Haircare Products That Are Taking Over In 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic led to many of us becoming amateur hair stylists in the comfort of our own homes. From covering grays to even being bold enough to take on a quick trim, all of that time on lockdown has proven the importance of having quality haircare products on hand. In fact, data from professional consultants McKinsey & Company shows that many beauty companies reported a huge increase in product sales during the pandemic, with Sephora's U.S. online sales up 30 percent compared to 2019 and Amazon also seeing a surge in beauty-related purchases.

While the vaccine is rolling out and we're able to get back in the salon chair once again (yay!), that doesn't mean we can't still enjoy experimenting with some of the latest and greatest in healthcare products for 2021. After all, with the year we've all had, we definitely deserve to be pampered. Not sure where to start? Here are four products some pros say are worth a try.

For many of us, it's not enough for a product to help us look our best — we also want to feel good about the ingredients that are being used in it. Pantene's Pure Clean & Clarifying Shampoo is the best of both worlds. Health recommends this shampoo, "inspired by Japanese rituals," to remove excess oil and buildup from your hair (a big problem as we sweat more during summer heatwaves) while also keeping it healthy by locking in moisture through a combination of pro vitamin B5 and antioxidants. Even better: It is free of fragrance, silicones, parabens, dyes and mineral oil. And at $7, it works with any budget. 

The warm weather is coming, which means many of us will be searching for ways to fight the frizz. Allure named Colleen Rothschild Protect & Perfect Styling Cream one of its favorite haircare products of the year, calling it a "post-shower must" whether you're blowing your hair out or letting it air dry. The leave-in treatment uses a combination of Shea and Cupuaçu butter to fight heat and humidity, while a blend of Argan and Moringa Oil adds shine while also getting rid of those pesky frizzies. And while $28 is a bit of a splurge, remember that a little of the cream goes a long way.

Who doesn't need a great dry shampoo? Now you can ditch the aerosol can and try Crown Affair the Dry Shampoo, a powdered dry shampoo that you tap on to the roots of your hair with the Japanese kabuki brush that accompanies every jar (the company says you can also use your fingers if needed). The product's main ingredient, Japanese persimmon powder, helps to absorb any excess oil and also has a pleasant smell. And it even works well with darker hair colors, with no white cast left behind. As Health explained, "our tester loved targeting shampoo right where she needed it without inhaling a cloud of product." You can give it a try for $36.

You don't need to spend the day at the beach to get that fresh out of the ocean effortless look many crave during the summer. Instead, try Pop Sugar's pick to add "texture to your hair without the frizz" — Bed Head Salty Not Sorry Epic Texturizing Sea Salt Spray. The spray uses dead sea salt to create texture, while a styling polymer provides hold without stiffness, and glycerin adds moisture to keep hair healthy and hydrated. Perfect for longer hair, it works best when sprayed on dry or towel-dried hair before diffusing or air drying. For less than $20, it's cheaper than a tropical vacation!