most expensive hair brands

CURLY HAIR ROUTINE FOR BEGINNERS 

Curly hair is beautiful and unique, but it can also be challenging to manage. If you’re new to embracing your curls, don’t worry! This beginner’s guide will walk you through a simple yet effective routine to help you achieve defined, bouncy, and frizz-free curls. Let’s embark on this curly hair journey together!

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SHAMPOO

The “right” shampoo is one that’s gentle and designed to enhance your curls. With so many options out there, it can feel overwhelming, but starting with a sulfate-free shampoo is a great choice—these are increasingly common as more brands release sulfate-free ranges.

Most products will be clearly labeled as sulfate-free, but if you’re unsure, you can easily check. Just search for the shampoo’s ingredients online, then copy and paste them into CURLSBOT, a tool that instantly tells you if it’s Curly Girl-approved. I keep CURLSBOT saved on my phone—it’s a lifesaver at any stage of the curly journey!

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CONDITIONER

The “right” conditioner for curly hair means opting for a silicone-free formula. If you’re used to products with silicones, going silicone-free may feel like a big change, but it’s an important step in a curl-friendly routine.

Many commercial conditioners contain silicones, so it’s worth checking labels. Silicone-free conditioners don’t need to be expensive—they simply avoid silicones that can build up on your hair, causing greasiness, weighing curls down, and reducing bounce.

A T-SHIRT FOR DRYING

That’s right—a simple t-shirt is perfect for drying curly hair! Unlike a regular towel, a t-shirt is much softer and won’t roughen the hair cuticle.

You can use it as you would a towel, or you can try “plopping.” To plop, gently lower your hair forward into the t-shirt, then wrap and secure it around your head. Leave it on for 10-40 minutes to absorb moisture while helping curls form into defined clumps.

Alternatively, there’s “micro-plopping,” where you scrunch each curl individually with the t-shirt to remove excess water. Whether plopping or micro-plopping, a t-shirt is gentler than a towel, though a microfiber towel is also a good option for curly hair.

CHOOSING A STYLING PRODUCT – GEL, MOUSSE, OR CREAM

When starting a curly hair routine, it’s common to use a gel, mousse, or cream. Some people even layer all three! For beginners, starting with one product is ideal; you can experiment and build up your routine as you get to know what works for your curls.

It’s a good idea to check product ingredients, avoiding “nasties” like drying alcohols (e.g., Alcohol Denat) and silicones. This extra step helps keep curls healthy and bouncy.

Apply styling products on soaking wet hair to lock in moisture and minimize frizz. Scrunch the product up to the roots, aiming to shape your curls while wet and keep that definition as they dry.

GEL

Gel is great for setting curls in a “cast” as it dries, holding the shape until you’re ready to scrunch out the crunch, leaving soft, defined curls. A favorite gel for many is the Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly.

CREAM

Creams reduce frizz and add moisture, giving a softer look and more volume, though they typically don’t define curls as much as gel.

MOUSSE

A lightweight mousse helps define curls and add volume, especially at the roots. It should be light and non-sticky, so curls feel soft once dry. Each product offers unique benefits—try one and see how your curls respond!

A DIFFUSER

While air-drying is a solid option, many people find that a diffuser becomes an essential tool for styling curls. Air-drying can take a long time, especially since curly hair tends to dry in clumps and retains more moisture with the products you’re using.

Using a diffuser can speed up drying while encouraging curl formation by lifting and holding curl clumps closer to the scalp. For best results, use a low heat setting to reduce potential heat damage.

Avoid using a regular dryer without a diffuser, as it can disrupt curl clumps. If you don’t have a diffuser attachment, it’s actually better to air-dry. And as you transition into a new curl routine, try to minimize the use of heated tools like curling wands—your curls will thank you!

A DEEP CONDITIONER

Deep conditioning is key to keeping curls hydrated and healthy. Aim to deep condition at least every two weeks, or even weekly if your hair needs the extra moisture. A quality deep conditioner helps rehydrate naturally dry curls, while also softening and detangling them.

These treatments often contain nourishing oils and butters. Simply apply after shampooing and let it sit for around 30 minutes before rinsing out.

Another option is a “pre-poo” treatment, where you apply an oil or conditioning treatment like Olaplex to dry hair before shampooing. Leave it on overnight or for a few hours to give your curls a deep boost before you wash.

FINAL TIP

Keep track of your washday routine to fine-tune your curly hair care and see what works best for you. Here’s what to note down:

  • Which cleansing and conditioning products you used, including any deep conditioners
  • Did you plop or micro-plop?
  • Which styling products you applied, and in what order
  • Did you apply them with your hair hanging forward or back?
  • Did you scrunch the products in?
  • Did you diffuse until your hair was 100% dry or just 80%?

