You know a heavenly salon scent when you come across one. All of those spritzes and sprays do your hair some good — and you can pick them up outside of your salon.

Whether you’ve taken a leisurely stroll through Sephora IRL — or, on Instagram — you likely know of haircare brand amika by its packaging. The primmed-to-perfection packaging is in a class of its own, though your personal shopping spree can become overwhelming: which pretty bottle do I pick?

Ha, all of them. Seriously.

I’ve been testing amika products for more than 4 years now and, I must say, its products are second to none. Sure, there are other shampoo and frizz-fighting brands that I also hold dear, though my massive collection of amika products speaks for itself. They never fail me, always deliver what they promise to for my naturally wavy hair and are designed to be versatile for your haircare routine.

Haircare testing aside, I’m also well-versed in the beauty testing space at large (yes, I can basically tell you all about hyaluronic acid in my sleep, as well as what foundations to use for dry skin). So, with a keen eye and a quest for finding effective yet universal products, this review was born.

What is amika?

A standout haircare label, amika is a beloved and buzzy brand with a mission to create top quality, cruelty-free and vegan products that cater to a variety of hair types and concerns. Its product line includes a range of shampoos, conditioners, leave-in conditioners, hair masks, styling tools and treatments, usually featuring its proprietary sea buckthorn “superfruit,” incorporating fatty-acid omega 7, vitamins C and A and antioxidants.

Groovy packaging aside, amika holds a playful aesthetic that doesn’t compromise on efficacy. Each ingredient has a purpose and, since the advent of the Normcore Signature Shampoo in 2016 (an overnight success), has debuted a lofty assortment of other smooth-giving and shine-producing products.

Our review

Best Overall: amika Brooklyn Bombshell Blowout Spray

The amika Brooklyn Bombshell Blowout Spray is a product I’ve been using for years and used on my damp hair almost every time after I shampoo and condition. It’s incredibly lightweight and specially designed to not weigh down your hair. This is a bonus for me, as my low porosity hair can sometimes leave too-thick products sitting on my strands, resulting in an unwanted greasy appearance.

In addition to its featherlight spritz, it’s the most glamorous product for a salon-quality blowout (trust me on this!) Not only does it behold amika’s alluring scent but it’s also healthy for your hair, void of parabens and sulfates. Topped with a cruelty free design, its exclusion of some of those no-no ingredients allows it to be safe for color-treated hair. While my virgin hair can’t speak to how effective it would be, its ingredients receive my stamp of approval.

More granularly, the spray is infused with nourishing ingredients like sea buckthorn oil, which helps to add hydration, but not too much as to weigh down my hair. Each time I grab my blow dryer brush to style, the result is always an voluminous, airy texture, no spray required.

Despite your hair type and texture (side note: mine is medium-thick and naturally wavy), I’d go out on a limb and say this is a universal product that only adds smoothness and shine to your end result. Oh, and how can I forget — the spray doubles as a heat protectant, making it that grab-and-go product that’s multi-functional and the only one you’ll need after your shower.

Because of its bona fide ability to smooth and soften, the Brooklyn Bombshell Blowout Spray reduces frizz and flyaways all the while. It works by smoothing the hair cuticle, leaving my locks with a sleek and polished look that still maintains natural body movement. So, if your hair is unruly, you’ll benefit from this wonderfully smelling, frizz-fighting, gloss-giving and moisture-making product.

Best Heat Protectant: amika The Wizard Silicone-Free Detangling Primer

Similar to the amika Brooklyn Bombshell Blowout Spray, The Wizard Silicone-Free Detangling Primer is a multi-purpose spray that yes, detangles, but delivers wonderful moisture and protection to my hair whenever I use it.

Channeling wizard-type magic, this potion in a bottle contains squalane to help protect your hair from moisture loss. It’s also the leading reason why my the tips of my hair aren’t thirsty after I spray some of this onto my usually dry hair. The inclusion of avocado oil also provides hydration and smoothing benefits.

I love spraying a liberal amount of this primer onto my hair, using a comb to detangle. It’s great for blow drying as well as air-styling, making it extremely versatile for post-shower use. The fact that it protects against heat up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit makes it a superstar, and I find that my styling time is cut in half whenever I reach for this bottle. Helping to reduce frizz and leading to a polished look each time, it’s a great amika product to pick up if you want multi-purpose benefits.

Because amika’s The Wizard Silicone-Free Detangling Primer and its Brooklyn Bombshell Blowout Spray are multipurpose heat protectants and frizz reducers, they’re almost identical. However, Brooklyn Bombshell holds a more signature amika scent that feels a bit more luxe, while The Wizard delivers a bit more moisture and still delivers other benefits. I’d recommend Brooklyn Bombshell if your hair is more manageable and smoothness is what you’re going after, and The Wizard for more unruly hair that needs a bit more hydration.

