It’s a fine day and you suddenly find yourself wandering into your local pharmacy. As you browse through the aisles, you come across shelves brimming with hair products that promise shiny, smooth, and healthy hair. But with so many options, you can’t help but feel overwhelmed. Which one should you choose? Keep reading to discover some of the best hair care picks that deserve a spot in your routine.
There’s a reason why Japanese hair products are gaining traction worldwide, as seen in rising search interest, growing market value, and the increasing popularity of brands like Tsubaki and Fino. Japan is well-known for its strong reputation for quality and reliability, and this extends to its beauty industry. The Japanese invest heavily in research and development to create products that contain traditional ingredients powered up by modern science. It’s no surprise, then, that their haircare items are not only effective but also mild and safe. With an emphasis on a holistic approach, Japanese brands continue to attract consumers seeking for natural options.
Throughout history, honey has been valued for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Beyond its health benefits, honey also works wonders for the hair. It acts as a natural moisturizer, strengthens strands, and soothes the scalp. Inspired by these benefits, &honey was created. The brand is known for its shampoos and treatments that blend three types of honey (Manuka, rose, and domestic honey) to provide maximum nourishment from root to tip. Each formula is further enriched with moisturizing ingredients such as argan oil, keratin, and royal jelly to boost hydration, improve texture, and reduce frizz. Free from sulfates, parabens, and mineral oils, &honey products offer a gentle yet effective option for those seeking a more mindful hair care routine.
With a mission to harness the gifts of nature, Botanist is dedicated to creating sustainable and eco-friendly beauty products. Its bottles are made from plant-derived biomass plastic and are identifiable by their minimalist, easy-to-reuse design. Furthermore, Botanist formulations were developed in collaboration with specialists in cosmetic botany, hair science, skincare research, and fragrance development. The result is a botanical formula that maximizes the benefits of plant-derived ingredients, including sugarcane-derived molasses, macadamia nut oil, birch sap, and ginger extract. Botanist’s hair care line consists of seven product ranges, each designed to address specific hair concerns and needs. The products also feature refreshing, elegant scents that are subtle and calming.
This might be “The Answer” to your hair woes. Launched in 2024, The Answer is a new hair care line developed by Kao Corporation, an established Japanese beauty brand known for its wide range of personal care and household products. With this line, the company aims to deliver premium hair care solutions that combine high-quality ingredients, advanced technology, and effective hair-repairing capabilities. Formulated with five key ingredients—hydrolyzed keratin, ceramide α, malic acid, lanolin acid, and olive fruit oil—The Answer focuses on restoring hair health while keeping your locks moisturized, smooth, and manageable. The line also features Kao’s latest breakthrough: Lamella Platform Technology. This innovation stores hair care ingredients within the lamellar layers inside the shampoo, allowing a higher concentration of active ingredients to penetrate the hair more effectively. Currently, the range includes three types of shampoo and treatment, each tailored to address specific hair concerns: daily damage, heat damage, and color damage.
Since its launch in 2024, Melt has remained in the spotlight, winning multiple accolades from beauty award-giving bodies—including being named @cosme’s 2nd Best Shampoo and Conditioner in 2025. Another product from Kao, this hair care line features serum-based ingredients that penetrate deep into the hair to deliver intensive repair, smoothness, and long lasting shine while also reducing friction caused by humidity. The line comes in two series:
This year, Kao also introduced the Creamy Melt Powder, a carbonated hair-cleansing powder designed for use two or three times a week. Activated by adding water, it is mixed with shampoo to help remove dirt, product buildup, and excess sebum for a deeper clean.
Produced by Bottle Works company, Moroccan Beauty shampoo and treatment line is formulated with argan oil that thoroughly treats hair damage caused by heat, UV rays, coloring, and dryness. It repairs the damage deep down to the core, leaving your hair lustrous and healthy. The shampoo features a dense, fine lather made with amino acid cleansing ingredients that gently lift away dirt without stripping moisture. Pair it with the treatment to achieve a softer, silkier hair from roots to ends.
Moroccan Beauty has two main care ranges: Deep Moist (blue label) and Hydro Repair (pink label). Aside from the shampoo and treatment, you can pamper your hair even more with their complementary products like mask, milk, and oil.
This incredible hair mask is enriched with tsubaki (Japanese camellia) oil, pearl protein, amino acids, and royal jelly—natural agents that moisturize, strengthen, and improve resilience.
The product has a thick, creamy consistency that effectively adheres to hair and seals each strand with ingredients that repair damaged and brittle tresses. A key benefit of this product is that it can be rinsed immediately (although leaving it on longer can enhance results).
With decades of experience in the hair care market, Orbis has built a strong reputation developing reliable products that deliver visible results. The company’s Essence in Hair Care line, which has been trending in recent years, is widely praised by consumers for being gentle, lightweight, and effective. Their hair mask in particular, received the Best New Item Award from @cosme, Japan’s leading online beauty community. This rinse-off deep conditioning hair treatment aims to improve texture by providing moisture and shine. It is formulated with ingredients that repairs damage and coat the hair’s surface to retain moisture. It is free from artificial fragrances, colorants, and parabens, and is suitable for all types.
Sunflower oil has numerous benefits for the hair. Rich in emollient properties, it helps soften strands, lock in moisture, and minimize breakage. It also contains linoleic acid that nourishes the scalp and Vitamin E that shields hair from environmental stressors. Inspired by these benefits, Kracie— a company known for its beauty and personal care products—developed this mask formulated with highly concentrated Premium Sunflower Oil EX* to target hair distortion caused by dryness and frizz. Its thick texture delivers a pampering feel during application and the floral scent leaves your locks freshly fragrant.
*In Japanese products, “EX” stands for “extra” indicating enhanced or superior quality compared to standard items.
As the name suggests, this oil is formulated with Moroccan argan oil, often called the “liquid gold” due to its golden color and incredible beauty benefits. It is rich in fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants that nourish the hair without being greasy. You can choose from 7 different variants depending on your type and needs.
If you’re looking for an all-natural hair oil with a thicker consistency, this product is a great choice. This multi-purpose oil can be used not only on your locks but also on your skin. It is made from 100% pure camellia oil, which is packed with fatty acids like oleic acid and antioxidants that help retain moisture and improve elasticity.
Winning first place in the hair category of @cosme’s “The Best Cosmetics Awards” for two consecutive years (2009 and 2010) is a true testament to this product’s quality and effectiveness. Made from 100% apricot oil, it’s naturally rich in oleic acid and minerals that coat the strands cuticle to prevent damage and tame frizz. It also provides a protective barrier against heat damage from styling tools, making it an essential item for anyone who blow-dries or styles it daily.
Compact and easy to carry, this styling stick is a quick fix for flyaways and baby growth. It delivers a natural-looking finish without leaving it stiff. It comes in two variants: Regular Hold and Super Hold
Perfect for targeting unruly strands, this product features a mascara-style brush that allows precise application. The lightweight gel formula smooths baby hairs and flyaways without weighing hair down, keeping your style neat and polished throughout the day.
This dry shampoo effectively absorbs excess oil and sweat, leaving hair instantly fresh and volumized without any visible residue. Available in a range of fruity scents, it’s a must-have for people on the move, perfect for busy mornings, travel days, and post-gym touch-ups.
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