The quest for the perfect head of hair can mean more than a few trips down the beauty aisle. Beyond a singular HG (holy grail) product, every brand will have you believe that their entire system is the key to a head full of strong, healthy hair. But we know that’s not the case. So we’ve curated a list of the best products based on how they perform on their own without relying on their similarly branded counterparts.

SHAMPOO

Your hair cleanser needs to go beyond simply removing built up residue and getting your hair clean. It should also leave your hair in at least marginally better condition than when you first applied it. Even a clarifying shampoo should not leave hair stripped and exposed. One of the best clarifying shampoos we’ve ever used is from the Korean brand Kaeng Gi Meo Ri. The Jin Yoon Shampoo is marketed as a hair loss shampoo, but it clarifies oily scalps quickly and effectively, and invigorates your hair without stripping it. Key ingredients include Ginseng, Green Tea and Ginger.

If you’re looking for strength, Olaplex Bond Maintenance Shampoo has certainly earned a place on the list. The smallest amount of this shampoo lathers quickly and effectively cleans your hair and leaves it strong and shiny. The most amazing thing about this shampoo might be in the density and efficacy of its formula; there is no need for a repeat performance. The very first application cleans, softens and strengthens your hair from root to tip. In fact, it may be possible to use too much of this shampoo. To avoid wasting product, start with a quarter sized amount (no matter how much work your hair needs) and add more as necessary.

For deep moisturizing during the shampoo process, it’s hard to go wrong with Saints & Sinners Velvet Divine Moisture Shampoo. This shampoo has slip much like a conditioner, and a little goes a long way to clean and moisturize hair. While it does require a repeat performance, leave the second application in for a few minutes to really let the conditioning agents kick in. Hair is not only clean and detangled, but may not need an additional conditioner to remain that way.

CONDITIONER

More than shampoo, the wrong conditioner can really make or break the hair maintenance experience. Conditioners should serve dual functions: first to re-establish the ph on the hair that may have been upset during the cleansing process, and second to smooth each strand without weighing it down so that hair is left de-tangled and… well… conditioned.

For fine hair, one of the best conditioners remains Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Conditioner. The weightless formula goes a long way to control frizzy hair without weighing it down with heavy oils or silicones. Hair in need of a little more conditioning power may do well with Oribe Gold Lust Conditioner. This might be one of those rare moments where you can judge a book by its cover. The ornate packaging is gorgeous housing for a medium weight conditioner with a lot of slip. The only downside might be the smell: it’s heavily perfumed and the scent lingers long after you’ve rinsed your hair clean. Hair in need of intense moisture can be sealed with Davines Nounou Hair Mask. The heavy mask is specifically formulated for chemically treated or over-processed hair, and is also welcome relief for damaged or sensitive scalps.

LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER

The best leave-in conditioners set your hair up for whatever you choose to do post shampooing and conditioning. A good leave-in will protect hair from heat, styling and manipulation without weighing hair down or leaving it full of residue. If you can get your hands on it, we are wild about Hi Lift Cureplex Leave-in Conditioner. As step 4 in a multi-numbered care system, it goes above and beyond leave hair feeling nourished and smooth. The best part is that a little bit goes a long way, and you can adjust the amount you use based on your momentary hair care needs. The downside is accessibility. Hi Lift is an Australian brand, and is only sold in that country. Offerings on Ebay feature both a price markup and the fear that you might not be getting the real thing. If you’re determined to get it, be prepared to pay for it. Some Australian salon sites will sell it, but shipping outside of that country can run upwards of $50.

If you’re okay with using products in an unconventional way, we are over the moon for Philip B White Truffle Conditioner as a leave in treatment. This conditioner is on the thinner side and penetrates almost immediately. A dime-sized dollop combs beautifully through wet hair without leaving behind residue or weighing hair down. Top ingredients include Lavender, Chamomile, Hops, and of course White Truffle Oil. One of the best features of this conditioner is its cumulative effect: the more you use it, the better your hair looks, feels and performs over time.

For hair in need of the heaviest leave in conditioning, there is Qhemet Biologics Cocoa Tree Detangling Ghee. This thick butter emulsifies on contact and can be used on wet or dry hair. Nettle, Barley and Horsetail are at the top of the ingredient list, which is great news for anyone looking to restore their hair to optimum health.