Best for Frizz: amika Smooth Over Frizz-Fighting Treatment

Anything that can save me beauty prep time is a yes in my book, which is exactly why I love the amika Smooth Over Frizz-Fighting Treatment. I’ve used similar treatments in the past, like the Dr. Groot Miracle In-Shower Treatment (which I love), but this one features a more pleasant scent, with a formula that focuses on frizz elimination.

My frizz tends to creep up at the top of my head and also near pesky flyaways, and this amika product smooths them out to, honestly, perfection. The pink and yellow packaging is fun and all, but the real beauty is what’s inside: a heavenly mix of grapefruit, orchid, rose sandalwood and vanilla. Can it get any better?

After shampooing and conditioning, this product is then layered on top once all preceding products are rinsed out thoroughly. The brand advises to “fully saturate [the] product from mid-lengths to ends,” which I dutifully followed. The product sits in your hair for only one minute, then is rinsed to silky smooth perfection. It’s applicator is one of my favorites to use, and I love treating my hair to this product about once a week.

What I will say is that it won’t deliver optimal results if your hair has split ends and is in dire need of a trim from your hairstylist. Of course, your hair won’t look its best, in general, if you need to shape it up, but with this product specifically, the shine and frizz-reducing benefits aren’t really there if your hair isn’t kept-up-with. But, when your hair isn’t crying for help, this product is a showstopper every time.

Best for Shine: amika Mirrorball High Shine + Protect Conditioner

It’s clear that amika has an expansive shampoo and conditioner catalog, with the Normcore Signature Shampoo at its inception. Once the brand debuted its Mirrorball High Shine + Protect Conditioner, I’ve been hooked. It’s such a standout product that the matching shampoo is nearly sold out everywhere!

Even if the word “shine” wasn’t slapped onto the bottle, I would have immediately recognized the shine factor as soon as I fully blow-dried my hair and looked in the mirror. When pumped into my hand, the conditioner was the ideal Goldilocks consistency — not too thick, nor too goopy — and doused the ends of my hair in moisture.

It delivered a great amount of hydration to my fine to medium hair, without leaving the ends too “wet” or oily-looking. However, you’ll want to dispense about a quarter-sized amount to begin, and add. It also leaves my hair more vibrant than before, which is a *huge* plus, considering I don’t color-treat my hair. It makes it look as if my hair received a salon-produced gloss, but it was actually less than $30 from amika.

Best for Dry Hair: amika Blockade Heat Defense Serum

The amika Blockade Heat Defense Serum is perfect for travel and has a nourishing, jelly-like consistency that my hair practically drinks up. If you’re looking for a lightweight heat protectant, the Brooklyn Bombshell Blowout Spray or The Wizard Silicone-Free Detangling Primer is what I’d recommend, but this product is excellent for grazing through your hair.

It’s important to note that a little goes a long way. Because it’s a buildable product, it won’t only work for my thin to medium-thick hair; it’ll be suitable for use on thicker hair types as well. Once i apply a dime-sized amount in the palm of my hand and use my fingertips to lightly apply it from my ears to my tips, I notice it smooth out my hair. For that reason, it’s a multipurpose product and worth picking up.

It also has a luxurious feeling, more so than most other products on this list. It’ll make you say ooh and ahh, similar to the amika Smooth Over Frizz-Fighting Treatment. The brand’s products, at large, are a step above most others in the haircare space, but this one has that it-factor, terrific scent and visible results.

amika Perk Up Ultra Oil Control Dry Shampoo

You’ve likely heard of amika’s widely followed dry shampoo, but the brand offers three versions: the Perk Up Dry Shampoo (the OG), Perk Up Plus Extended Clean Dry Shampoo (for longer freshness) and this one, the Perk Up Ultra, focusing on removing excess oil.

Truthfully, I didn’t notice much of a difference between the Perk Up and Perk Up Plus Extended Clean formulations. To me, their staying power was virtually the same, but the Perk Up Ultra was able to suck up excess oil, making it the best iteration amika has launched. In my opinion, anyway.

Essentially, using this dry shampoo is like calling speed dial to your hairstylist. It’s a quick fix for scalps that tend to become greasier, much ado to its ingredients. According to the product description, oil-absorbing tapioca starch, odor-removing bamboo stem extract and amika’s signature superfruit sea buckthorn account for its efficacy.

