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Home • ESSENCE Best in Black Beauty Awa

Black Beauty Icons: Hair

The ESSENCE beauty team and our special panel of pros round up the hair products that never let us down.
By Essence · Updated October 27, 2020
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01
Infusium23 Moisture Replenisher Leave-In Treatment

“This is the prototype for what we now call hair masks. Before hair masks, there was Infusium23.” –Chuck Amos

$7, Walmart

Black Beauty Icons: Hair
02
ORS Olive Oil Nourishing Sheen Spray

“This legendary product gives hair great shine and hydration without residue.” –Derrick Scurry

$5, Walmart

Black Beauty Icons: Hair
03
Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Shampoo and Conditioner

“It’s an invigorating, deep-cleansing shampoo that will remove buildup in the hair and on the scalp.” –Carla Gentry Osorio

$13 each, paulmitchel.com

Black Beauty Icons: Hair
04
Luster’s Pink Hair Lotion

“Pink lotion tamed my unruly strands as a kid, and now it’s a must-have for my son’s curly locks.” –Nykia Spradley

$8, Rite Aid

Black Beauty Icons: Hair
05
Alberto VO5 Hot Oil Moisturizing Treatment

“VO5 is the go-to moisture treatment for all hair types. It’s what we compare everything else to.” –Chuck Amos

$5, Walmart

Black Beauty Icons: Hair
06
Bio Ionic OnePass 1-Inch Flat Iron

“For years I saw this on shoots in the hands of star stylists. The ‘one pass’ is true, and it’s still a favorite among the new guard of celeb stylists today.”-Pamela Edwards Christiani

$225, bioionic.com

Black Beauty Icons: Hair
07
Joico K-PAK Reconstructor

“Hands down, it’s one of the best deep conditioners ever. No more knots, tangles or dryness.” –Andrea Jordan

$29, joico.com

Black Beauty Icons: Hair
08
Miss Jessie’s Curly Buttercream

“I can’t live without it. It keeps strands hydrated, the aroma is great and it works well on natural hair.” –Derrick Scurry

$58, 16 oz, Target

Black Beauty Icons: Hair
09
Aveda Anti-Humectant Pomade

“Great for curly and pressed hair as it seals moisture and gives terrific shine.” –Hadiiya Barbel

$22, aveda.com

Black Beauty Icons: Hair
10
L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray

“This hair spray has a light hold and gives me the versatility to brush through the hair when it’s time to switch up my clients’ styles.” –Larry Sims

$15, Walmart

Black Beauty Icons: Hair