design will age over time,” she says. “They have to consider the placement, size, and what techniques need to be used to create a tattoo that stays beautiful.”

“The growing anti-AI sentiment brings me a lot of hope. I think artistry is becoming a lot more valuable to people who seek it.”

Instead of leaning on AI, these tattoo artists want their clients to collaborate with them on a design—and trust them to create something awesome. “As someone who deeply values individual creativity and connection with my clients, [this type of inspiration image] not only takes out a huge part of the trust they need in me to do my job, but starts off my creative flow in an extremely restricted state,” Stokes says. Indeed, many tattoo artists prefer more abstract starting points. “I prefer if they create a Pinterest mood-board, send a written explanation of their idea, and even draw the silliest scribble to describe it,” July says.

“Gone are the days of independent thought, and human creativity,” Bradley says. “Although the growing anti-AI sentiment brings me a lot of hope. I think artistry is becoming a lot more valuable to people who seek it.”

Photo: Getty ImagesSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

For a moment there, it seemed like the Lohanaissance had reached its final form. Lindsay Lohan shared an Instagram carousel with what appeared to be a freakin’ gorgeous return to her famous red hair after years of being a blonde, sending fans into a frenzy. Headlines celebrated the return of one of pop culture's most beloved gingers, and commenters immediately began reminiscing about The Parent Trap, Freaky Friday, and other now-vintage movies from the era that made Lohan a household name. But before you call your colorist asking for "Lindsay red," there's something you need to know: She might not have dyed her hair at all.

Lohan herself offered no confirmation one way or the other, simply captioning the photos with a single red heart emoji. Her hairstylist, Danielle Priano, certainly leaned into the illusion. “For this look, the inspiration was a modern nod to The Parent Trap,” she tells Allure. “We leaned into Lindsay's iconic red hair with soft, effortless waves that felt timeless, healthy, and full of movement. I wanted it to have that nostalgic feel while still looking elevated and current—beautiful, touchable hair that let her new copper color be the star.”

Instagram content

That certainly sounds like a fresh color transformation. But Priano's own Instagram post tells a slightly different story. She tagged wig maker Rob Pickens and the wig company What Wigs, strongly suggesting that Lohan's revived copper look is actually a beautifully crafted wig rather than a childhood-inspired dye job.

That hasn't stopped fans from celebrating the apparent return of her natural color. Comments poured in, with one person writing, "yesss shes a redhead againnnn," while another declared Lohan "the most iconic redhead in pop culture." Others were simply thrilled to see the familiar shade back, commenting, "There she is!!! Babe, you are STUNNING in red!!!" And because the internet can never resist connecting dots, one hopeful fan wrote, “Ohhh its on! Its definitely happening! Parents trap 2, I know it, I can feel it coming! So excited for it.”

Whether it's courtesy of permanent color or an impeccably made wig, one thing is undeniable: Seeing Lohan framed by that warm red hue instantly taps into a collective sense of nostalgia. If that was the goal, mission accomplished.

Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editor and brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

The best hair masks ask for a few extra minutes in your shower routine, but the payoff is well worth it. Your hair goes through daily wear and tear, so using a weekly treatment infused with nourishing, moisturizing ingredients such as biotin, castor oil, collagen, honey, peptides, and shea butter can be a fast track to healthier hair. Even better? Whether you're working with a few split ends or need a complete overhaul after years of bleach, hot tools, and color treatments, there’s a treatment to tackle damage and give your hair the TLC it deserves. Scroll ahead for the absolute best hair masks our editors have tested and approved for smoother, shinier strands.

Our Top Hair Masks

• Best Overall: K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask, $75
• Best for Mature Hair: Isima Súperbomba Triple Repair Peptide Hair Mask, $38
• Best for Curly Hair: Cécred Moisturizing Deep Conditioner, $40
• Best for Dry Hair: Pureology Smooth Gloss Mask, $45

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What is a hair mask?
• How do you use a hair mask?
• How often should you use a hair mask?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask

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K18

Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask

$75

Amazon

$75

Sephora

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask.