I usually have a dry scalp, though my hair tends to become limp after only two days, as I wash my hair every other day to maintain freshness (this is key after walking the streets of Manhattan for work). While there is a subtle white residue that lands on my hair, it easily blends out. I hardly even think about it, because it’s gone within five seconds.

The applicator won’t fight with your fingers, either. One of my biggest pet peeves is a dry shampoo bottle where I almost have to fracture a finger to press down on the nozzle. It’s an easy spritz and worth the buy — even if your hair isn’t oily oily. If you have dry hair or even average strands, this product’s ability to defeat excess oil is a brownie point for everyone.

amika Soulfood Nourishing Hair Mask

The amika Soulfood Nourishing Hair Mask has climbed up the ranks and is now considered one of the best hair masks on the market. It’s one of the most viral and consistently recommended among those in the beauty industry.

Don’t get me wrong, I love a good hair mask. However, I’ve been using the brand’s Normcore Signature Shampoo and matching conditioner months before I untwisted the top of the hair mask and, truthfully, didn’t feel like my hair needed a deeper condition.

Yet, I was proved incorrect, as this hair mask provided a hair reset of sorts, offering the ends of my hair with a bit more of a lasting hydration than the collection’s signature conditioner. Reason being, it’s packed with a wealth of vitamins and nutrients to give my hair smoothness each time.

While I didn’t find it the best for shine, in contrast to the brand’s Mirrorball High Shine + Protect Conditioner that’s exceptional at doing so, it’s still a repeat in my shower. I love using this once a week, directly following the Normcore Signature Shampoo (more on this product below) and love feeling my instantly smooth hair as it’s rinsed out.

amika Hair Blow Dry Brush 2.0

I don’t know if I’ve been living under a rock, but I had no idea amika debuted a second version of its original blow-dryer brush. Before reviewing the best blow-dryer brushes for our readers, amika’s original was the only one I’d use religiously. Sadly, it broke on me after a year or two, which is when I switched to the Moroccanoil 4-in-1 Blow-Dryer Brush, and that model also died on me after about a year.

The bottom line is that hair-styling tools usually won’t last forever, especially if you use them every day or multiple times a week. I’ll always be a fan of the blow-dryer brush because I find them to be easier to maneuver, and the amika Hair Blow Dry Brush 2.0 continues to be one of the best.

Before anything else, I was pleased to see the brand’s three distinct heat settings on the brush: 115 degrees, 190 degrees and 230 degrees Fahrenheit. This isn’t all too hot, but I surprisingly find my hair frizz-free and styled in less than 15 minutes with this tool.

While I haven’t been reviewing the 2.0 model for months on end, I anticipate it to last a while. I’m convinced the reason my other two blow dryer brushes suddenly died was from frequent traveling, tossing the brush haphazardly in my duffle bag or luggage. I could have taken better care of both, so I’d recommend packing with a bit more care than I did (and that goes for any hair tool).

Back to the brush. I love its soft bristles because I receive a polished result each time. This is due largely in part to its negative ion technology that allows it to diminish heat damage. However, the brush head isn’t made of titanium which, from experience reviewing other blow dryers, curling irons and hair straighteners, is a material to specifically seek out for shiny hair.

For a fair price of $100, I’d recommend buying this hair tool, especially if you’re looking for a new blow-dryer brush. It’s more affordable than Moroccanoil’s version, as well as options from Drybar and T3. My advice? Skip on Revlon; the burning heat smell is enough for me to toss it.

The amika thermal brush is another styling tool, though doesn’t feature adjustable heat settings.

amika Plus Size Perfect Body Mousse

I’ve always been a bit skeptical of hair mousse. If my hair isn’t naturally as sky-high as could be, is a foam really going to make a difference? Here’s my answer: the amika Plus Size Perfect Body Mousse certainly wouldn’t have a place on this list if it did nada for my roots.

I’m all about affordable haircare, and there are some drugstore shampoos that I happen to love more than a $60 glimmering bottle. However, when it comes to hair mousse, I find myself to only see results with higher-end formulations. This is the most fairly priced mousse that still yields the best results, and not just because it’s clad with the most phenomenal packaging and scent.

First things first, you’ll want to shake the bottle for best results. In short, make sure the formulation is well-mixed so it’s pumped out in a light and airy way. I usually dispense a golf ball-sized amount as recommended, though you’ll want to add a bit more if your hair is thicker or less if your hair is thinner in texture.

The real selling point of the Plus Size Perfect Body Mousse is that it’s a heat protectant, shielding your locks up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. I’ve never seen this before with a hair mousse, and it justifies the price point even more.

