In a perfect world, we’d all have plenty of money to splurge on high-end products for each and every hair need. (Ditto skin and makeup.) And in a really perfect world, we’d have the hair of Blake Lively or Priyanka Chopra. Alas, no such luck. We have to be picky about where we spend versus save. And with an ever-expanding roster of products at our disposal (heat-protectant spray, overnight serums, and dry conditioners are some of the latest taking up space on our shelves), knowing when to splash out and when to head to the drugstore can be tricky.
So, we consulted four top celebrity hair stylists for guidance on which types of product should be considered the investment pieces of hair care — and the answers might surprise you. Because as it turns out, the basic picks (shampoo and conditioner) make for solid splurges, while items that are normally at higher price points (hello, hair masks) can be DIY-ed for next to nothing. Ahead, your definitive guide to shopping for hair care without breaking the bank.
Shampoo
Splurge
Because there are so many specialty shampoos that can work wonders for treating specific hair concerns — from de-frizzing to volumizing — celebrity stylist Jennifer Brent suggests spending more on a shampoo that fits your specific needs. “I always recommend spending the extra money on a good shampoo and conditioner, mainly because most people have either color in their hair, or chemical treatments such as a keratin,” she says. “There are also special shampoos that target thinning, curly, and coarse hair.” For color-treated and keratin-treated hair, Brent suggests a gentle, sulfate-and-paraben-free shampoo.
But there is one type of shampoo that the pros love to skimp on: clarifying. Celebrity stylist Nai'vasha Johnson, who works with celebs like Danai Gurira and Eve, calls Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo the "perfect solution for dullness relief.”
Wella Professional Brilliance Shampoo, $24.50, available at Ulta Beauty.
Conditioner
Splurge
Like Brent, Johnson suggests we spend on conditioner, which can add shine and help prevent breakage during combing. “The better [conditioners] have higher quality moisturizers and oils in them, as well as fewer chemicals,” Brent notes. Lawrence Martinez, a New York-based stylist, says, “Although there are drugstore products out there that make your hair 'feel' healthier, it’s likely that your hair is being coated by heavy waxes or filled in with plastic. With extended use, [they] can make your hair worse and cause it to become brittle and break.” This paraben-free conditioner nourishes with aloe, shea butter, keratin, rice amino acids, and pineapple and papaya proteins.
Kevin Murphy Repair-Me. Rinse, $35, available at Kevin Murphy.
Masks
Skimp or Splurge
When it comes to deep-conditioning treatments, our pros suggest either ponying up for a pricey product, or getting into the kitchen and DIY-ing your own. If crafting isn’t your thing, Brian Magallones, who styles Keri Russell’s hair, notes that often, it’s the luxe brands that offer customized formulas. “Luxury brands offer many more options in hair masks with different formulations appropriate for different hair textures and needs.” He likes Rene Furterer Karité Intense Nourishing Mask for super-damaged hair.
Brent’s more wallet-friendly suggestion? “ I absolutely love Hask products. They have a lovely deep-conditioning treatment for textured or keratin-treated hair which runs about $2 per packet.” Even cheaper still? Just make your own. “I recommend using the ingredients in your kitchen for masks,” she says. “Avocados, coconut oil, egg whites, and apple cider vinegar can do wonders for the hair.”
Hask Keratin Protein Smoothing Deep Conditioner Packet, $1.99, available at Target.
Heat-Protecting Spray
Skimp
Our stylists agree that when using heat-styling tools, protectant spray is a must. But it doesn’t have to be expensive. If your hair isn’t treated with keratin, Brent and Magallones say an affordable spray will do the trick. This lightweight formula protects hair up to 450 degrees of heat. If you do have a keratin treatment, look for a spray formulated without alcohol.
Matrix Style Link Heat Buffer Thermal Styling Spray, $18, available at Ulta Beauty.
Hair Gel
Skimp
Let’s face it, the splurge column is really adding up here. The good news? There’s no need to drop major coin on hair gel, according to our pros. “If you splurge on gel, you’re really just paying for the smell,” says Magallones. Brent agrees: “The ingredients used in most gel products are all the same. If you're aiming for a slicked back/shiny look with strong hold, then any gel should do the trick.”
KMS California Hair Stay Styling Gel, $15, available at Walgreens.