Shanna Shipin

Why it's worth it: There's a reason K18’s Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask is so popular among our editors and readers (hence its Allure Readers' Choice Award win in 2024). This mask, which also acts as a leave-in conditioner, can mend damaged hair and leave it looking like you just walked out of a salon, no matter how brittle it was. The brand's namesake peptide is the key to its reparative benefits: It helps fortify broken polypeptide chains that otherwise secure the hair shaft, making it feel smoother and softer once your hair is dry. One thing to note: You don’t rinse it out. It’s an in-shower treatment that stays in, so it cuts your in-and-out-of-the-shower time in half. “For hair that’s been pushed to the limit from bleach, heat, extensions, or chemical services, this is one of the most impressive products to restore strength while making hair feel healthier and less fragile,” says Mia Santiago, a hairstylist in Columbus, Ohio.

Tester feedback from 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 consistently for a 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
• Who it’s for: color-treated, damaged, or overprocessed hair
• Fragrance-free: no
• How to use: Towel-dry hair, then work dime-size amounts from ends to roots, let sit for four minutes without rinsing, then style as usual and use for four to six washes before switching to maintenance mode.

Best for Mature Hair: Isima Súperbomba Triple Repair Peptide Hair Mask

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Isima

Súperbomba Triple Repair Peptide Hair Mask

$38

Ulta Beauty

Allure executive beauty director Jenny Bailly after using the Isima Súperbomba Triple Repair Peptide Hair Mask.

Jenny Bailly

Why it's worth it: Shakira, Shakira, the hair-care brand founder you are. Isima Súperbomba Triple Repair Peptide Hair Mask, a treatment that takes a three-step approach to restoring hair from scalp to ends, picked up a 2025 Best of Beauty Award for best repairing hair mask. At the root, nonapeptide-3, a restorative, retinol-like ingredient, helps keep the scalp balanced and healthy without irritation. “Nanopeptide-3 helps to enhance collagen production, support skin cell renewal, and strengthen the skin barrier,” New York City-based cosmetic chemist Marisal Mou previously told Allure. Until this product, she says she associated this star ingredient exclusively with skin care.

Within the cortex, the brand’s gluconabond technology rebuilds broken bonds, while soy and rice hydrolyzed proteins replenish lost keratin to reinforce strength from within. On the surface, proprietary fiberseal steps in to smooth and reseal lifted cuticles caused by heat, color, and daily stress, leaving hair softer, stronger, and visibly renewed from every angle.

Tester feedback from executive beauty director Jenny Bailly

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“After using this three times in one week (once I left it on for 10 minutes, the other times I rinsed it out after maybe two minutes), my hair was much softer and less fuzzy. The musky-sweet fragrance I could do without, but it doesn’t stick around once my hair is dry, so fine, I’ll deal with it for the silkier hair. And the packaging is 10/10—the soft-touch/matte finish doesn’t slip around in the shower, and the lid has a little doohickey (I think that’s the official term) on the edge that lets you easily open it with wet hands.” —Jenny Bailly, executive beauty director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: nonapeptide-3, gluconabond, soy proteins, rice proteins, fiberseal
• Who it’s for: people with damaged hair
• Fragrance-free: no
• How to use: After shampooing, apply the mask from roots to ends, leave on for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse, using it weekly in place of conditioner.

Best for Curly Hair: Cécred Moisturizing Deep Conditioner

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Cécred

Moisturizing Deep Conditioner

$40

Ulta Beauty

Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel applying the Cécred Moisturizing Deep Conditioner.

Jessica Cruel

Why it's worth it: Cécred Moisturizing Deep Conditioner is a dream for anyone with curly or coarse hair, since it’s formulated with some of the most hair-nourishing ingredients. It’s packed with 12 moisturizing butters and oils to bring dry strands back to life, plus squalane to smooth the cuticle, hyssop extract for added shine, and hyaluronic acid to help lock in hydration. For best results, apply it evenly from roots to tips on clean, sectioned hair. Want to level it up? Throw on a plastic cap (like Allure’s editor in chief, Jessica Cruel, does) and add heat with a hooded dryer, a steamer, or even just a warm towel before rinsing. Bonus: It works on both natural hair and wigs because all hair deserves moisture.

Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel

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"I gave up on protein treatments for my hair after my first time using Aphogee in the early 2000s. Hair as hard as a helmet was not worth it. But the hair around my edges seems to snap the moment I begin to pull it back into any sleek style. So, I use this mask every six weeks to strengthen my coils. It feels a bit like glue, but it doesn't harden. I pop on a heating cap for 20 minutes, then detangle with a moisturizing mask. Over time, I have noticed my hair can better withstand the tugging of braids, blowouts, and silk presses." —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, hydrolyzed elastin, castor oil, olive oil
• Who it’s for: all hair types
• Fragrance-free: yes
• How to use: Once or twice a week, apply evenly from roots to tips on clean, sectioned hair, then cover with a plastic cap and add heat using a hooded dryer, steamer, or warm towel before rinsing thoroughly.

Best Thickening: Bumble and Bumble Thickening Plumping Hair Mask

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Bumble and Bumble

Thickening Plumping Hair Mask

$49 $39 (20% off)

Amazon

$49

Nordstrom

$49

Ulta Beauty

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Bumble and Bumble Thickening Plumping Hair Mask.

Deanna Pai

Why it's worth it: The bad news: No mask or styling product can permanently make individual strands thicker. The good news? This two-minute treatment is like a push-up bra for fine hair. Every time you "wear" Bumble and Bumble's Thickening Plumping Hair Mask, its proprietary strand-plumping technology instantly makes hair look and feel fuller. Hydrolyzed rice protein adds body and bounce without weighing strands down, while kukui seed and coconut oils keep everything soft and smooth, not stiff or crunchy. “It feels weightless, spreads easily, and in just two minutes you can see a visible difference in volume and strength,” says Marcos Diaz, a hairstylist based in New York City.

Pai before applying the Bumble and Bumble Thickening Plumping Hair Mask.

Deanna Pai

Pai after applying the Bumble and Bumble Thickening Plumping Hair Mask.

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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“My hair has gone limp and flat after months of postpartum hair loss, so I'm desperate for anything that lends even a temporary lift. I don't usually have time for hair masks, especially with two little ones underfoot, but Bumble and Bumble's version has made it as quick and convenient as possible. I work it into my hair in place of conditioner, shave my legs, and then rinse. Even a single use makes a huge difference in the volume of my curls; they look bigger and feel softer than ever. It's become my new holy grail.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: pea protein, wheat protein, biotin, sweet almond oil, argan oil
• Who it’s for: people with fine to medium hair
• Fragrance-free: no
• How to use: After shampooing, apply the mask from roots to tips, massage it in, leave it on for two to five minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Best for Split Ends: Color Wow Money Masque

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COLOR WOW

Money Masque

$45

Amazon

$45

Ulta Beauty

$45

Sephora

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying Color Wow Money Masque—and the results.

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it's worth it: Color Wow's global creative director, Chris Appleton, created Money Masque to capture his signature glossy, red carpet-worthy finish in a treatment that hydrates without weighing hair down. Unlike traditional rich creams that can leave hair feeling coated, Money Masque has an unusually lightweight, almost gel-cream texture that sinks into the hair instead of sitting on top. Blue sea kale helps strengthen damaged keratin, while a Mediterranean sea kelp and algae blend floods dry strands with hydration. Hydrolyzed vegetable protein smooths the hair cuticle, helping rough, frayed ends look sleeker. (FYI, masks can't permanently repair split ends, but they can temporarily smooth and seal them so they're less noticeable.) “This is the mask I recommend most often because it delivers that expensive, ‘healthy hair’ look without weighing hair down,” says Santiago. “It gives incredible slip, makes blowouts look polished, and leaves hair feeling luxe.”

Lee before applying the Color Wow Money Masque.

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the Color Wow Money Masque.