Unlike the Perk Up Ultra Oil Control Dry Shampoo, this applicator isn’t as simple to pump. It’s not a huge dealbreaker, especially because I use it maybe once a week, but just something to note. Overall, it’s now the only hair mousse I currently own, which says a lot because my house tends to look like Sephora threw up in it 99% of the time.

amika Fluxus Touchable Hairspray

I’ll be honest, hair spray isn’t something I’ve been turning to lately. Despite there being hundreds on the market, I’m a fan of loose curls and, given the amount of products I use on my hair in a week, I tend to skip the final step: locking it in place.

The amika Fluxus Touchable Hairspray is one I happen to love, though. It doesn’t have that chemical-y hairspray scent, either. Like the rest of amika’s product lineup, it has that gorgeous salon-kissed essence and is most similar to the Brooklyn Bombshell Blowout Spray when used in terms of how lightweight it is.

Coming from someone whose hair doesn’t hold a curl for their life, I can tell you with complete confidence that this stuff works. In fact, this is the hairspray I requested my hairstylist to use on my wedding day this year. So, it’s safe to say amika isn’t fooling around. This spray offers no crunch or unsettling feeling once your hair is beautifully styled.

It’s infused with that angelic cocktail of grapefruit, orchid, rose sandalwood and vanilla, just like the amika Smooth Over Frizz-Fighting Treatment. Because of how free-spirited this product is, it’s equally as great for helping to extend the life of your blowout, so I’ve recently been spraying it onto my styled hair — after using the Hair Blow Dry Brush 2.0 — and it’s *chef’s kiss*

amika Big Hit Volumizing Shampoo

Whenever the word “volumizing” is embossed on a hair product’s label, I’m usually the first one to run to it. My hair isn’t “flat” by any means, but volume is always nice for my hair to exhibit, especially if I usually blow dry my hair and want the blowout to maintain its body and shape.

This shampoo doesn’t let me down because it’s fast-absorbing, hydrates and smoothes. I still think the Mirrorball High Shine + Protect collection is a step above the rest, but the Big Hit Volumizing catalog is the most versatile.

Each time I use this shampoo and matching conditioner, my hair always feels as soft as a baby’ bum. It’s not volumizing to the point of no return, either. It provides lift while still being simple to manage, which I love. This makes it perfect for unruly or especially curly and coily hair types, I’d imagine.

It’s not as smoothing as the Velveteen Dream Smoothing Shampoo, though is a bit more lightweight and fast-absorbing. TLDR: this shampoo is excellent for medium, normal hair types who want to elevate their current shampoo.

amika Velveteen Dream Smoothing Shampoo

The amika Velveteen Dream Smoothing Shampoo is one of the newer shampoo renditions I’ve tried from the brand. And I have to say, I’m hooked.

On days when you’re really experiencing a drier-than-usual scalp, this buttery soft shampoo is an instant dissolver once scrubbed in, which is a phenomenal feat considering it’s the thickest shampoo amika has whipped out.

The best way I can describe this shampoo is that it’s akin to a hair mask but, instead of treating only the ends of your hair (in case you didn’t know, a hair mask replaces your conditioner and is usually recommended to use once a week), it treats the entire scalp. Whenever I use it, I feel incredibly luxe. When my hair is feeling extremely dry, this is the shampoo I reach for.

A little goes a long way as it’s a buildable shampoo. My advice is to start with a dime-sized amount and add if needed. It’s a shampoo that’s flying a bit under-the-radar, but shouldn’t be. With the matching conditioner, you’re on your way to incredibly frizz-free, smooth hair.

amika Normcore Signature Shampoo

The amika Normcore Signature Shampoo wins the award for the shampoo I’ve used the most and for the longest period of time. My hair gravitates to it, what can I say.

It’s wonderful for helping to control excess oil, impurities and product buildup. While it’s not a clarifying shampoo, it almost acts like one. In comparison to other amika shampoos, this one is quite versatile while cleansing especially well, making it a preference for all hair types.

It doesn’t exclusively target shine like the amika Mirrorball High Shine + Protect line, or market for smooth, frizz-free hair like the Velveteen Dream Smoothing Shampoo, but it doesn’t have to have a sole user to go after.

It’s called “signature” for a reason, and it’s because it’s a universally benefitting shampoo for oil-reduction, smoothness and an overall great clean.

On normal days, I opt for the matching conditioner to pair with this hero product. But, about once a week, I’ll use the Soulfood Nourishing Hair Mask for extra nourishment. My medium-thick hair fares well with either method, and it’s a good routine to be on (ask any hairstylist!)

amika Reset Clarifying + Cleansing Gel Shampoo

The amika Reset Clarifying + Cleansing Gel Shampoo is a product I was thrilled to see join the brand’s product family. Whenever I go to the salon and feel like my hair was kissed by God, it’s because my stylist uses a clarifying shampoo. This makes sense, because it’s recommended to trim and shape up your hair every three months, which is exactly the recommended cadence to use a clarifying shampoo, or anytime from one to three months).

