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 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.
(This post contains affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.)
This is a shampoo that is pretty popular in the relaxed hair community and is usually recommended as a good option for a moisturizing shampoo.
This is supposed to be a hydrating shampoo that claims that it "removes excess oils from hair and scalp without stripping. Decreases interfiber friction. Repairs damaged areas along the hair shaft and fly-away split ends. Improves cuticle alignment. Contains natural botanical extracts. pH-balanced."
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 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: Amazon, Target, Walmart, CVS, Sally BeautyThis 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 Hello Hydration Conditioner
This one is an oldie but goodie in the relaxed hair world. It's been touted as a good co-washing option and a good rinse-out conditioner. I've used it once for my conditioner-based pre-shampoo treatment.
It provides really good moisture for a rinse-out conditioner. In fact, it claims that its "deep moisture system leaves hair nourished and soft while being color safe & pH balanced." It does have coconut extract in the ingredient list and even has a coconut scent so if you or your hair doesn't like it, this may not be a good option.
6. Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioning Repair Cream
Where to purchase: Target, Walmart, Sally Beauty, AmazonThis 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, worked on my damp and dry hair, and would leave my hair feeling soft and moisturized.
7. Luster's S-Curl "No Drip" Activator & Moisturizer
Where to purchase: Sally BeautyIf you’re looking for a liquid moisturizer I would recommend this one. After seeing several other relaxed hair influencers swear by this I decided to give it a try. I’ve used it as part of a nightly moisturizing and sealing routine and have woken up to soft, moisturized hair.
This a fair warning to those who have a lot of texture in their relaxed hair like me. This tends to bring out that texture when I’d rather have my hair looking smooth so I haven’t made this a regular part of my hair regimen.
Jamaican 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.
8. Sunny Isle Extra Dark Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Where to purchase: Target, Sally BeautyJamaican 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.
9. OGX Extra Strength Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Penetrating Hair Oil Serum
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.
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