Also, take photos of your results! They’ll be invaluable when you’re figuring out what works best for your curls. I still jot down small changes I make to my routine, as even minor adjustments can lead to major differences in results.

I created a tracker for myself to keep track of my washdays, and I’m sharing it here because I’ve found it super helpful!

CONCLUSION

Congratulations, you’ve taken the first step towards embracing your natural curls! Remember, consistency is key. As you continue to experiment with your routine, you’ll discover what works best for your unique hair type.

Don’t be afraid to seek advice from other curly-haired individuals or consult with a hairstylist who specializes in curly hair. By following these basic steps and tailoring them to your specific needs, you’ll be well on your way to achieving healthy, beautiful, and bouncy curls.

THE 14 BEST DRUGSTORE HAIR PRODUCTS

Keeping your strands healthy and happy all year round might be difficult. Although there are several treatments available for every hair concern on the planet, the best drugstore hair products are your best chance to keep your hair looking beautiful and shining. The quality of these products has greatly increased over time as a result of ongoing research and innovation. This post will help you find the best drugstore hair care products. Keep scrolling!

Here, we’ve compiled a list of the 14 most trustworthy and reliable drugstore hair products on the market. It is worth noting that we curated the products after doing thorough research on their reviews. Take a peek.

Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Fortifying Shampoo

When it comes to budget hair shampoos, Garnier, a renowned brand, is an absolute classic. Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Fortifying Shampoo is one of the best options for frizzy hair. It contains a strengthening blend of healthy components such as aloe extracts, citric acid, and vitamins E, B3, and B6. It also contains active components including salicylic acid as well as extracts from fruits and plants. It’s free of parabens and silicone. The recipe is mild enough to thoroughly wash the scalp for maximum results. It may be used every day and does not weigh down the tresses, thus it is perfect for individuals with fine hair. It is a vegan formulation that is free of chemicals such as paraben, and silicone. 

Climaplex Moisture & Repair Shampoo

This sudser may be new to the scene, but it has taken up prime space in our shower since we first got our paws (er, strands) on it. It claims to use bond-building technology, similar to that found in many more expensive products, to help repair hair damage where it begins, namely broken disulfide bonds at the hair’s core. It also contains sunflower extract to protect against UV pollution, is extremely moisturizing, and sulfate-free, and comes in a convenient pump bottle. The only disadvantage is that it must be thoroughly cleaned before use.

Bain de Terre Coconut Papaya Ultra Hydrating Shampoo

The Bain de Terre Coconut Papaya Ultra Hydrating Shampoo contains argan oil, which strengthens and shines your hair. The product also contains highly nourishing monoi oils, which leave the hair silky, smooth, and buttery soft. Because of the good formula, its primary goal is to damage hair. The shampoo is free of parabens and color-safe. Furthermore, the lovely coconut and mango aroma of this shampoo refreshes your senses while nourishing your scalp. Furthermore, this shampoo is color-safe, so your hair’s color will last a long time. 

Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo

A classic oldie, but goodie. There’s a reason this masterpiece has endured the test of time. It lathers well and leaves our hair feeling cleaner than ever (and silky, even before conditioner). It doesn’t weigh down fine hair, and the clean, fresh aroma is irresistible. This shampoo is ideal for all hair types. However, it contains sulfates, which can be a major issue for those with sensitive scalps, so keep this in mind if you have an adverse reaction to this chemical. It is also not cruelty-free.

Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Hair Mask

The Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Hair Mask is vegan. This hydrating hair mask moisturizes and nourishes dry, damaged hair. The formula offers a rich blend of natural components, including creamy shea butter, 100% pure aloe juice, rich coconut milk, and pure macadamia oil. It hydrates and nourishes your dry scalp and strands while treating split ends.

You can apply this mask if your hair is dry. It is a leave-in conditioning treatment for hair. This product also contains no parabens, silicones, mineral oils, or synthetic dyes. 

Herbal Essences Smoothing Conditioner

You may say this is the best conditioner for straight hair. This conditioner is suitable for all hair types, particularly straight hair, and helps to prevent hair breakage. It’s also a lighter option for individuals who prefer not to use hefty hair treatments. If you have regular, uncolored hair, this is a beautiful conditioner that is also reasonably priced. It has a delightful smell that will entice everyone in just one minute. It also leaves the hair thick, lustrous, and moisturized.

We appreciate that it contains jojoba, which is proven to promote hair suppleness and protect against breakage. It’s also cruelty-free, pH-balanced, and color-safe.