I use this shampoo about once a month or so and the result is always a detoxified scalp. This sounds a bit scientific, but just one look in the mirror will allow you to understand how purified and buildup-free your roots will show to be. It even has a lovely, replenishing cooling effect, which just feels amazing. I’m in haircare heaven when I use it.

The brand describes this product, per its description, as a “breath of fresh air,” and I couldn’t agree more. It also contains charcoal, which has a primary focus on its ability to deeply cleanse the scalp and hair by absorbing excess oil, dirt and product buildup due to its high adsorption capacity.

Because of its stringent focus to reset your hair to pure bliss, it doesn’t target a specific haircare concern. However, I found it to be hydrating, which was only a bonus.

amika The Confidante Moisture Maintenance Styler

Your hair won’t feel overly dry once you glide amika’s The Confidante Moisture Maintenance Styler along a 1-inch piece of hair. It’s a small but mighty tool, allowing me to achieve pin-straight hair each time.

From its exterior to its titanium plates, everything about this styling tool yells smooth. It’s not only a step above — but 10 steps above — the Hot Tools Ceramic Flat Iron I’d use in middle school through college. It’s as if my hair had a jaw-drop moment as soon as it was exposed to amika.

It’s so good that it’s nearly sold out everywhere. Right now, Amazon is the only retailer you can head to in order to swipe it into your checkout cart, and then swipe it onto your hair for silky, smooth result. Into the nitty-gritty, it features an infrared light beam as part of its design that’s located within the titanium plates. The reason? The hair straightener can now penetrate far infrared wavelengths deeper into the hair cuticle compared to the average model.

Its digital interface is user-friendly and allows you to set the tool up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. There’s also a nifty smart shut-off feature designed to power down after 60 minutes. So, no more worrying about leaving on the straightener.

The final verdict

It’s clear as day to see how amika is a transformative, fun-to-use, effective brand that caters to a variety of users. It’s a brand I’ve been standing by for years, so much so that I had to write a full review on it. Along with each respective product review above, consider the following three-product routines I’ve been following for more than 4 years, divided by concern:

How I tested

After more than 4 years of holding amika products near and dear, here’s the criteria I kept in mind for each formulation and product tested:

• Efficacy: The most important factor for each product that made the cut here is if it works. It’s important to note that different hair products suit everyone differently, though I spoke to how each product panned out on my medium-thick hair, keeping in mind other hair types and textures.
• Versatility: Some products are solely for smoothing out the hair, while others may exhibit qualities that result in smooth and shiny hair. I made note of each product’s multipurpose benefits, if applicable.
• End result: How long did my hairstyle last? Did overusing a product tend to weigh down my hair? I provided the full testing notes, along with the best use case, for each product.
• Ease of use: Whether it’s a formulation or a hair tool, I kept in mind how thoughtless using each product was. If thinking power was involved or too apparent (as in, the complex Dyson Airwrap learning curve), I’d make note of it. However, no product on this list was confusing or irksome to use.
• Price: The assortment of amika products isn’t as affordable as drugstore haircare labels, though it’s no CHANEL, either. I assessed which products are worth it above.

What didn’t make the cut

While the below products didn’t work for me, they may work for you. Here are some products that didn’t work as well for my hair:

• amika Rising Star Volumizing Finishing Spray: While this amika texture spray is as lightweight as other products like the Brooklyn Bombshell Blowout Spray and the The Wizard Silicone-Free Detangling Primer, it didn’t hold my hairstyle as much as the Fluxus Touchable Hairspray, which made the cut.
• amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Mask: This hair mask weighed down my hair, unlike the Soulfood Nourishing Hair Mask, which made the cut. Additionally, the Hydro Rush line is meant for extremely dry hair, and my hair isn’t as severely parched.
• amika The Kure Strength Repair Shampoo: Any shampoo designed for damaged hair, and repair treatments in general, never works on my hair type. I also found it to be too goopy. However, if you have damaged, unmanageable hair, this formula is worth looking into.

The brand also carries a top-rated Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Strength Shampoo, a purple shampoo designed for blondes.

Additionally, I don’t typically run to hair oils and curl creams as they tend to create excess oiliness or aren’t fitting for my naturally wavy hair, the amika hair oil and the amika curl cream are both options to consider.

This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest and greatest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include reviewing the viral Korean beauty brand, Cosrx, and testing dermatologist-recommended acne cleansers. Victoria has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.