A lot of heavy-duty conditioners aimed at dry hair have left me with a head full of weighed-down strands and, consequently, one styling option: pin straight. But Davines Nourishing Miracle Conditioner did a once over of my brittle, long, and thin-but-plentiful hair, and thoroughly hydrated it without imparting movement-killing grease. The pudding-like “vegetarian' concoction, which relies on plant-based active ingredients—including grape phytoceuticals chock-full of antioxidants (to prevent free-radical damage and promote growth), moisturizing almond butter, and oils derived from açaí, passion flowers, and rice—can be used as an everyday conditioner or as an intensive-care mask. And after wearing it for 10 minutes once a week, my hair is silkier, glossier, and stronger than it's been in a long while. But best of all, the (thankfully feather-light) hydration lasts, which means I'm amply armed for humidity, sun, and even chlorine—all on a strictly no-meat diet.

—Mackenzie Wagoner

Photos by Elizabeth Brockway.