Nexxus Humectress Ultimate Moisture Conditioner

Silicones certainly make your hair appear smooth and shiny, but they can also build up on it, creating an undesirable residue and weighing it down. Enter this silicone-free conditioner formulation: “It restores lost nutrients and is an excellent solution for dry hair,” remarked a customer. However, sulfates are present in the ingredients; keep this in mind if you are allergic to them. If you don’t mind that, this is worth a try. This conditioner is quite large, and it comes in a giant container that lasts forever. 

Keo Karpin Hair Oil 

The Keo Karpin Hair Oil is the ultimate multitasker. This hair oil is suitable for any hair type. It contains mineral oil, arachis oil, scent, olive oil, and wheat germ oil. The oil strengthens your hair shaft from root to tip. The mixture is non-sticky and will keep your hair looking gorgeous and shining all day. The smell is relaxing. The mixture contains olive oil, which has proven to be effective in protecting your hair from external contaminants and stress. The oil is suitable for dry, oily, and regular hair types.

Herbal Essences BioRenew Hydrate Coconut Milk Shampoo and Conditioner

Herbal Essences products, which contain coconut extract and aloe, are suitable for all hair types. Coconut Milk Shampoo infuses moisture into hair, making it more manageable and less prone to breakage. This product is unique in that it smoothes and repairs hair for a more beautiful appearance. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew has endorsed the botanicals used in these recipes. There are complex scents of vivid coconut, white florals, and vanilla. Consumer testers also praised these infusions: “My dry hair was much more moisturized,” one tester exclaimed.

Aussie 3-Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioner

To be fair, this is more of a cross between a typical conditioner and a mask—it works swiftly like a conditioner but provides the same amount of deep hydration as a mask. The combination of jojoba and avocado oils provides lots of deep hydration. It works extremely well on the hair, and we can notice the results immediately after finishing the washing session. We also enjoy that it works in only three minutes and costs less than three bucks. However, finer hair types may find it too heavy to use daily.

Mane Club Wavy Baby Wave Texture Spray

It is fair to claim that this is one of the greatest hair products for waves. Not only does Mane Club’s formula smell fantastic, but it’s one of the few wave sprays that doesn’t leave hair crunchy or stiff.

The rose and cactus water-infused recipe provides the hair with the ideal amount of body and structure, and we appreciate that this selection does not feel gritty like some other beach wave texture sprays. Another advantage: Wavy Baby is lightweight and won’t weigh your hair down, so you can spritz it on clean hair and skip washing it for days.

Moroccanoil All-In-One Leave-in Conditioner

Moroccanoil All In One Leave-in Conditioner is a quick way to detangle and hydrate your hair. This drugstore conditioner features a lightweight composition that provides long-lasting suppleness. It is a multi-purpose spray suitable for practically all hair types. It acts as a shield to protect your hair from breakage and thermal damage.

The product works better than a typical conditioner since it contains antioxidant-rich argan oil and pure amino acids, which boost hair strength and aid in damage healing. It also contains vital fatty acids, vitamins, and naturally occurring carbohydrates that protect hair from dryness. This product is cruelty-free. Several reviewers praise how this shampoo leaves their hair feeling silky and nourished.

INFINITI PRO BY CONAIR 1875W Hair Dryer

The INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR 1875W Hair Dryer uses ceramic technology and frizz-fighting conditioning ions to reduce heat damage and add shine to hair strands. The ergonomic hair dryer distributes heat evenly on your hair for a speedier drying experience.

It also includes a cold shot button to lock in the style, as well as three heat and two-speed options for individual styling. This styling device includes a concentrator nozzle for targeted styling and a professional diffuser for styling various textured hair types.

Flawless by Gabrielle Union Hydrating Curl Refresher Hair Spray 

The Gabrielle Union Flawless Hydrating Curl Refresher Hair Spray enhances your curls, coils, and beachy waves like a professional. This hair spray/heat protectant contains nutritious nutrients such as passion fruit seed oil, rice oil complex, acai palm oil, Brazilian bacuri butter, moringa seed oil, coconut oil, and lilac leaf extract. Lilac restores luster to your curls.

The product does not include sulfates, parabens, or silicones. It complements natural, color-treated, or relaxed hair.

Conclusion

The top drugstore hair products transformed the business. They were both affordable and accessible, and they produced outstanding results for people with different hair types. From reviving shampoos to nourishing conditioners and inventive styling products, drugstore brands outperformed expectations. Celebrities and influencers embraced these items, removing the stigma attached to them. Everyone can now easily keep great hair thanks to online buying. The route to beautiful, healthy hair no longer needed a large expenditure; it became a symbol of empowerment and inclusivity, demonstrating that beauty has no price tag.