Serum Or Shine Spray
Splurge
Magallones suggests pulling out the big guns when purchasing a hair serum, which he notes are typically some form of silicone. “The main difference is the consistency. Many of the drugstore brands can often be a little too syrupy, and the moment you put too much in your hair, you have no choice but to wash your hair and start all over again." This sulfate- and silicone-free serum aims at helping to restore keratin function — and therefore, shine.
Phylia [de M.] Connect, $60, available at Phylia [de M.].
Dry Shampoo
Skimp or Splurge
To skimp or save on dry shampoo is a bit of a trick question. Because dry shampoo can be used for widely different things (building volume or adding texture vs. absorbing oil, for example) and certain hair types may require more advanced formulations. “The trick for dry shampoo is to find one that is best for your hair texture and density,” Martinez says. That said, he notes that, “Dry shampoo has been around since the beginning of time and the ingredients are pretty much the same. It’s usually some form of corn starch or rice starch.”
So, for some, a sprinkle of baby or talcum powder does a sufficient job of absorbing oil on the scalp. Others might find success building volume with no-frills psssst! Instant Dry Shampoo (just six bucks!). If you have straight or wavy hair and aren’t looking to add texture, then a specialty dry shampoo may be worth the splurge — it simply makes hair look shiny and clean minus the shower.
psssst! Instant Dry Shampoo, $4.99, available at Walgreens.
Beach/Salt Spray
Skimp
What gives beach spray its wave-making kick? Inexpensive, readily available salt. So it stands to reason that we shouldn’t have to pay big money for beachy hair. Thankfully, our instincts are right — though Johnson does note that like the ocean, many salt sprays can dry the crap out of the hair, so it’s worth finding a formula equipped with hydrating properties, as well. The stylist says this one is “rich in oils and natural ingredients, yet weightless, for the perfect waves.”
Organix Moroccan Sea Salt Spray, $7, available at Target.
Nourishing Oil
Splurge
Ideally, all hair oils should tame frizzy ends and add shine. But in reality, many can leave hair looking greasy. Finding the right formula? That may take more $$$, says Magallones, because fancy brands tend to offer more options to match the needs of different hair types. We like this one because it tames tips without weighing hair down — or adding an oily sheen. (That it smells like gardenia doesn’t hurt, either.) Brent notes that those willing to experiment a little may find that affordable coconut, olive, avocado, or jojoba oil — or even a drop or two of rose, geranium, or lavender essential oils — may do the trick.
Sally Hershberger 24K Golden Touch Nourishing Dry Oil, $40, available at Sephora.
Mousse
Splurge
Haven’t you heard? Mousse is making a major comeback. The wave-making styler once known to leave hair crunchy and, well, ‘80s looking, has had a major upgrade. Newer formulas help define curls, make waves, and add volume — all without sucking all the movement out of the hair. But Johnson says these elevated formulas will cost you. “This mousse defines curl-shape and gives maximum hold without leaving residue,” she says. “It’s weightless and leaves hair super-soft.”
Kérastase Discipline Mousse Curl Idéal, $42, available at Kérastase.
Texturizing Spray
Splurge
Love the texture that dry shampoo gives, but hate the white, powdery residue it can leave behind? Johnson suggests splurging on a dry texturizing spray. “It adds volume and texture while absorbing the oils in the hair and is a luxurious alternative to basic dry shampoo,” she says.
Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, $42, available at Oribe.
Curl Cream
Skimp
A good curl cream will define curls without stepping on their spring. And the good news is, there are lots of affordable options that do just that. Johnson likes this one for its use of natural ingredients. "It defines curls, eliminates frizz, and restores moisture and shine,” she says. In short, it gets the job done — and for less than 15 bucks.
(What's more, it topped this curly girl's must-have list.)
Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie, $13, available at Shea Moisture.
Pomade Or Wax
Splurge
When pomades and styling waxes don’t play well with hair, it really shows. So Johnson suggests investing in a wax that won’t leave residue or an oil slick behind. Luckily, her recommendation isn’t too pricey — and it comes with high praise. “This is the most amazing pomade on the market,” she says. “It gives strong hold without the visible residue, and can be used for simple edge control or to create extreme spikes.”
Redken Water Wax 03, $19.50, available at Redken.
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