|
Is it really worth it to spend upwards of $30 on shampoo or pomade? Or can you get the same thing spending $4.99 on the drugstore brand? We know it can be tough navigating through the myriad products on the shelves - so we've tested them all, and here are the best splurges and steals you'll find on the market!
Beat the Frizz:
With the humid Summer months rapidly approaching, your hair is probably gearing up for some serious frizz. But you can beat it with these two products!
Splurge: Davines Momo Moisturizing Anti-Frizz Protective Fluid
It contains grapeseed extract - so it smells yummy! Comb through wet hair, then blow dry and voila! No frizz! $16 at select salons - call 866-DAVINES for store info and to purchase it.
Steal: John Frieda Frizz-Ease Hair Serum Original Formula
If you don't want to break the bank but still want to beat the humidity, this is the product for you. Just apply a dime-sized amount to soaking wet hair and style as usual. Then, frizz - be gone! $9.99 at Target, Wal-Mart, Rite Aid, Walgreens and Duane Reade stores.
Grease is the Word:
Piecey locks are all the rage. Here's how to achieve the look, whether you want to spend a bundle or you're saving up for your new beach-worthy bikini!
Splurge: Fresh Hair Pomade
Smells sweet - not waxy, like lots of other pomades. $24 at Fresh, Barneys New York, Neiman Marcus and Sephora stores, or through fresh.com. The beige-colored pomade is sure to hold your style even when you're riding the waves!
Steal: It's a tie!
TRESemmé Smoothing Pomade
This fun turquoise gel is a different take on the hard stuff found in most pomade containers. Its silicone and water base prevent residue buildup while keeping your hair intact! $4.29 at drugstores and supermarkets nationwide.
got2b Define + Shine Pomade
Its light citrusy scent and sparkly orange color beg you to try it! If you're into the spiky look, this is the pomade to use. $5.99 at CVS and Duane Reade stores, or through drugstore.com.
Soften Those Locks:
Finding the right conditioner for your hair type is a BIG challenge. But whether you want to spend a fortune or only want to use the pennies from your piggy bank, we guarantee these two conditioners are sure to smooth out anyone's locks!
Splurge: Fresh Pomegranate Conditioning Hair Rinse
What an amazing way to wake yourself up every day! Leaves hair silky and soft, and the light pomegranate scent is somehow both invigorating and calming at the same time. $24 at Fresh, Barneys New York, Neiman Marcus and Sephora stores, or through fresh.com.
Steal: got2b Instantly Satisfied Instant Conditioner
So you can't chew bubble gum in class. Get your fix with this shimmery bubble gum-scented conditioner instead! Guaranteed to add luster to any hair type. $5.99 at CVS and Duane Reade stores, or through drugstore.com.
Curly-Q:
It's hard to tame those curls, especially during the hot summer months! These products should be able to help.
Splurge: Tie!
Ouidad Deep Treatment Intensive Conditioner and Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Conditioner
Ouidad is the best for curly hair, hands-down. Either of these conditioners is sure to keep your curls in check. $30 for the Intensive Conditioner and $12 for the Moisturizing Conditioner, both through ouidad.com.
Steal: Pantene Pro-V Hydrating Curls Conditioner
Admit it - you pine after the hair you see on the Pantene commercials. Who wouldn't want those long, swingy locks? $4.29 through drugstore.com.
House of Wax:
Thicker than pomade, wax is great for those rocker-chick moments you'll have
with your friends this summer.
Splurge: Aveda Self Control Hair Styling Stick
Rub this stick right onto wet or dry hair for piecey looks. And it doesn't
flake! $15.50 through aveda.com
Steal: L.A. Looks Piece It LOOK Wax Stick
Who knew you could want to coat your hair with product? But with this one, you'll be stylin' pretty much for free! $2.99 at Duane Reade and Walgreens stores.
Get Your Hair Out of Your Face!
When it gets hot, the last thing you want is hair grazing your neck and shoulders! Any of these options are sure to help you tie your hair back!
Splurge: Dressy Tresses Cameo Silver Ponytail Holder
So it's a bit expensive - $11 for one holder. But it's gorgeous, and you'll feel like you're wearing jewelry in your hair! Totally worth the price tag. Available through dressytresses.com.
Steal: Tie!
Goody Ouchless Hair Elastics
It's always goody - er, good - to go with Goody. Our first comb was by them, and we're still swearing by their products! Each pack comes with 24 hair elastics in black, brown, denim or rainbow colors - and there's no metal clasp, so they won't snag! $2.89 through scrunchies.com.
Sephora Snag-Free Hair Elastics
Sephora is like the Virgin Megastore for beauty products. They tout brands like Chanel and Dior - so they know a thing or two about making their own! Each pack of 8 comes in black, brown or clear. $3.50 at Sephora stores or through sephora.com.
Raven and Flaxen-Haired Beauties:
Gotta love having a line of beauty products just for your hair color!
Splurge: Frédéric Fekkai Brilliant Brown Color Enhancing Shampoo, Baby Blonde Color Enhancing Shampoo, and Baby Blonde Color Enhancing Conditioner
He's a genius when it comes to hair. That's all there is to it! $20 each through sephora.com and neimanmarcus.com.
Steal: John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Shine Release Moisturizing Shampoo and Light Reflecting Moisturizing Conditioner, and John Frieda Sheer Blonde Highlight Activating Moisturizing Shampoo and Glistening Perfection Moisturizing Conditioner
These shampoos and conditioners are formulated to bring out your natural color and highlights. It's like you're constantly going to the salon - but at a fraction of the cost! $6.50 each at Target, Wal-Mart and Rite Aid stores.
Shine On:
Keeping your hair from becoming dull and lifeless is a challenge. Let these products help you out!
Splurge: Philosophy Head Trip
Apply and leave it on for 5-20 minutes once a week and your hair will be instantly revived. Great for chemically-treated hair! $13 through drugstore.com.
Steal: Garnier Fructis Fortifying Deep Conditioner - $3.69 for 5 oz., www.drugstore.com
That strong burst of citrus inside the little green tub works its magic every time. In only three minutes, your hair's luster is restored! $3.69 through www.drugstore.com.
So should you splurge or steal on hair products? It's really a personal preference. All of these products are amazing - so pick and choose which to spend your whole allowance on or which only get a few pennies. None of them will disappoint you!
- Jamie Sanders, Associate Editor |