008 A million products
With millions of products available, where should we start when looking for the right one? Here are a few places to begin.
Do we need to use products to achieve our dream hair?
No, products are there to help you achieve looks that your hair can't do on its own. But with such an oversaturated market, how do you know which products to choose? Finding products that offer good value for money can be challenging in today's competitive market, so we're here to help guide you.
Let's break this down into two types of products: washing and styling. When it comes to product usage, the recommended amounts are often just sales tactics to make you use more and buy more frequently. First, determine how often you want to use these products. While they provide guidelines, they won't suit everyone. Consider your current routine: how often do you wash your hair, and how frequently do you use styling products? You'll probably use less product than recommended, so consider the price point carefully when making your choice. While buying the cheaper option might seem budget-friendly, it could end up costing more in shampoo/conditioner if it makes your hair look worse and forces you to wash it more frequently.
Now that you're convinced about investing a bit more in your styling product, a quality water based one (avoid oil based) that washes out easily, you'll notice the benefits. You're using less product thanks to the styling tips you've learned from Root & Hue, which means each bottle lasts longer. Encouraged by your new styling routine, you've also decided to upgrade your washing products. Using less shampoo to remove styling products means both your hair care items last longer, saving you money in the long run. This combination works even better, and you're seeing your hair become healthier and stronger.
Now that we've explored the psychology of product marketing, let's focus on some products we recommend at R&H. These brands and products come in various price ranges. You may have heard of them and perhaps dislike them but if you do, that actually suggests you're making healthy choices for your hair.
Shampoo and Conditioner
OGX takes first place in our recommendations. You can find their shampoo and conditioner for around £4 each—sometimes even cheaper when on sale. This affordable brand offers excellent, nourishing shampoos with options for different hair types. Choose the product that matches your hair type, and you'll find these bottles last quite a while.
Olaplex comes with a steeper price point at around £18 for the shampoo and definitely offers higher quality ingredients. While it's advertised as an everyday wash shampoo which I disagree with, splashing out a bit more on this will help you feel the benefits and achieve stronger looking hair.
Ouai targeted at females this shampoo would be great for gents with longer hair looking for a product that really adds shine and bounce to your look. Altho the bounce maybe something you’re looking to avoid but this is a great foundation to build natural looking hair style.
Styling products
TIGI Bed Head Manipulator a blast from the past and the product that first got me into hair styling. At around £7, the pot is quite small, but it's such a strong product that you only need a little to get the full benefits. Its strong hold and frizz-fighting power is perfect for short to mid-length styles. For best results, apply when hair is 80-90% dry.
American Crew A classic brand in men's grooming, American Crew offers affordable products at around £10. They have a wide range of products for most hair types and lengths. They also offer washing products, making them well-rounded when it comes to overall hair health. Their Fiber product is especially good for short hair if you're looking for a matte finish.
Bumble and Bumble An elite hair brand from NYC with numerous noteworthy products. Let's focus on their Grooming Cream, which is best applied for mid to longer length hair. This might be the best product I've ever used. It does everything you'd want from a styling product everyone hates the frizz after washing their hair, but this cream instantly restores that perfect second or third-day look that's typically the sweet spot for styling. Make sure you apply it to damp hair and use a hairdryer for optimum results. While the price point is steeper at around £22, in my opinion, it's absolutely worth the investment.
Next week, we'll explore holiday hairstyles. We'll look at which styles work best for humidity and require minimal maintenance when packing space is limited from beach days to restaurant nights.
