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Best Drugstore/Budget Friendly Hair Products

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at St. John's chapter.

As a college student who is teetering on the edge of a completely empty bank account, there is nothing that gives me more joy than finding a good, quality product at a drugstore and/or budget friendly cost. And of course, I wouldn’t be myself without constantly finding myself wandering within the self-care aisles wherever I go. Throughout my countless journeys within self-care and hair care aisles, I have been through many-a-product and found quite a few reliable, quality, and affordable options. 

  1. Batiste Dry Shampoo
    • If you buy anything from this list, let it be this dry shampoo. I am a personal fan of the original version, however, Batiste has a range of dry shampoos for different textures, colors, and hair issues. This dry shampoo blends into my hair so perfectly and is the perfect life saver for those days when washing your hair seems like it should just be tomorrow’s issue.
  2. OGX Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco Penetrating Oil
    • I know that this one is a mouthful but it is also a giant miracle in a little bottle. As someone who has been consistently bleaching her hair since approximately 7th grade (writing that made me feel extremely old), my hair should be very dry due to all that I’ve put it through. I honestly attribute so much of my hair’s strength and health to this product. This miracle, I mean oil, keeps my hair moisturized and tamed without looking overly greasy or shiny.
  3. Kristin Ess Hair Instant Lift Thickening Spray
    • Kristin Ess is overall one of my favorite drugstore brands that feels like a luxury, salon-quality product. This spray is so essential to building volume and adding lift to flat hair. This is another product that I have previously tested and I 100% love it. Again, due to all the trauma I’ve put my hair through, it has its moments of damage including its tendency to lay very flat and close to my scalp. Spraying this on my hair before I blow-dry it has been an essential tool in bringing back some volume. 
  4. It’s A 10 Miracle Leave-In Product
    • This leave-in comes highly recommended by every single person I know who has used it. It leaves your hair nourished and moisturized. Additionally, the It’s A 10 Miracle Leave-In Product is a heat protectant, meaning you can blow dry your hair after applying it and your hair will be safe from any heat damage. Although it is on the pricier side compared to other products on this list, It’s A 10 Miracle Leave-In Product is most definitely worth it. 
  5. SheaMoisture Smoothie Curl Enhancing Cream Coconut and Hibiscus
    • According to friends with textured and curly hair, the SheaMoisture Smoothie Curl Enhancing Cream is a must-have. It moisturizes and refreshes hair without weighing it down. When using this cream you should be advised to be cautious of how much you are using as a little goes a long way and too much could leave hair feeling greasy.
Grace Kelly

St. John's '25

Grace is in her second year at St. John's University majoring in Adolescent Education with a concentration in English. She enjoys reading, writing, exploring the city, and watching rom-coms in her free time.