Drumroll, please! After polling some of Hollywood’s top fashion and beauty insiders, The Hollywood Reporter presents the Red Carpet Essentials Awards.
This list is all about the best hair care products trusted by the pros — because tresses need to be properly prepped for photo-ready styling. From strong-hold sprays and smoothing serums to treatments that help promote hair growth, there’s no shortage of help for your strands, thanks to the star hairstylists who graciously exclusively revealed their essentials to THR. Read on for recs by Mara Roszak (clients include Anne Hathaway, Emma Stone and Zoe Saldaña) who shares her favorite hair oils to faves from Araxi Lindsey (Regina King, Zoe Kravitz and Zazie Beetz are all clients) who drops her go-to anti-frizz products, fool-proof ponytail holders and more. Even Christina Aguilera and Kylie Jenner’s go-to extensionist Priscilla Valles weighs in, offering up a generous amount of must-haves, including the best hairspray for long-term hold. Now, to the list!
How We Chose the Winners of THR’s Red Carpet Essentials Awards
Hollywood fashion and beauty professionals have logged hundreds — if not thousands — of hours testing makeup, skincare, hair products and tools, and more on clients and themselves. That’s why we turned to them to share the products that have earned their professional personal seals of approval for use on clients on the red carpet, as well as every day.
THR‘s Red Carpet Essentials Awards Experts
- Stylists Krista Roser, Mickey Freeman, Amanda Lim
- Makeup artists Jennifer “JD” Daranyi, Jamie Greenberg (Jamie Makeup founder), Hinako, Julia Jovone, Renée Loiz (Color May Vary founder), Katie Mellinger, Robert Sesnek, Tisha Thompson (LYS Beauty co-founder/CEO)
- Hairstylists, colorists and extensionists Rita Hazan, Araxi Lindsey, Mara Roszak (Mare Salon co-founder, Rōz haircare founder), Priscilla Valles, MJ Snyder
- Brow and lash artists Melanie Marris (Brow Code founder/CEO)
- Aestheticians and facialists Sarah Akram, Ian Michael Crumm (BeautyCurious podcast co-host)
Read More: THR’s Red Carpet Essentials Award Winners
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The Red Carpet Essentials Awards: The Best Hairsprays, Heat Protectant Mists and Hair Care Products
Dae Agave Dry Heat Protection & Hold Styling Mist
Jamie Greenberg, Priscilla Valles and Rita Hazan all swear by Dae’s Agave Dry Heat Protection & Hold Styling Mist.
“I love that this spray has a clean formula and it’s super easy to use. It provides heat protection and controls frizz without making your hair feel like it has product in it, which I love.” — Jamie Greenberg
“The Dae Agave Dry Heat Protection & Hold Styling Mist is one of my absolute favorites. I spray on my hair before applying heat and there’s no sizzle, and helps to keep my hair strands looking smooth and glossy without becoming tangled.” — Priscilla Valles
“This is an everyday product that can be used for heat protection, holding hair in place, frizz control and leaves the hair feeling smooth.” — Rita Hazan
Unite Hair 7Seconds Detangler Leave-In Conditioner
“Unite 7Seconds Detangler is an amazing detangler and heat protectant that targets knots and tangles while adding protein back to the hair. Works best on wet hair.” — MJ Snyder
Oribe Impermeable Anti-Humidity Hair Spray
“The best hairspray for long-term hold is Oribe Impermeable Spray. Your hair won’t move. Promise.” — Priscilla Valles
Hair Freaq Blow My Mind Fresh Mint Oil
“Hair Freaq’s Blow My Mind Mint Oil from the Nadia Vassell Salon in Soho is an absolute game-changer. This versatile product is perfect for all hair textures, providing nourishment, hydration and a refreshing minty scent that is truly invigorating. Whether I’m styling my hair or simply looking to add a boost of moisture, this oil never fails to deliver incredible results. It leaves my hair feeling soft, silky and smelling absolutely amazing. It has become a staple in my hair care routine, and I can’t recommend it enough to anyone looking to elevate their hair game.” — Julia Jovone
K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Molecular Repair Hair Oil
“K18’s Molecular Repair Oil is the best. Hair never gets frizz and is perfect for longwear.” — Priscilla Valles
Curls Blueberry Bliss Blueberry & Coconut Hair Milk
“Curls Hair Milk is delicate enough to control frizz without weighing down the hair. I use this product for natural curly and hot tool styling.” — Araxi Lindsey
Unite Hair 7Seconds Blowout Crème
“When prepping hair for a red carpet look I like to start with a a blowout using the Unite 7Seconds Blowout Creme, which locks in moisture and eliminates frizz. Then, I pair it with a lightweight oil like the Unite Blonda Oil or argan oil to help keep away any excess water and humidity and to protect the hair.” — MJ Snyder
Dae Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream
“My favorite anti-frizz hair care product is the Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream by Dae Hair. It creates a smooth and shiny appearance and gets rid of any visible frizz. This product is also clean and vegan and is safe for color-treated hair. Also Rita Hazan Ultimate Shine Gloss. The shine gloss adds a hint of tint and a dose of shine to prevent color fading and dullness. Hair color is revived, radiant and as shiny as the first day it was colored.” — Rita Hazan
Vegamour Gro Scalp Detoxifying Serum
“Scalp health is so important. Vegamour’s serum helps make sure the scalp is super clean from product buildup. It’s a light gel consistency that easily spreads across the scalp with a light fingertip massage.” — Ian Michael Crumm
Roz Milk Hair Serum
Mara Roszak recommends her brand’s Roz Milk Hair Serum, which is a three-in-one leave-in hydrating elixir that’s free of silicone, sulfates and parabens.
K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
“K18 Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask is a miracle product for damaged hair. This will help bring back limp curls from over-processing.” — Ian Michael Crumm
Nutrafol Women’s Hair Growth Supplements, 1 Month Supply
“Nutrafol has become my ultimate best friend when it comes to hair care. Their range of products, from hair serums to hair vitamins, has completely transformed the health and appearance of my hair. Not only have I noticed significant improvements in hair growth and thickness, but Nutrafol has also made a noticeable difference in the overall strength and vitality of my locks. What’s even more impressive is that Nutrafol is not just for women — it’s a must-have for men too! Regardless of your hair type, Nutrafol has a solution tailored to your specific needs. I can confidently say that Nutrafol has become an essential part of my hair care routine, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to achieve healthier, more beautiful hair.” — Julia Jovone
Rita Hazan Two-Step Weekly Remedy Cream Kit
“Rita Hazan Weekly Remedy, my deep conditioning treatment, is great in place of conditioner for intense hydration. You can use this at least twice a week if the hair is very dry or damaged.” — Rita Hazan
Raw Sugar The Grow Pro Vegan Biotin Shampoo & Conditioner Bundle
“I love Raw Sugar’s shampoo because it has a nourishing formula, and is created with vegan biotin to help restore elasticity and support hair length. It also smells so delicious and fruity with passionfruit and guava notes.” — Jamie Greenberg
Dae Stargloss Shine Hair Gloss Treatment
“I love the Dae Stargloss Shine Treatment, it’s a prewash glossing formula that boosts my hair’s shine and softness while diminishing frizz. The texture is super creamy and hydrates my hair while leaving a subtle shine.” — Priscilla Valles
Roz Willow Glen Treatment Oil
Mara Roszak recommends her Roz Willow Glen Treatment Oil, which revives and nourishes hair with six botanical oils.