The Only 7 Hair Products You Really Need
Full disclosure: I've got about $3,000 worth of hair products in my bathroom right now. Yes, I did the math. And yes, I'm as horrified as you are.
Related: 15 Best Hair Care Products Under $10
While my girlfriends who've stayed at my place love me for my hair product addiction ("Your bathroom is like the Sephora for hair!"), I'm about to stage a Dr. Drew-style intervention on myself. Styling creams and shine sprays spill out every time I open a cabinet, and there's no room to actually stand in the shower thanks to all the shampoos, conditioners, deep conditioners, scalp exfoliators, clarifying rinses … are you starting to see my problem?
Related: 15 Worst Shampoos
So I went to a few of my go-to hair experts to help me pare down. They filled me in on the only products I really need to create any hairstyle I'm after. Check out their list here. Then tell me -- do you agree? Or should I hang onto this amazing texturizing spray?
No. 1: Leave-in conditioner
While this may seem like an unnecessary extra step (you are conditioning in the shower after all), our experts say it's crucial. Marco Pelusi, owner of Marco Pelusi Hair Studio in West Hollywood, Calif., points out that leave-in conditioner helps you detangle and comb your hair more easily, which saves time. And Head & Shoulders celebrity hairstylist Sunnie Brook Jones says using a leave-in daily helps "keep hair hydrated and acts like a 'primer' before applying styling products."
If you have fine hair or are worried about volume, celebrity hairstylist Sarah Potempa recommends Aussie Mousse + Leave-In Conditioner, $4.99. "The combination of root-lifting volumizer and a soft, leave-in conditioner makes it really easy to style your hair. I always apply it before I blow dry," she says.
No. 2: A boar bristle brush
Both Potempa and celebrity colorist and owner of Juan Juan Salons in Beverly Hills, Calif., Jennifer J., love Mason Pearson boar bristle brushes because they "can create a perfect, sleek ponytail or a full, voluminous wave," Potempa says. But if you think the $170 price tag makes baldness sound appealing, rest assured that there are more affordable alternatives. Try the Denman Groomin Brush with Natural Boar Bristles & Nylon Pins, $15.99. It has a mix of natural boar bristles and nylon just like the Mason Pearson, but is a fraction of the price.
No. 3: Oil
Yes, everyone needs oil -- even those of us with baby fine hair. Jones points out that a good hair oil can keep ends polished and frizz-free, and of course add lots of shine. And there are formulas that won't make hair look greasy. Jennifer J. loves L'Oreal Serie Expert Mythic Oil, $30. "It's not an oily oil, but a luxurious moisturizing oil that won't weigh your hair down. It will actually cut your drying time down too," she says.
Celebrity hairstylist David Babaii recommends Couture Colour Pequi Oil, $12. It "not only provides shine but adds moisture and healing properties into the hair," he says. "You can even use it to refresh your hairstyle." Just add a few drops and brush through hair to add softness and shine.
No. 4: A salon-quality blow dryer
All our experts agree that a quality blow dryer is worth the investment. "Your hair won't look like you just got a professional blowout without a salon blow dryer," says Jennifer J. And Babaii adds, "A well-made, powerful dryer cuts drying time in half." Click here to see our experts' favorites.
No. 5: Heat protectant spray
If you're using hot tools, a heat protectant spray is a must. "With the power in modern blow dryers and the high heat of flat irons [450 degrees in some cases], we need to make sure our hair stays healthy to look its best," Potempa says. But if you're wary of putting yet another product on your hair, Babaii suggests a multi-tasking spray like IT&LY HAIRFASHION Pure Texture, $16.49. "[It] serves as a root booster and helps create those beach waves. You can also use it to protect against humidity and heat damage."
No. 6: A multiuse flat iron
Even if you don't straighten your hair, Pelusi and Potempa agree that a 1-inch flat iron is handy to have around. You can smooth out frizz around your hairline or even use it to add volume and waves to your hair.
No. 7: Dry shampoo
Most of us don't wash our hair every day, and most hairstylists agree that's a good thing. And while fewer washes may mean a healthier scalp and softer ends, it also can mean greasy roots and a smelly head. Which is why Jennifer J. calls dry shampoo "a girl's best friend." "It will get rid of the oil in your hair and add volume as well," she says. She recommends Tresemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo, $4.99.
Click here to see 4 more hair products you shouldn't live without.
More from TotalBeauty.com:
How to Straighten Hair Like a Pro
7 Fast Fixes for Hair Color Emergencies
14 Hair "Rules" You Have to Break
8 High-End Hair Products Worth Every Penny
