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?“
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:
HOT TIP: Keep an eye out for sales to take advantage of splurge-worthy products at a more affordable price!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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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.
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:
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.
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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!
Mell’s Routine Products The world and my curls are constantly evolving. Occasionally, as the seasons change and new products come about, I will welcome different things into my routine. If you want to know what’s in my hair currently, this is where you can check regularly for updates! AG Care
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