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Save or Splurge?

When it comes to taking care of your hair, quality products can make all the difference, BUT – expensive doesn’t always mean better, and these are areas you can cut costs in your hair care routine in my humble and professional opinion. It’s time to decide if you can “Save or Splurge?

Shampoo: SPLURGE!

This is a category worth splurging on. A low-quality shampoo that isn’t tailored to your specific hair needs can negatively affect your hair health and growth if you choose the wrong type of cleanser. So while drugstore shampoos may be more affordable, they may not address all of your hair care concerns, leaving you unsatisfied with your hair. Especially since these products are used on your scalp, the foundation of hair growth, I will always justify the splurge!

 A high-quality shampoo should:

  • Cleanse your hair
  • Be gentle on your scalp
  • Address all of your hair care needs: including scalp health, hair damage, growth, and color care.
VERB Ghost Shampoo – Vegan Shampoo for Fine Hair – Weightless Shampoo – Paraben Free & Gluten Free Moisturizing Shampoo with Moringa Oil With No Harmful Sulfates, 12 fl oz
Ouidad Unbreakable Bonds Bond Building Shampoo for Curly Hair - 8.5 oz
Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo, 250 milliliters
VERB Ghost Shampoo – Vegan Shampoo for Fine Hair – Weightless Shampoo – Paraben Free & Gluten Free Moisturizing Shampoo with Moringa Oil With No Harmful Sulfates, 12 fl oz
Ouidad Unbreakable Bonds Bond Building Shampoo for Curly Hair - 8.5 oz
Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo, 250 milliliters
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Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
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VERB Ghost Shampoo – Vegan Shampoo for Fine Hair – Weightless Shampoo – Paraben Free & Gluten Free Moisturizing Shampoo with Moringa Oil With No Harmful Sulfates, 12 fl oz
VERB Ghost Shampoo – Vegan Shampoo for Fine Hair – Weightless Shampoo – Paraben Free & Gluten Free Moisturizing Shampoo with Moringa Oil With No Harmful Sulfates, 12 fl oz
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Ouidad Unbreakable Bonds Bond Building Shampoo for Curly Hair - 8.5 oz
Ouidad Unbreakable Bonds Bond Building Shampoo for Curly Hair - 8.5 oz
Amazon Prime
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Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo, 250 milliliters
Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo, 250 milliliters
Amazon Prime

HOT TIP: Keep an eye out for sales to take advantage of splurge-worthy products at a more affordable price!

Conditioner: SAVE!🛑

Conditioner is an important step in a hair care routine that replenishes the hair with nutrients and moisture after shampooing. That being said, an affordable conditioner can work just as well as a higher-end conditioner that may contain fancy ingredients. As long as the conditioner is not applied to the scalp, I definitely think this is an area you can SAVE in your routine, but if you prefer to splurge on high-end conditioners, that’s okay too, as long as the conditioner addresses specific hair concerns. Ultimately, finding a conditioner that works for your hair is most important, and sometimes it’s just nice to use the matching shampoo/conditioner to get the full experience in the shower.

Verb Ghost Conditioner – Vegan Anti-Frizz Conditioner for Fine Hair – Weightless Moisturizing Conditioner – Paraben Free & Gluten Free Deep Conditioner with Moringa Oil With No Harmful Sulfates, 12 fl oz
Ouidad Unbreakable Bonds Bond Building Conditioner for Curly Hair - 8.5 oz
Verb Ghost Conditioner – Vegan Anti-Frizz Conditioner for Fine Hair – Weightless Moisturizing Conditioner – Paraben Free & Gluten Free Deep Conditioner with Moringa Oil With No Harmful Sulfates, 12 fl oz
Ouidad Unbreakable Bonds Bond Building Conditioner for Curly Hair - 8.5 oz
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
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Verb Ghost Conditioner – Vegan Anti-Frizz Conditioner for Fine Hair – Weightless Moisturizing Conditioner – Paraben Free & Gluten Free Deep Conditioner with Moringa Oil With No Harmful Sulfates, 12 fl oz
Verb Ghost Conditioner – Vegan Anti-Frizz Conditioner for Fine Hair – Weightless Moisturizing Conditioner – Paraben Free & Gluten Free Deep Conditioner with Moringa Oil With No Harmful Sulfates, 12 fl oz
Amazon Prime
Ouidad Unbreakable Bonds Bond Building Conditioner for Curly Hair - 8.5 oz
Ouidad Unbreakable Bonds Bond Building Conditioner for Curly Hair - 8.5 oz
Amazon Prime
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Deep Conditioner: SAVE!🛑

