Melanin Beauty Awards: Best Haircare & Protective Style Products

A woman’s hair is her crowning glory, which means we carefully choose everything that goes on it with care. This year, our 2025 Melanin Beauty Awards honor the beauty traditions and practices we’ve carried from generations prior and with that, the haircare products we hold sacred. Beauty is surely on the outside, but a true glow comes from within, which is why this year we’re dedicated to spotlighting the products that make us feel as good as we look. From shampoos to deep conditioners, treatments and protective styles like wigs in between, we’ve tried every product on this list.

Keep scrolling for the best haircare products for Black hair.

Deep Conditioner

Cécred Moisturizing Deep Conditioner

The Cécred Moisturizing Deep Conditioner is hydration heaven for dry, thirsty strands. Rich, creamy, and nourishing, it penetrates deep to restore softness, shine, and manageability — leaving hair feeling revitalized, healthy, and touchable enough to make you feel like Beyoncé herself.

Mielle Kalahari Melon & Aloe Vera Conditioner

If your hair is feeling dry and over it, Mielle’s Kalahari Melon & Aloe Vera Deep Hydration 2-Minute Conditioner is the quick fix you need. It works fast—flooding your strands with moisture and leaving them softer, smoother, and way easier to detangle. It’s lightweight, hydrating, and perfect for those “I need a deep condition but don’t have 30 minutes” wash days.

PATTERN Palo Santo Leave In Conditioner

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Lightweight? Check. Fragrant? Check. Hydrating? Check. PATTERN’s Palo Santo Leave-In Conditioner gets the job done by delivering moisture without the heaviness. After washing, glide this product through your strands for maximum hydration and nourishment. Aloe vera, honey and jojoba oil join forces to ensure your hair stays soft and healthy long after drying.

PATTERN Repair 360 Leave-In Foam Mousse

Okay, so technically this isn’t a deep conditioner—but Pattern’s Repair360 Leave-In Foam earns its spot in this category because it delivers deep repair without the rinse-out step. The lightweight foam rebuilds damaged strands from the inside out using vegan protein and amino acids, adds shine, and protects against heat up to 450°F. Think of it as a leave-in that does the heavy lifting of a treatment—minus the wait time.

Mane ‘N Tail Detangling Hair Treatment Spray

The Mane ‘N Tail Detangling Hair Treatment Spray is a game-changer for every curl type — yes, even the tightest 4C coils. Lightweight but powerful, it effortlessly smooths knots and tangles while leaving hair soft, manageable, and ready to slay. Detangling just got a whole lot easier.

Cécred Detangling Spray

Please believe the hype — Cécred’s Detangling Spray truly delivers. It makes taking down braids or twists a breeze, melting through knots and leaving hair soft, smooth, and never stressed. It smells divine, works like a dream, and honestly, Beyoncé wasn’t lying — it should cost a billion to look (and work) this good.

Shampoo

Cécred Hydrating Shampoo for Dry Hair

Cécred’s Hydrating Shampoo is the kind of shampoo that makes your hair feel loved, not stripped. The lather is rich and silky, it glides through easily, and your hair comes out clean but still soft and manageable. With an African oil blend, hyaluronic acid, and a Phyto-Collagen Complex, it keeps your strands strong and hydrated.

Hair Masks

Sienna Naturals Plant Power Damage Repair Strengthening Hair Mask

Sienna Naturals’ Plant Power Damage Repair Mask is that deep treatment your hair’s been begging for. Packed with pea and baobab proteins, it strengthens and restores without weighing strands down. Murumuru butter locks in moisture while blue tansy oil nourishes the scalp for healthy, shiny, frizz-free hair that bounces back.

amika: the kure intense strength repair mask

the kure Intense Strength Repair Hair Mask from amika is the rescue treatment your strands have been begging for. Packed with bond-fortifying technology, vegan proteins, and rich plant butters, it helps strengthen and deeply moisturize hair without weighing it down. Expect softer, smoother, more resilient strands—truly a chef’s kiss.

Wigs

Just like humans, wigs come in various shapes, sizes, styles, lengths, and cuts. The most popular wig choices are closures, sew-ins, or leave-outs, each with its own benefits. Wigs are also made from two different types of hair: synthetic or human hair. Synthetic hair is comprised of man-made fibers such as polyester & acrylic, and is often an affordable alternative to human hair. Synthetic hair has greatly improved over the years, with some synthetic wigs being able to withstand heat/hot tools up to 400 degrees. 

There are two types of human hair, virgin & remy. Virgin hair refers to untouched, chemically unprocessed hair that is collected ethically from a single donor. Remy hair is collected from various donors, but all the cuticles are kept aligned in the same direction to prevent tangling and make it feel silky. Remy hair may have been chemically processed. Human and remy hair can be dyed, chemically processed, and styled with hot tools as you would your normal hair. 

Keep scrolling for the best hair choices for all of your protective styling needs, from braids to wigs and synthetic to human. 

LuvMe

LuvMe’s wigs are a total game-changer. The hair is soft, luxe, and doesn’t shed—a win all around. Even better, they’re super easy to install (yes, even for beginners). With endless cuts, colors, and textures to choose from, there’s truly a style for every mood.

Arabella Hair

As a growing brand, Arabella hair offers budget-friendly glueless wigs in a hurry! This brand can be found on Amazon, making it go-to for women who need a new do and need it fast!

Indique Hair

When it comes to hair that commands attention, Indique is in a league of its own. From silky straight to bouncy curls, from versatile wigs to flawless extensions, their range celebrates every texture, length, and style you could dream of. Loved by icons like Angela Bassett, Keri Hilson, and Gabrielle Union, Indique hair isn’t just about beauty—it’s about power, confidence, and unapologetic glamour. Every bundle feels indulgent, luxurious, and effortlessly wearable, giving you the tools to transform your look and own every room you enter. Whether you’re switching up your vibe or perfecting your signature style, Indique has the crown your hair deserves.

UNice

In a flooded wig market, UNice hair has a standout company amongst competitor for its quality units, fast and effiecient shipping and trusted lace. The quality is unmatched and with discounts everyday, it’s affordable.