A guide to what hair products to use and what to stay away from

Do you know if your hair products are harmful to your health or hair? If you don’t, no worries! Here I will guide you through products to stay away from and show you a list of reliable and affordable products. 

On a daily basis, we use hair products to make our hair clean, healthy and stylish. It’s important to know what you’re putting in your hair, but sometimes it’s hard to know right from wrong with how vast the internet is today. But do not fret! This guide will help you find your perfect hair products! 

Let’s start off with products you should stay away from. It’s not surprising news that we use border-line safe chemicals in our beauty products. But within the past decade people have started to care more about what exactly those chemicals are and how they can affect your health. 

Dry Shampoo Recall

Days before the kick-off to Halloween weekend, hair companies Dove, Suave, TRESemmé, Nexxus, Bed Head, and Rockaholic had to recall all of their dry shampoos. The cause of the recall came from an independent lab that found high traces of a cancerous chemical called Benzene. To learn more about the discovery of Benzene in dry shampoo, CNN provides an excellent article. ABC 7 News provides an exact list of the dry shampoos that were recalled. Although they have been removed from all stores, I highly suggest throwing away your dry shampoo if it’s on this list and bought before the recall. I love to use dry shampoo when I’m in a rush and I want my hair to look good. And even though I had a full can of Dove Invisible Dry Shampoo – I threw it away. 

Due to the vast amounts of dry shampoo being recalled I decided to stop using the hair product altogether instead of searching for a new and safe brand. 

Shampoo and Conditioner

Deva curl

This shampoo and conditioner is not worth its price. Deva curl shampoo and conditioner  causes split ends and hair loss.   

 Pantene 

If you talk to any professional hair stylist they will tell you to keep your hair far from Pantene hair products. I’ve used Pantene conditioner and shampoo before and my hair still felt dirty after taking a shower. The ingredients are very unnatural and can cause hair loss if you use other shampoo and conditioner products with it. 

Hair Spray

John Frieda Frizz Ease

If there was a hairspray that I could give a 0 out of 5 stars, it would be this product. I bought it because my hair was becoming very frizzy from the humidity in Washington DC. Just by spraying a little bit made my hair heavy, very oily, and crusty. It didn’t solve my frizzy hair issue. Even after taking a shower I still felt residue on my scalp. 

Now let’s get to the fun part! Here are hair products you should try out!

Dry Shampoo

Amika Perk-Up Dry Shampoo

This is my favorite dry shampoo as it makes my hair feel light and fresh. If you’re looking for a talc-free dry shampoo this is a great option. The smell is amazing and it doesn’t leave any white residue on your hair. This is also a very long lasting dry shampoo. Though you shouldn’t leave your hair dirty for too long this dry shampoo is great if you do.   

Moroccanoil dry shampoo

This product is amazing for lighter hair tones and works very well with absorbing excess oil. Moroccanoil dry shampoo is long lasting and it makes your hair look fresh and not like you used dry shampoo. 

Shampoo and Conditioner

Nexxus Shampoo and conditioner

Though the price is questionable, this shampoo and conditioner makes your hair silky smooth and soft. Recommended more for people with non oily hair, as it can make hair produce more oil and can cause breakouts. It is long lasting, if you wanted you could leave your hair unwashed for up to two days after washing it. 

Living Proof Shampoo and conditioner

This shampoo and conditioner is very hydrating and is great for dry hair. If you want wavy hair, living proof haircare defines the waves in your hair. Depending how much you wash your hair, only use this 1-2 times a week.

Monday Hair Shampoo and conditioner

This shampoo and conditioner combo is very hydrating and is especially great for dry hair. Monday haircare gives more of a volume effect on natural hair. It is recommended that this shampoo and conditioner is not used every time you wash your hair. Depending on how much you wash your hair, only use this 1-2 times a week.

Moroccanoil shampoo and conditioner

This shampoo and conditioner is great for bringing back elasticity, shine and manageability back to your hair.

Bumble and Bumble thickening shampoo and conditioner

If you ever wanted your hair to grow thicker, this shampoo and conditioner is just for you. You will get your money’s worth with this hair product and won’t feel like you wasted it. Also if you want a subtle and nice perfume smell product, this is the best product. Even though I am reviewing this one product from BB, I recommend all their products!

Hask shampoo and conditioner

This shampoo and conditioner is great for delicate hair and if you suffer from a dry and itchy scalp. The price is great as you get both bottles in your purchase on Amazon. Reviews say that their hair felt very light after using it, one warning is to make sure it doesn’t get into your eyes as it can burn pretty bad. 

Heat Protectant

BB Heat Protectant

I personally use this Bumble and Bumble hair product and I’m obsessed with it! Before I used this my ends were not looking good. Once I added this to my daily routine I felt as if my hair became so healthy and soft. 

Briogeo Heat Protectant

If you’re willing to buy a pricey heat protectant this product won’t disappoint you. This heat protectant is great for dry, frizzy, thin, thick and curly hair. This is also safe product for already damaged hair. After using Briogeo your hair will feel smooth and soft and leave positive lasting effects. 

Hair Spray

L’Oreal Paris Hair Spray

As long as you like a scented hair spray you will enjoy L’Oreal Paris hair spray. If you need a travel size hairspray this is also a great travel hair product as it will pass TSA check and does not take up space. The spray holds your hair and does not leave any stickiness and is easy to bruh through. 

Bumble and Bumble Spray de mode

Though on the pricey side this hair spray is great for thin hair as it can keep curls in place. Don’t recommend it for people with thick hair cause the hold doesn’t last as long. Also has a nice scent to it if that doesn’t bother you.  

Hair Oil

Kerastase Hair Oil

This hair oil has been great for both thin and thick hair! This product smells great and leaves your hair oil free and helps with frizz – if you want your hair to glow this is a great product. It’s a little on the pricey side for almost 2 ounces, but it won’t leave you wallet empty as the bottle does last a long time even if you have long and thick hair.  

This guide helps start your search on what hair products are best for you. If you believe your hair can shine better, do research on the types of products. Look up what type of hair you have because not all five star hair products are good for you. Don’t rush when looking for your perfect product. Take your time and you’ll find the perfect combination out there, but I hope this guide helps put you down the right path to having the hair of your dreams.