Deep conditioner is not an essential product, not for everybody – especially if you have short and untreated hair that is already healthy and bouncy. However, if you do need to deeply condition, I’ve found that some of the lower-end and affordable deep conditioners are just as effective at conditioning and detangling my hair as higher-end ones. In fact, some of the cheaper options even provide better slip which make them great detanglers as well.

CURLSMITH - Hydro Crème Soothing Mask - Vegan Soothing Deep Conditioner for any Hair Type, Encourages Growth (8 oz)
Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask | Deep Conditioning Hair Mask | Made With Argan Oil and Plant Protein To Hydrate Hair | 16.9 fl oz
CURLSMITH - Hydro Crème Soothing Mask - Vegan Soothing Deep Conditioner for any Hair Type, Encourages Growth (8 oz)
Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask | Deep Conditioning Hair Mask | Made With Argan Oil and Plant Protein To Hydrate Hair | 16.9 fl oz
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
CURLSMITH - Hydro Crème Soothing Mask - Vegan Soothing Deep Conditioner for any Hair Type, Encourages Growth (8 oz)
CURLSMITH - Hydro Crème Soothing Mask - Vegan Soothing Deep Conditioner for any Hair Type, Encourages Growth (8 oz)
Amazon Prime
Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask | Deep Conditioning Hair Mask | Made With Argan Oil and Plant Protein To Hydrate Hair | 16.9 fl oz
Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask | Deep Conditioning Hair Mask | Made With Argan Oil and Plant Protein To Hydrate Hair | 16.9 fl oz
Amazon Prime

Hair Treatment: SPLURGE

When it comes to hair treatments, it’s important to know the difference between deep conditioners and more specific treatments. Deep conditioners focus on adding moisture to the hair, while Hair Treatments are tailored to address specific concerns and should only be used as recommended by a hair professional.

FUN FACT: There are actually very few products that can repair the hair – and beyond a certain point, hair damage is irreversible. See Porosity Blog here.

BUT, there are a few brands/products that have revolutionized the industry and due to the amount of R&D and to hold a Patent on the technology, these products are quite pricey. In my experience, if you are in need of deep repairing, these are worth the splurge!

K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask Treatment to Repair Damaged Hair - 4 Minutes to Reverse Damage from Bleach, Color, Chemical Services, 15 ml
Olaplex Hair Perfector No 3 Repairing Treatment
K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask Treatment to Repair Damaged Hair - 4 Minutes to Reverse Damage from Bleach, Color, Chemical Services, 15 ml
Olaplex Hair Perfector No 3 Repairing Treatment
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
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K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask Treatment to Repair Damaged Hair - 4 Minutes to Reverse Damage from Bleach, Color, Chemical Services, 15 ml
K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask Treatment to Repair Damaged Hair - 4 Minutes to Reverse Damage from Bleach, Color, Chemical Services, 15 ml
Amazon Prime
Olaplex Hair Perfector No 3 Repairing Treatment
Olaplex Hair Perfector No 3 Repairing Treatment
Amazon Prime
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Leave-in Conditioner: SAVE/SPLURGE!

Leave-in conditioners are important as a prep product for protecting hair from damage. I have used MANY, and i really prefer to use a multi-purpose product and there are some great affordable ones I have tried. That being said, The most important thing is to find a product that protects hair without weighing it down, helps provide slip for easy styling, and bonus if it adds heat and UV protection.

I also personally prefer a leave-in conditioner in a spray applicator for easy and even application throughout the hair. 

