The Popular Hair Treatments That Are *Genuinely* Worth the Hype
Amy Clark is Adore Beauty's former Senior Editor and co-host of Skincare School the podcast (and self-appointed beauty road-tester!). Amy's worked as a journalist, beauty editor and podcaster for several years, previously writing and talking about all things beauty at Mamamia and You Beauty. When she's not writing honest, no BS product reviews and taking selfies 'for work', you'll find Amy eating halloumi in a hair towel turban and... taking more selfies.
One of the most common beauty questions we get from friends, family and strangers on the internet is... but is [insert product] really worth the hype?
Is it worth the money? What's it really like? But is it actually good?
They're all fair questions because without seeing or trying something in real life, it can be hard to know whether a product will or won't work for you. That's where we come in.
It's for this reason we've decided to do a roundup of popular hair treatments that are genuinely worth the hype.
From a best-selling shampoo and a cult treatment, to the buzzy new K18 bond mask everyone's raving about, keep scrolling for what you need to know about these very good hair products.
1. Olaplex No.3.
Adore customers describe it as: "The best hair product on the market" and a "hair God".
How to use it:
Use once a week (no more than 2-3 times a week!). Dampen hair with a spray bottle and comb through a generous amount of product ensuring an even distribution. Leave on for a minimum of 10 minutes (overnight, if you can!) and rinse thoroughly. Shampoo and condition as usual.
Why it's worth the hype:
- The original at-home Olaplex hair treatment version of the previously salon-only Olaplex professional service.
- Gained a cult status for its ability to repair severely damaged or over processed hair, with noticeable results after just one wash.
- This protein bond repair leave-in treatment repairs broken bonds that make up the protein structure of the hair.
- Helps to reduce frizz for softer, shinier hair.
You can learn more about why Olaplex is worth the hype in our Olaplex YouTube video here!
2. STRAAND The Crown Fix Prebiotic Serum.
Adore customers describe it as: "I notice a difference every time I use it. It also leaves my hair shiny and manageable".
How to use it:
After cleansing your hair with the STRAAND The Crown Cleanse Prebiotic Shampoo, apply the serum directly onto your scalp in sections.
Using your fingers, stimulate the serum into your roots with a light massage motion.
You can leave this treatment in, no need to rinse!
This scalp serum can also be used an any time on dry hair for areas of concern.
Why it's worth the hype:
- A prebiotic scalp serum to reduce the appearance of scalp irritations.
- Contains Defenscalp and hydrolysed wheat protein, plus lactic acid.
- Especially great for sensitive scalp issues resulting from heat styling, braids, colour treatments and chemical treatments to your scalp.
- Is easy to use and left my hair and scalp feeling hydrated and fresh.
3. Kérastase Elixir Ultime Original Hair Oil.
Adore customers describe it as: "Best oil ever!" and "The hype for this oil is well deserved!".
How to use it:
This multi-tasking oil can be used in many different ways.
You can use it on damp hair before styling or air-drying or smooth a little of the oil onto dry hair to add instant shine.
This popular hair oil can also be used as a pre-shampoo treatment - simply work into brushed hair, massage into the scalp, emulsify with a little water then rinse and continue with your shampooing step.
Why it's worth the hype:
- It has over 400 five star reviews on the Adore Beauty website alone. That says it all really.
- It controls frizz, even in 80% humidity.
- Contains a bunch of natural oils such as marula oil, argan oil, camellia oil, corn germ oil and pracaxi oil to nourish your dry strands.
- Did we mention it also adds shine, protects your hair and makes hair softer and more manageable?
- Adds definition to curls.
4. K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask.
Adore customers describe it as: "A game-changer" and "I would 100 per cent recommend it".
How to use it:
1. After shampooing your hair, towel dry it and section.
2. Apply the mask to each section of hair following the handy guide included in the packaging that tells you how many pumps you'll need for each section.
3. Don't rinse the mask out. Let hair air dry, or leave in for just four minutes before drying with a hairdryer.
Why it's worth the hype:
- This leave-in protein bond repair mask is incredible, but it's not like other treatments so there are rules to follow:
- You only need a tiny amount (hint: it's less than you think). Using too much will leave hair with a residue. Plus, it's expensive so you're only wasting product - and money.
- When you first get this treatment, use it for four washes in a row. After that, every four to six washes is plenty.
- Regular dry shampoo users, use a clarifying shampoo or scalp scrub before going in with this treatment so it can properly penetrate the hair.
- Don't condition your hair before using this mask.
- Also comes in the small K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask 5ml trial size.
- You can read our full K18 hair review here.
5. VIRTUE Exfoliating Scalp Treatment.
Adore customers describe it as: "The best part of washing my hair!" and the thing that "changed my mind about scalp scrubs".
How to use it:
Use in place of your conditioner once a week after shampooing. Apply this treatment to your scalp and hair, gently massaging for a few minutes. Rinse well, and you’re all set.
Why it's worth the hype:
- Beauty Editor Amy reckons this product doesn't actually get enough credit, maybe because it's not like other 'scalp scrubs'.
- This a conditioning scalp treatment with coconut, jojoba and melon oils - think of it as a hybrid of an exfoliating scrub and a deeply nourishing hair mask.
- Combines physical, chemical and enzymatic exfoliation with rice, BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) and fruit enzymes, but it won't leave your hair feeling gritty or flaky.
- Surprisingly, you can massage the thick, creamy mask right into your roots, and it won't make them feel heavy or greasy (unless you have super fine hair, then stick with a traditional scrub like Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt 250ml or a clarifying shampoo).
- Bonus: You can also get it in the VIRTUE Scalp & Hair Treatment Kit value bundle.
6.NAK Hair Ultimate Treatment - 60 Second Repair.
Adore customers describe it as: "Repairs the hair instantly" and a "gives you soft hair in just one minute".
How to use it:
This treatment takes the place of conditioner in your routine. After washing your hair, rinse and squeeze out any excess water. Then apply the Nak 60 second repair treatment from root to tip and rinse after a minute.
Can be used once a week.
Why it's worth the hype:
- Works to repair dry, damaged hair that’s lacking shine.
- Contains ingredients like argan oil, hydrolysed rice protein, quinoa extract, pear extract and baobab seed extract.
- Hair will feel stronger and more elastic.
- Is particularly ideal for those with coarse, porous hair.
- Is cruelty-free and vegan.
Want more hair product recommendations? Check out these articles below:
