If you’re spending a small fortune on premium-priced hair products, you might be wondering whether drugstore formulas are suitable replacements for your go-to products.
Drugstore hair products aren’t what they used to be. The hair industry has made progress by leaps and bounds with products in the past two decades. There’s far more variety than there used to be as well, with many drugstore hair care brands expanding into more diverse, inclusive product lines.
The most apparent difference between drugstore and premium hair products is price. Some premium products cost as much as $60 per bottle, whereas drugstore options often cost less than 10 percent of that.
Results are subjective when it comes to hair products, no matter how affordable or expensive. It’s not unusual for consumers to reach for some drugstore options over premium ones based on results.
Keep in mind that the vast price differences between premium and drugstore hair products may boil down to ingredient quality which may impact results. Some premium hair products have specialty formulations with high-end ingredients, such as this Redken deep conditioner. Products like these manage specific concerns, and the high concentration of their quality ingredients may yield better results.
Drugstore hair products, on the other hand, may lack the high-quality formulation of their expensive counterparts. That’s not to say they won’t deliver satisfactory results, though. In some cases, specific drugstore formulas are every bit as effective as premium ones.
Dupes are more affordable versions of high-end beauty products. While it’s most often associated with cosmetics and skincare, there are quite a few drugstore copies of premium hair care products.
Finding quality drugstore swaps involves research as well as a bit of trial and error. Some blogs and beauty influencers dedicate much of their content to finding inexpensive swaps, going as far as offering comprehensive side-by-side comparisons. As expected, this makes your swap choice a simple one.
For premium hair products that don’t seem to have a known inexpensive version, consumers often begin their search by looking for drugstore formulas with similar ingredients.
Results are everything in the world of hair, and it’s no surprise that consumers want to see them sooner rather than later. However, no matter what a product’s marketing promises, results are rarely instantaneous.
Shampoo and conditioner, for example, may need to be used for several washes before consumers begin to notice results. This is also true with many hair products that target damage and dryness, including leave-in conditioners and some hydrating products.
However, many thermal care products may produce quicker, more noticeable results. For instance, flat iron spray and frizz serum may manage flyaways and frizz within minutes of application and heat styling.
For the most part, drugstore hair products cost from $2-$16. Some value packs, like shampoo and conditioner duos, may run closer to $20-$25 depending on their sizes.
Wondering which drugstore hair products are worth trying? Here are a few popular options that are bestsellers.
L’Oreal Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray
Hair spray is considered a staple hair product since it helps keep styles in place. L’Oreal Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray, touted as the gold standard for Red Carpet events, offers a weightless hold that is humidity- and sweat-resistant.
Sold by Ulta
SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Hair Masque
Hydration masks can soothe and smooth dry, dehydrated hair, not to mention they may help restore shine. SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Hair Masque has a luscious formula with manuka honey and mafura oil that locks in moisture from root to tip.
Sold by Amazon
John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum
Hair serum is considered a go-to product to boost shine and control frizz. For example, John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum is infused with silk protein and seaweed extract to smooth hair and repel humidity.
Sold by Ulta
Dry shampoo makes it easy to keep hair looking clean between washings. A long-standing favorite, Batiste Original Dry Shampoo, is praised for its subtle clean scent and residue-free finish.
Sold by Ulta
Hask Argan Oil Repairing Conditioner
Repairing conditioners may help protect hair from long-term dryness and damage, especially from color treatment or heat styling. Hask Argan Oil Repairing Conditioner softens and smooths hair, leaving it with a silky, glossy finish once it’s dry.
Sold by Ulta
Tresemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray
It’s essential to protect hair during heat styling, including straightening and curling. Tresemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray is a heat-activated product that creates a smooth, protective layer that helps heat-styling tools glide through hair.
Sold by Ulta
Aussie Headstrong Volume Mousse
A bit of volumizing mousse goes a long way when it comes to lifting roots. Aussie Headstrong Volume Mousse, which works well with fine hair, boosts volume and holds it in place all day long.
Sold by Amazon
Got2b Glued Styling Spiking Glue
Gel is a style-defining essential for curls, spikes and chunky layers. Popular for its water-resistant formula, Got 2b Glued Styling Spiking Glue offers a strong hold, even in humid conditions.
Sold by Ulta
L’Oreal EverPure Sulfate-Free Purple Shampoo
Purple shampoo minimizes brassy tones on color-treated hair, including blonde and gray shades. L’Oreal EverPure Sulfate-Free Purple Shampoo is a non-stripping, sulfate-free formula that hydrates hair while it neutralizes tones.
Sold by Ulta
Love Beauty and Planet Delightful Detox Shampoo Scrub
Detox shampoos, which have risen in popularity, lift product build-up from the scalp and hair. Love Beauty and Planet Delightful Detox Shampoo Scrub, one of the most affordable options on the market, uses naturally-derived ingredients like charcoal, menthol and bergamot.
Sold by Ulta
Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Softening Hair Oil
Hair oil coats strands in a glassy veil of moisture and makes hair easier to style. Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Softening Hair Oil, for example, is formulated with aloe, shea butter and sweet almond oil and is suitable for most types of curly hair.
Sold by Amazon
Pantene Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner
Sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner sets are ideal for everyday use because they’re gentle on hair. Pantene Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner has a pro-vitamin formula with moisturizing rose extract. It’s free of harsh chemicals like parabens, dyes and mineral oil.
Sold by Amazon
Not Your Mother’s All Eyes on Me 10-in-1 Hair Perfector
Save time and money by investing in an all-in-one hair product. Not Your Mother’s All Eyes on Me 10-in-1 Hair Perfector is a feature-rich option that moisturizes, strengths, manages frizz and even offers thermal protection.
Sold by Ulta
Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate Shampoo
Nourishing shampoos are often recommended for dry or damaged hair from overprocessing. Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate Shampoo is a creamy, luxurious formula that soothes parched hair with aloe, shea butter and coconut oil.
Sold by Ulta
OGX Flexible Aspen Extract Dry Texturizing Spray
When it comes to beachy waves or air-dried hair, a texturizing spray is the perfect finishing touch. OGX Flexible Aspen Extract Dry Texturizing Spray is excellent due to its lightweight formula that creates fullness and offers an all-day hold.
Sold by Ulta
Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Intensely Smooth Conditioning Cream
Leave-in conditioners are a favorite post-wash product for their smoothing, softening potential. Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Intensely Smooth Conditioning Cream has an Argan oil infusion that manages frizz and leaves hair shiny.
Sold by Amazon
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Sian Babish writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