Eva NYC Mane Magic 10-in-1 Primer | Heat Protectant for Hair | Sulfate, Paraben & Phthalate-Free | 5.4 fl oz
VERB Curl Leave-In Conditioner, Vegan Detangling Conditioner Enhances Coils and Waves, Provides Hydration and Sun Protection, 6 oz
Eva NYC Mane Magic 10-in-1 Primer | Heat Protectant for Hair | Sulfate, Paraben & Phthalate-Free | 5.4 fl oz
VERB Curl Leave-In Conditioner, Vegan Detangling Conditioner Enhances Coils and Waves, Provides Hydration and Sun Protection, 6 oz
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Eva NYC Mane Magic 10-in-1 Primer | Heat Protectant for Hair | Sulfate, Paraben & Phthalate-Free | 5.4 fl oz
Eva NYC Mane Magic 10-in-1 Primer | Heat Protectant for Hair | Sulfate, Paraben & Phthalate-Free | 5.4 fl oz
Amazon Prime
VERB Curl Leave-In Conditioner, Vegan Detangling Conditioner Enhances Coils and Waves, Provides Hydration and Sun Protection, 6 oz
VERB Curl Leave-In Conditioner, Vegan Detangling Conditioner Enhances Coils and Waves, Provides Hydration and Sun Protection, 6 oz
Amazon Prime

Brush: SAVE/SPLURGE!

There are many different types of hairbrushes, and some of them can be expensive. Depending on your budget, the recommended price range for a good hairbrush is between $15 to $20. Hear me out: using the wrong tools on hair can cause irreversible damage, so it’s essential to choose the right hairbrush for your needs.

It’s important to look for features like ergonomic shape, flexible teeth for detangling, and durability and hopefully (with proper care) this long-term investment will be totally worth it!

Tangle Teezer The Ultimate Detangling Brush, Dry and Wet Hair Brush Detangler for All Hair Types, Apricot Blaze
Epic Professional Quick Dry Hair Brush Black
Tangle Teezer | The Ultimate Finisher | Hairbrush for All Hair Types | Adds Volume, Smoothness, and Shine | Pink
Tangle Teezer The Ultimate Detangling Brush, Dry and Wet Hair Brush Detangler for All Hair Types, Apricot Blaze
Epic Professional Quick Dry Hair Brush Black
Tangle Teezer | The Ultimate Finisher | Hairbrush for All Hair Types | Adds Volume, Smoothness, and Shine | Pink
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
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Tangle Teezer The Ultimate Detangling Brush, Dry and Wet Hair Brush Detangler for All Hair Types, Apricot Blaze
Tangle Teezer The Ultimate Detangling Brush, Dry and Wet Hair Brush Detangler for All Hair Types, Apricot Blaze
Amazon Prime
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Epic Professional Quick Dry Hair Brush Black
Epic Professional Quick Dry Hair Brush Black
Amazon Prime
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Tangle Teezer | The Ultimate Finisher | Hairbrush for All Hair Types | Adds Volume, Smoothness, and Shine | Pink
Tangle Teezer | The Ultimate Finisher | Hairbrush for All Hair Types | Adds Volume, Smoothness, and Shine | Pink
Amazon Prime
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Gel/Mousse/Foam: SPLURGE!

Hair gels and mousses are fixative products that create hold and longevity for curly hair. It’s a crucial step in the styling routine after shampooing, conditioning, and priming, even if you prefer a non-crunchy product.

Splurging on a mid-range product between $15-$25 will give longevity and performance without breaking the bank.

VERB Curl Foaming Gel – Frizz Control Mousse for Curl Definition – Curl Enhancing Hair Product for Medium Hold – Locking Gel for Waves, Soft Curls and Coils, 6.7 fl oz
AG Care Mousse Gel Extra-Firm Curl Retention, 10 Fl Oz (US)
CURLSMITH - Hydro Style Flexi-Jelly - Vegan Defining Gel for Wavy, Curly or Coily Hair (8fl.oz)
VERB Curl Foaming Gel – Frizz Control Mousse for Curl Definition – Curl Enhancing Hair Product for Medium Hold – Locking Gel for Waves, Soft Curls and Coils, 6.7 fl oz
AG Care Mousse Gel Extra-Firm Curl Retention, 10 Fl Oz (US)
CURLSMITH - Hydro Style Flexi-Jelly - Vegan Defining Gel for Wavy, Curly or Coily Hair (8fl.oz)
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
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VERB Curl Foaming Gel – Frizz Control Mousse for Curl Definition – Curl Enhancing Hair Product for Medium Hold – Locking Gel for Waves, Soft Curls and Coils, 6.7 fl oz
VERB Curl Foaming Gel – Frizz Control Mousse for Curl Definition – Curl Enhancing Hair Product for Medium Hold – Locking Gel for Waves, Soft Curls and Coils, 6.7 fl oz
Amazon Prime
AG Care Mousse Gel Extra-Firm Curl Retention, 10 Fl Oz (US)
AG Care Mousse Gel Extra-Firm Curl Retention, 10 Fl Oz (US)
Amazon Prime
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CURLSMITH - Hydro Style Flexi-Jelly - Vegan Defining Gel for Wavy, Curly or Coily Hair (8fl.oz)
CURLSMITH - Hydro Style Flexi-Jelly - Vegan Defining Gel for Wavy, Curly or Coily Hair (8fl.oz)
Amazon Prime
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Hair Oil/Serum: SAVE!🛑

Hair serums and oils have many uses in a hair routine, and in the context of the styling routine, these are super important for Finishing the look to seal in moisture, add shine, and smooth down frizz. You can definitely save on hair oils and serums as they all do the same thing; just note that using an oil or serum with silicones can help achieve long-lasting results with more moisture and shine, especially for those with high porosity/frizz. In any case, it’s important to choose one that suits your hair type. 

VERB Ghost Oil – Vegan Weightless Hair Oil – Lightweight Hair Oil – Revitalizing Hair Treatment Oil Nourishes and Promotes Shiny Hair – No Paraben or Harmful Sulfates
  • WEIGHTLESS HAIR OIL: Verb Ghost Oil is a revitalizing hair finishing oil that enhances sheen; the hair protection oil smooths, softens and reduces frizz, promoting radiant shine for all hair types
  • INGREDIENTS: Bamboo Extract in the lightweight hair oil strengthens the hair and helps retain moisture, Moringa Oil nourishes and smooths frizz, and Hydrolyzed Soy Protein seals in moisture
  • ONLY GOOD STUFF: This paraben free, gluten free hair treatment oil with no harmful sulfates is vegan and cruelty free; Made in the USA, the smoothing oil can also be used to rehydrate and refresh skin and beards

Curl Cream: SAVE/SPLURGE!

Contrary to leave-in conditioners, Curl Creams are Styling products that help detangle, soften, and protect hair while also providing hold, definition, and even curl enhancing. While some may argue that you could either save or splurge on a curl cream, I have found great success in mid-range products that cost between $15 and $25. A good curl cream with various benefits such as moisturising, softening, defining, and enhancing is worth spending a few extra dollars on.

