Hardest working in hair

For softness, shine and body (or less of it), here’s what really delivers

Best highlight brightener

Color Wow Dream Filter, £24 A pre-shower spray that instantly removes mineral and metal deposits to lift flat highlights. Easy and impressive.

Best hairspray

IGK 1-800-Hold-me No-crunch Flexible Hairspray, £23 For non-crunchy hold and easy texture. Use before styling (it’s heat protective, too) or as a final, shine-giving finish.

Best texturiser

Kevin Murphy Touchable Spray Wax, £24 For the kind of mildly messy, full-bodied hair that falls artfully about in sections, or can be pushed casually into place and stays put.

Best for volume

Authentic Beauty Concept Amplify For Fine Hair, from £23.15 This nourishing but lightweight range builds manageability and softness as well as volume, to answer fine hair’s conditioning needs.

Best mask

Herbal Essences Bio:renew Coconut Milk Hydrate Mask, £6 One to scoop on with abandon; when hair is feeling particularly frazzled, we use this at every wash until condition is restored.

Best frizz fighter

John Frieda Frizz Ease Weightless Wonder Featherlight Smoothing Crème, £6.99 Where the original felt too heavy for some, this is much lighter and far easier to disperse. Layer on wet or dry hair for instant, fluid softness.

Best detox shampoo

Klorane Anti-pollution Detox Shampoo with Aquatic Mint, £8 An addictively minty but gentle cleanse for hair and scalps that feel clogged with dry shampoo, hard-water deposits and urban grime.

Best colour care

Living Proof Color Care Shampoo, Conditioner and Whipped Glaze, £24 each

Hair stays cleaner for longer so needs less washing; colour remains fresh, bright and shiny. It’s a hard yes from all of us.