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“Ever since I moved to the suburbs eight years ago, I haven't been able to find a stylist I love. So once, maybe twice a year, I make the trek back into New York City to see my beloved stylist. I don't get trims in between, which means split ends are pretty much inevitable, especially since I heat-style my hair regularly. Add in the occupational hazard of testing beauty products every day (some of which leave my hair feeling dull and dry), and my ends are usually crying for help. I wasn't convinced the lightweight, gel-cream texture of Color Wow’s Money Masque would do much for my hair at first. Instead of rinsing it out right away, I applied it, answered a few emails, and let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes (a bit longer than the instructions on the package). It absorbed so quickly that it almost felt like I didn't even need to rinse it out.

"After rinsing and styling as usual with my trusty Dyson Airwrap, I was surprised by how soft and silky my ends felt. Nothing actually repairs split ends (they can only be trimmed off if they bother you), but this mask made them look and feel healthy enough that I can probably stretch a little longer between salon appointments.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: blue sea kale, sea kelp, algae, hydrolyzed vegetable protein
• Who it’s for: everyone
• Fragrance-free: no
• How to use: After shampooing, apply the mask from roots to tips, massage it in, leave it on for three to five minutes (or up to 20 minutes for a more intensive treatment), then rinse thoroughly.

Best for Dry Hair: Pureology Smooth Gloss Mask

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Pureology

Smooth Gloss Mask

$45

Amazon

$45

Ulta Beauty

$45

Sephora

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han with the Pureology Smooth Gloss Mask.

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: If you've written off hair masks as glorified conditioners, you haven't met Pureology Smooth Gloss Mask. Inspired by the amino acid structure of silk, the formula pairs serine to attract and retain moisture with glycine to smooth the hair's surface and alanine to help repel excess humidity, so dry strands stay hydrated and frizz-free (for up to 72 hours, according to the brand). Glycerin replenishes moisture, while sunflower seed extract provides antioxidant protection for color-treated hair. Plus, it has a lovely beachy scent—a blend of creamy vanilla and warm sandalwood—that lets you mentally escape to a tropical vacation while it sinks in for three to five minutes.

Han before applying the Pureology Smooth Gloss Mask.

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Pureology Smooth Gloss Mask.

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“Regular conditioners rarely do much for my dry, color-treated hair, so I have to reach for a hair mask at least once a week to soften my strands. This Pureology mask smells divine, and I appreciate that it’s literally made for my hair type (color-treated and frizzy). It does a much better job of minimizing frizz than most hair masks, even though I’m not particularly skilled at blowouts. And I love that it works fast. I can’t be bothered to stand in the shower for 10 minutes waiting for a mask! It’s thick but not heavy, which is the perfect balance for my fine but dense hair. Post-shower, my hair actually has a sheen to it, which is truly a feat.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: serine, glycine, alanine, glycerine
• Who it’s for: everyone, especially those with dry or color-treated hair
• Fragrance-free: no
• How to use: After shampooing, apply the mask from roots to tips, massage it in, leave it on for three to five minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Best for Minimizing Breakage: Olaplex Weightless Nourishing Mask

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Olaplex

Weightless Nourishing Mask

$44

Amazon

$44

Nordstrom

$44

Dermstore

Former Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen with the Olaplex Weightless Nourishing Mask.

Nicola Dall'Asen

Why it's worth it: If you’ve always associated deep moisture with weighed-down hair, Olaplex Weightless Nourishing Mask will change your mind. This treatment features the brand’s volume boost complex, which instantly adds lift while helping to prevent snapping and breakage for long-term length and body retention. It’s also infused with Olaplex’s signature bond-building technology to repair internal damage, while nourishing oils like avocado, sunflower, and coconut deliver deep hydration. It’s designed for weekly use because you won’t need it more often than that: The moisture lasts up to five washes.

Dall’Asen before applying the Olaplex Weightless Nourishing Mask.

Nicola Dall'Asen

Dall’Asen after applying the Olaplex Weightless Nourishing Mask.