AG Care Curl Fresh Definer Silicone-Free Soft-Hold Styling Cream, 6 Fl Oz
AG Care Re:coil Curl Activator, 6 Fl Oz
Verb Curl Cream – Vegan Curl Styling Cream – Lightweight Leave In Curl Defining Cream – Anti-Frizz Curl Cream Provides Shape, Softness and Hold – Paraben Free Curl Styler With No Harmful Sulfates, 5.3 fl oz
AG Care Curl Fresh Definer Silicone-Free Soft-Hold Styling Cream, 6 Fl Oz
AG Care Re:coil Curl Activator, 6 Fl Oz
Verb Curl Cream – Vegan Curl Styling Cream – Lightweight Leave In Curl Defining Cream – Anti-Frizz Curl Cream Provides Shape, Softness and Hold – Paraben Free Curl Styler With No Harmful Sulfates, 5.3 fl oz
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
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AG Care Curl Fresh Definer Silicone-Free Soft-Hold Styling Cream, 6 Fl Oz
AG Care Curl Fresh Definer Silicone-Free Soft-Hold Styling Cream, 6 Fl Oz
Amazon Prime
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AG Care Re:coil Curl Activator, 6 Fl Oz
AG Care Re:coil Curl Activator, 6 Fl Oz
Amazon Prime
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Verb Curl Cream – Vegan Curl Styling Cream – Lightweight Leave In Curl Defining Cream – Anti-Frizz Curl Cream Provides Shape, Softness and Hold – Paraben Free Curl Styler With No Harmful Sulfates, 5.3 fl oz
Verb Curl Cream – Vegan Curl Styling Cream – Lightweight Leave In Curl Defining Cream – Anti-Frizz Curl Cream Provides Shape, Softness and Hold – Paraben Free Curl Styler With No Harmful Sulfates, 5.3 fl oz
Amazon Prime

Refresh Spray: SAVE!🛑

A hair refresh spray is a convenient product to use when you want to refresh your hair without fully washing it. However, using too much of it can lead to product buildup. It’s possible to make your own refresh spray by mixing the products you already use with a bit of water. Therefore, you can save instead of splurging on a refresh spray, and use your curl cream or gel instead depending on your hair’s needs. That being said, I really enjoy using these to refresh my hair as needed:

AG Care Curl Trigger Defining Spray, 5 Fl Oz, 100141
Ouidad Advanced Climate Control® Featherlight Touch-Up Gel Cream, 3.4 Fl. Oz
Living proof Dry Shampoo, Perfect hair Day Advanced Clean, Dry Shampoo for Women and Men, 5.5 oz
Olaplex No 6 Bond Smoother, 3.3 Fl Oz
AG Care Curl Trigger Defining Spray, 5 Fl Oz, 100141
Ouidad Advanced Climate Control® Featherlight Touch-Up Gel Cream, 3.4 Fl. Oz
Living proof Dry Shampoo, Perfect hair Day Advanced Clean, Dry Shampoo for Women and Men, 5.5 oz
Olaplex No 6 Bond Smoother, 3.3 Fl Oz
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
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AG Care Curl Trigger Defining Spray, 5 Fl Oz, 100141
AG Care Curl Trigger Defining Spray, 5 Fl Oz, 100141
Amazon Prime
Ouidad Advanced Climate Control® Featherlight Touch-Up Gel Cream, 3.4 Fl. Oz
Ouidad Advanced Climate Control® Featherlight Touch-Up Gel Cream, 3.4 Fl. Oz
Amazon Prime
Living proof Dry Shampoo, Perfect hair Day Advanced Clean, Dry Shampoo for Women and Men, 5.5 oz
Living proof Dry Shampoo, Perfect hair Day Advanced Clean, Dry Shampoo for Women and Men, 5.5 oz
Amazon Prime
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Olaplex No 6 Bond Smoother, 3.3 Fl Oz
Olaplex No 6 Bond Smoother, 3.3 Fl Oz
Amazon Prime

Hair Dryer: SPLURGE!

If you’re someone who frequently uses a blow dryer, it’s important to remember that a good hair dryer can save you a lot of time in your hair care routine as well as save you from damage. So, based on my experience, I personally think it’s worth splurging on a higher-end hair dryer, especially since you’re using it so frequently and so close to your scalp.

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer, White/Silver
  • Helps prevent extreme heat damage to protect natural shine; Air temperature is measured 20 times every second, keeping the temperature under control
  • Ultra fast drying; For fast drying you need controlled, high velocity airflow
  • Magnetic attachments Dyson smoothing nozzle, styling concentrator, and diffuser

At the end of the day, it’s up to personal preference and budget whether you can save or opt to splurge on a hair product. With the right tools, tips and tricks, you can create salon-worthy hair at home, even on a budget.

Check out my blogs: STYLING 101, REFRESH 101 for more helpful tips!

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