Passionate author specializing in the vibrant world of hairstyling. With a knack for unraveling trends and sharing expert insights, Marissa crafts engaging content on the latest hairstyles, techniques, and industry innovations. Committed to empowering readers with knowledge, inspiration, and the confidence to embrace their unique style.
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Affordable hair products that deliver a million-dollar look.
If your summer budget, like mine, swells when it comes to weekend getaways and poolside parties, you’ll be thrilled to know there are ways to cut the cost of your hair products without compromising on the look. We scoured Instagram to uncover what beauty influencers use on their locks to look fabulous without breaking the bank. Here are five standout products that cost less than $20 but perform like a charm.
L’Oreal’s Elvive Glycolic Gloss is the product we didn’t know we needed! This 17% Gloss Complex Lamination Treatment, enriched with glycolic acid, offers an instant silky feel on wet hair. Once dry, your hair remains silky smooth to the touch, with a shine that lasts for days and intensifies with each use.
Certified trichologist Abbey Yung couldn’t be more excited: “It makes my hair so soft and shiny, and it smells incredible!” she exclaims. For best results, apply a generous amount to damp hair from lengths to tips, leave it on for five minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo isn’t just for dandruff anymore. Abbey Yung, who has dealt with seborrheic dermatitis forever, reveals that this condition, often mistaken for a dry scalp, is actually oily and needs deep cleansing.
She uses Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo as a spot treatment on areas prone to dermatitis. This shampoo’s active ingredient, zinc, is essential for combating the itchiness and flakiness associated with seborrheic dermatitis.
Curl lovers, rejoice! Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Hard Hold Gel offers a lasting definition with a maximum hold level of 5. Formulated with rice curl complex, this gel is free from silicones, parabens, alcohol, phthalates, and sulfates. It hydrates and defines curls, providing long-lasting frizz control.
Kelsy, a natural hair and beauty influencer from New Jersey/New York City, swears by it: “It is flake-free and safe for color-treated natural hair like mine.” For application, start with a quarter-sized amount, scrunch it into wet hair, and let it dry. Increase the amount as needed for perfect curls.
Zotos Professional All About Curls High Definition Gel is a must-have for all curl types. This alcohol-free styling gel locks in moisture and boosts shine without the dreaded crunch. Kelsy praises its ultra hold and vegan formula, which is free from SLS/SLES sulfates, silicones, and parabens.
“The definition holds well with this product, making it a gel I would recommend,” she states. User comments echo her sentiment: “Such beautiful results. I haven’t tried this brand, but I need to.”
Last but not least, EVA NYC H2-Whoa! Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner is a hero for thirsty hair. This leave-in conditioner detangles and conditions, delivering hydrated, healthy-looking hair with reduced frizz. Infused with hyaluronic acid and vegan collagen, it’s clinically proven to keep hair conditioned and manageable for 48 hours. It’s safe for keratin, Brazilian, and color-treated hair, making it a standout on skincarewithshelbs’ list of products under $20.
@evahairnyc
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Featured images via @evahairnyc, @zotosprofessional.
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