Before I started my healthy, relaxed hair journey. I cared very little about the type of products I bought and used. I would just buy whatever was cheapest. While I've learned that cheaper isn't always better, getting good hair products doesn't need to cost a bucket load of money.
From my experiences and through the experiences of others, I've put together a list of 10 hair products that all cost $10 or less before tax, and I would recommend them to my relaxed hair sisters. These are hair products that can be used in the three key areas of a hair regimen - cleansing, conditioning, and styling.
From my experiences and through the experiences of others, I've put together a list of 10 hair products that all cost $10 or less before tax, and I would recommend them to my relaxed hair sisters. These are hair products that can be used in the three key areas of a hair regimen - cleansing, conditioning, and styling.
One thing I will caveat is that while these products can be found in most places for $10 or less on some sites, they may be listed for a few dollars more in other places. Also, prices go up sometimes, so some product prices may increase over time.
(This post contains affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission.)
1. L'Oreal EverPure Clarifying Shampoo
Where to purchase: Sally Beauty, Target
If you need a clarfiying shampoo, here's one that is gentle on the hair while also deep cleaning. It is sulfate-free and not only clarifies but also helps with hard water buildup. It claims to add moisture, which is beneficial when using a clarifying shampoo, as they can sometimes remove a lot, if not all, of the moisture from your hair strands.
2. Creme of Nature Argan Oil Moisture & Shine Shampoo
This is a drugstore shampoo that seems to be pretty popular with those in the relaxed hair community. What I like about it is that it's sulfate-free, and it claims to help detangle the hair, soften the hair, and add shine. Plus, it claims to help strengthen the hair while "optimizing the moisture balance of the hair and scalp."
3. Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Original Dry Shampoo
I don't use dry shampoo often, but when I do, it's usually after a sweaty workout or walk mid-week. And it's usually this one from Not Your Mother's. This dry shampoo helps get my relaxed hair to the next wash day.
It has a nice fresh scent, there isn't any white residue left in my dark hair, and it doesn't dry out my hair or irritate my scalp. One thing interesting to me is that this dry shampoo is "formulated with natural rice and barley starches to deliver ultimate absorption."
4. Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioner
Where to purchase: Target, CVS, Sally Beauty, Amazon, WalmartThis is a nice, thick, deep conditioner that is really budget-friendly. Personally, I think it’s perfect for taking on trips or using when you need to wash your hair away from home because it only needs to be on your hair for 3 minutes. I share more of my thoughts on this deep conditioner in Review Of The Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioner.
5. Herbal Essences Smooth Rose Hips Conditioner
Herbal Essences Smooth Rose Hips Conditioner is one of those budget-friendly conditioners that I've used on and off over the years. It leaves my hair feeling soft and more manageable. I like that it rinses clean instead of leaving behind a heavy coating, which is especially nice when I'm planning to use a deep conditioner afterward. I don't think it can take the place of a deep conditioner, but it still can provide some moisture and smoothness.
6. Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioning Repair Cream
Where to purchase: Target, CVS, Sally Beauty, Amazon, WalmartThis leave-in conditioner from Cantu was my go-to leave-in conditioner for a few years. I’ve moved on to something a little more expensive, which is why I’m not listing that one on this list. That being said, if cutting back on my hair product budget was an issue, I would start using this leave-in again. It's nice and thick, works on my damp and dry hair, and would leave my hair feeling soft and moisturized.
If you’re looking for a liquid moisturizer, this is a good budget-friendly one. This is in liquid form, lightweight, and hydrating. While this can be used on dry hair, I think it's good to use it on wet or damp hair. You can use this Pantene leave-in conditioner to help with detangling. Descriptions of the product really push that it doesn't create any stickiness in the hair and can help with styling.
8. Sunny Isle Extra Dark Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Where to purchase: Sally Beauty, WalmartJamaican Black Castor Oil has a lot of benefits for relaxed hair. Benefits such as treating dandruff, promoting hair growth, and masking split ends.
I use this on my scalp as part of my daily, yes, daily, moisturizing and sealing routine. It helped me get my scalp to a place where it doesn’t flake or feel dry like it used to.
When I was writing this blog post, I was using this particular brand and the extra dark, but I've also used the brand Mango & Lime, as well as lighter types of Jamaican Black Castor Oil.
Related read: How Jamaican Black Castor Oil Can Improve Relaxed Hair
9. OGX Extra Strength Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Penetrating Hair Oil Serum
Where to purchase: Target
I used this serum early on in my relaxed hair journey as a moisture sealant. I stopped using it because I learned about sealing in moisture with natural oils. I've been thinking about giving this hair serum another go once I go through my current stash of hair products. We'll see what happens.
This hair oil serum from OGX claims to "moisturize and repair dry, damaged & coarse hair. The rich hair serum helps penetrate the hair shaft while renewing & softening hair. Helps revive dry & damaged hair to leave it looking silky smooth. Seals in nutrients and shine to help improve hair strength & elasticity, for touchable tresses that are soft but strong."
10. Garnier Fructis Style Sleek & Shine Hairspray
This Garnier Fructis Style Sleek & Shine Hairspray is one way I keep humidity from messing up my relaxed hair. I typically use this hair spray after I have curled my hair, typically in the summer, because it has humidity protection and shields against frizz, keeping my hair looking smooth and sleek in high humidity.
This Garnier hairspray also provides 24-hour hold without making my hair feel stiff or weighed down. I can use this hairspray and still have a lot of movement in my hair. Also, my curls don’t immediately fall.
A lot of your top tens are some of my faves. The keracare detangling shampoo looks good though. I haven't tried that line before. Great post, Leah!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I haven't tried Keracare yet either, but have seen several other bloggers rave about it. The detangling shampoo is on my wishlist.
Delete