We’ve tried so many hair products during 2009 that our pets felt the need to get groomed just to keep up. Anti-frizz products, flyaway tamers, the first ever anti-acne hair care line …these were some of the highlights in 2009.

May your year be frizz-free and bright!

Most Popular and Effective Shampoo & Conditioner

Pantene’s Pro-V Nature Infusion with cassia seed extract wowed users by delivering on its promise to strenghten hair. Ron Robinson, founder of BeautyStat.com says that the results of studies impressed him because until now he has not seen evidence of a shampoo and conditioner that strengthened hair in such a short period of time nor appeared to weigh hair down (because of less silicone).

Best Leave-in Hair Treatment Oils

Moroccan Oil Hair Treatment ($13.99 at sleekhair.com) shines hair up and cuts drying time down. This effectively tames frizz and a little goes a long way.

Also tied in this category is the  Thermafuse Heatsmart Serum thatis a dry oil treatment, a stand-alone styling product, or a styling prep to make other styling products work better, it does everything but the dishes.

Made of three certified organic oils-argan, acai and flaxseed-the serum is instantly absorbed, continuously hydrates, eliminates frizz and delivers a smooth satin shine. It even makes our hair dry faster. Like the rest of the ThermaFuse line, the serum contains a concentrated amount of HeatSmart Complex that works with heat to actually enhance the health and beauty of hair. We also get great results when we apply it to dry hair as a finisher between shampoos.

Best Hair Masque

The Séva Treat deep conditioner ($32 for 6 treatments at sevastyle.com) generously covered every last strand of my long hair, and jojoba oil and protein went right to work to give my thirsty hair a good drink.

Séva’s products are sulfate and paraben free (so they are completely color safe) and vegan. Not only does this company make beautiful products, they support great causes and the warehouse employs people with disabilities from the La Puente Adult School.

Best Creative Hair Product

When we heard of the first ever anti-acne haircare product, we were sold, even without trying the product. We were delighted to find that Kairos Haircare did exactly what was promised: removed excess oiliness, removed back acne and reduced inflammation and acne along our hair line and faces. It uses natural “safe” oils that don’t clog pores and help reduce the frequency of your shampoo routine. In fact, we were thrilled to see many of the products formulated with salicylic acid.

Best Organic Shampoo and Conditioner

Avalon Organics Rosemary Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner ($9.45 at drugstores) gives three great benefits to its user: Organic haircare, volumizing wheat protein, and a great aromatic experience.

Best Volumizing Product

Got2b Fat-tastic Instant Collagen Infusion Mousse ($4.99 at drugstores) gives hair massive volume with collagen. What plumps your skin works similar miracles for your strands.

- Reporting by Charu Suri & Katharine McKenzie

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