The Best Japanese Hair Products Reduce Frizz and Enhance Shine

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If it feels like everyone on your social feed went to Tokyo this year, you’re not imagining it. Japan has become one of the premier destinations—not just for travel enthusiasts, but for beauty lovers—and Japanese haircare in particular has been the talk of the FYP. Japanese formulas tend to be gentle, thoughtfully-formulated, safe for damaged and color-treated hair, and often more affordable than many of the luxury options we rely on in the U.S.

At the core of Japanese haircare is a philosophy that treats the scalp like skin. Celebrity hairstylist Sky Kim explains, “When the scalp is balanced and cared for, the hair simply follows. Healthy hair is viewed as the result of a healthy scalp, with routines designed to protect the hair fiber and minimize cumulative damage.”

Culture also plays a major role: Japanese hairstylist Ritsuko Hotaka notes that grooming is instilled early on. “From a young age, people are taught that personal grooming is important. In Japan, beautiful hair is often considered more important than wearing beautiful clothes,” she explains. Also influenced by the country’s humid climate, there is a strong emphasis on keeping hair smooth, shiny, and well-maintained.

Below, we consulted the pros to curate this edit of the best Japanese hair-care products across different formula types. Consider it a streamlined introduction to a J-beauty hair-care routine, from shampoo and conditioner to a clarifying scrub, gloss treatment, hair mask, and lightweight oil, should you choose to go all in.