Nicola Dall'Asen

Tester feedback from former senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen

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“With naturally fine, fragile hair that's endured several bouts of hair loss, I've finally accepted that my hair's never going to be the longest or most bountiful out there. These days, my sole hair-care goal is to make it through my showers without losing massive clumps of it. Preventing dryness and tangles is paramount, and that's why I jumped at the chance to test Olaplex's Weightless Nourishing Mask. Like the rest of the brand's range, which I've used religiously since the brand debuted all those years ago, this mask uses patented bond-building tech to repair hair from the inside out—but this formula is far, far thicker in consistency than any of its siblings. So thick, in fact, that I tend to duck my hair under the running water while I'm applying it to help it spread. That thickness definitely lends itself to deep hydration, though. I can feel the difference as soon as I rinse it out of my hair.” —Nicola Dall’Asen, former senior news editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: volume boost complex, avocado, sunflower, and coconut oils, shea butter, glycerin
• Who it’s for: people with flat, limp hair that needs moisture and volume
• Fragrance-free: no
• How to use: After shampooing, apply generously to wet hair from mid-lengths to ends, leave it on for three to five minutes, then rinse well. Use weekly for best results.

Best for Color-Treated Hair: Kérastase Première Anti-Breakage Repairing Mask

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Kérastase

Première Anti-Breakage Repairing Mask

$68

Amazon

$68

Sephora

Why it's worth it: For the amount of time—and money—you spend in the salon chair when you’re getting your hair colored, it's hard to believe it can still end up feeling dry, rough, or prone to breakage. But that's often just part of the territory with chemically treated hair. Kérastase Première Anti-Breakage Repairing Mask tackles all of the above with a formula centered on glycine, an amino acid that penetrates the hair fiber to help reconnect weakened keratin bonds, alongside peptides that reinforce strands and reduce breakage. The rich, creamy texture leaves hair feeling smoother, stronger, and softer after just one use without sacrificing movement.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycine, peptides
• Who it’s for: everyone, especially those with color-treated hair or calcium buildup from hard water
• Fragrance-free: no
• How to use: After shampooing and towel-drying, apply the mask from roots to tips, massage it in, leave it on for five minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a hair mask?

What makes a hair mask different from your regular conditioner is higher doses of ingredients to supercharge your strands, according to New Jersey-based hairstylist Michelle Cleveland. "A hair mask is very similar to a daily conditioner in that it restores hydration to the hair after shampooing. However, a mask contains higher concentrations of vitamins, oils, and butters that will penetrate deeper into the hair when left on for longer periods of time than a traditional conditioner," she explains. "The result is a higher level of hydration, which ultimately leads to repairing dry, damaged, and/or dehydrated hair." If you're looking for masks for damaged hair, these deep conditioning treatments can deliver a level of nourishment your everyday conditioner simply can't.

On top of that, hair masks are more tailored to address specific needs and concerns, says Los Angeles-based hairstylist Mark Townsend. "Hair masks are deep conditioners aimed at specific needs like repairing damage from heat and chemical treatments, improving circulation at the scalp, strengthening the hair follicle, and adding and retaining moisture," he says.

How do you use a hair mask?

Most hair masks come with specific instructions, but as a rule of thumb, Townsend says always shampoo your hair before using one to wash away buildup that can affect the mask's efficacy. "Masks usually work best on damp hair, not soaking wet, so remove as much water from the hair as possible," he adds. To ensure you remove as much water as possible, Brooklyn-based hairstylist Latoya Moore suggests wrapping your hair in a microfiber towel to soak up excess water before applying your mask. "Apply a generous amount from mid-shaft to ends, and try to avoid the roots," she suggests.

To ensure every strand is coated, Townsend and Moore recommend combing your hair immediately after applying. "Use a wide-tooth comb or fingers to evenly distribute the mask to ensure every strand is coated," says Moore. Both hairstylists also suggest covering your hair with a shower cap or warm towel to help the mask penetrate.

Usually, you won't have to follow a hair mask with a conditioner since the former is, essentially, a more concentrated version of the latter. Always read the product's instructions, whether it's a leave-in or rinse-out treatment, to ensure proper use for the best results.

How often should you use a hair mask?

