If you spend a lot of money on your hair, highlighting and coloring, you don’t want to skimp when it comes to buying haircare products. But high-end, salon-quality shampoos and conditioners are very expensive and can end up costing almost as much as the hair treatment itself!
Here is a list of my favorite lower-cost, but high-grade, haircare lines that you can buy without needing to apply for a loan…
Biolage
I’ve been using the Biolage line for many years and I can say I’ve never been disappointed with their products. The line boasts a high standard of performance with plant-based, biodegradable ingredients. Coming in at a price point half of most salon products, you can be confident you’re getting a quality haircare system for less.
I especially like the Keratindose Renewal Spray for its moisturizing and detangling benefits. I’ve used this for years to detangle my hair instantly after shampooing and conditioning. To help prevent breakage, don’t forget to use a wet brush!
Aveda
For nearly 10 years, I’ve been getting my hair done at an Aveda Salon. I love my incredible stylist and the way the company’s high-quality products condition and nourish my hair. I often leave an appointment with samples of different shampoos and conditioners to try at home. This allows me to sample the line before I decide to spend $25-35 for a bottle. Their products are 100% vegan and focused on sustainability.
I especially like the Botanical Repair Strengthening Conditioner. It’s the conditioner I’m currently using and I find it pairs well with any protein shampoo.
Joico K-Pak
I have always been a fan of Joico since it was introduced to me when I was a teenager. Back then the bleach used for highlighting was very strong and left my hair extremely dry and damaged. After one use of the K-Pak shampoo and conditioner, my hair feels remarkably smoother, bouncier, and more manageable.
The line has many benefits from anti-breakage to leaving hair 5x stronger. It is similarly priced to Biolage. I like the Defy Damage as it fights against UV, environmental, and heat damage. Check out this sample package to try before you buy!
L’Oreal
Originally founded in Paris in 1909, L’Oreal has been creating quality products for over 100 years. I like the EverPure line because it is 100% sulfate and paraban-free, contains no harsh salts, and is vegan. In other words, no harsh chemicals will be drying out your strands. The haircare system comes in a wide variety of options to best suit the needs of your hair and all for under $15!
I like the Brass Toning shampoo to rid my blonde hair of any unwanted brassy tones. Another great L’Oreal product is the Le Color One-Step Toning Gloss. There is no mixing, it boosts shine, and it can be used for color-treated or natural hair.
Pureology
Many years ago, I had a bit of a mishap when trying to highlight my own hair… let’s just say it turned the loveliest shade of orange! I rushed to a local salon where the stylist needed to process my hair twice with bleach to fix the mistake. Needless to say, this left me a dry and lifeless look. The stylist suggested Pureology and, after once use of the Hydrate shampoo and conditioner duo, I was a loyal fan.
Pureology products are 100% vegan and sulfate-free. The formula is condensed so you mix a small amount with water which makes a bottle last a long time. A bottle of shampoo will run you slightly more than Biolage or Joico but, with the high concentration of product, the cost evens out.
What are your favorite haircare lines for less?
