We live in a world of excess. Buy this! Buy that! Everyone please stop screaming, it doesn’t have to be complicated! Haircare should be easy, like taking candy from a baby (which is actually pretty messed up if you think about it, as babies are very feeble.) First, let’s talk about where to purchase your products from.
It’s extremely important to purchase your products from a salon. I know the prices seem ridiculous, and why would you pay more when you could just go to Walmart or Target and get the same thing for less? I’ll tell you why: companies often produce excess product, let it sit in warehouses until they expire, repackage them, and then sell them to grocery/drug stores for a huge discount. That “professional” product you think you’re using is actually just a bunch of horse shit. If they’re not expired, they’re watered down. You’re not getting the real deal, and baby, you DESERVE the real deal. I hate that some of the products I love are made by companies who test on animals,so although my list is not completely cruelty-free, I will incorporate cruelty-free products for my animal lovers. Here are a few of my current favorites! Two out of three doctors recommend these products, and the third one is just a huge idiot with really bad hair.
1. Dry shampoo
I don’t want to be hyperbolic, but dry shampoo is the best invention of all time, and it has saved my life on numerous occasions. Not only does it help extend your style, it will help keep your scalp healthier, as shampooing every day strips your hair of its natural oils.
Dry Me by Wella
Pros:
Adds volume
Not gritty
Extends time between shampoos
Nice fragrance
Cons:
Not cruelty-free
Shampure by Aveda
Pros:
Adds volume
Not gritty
Cruelty-free
Cons:
Can give hair dusty appearance if not thoroughly worked in
Baby powder scent
2. Hair Spray
Before I became a hair stylist, I loathed hairspray. I thought it was exclusively for old ladies who only got their hair done once a week. Joke’s on me, because now it’s an essential part of my morning routine.
Stylbrid 9 by Sebastian
Pros:
Light hold
Doesn’t make hair too stiff
Adds texture
Brushable
No heavy fragrance
Cons:
Not cruelty-free
Have to reapply throughout the day
Have to layer for more hold
Perfect Medium Hairspray by Kenra
Pros:
Literally a perfect medium hold spray
Adds volume
Pleasant smell
Cruelty-free
Cons:
None
3. Shampoo and Conditioner
You know it, you love it, that’s right folks!!! Everyone loves a good shampoo and conditioner. So before you reach for that Suave Professionals, think about your hair’s health for a minute. A good shampoo gently opens the cuticle, and removes impurities (gross) without over-drying your scalp or hair. Conditioner provides moisture, seals the cuticle back down, and provides a smooth, shiny look. Let’s explore.
Miracle Whipped Shampoo by It’s a 10
Pros:
Moisturizing
Sulfate free
Cruelty-free
Pleasant aroma
Helps fight frizz
Cons:
None
Miracle Whipped Conditioner by It’s a 10
Pros:
Not too heavy
Moisturizing
Can use daily
Cruelty-free
Cons:
None
No-poo (cleansing conditioner) by Deva Curl
Pros:
Sulfate free
Doesn’t strip hair of natural oils
Enhances natural curl
Moisturizing
Gentle on hair and scalp
Cruelty-free
Cons:
Can cause scalp buildup over time
Luxe Oil Keratin Restore mask by Wella
Pros:
Smells amazing
Provides intense moisture
Strengthens hair
Cons:
Not cruelty-free
4. Heat protectant
Heat protectant is soooo important. If you’re addicted to hot tools like me, it’s imperative you protect your delicate hair strands from being scorched to shit. You still have to get haircuts though, you sly dog.
Trilliant by Sebastian
Pros:
Protects hair from heat
Smells like angel tears
Has literal sparkles in it
Cons:
Not cruelty-free
5. Anti-Frizz Serums
For my fellow curly-haired people, serums are ESSENTIAL. Not only does frizz ruin your day, it’ll ruin your LIFE if you let it! Take your life back in your own hands with these products.
Oil Reflections by Wella
Pros:
Smells like money and power
Provides shine
Tames frizz
Great for blowdrying
Cons:
Can make thin hair look greasy
Not cruelty-free
Light Elements Smoothing Fluid by Aveda
Pros:
Tames frizz
Provides shine
Natural fragrance
Doesn’t make hair appear greasy
Cruelty-free
Cons:
None
Your grandma hates it
6. Leave-In Conditioner
I’m not exaggerating in the slightest when I say I would be lying in a shallow grave without leave-in conditioner. It provides essential moisture to your stressed tresses.
Miracle Leave-In Product by It’s a 10
Pros:
Hydrating
Helps detangle
Cruelty-free
Cons:
Started WWII
Look, I’m not saying you have to take my advice, but if you ever want to find love, success, or happiness- I would. Good quality products can, and will change your life! Just ask the countless friends and clients I’ve bullied into submission.
