Why It Won: If you’re dealing with outgrown roots, are just starting to notice a few silvery strands, or have enough that you can no longer get away with plucking them, Madison Reed The Great Cover Up Root Touch-Up & Brow Filler hides grays in between color appointments—or in lieu of them. The grippy powder quickly (and temporarily) covers grays, as if you were painting eye shadow onto them, but it’s got staying power. The color (which comes in six shades of blonde, brunette, red, and black) doesn’t sweat off during workouts, run down your face if you’re caught in the rain, or even rub off on your pillow while you’re sleeping.
Tester feedback from executive beauty director Jenny Bailly
“I’m doing the quiet silver thing but sometimes, in between balayage appointments (hi, Abby Haliti!), it starts to get a little loud. On those days (or weeks), I reach for this palette in Cascata + Pinoli-Blonde. The two shades blend to match my own multi-hued color and soften roots that have gone too gunmetal for my taste. And the coverup always lasts until my next shampoo.” —Jenny Bailly, executive beauty director
Written by Elizabeth Siegel
How does Allure choose the best hair-care products for Best of Beauty?
Each year, Allure editors test a wide range of shampoos, conditioners, masks, stylers, oils, and scalp treatments on different hair types and textures. We evaluate how well each product performs over time, from moisture retention to frizz control, curl definition, shine, and manageability. Our winners are chosen based on real-world results, not marketing claims.
Are Best of Beauty hair-care winners safe for color-treated or damaged hair?
Yes, many of the winning formulas are sulfate-free, color-safe, or designed to repair and strengthen damaged strands. You’ll find bond-building treatments, deep-conditioning masks, and gentle cleansers that help maintain vibrancy, reduce breakage, and support chemically processed or over-styled hair.
Do these products work for all hair types and textures?
The hair-care winners include options tested on straight, wavy, curly, coily, and textured hair. Whether you’re looking for frizz control in humidity, volume for fine hair, moisture for dry curls, or scalp-soothing treatments, we’ve included picks that serve a wide range of needs and styling goals.
Are there affordable or salon-quality hair-care products in the Best of Beauty awards?
Yes, the winners include both budget-friendly drugstore staples and salon-level luxury treatments. We highlight standout formulas regardless of price point. For more options, check our Steals Winners and Splurges Winners lists, which feature top-tier finds across all beauty categories.
What kinds of hair-care products are included in the Best of Beauty awards?
This category features everything from clarifying shampoos and hydrating conditioners to curl creams, heat protectants, serums, scalp scrubs, and leave-in treatments. Each winner is selected for its ability to address common concerns like dryness, breakage, dullness, frizz, and buildup, across various hair types and lifestyles.
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