Multiple hairstylists we chatted with agree that each hair mask's formulation is totally unique, so, yet again, make sure you follow the instructions. Some hair masks can be used once a week, while others can be used as a daily treatment; it all depends on what the brand recommends. Taking your own course of action won't necessarily ruin your hair, but rinsing out a hair mask too quickly or not using it often enough can lead to less significant results, and leaving one in for too long can leave a greasy residue.

Meet the experts

• Michelle Cleveland is a hairstylist based in New Jersey.
• Marcos Diaz is a hairstylist in New York City.
• Jerome Lordet is a hairstylist in New York City.
• Latoya Moore is a hairstylist in Brooklyn.
• Marisal Mou is a cosmetic chemist in New York City.
• Mia Santiago is a hairstylist and the owner of Headspace by Mia in Columbus, Ohio.
• Mark Townsend is a hairstylist based in Los Angeles.

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 to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness, thinning) or to work most effectively for a 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 masks, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and hairstylists. 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 review 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 are 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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Tate McRae is (literally) so golden. When the musician closed out her set at Lollapalooza 2026 in Chicago, she didn't just wave goodbye and leave the stage—she took things to the next level of pop-star glamour and dunked almost her entire body in a glimmering metallic gold paint. And we're not talking body shimmer or glitter, though McRae does often channel a 2000s aesthetic in her performance looks. Nope! This was thick, drippy, molten gold, as though she was turning herself into a statue onstage. (Cue the James Bond theme music!) McRae was completely covered in the metallic liquid from her neck downward, even her fingernails, and after seeing video footage of the big show-stopping moment, we had some questions—namely, was this actually paint, and if so, what kind and how long did it take to remove?

So we reached to McRae's makeup artist Kali Kennedy for answers!

According to Kennedy, it wasn't paint at all—it was methyl cellulose, copper, and water mixed into a paint-like consistency. The product was actually made by Blair Adhesives, the same folks who create the slime for the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards, Kennedy explains, so they knew how to make a material that would shine onstage. While Kennedy isn't sure exactly how much of the liquid was used for the stage show, McRae's team did use 135 gallons for the gold bath video shown in the Lollapalooza visuals; Kennedy estimates the stage gold bath was about half that size. Kennedy adds that McRae and her team had been talking about the idea for months but weren't sure they could pull it off, but they really, really did.

Surprisingly, there was “no real skin prep” involved pre-gold dip, save for what Kennedy describes as a “healthy coat” of body moisturizer. However, as soon as McRae left the stage, there was a group waiting to immediately wipe away the excess product before she hopped in the shower. “During the Lollapalooza gold bath I was hiding behind the staircase waiting to clean her off and her last choreo move sent gold splatter backstage,” Kennedy shares. “I’m pretty sure it’s still in my hair.”

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McRae's hair, typically a warm bronde color, also looked quite a bit brighter, much more golden blonde than brunette. As she posed onstage in her full-body paint, her hair practically disappeared into the molten gold.

And gold was indeed a factor in the overall glam for the evening. “Tate naturally looks so good in warm golden tones,” Kennedy shares of the color motif. “Her golden tan is such a signature part of her look. I wanted to make sure her eyes really popped, so we did a heavier liner than normal, and I also went with more peachy tones to warm her up in a way that seemed to give dimension next to so much gold.”

Kennedy used Neutrogena products on the star (she's an ambassador for the brand), prepping McRae’s skin with Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Rejuvenating Serum and Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel, then applied Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup in the shade Medium Beige 80 and Healthy Skin Radiant Cream Concealer in Toffee Medium 03. Kennedy combined Healthy Glow Blush Stick in shades Peachy Keen and Pink Petal on the inner cheek and paired Intense Gel Liner in Jet Black 10 Precision Liquid Eyeliner in Jet Black 01 on the star's lids, finished with “a healthy coat” of Healthy Volume Mascara in Carbon Black 01. And though you can't easily see them underneath all that gold liquid, there were also gems applied to McRae's eyes and body for an “extra pop,” shares Kennedy. To say the overall look shined onstage may be the understatement of the summer!