4 Drugstore Product Staples Under $10

You’ve just decided to begin your hair journey – you’ve been through the blogs and YouTube videos, you’ve asked your friends for advice, and you’re super ready to begin caring for and maintaining your transitioning (or newly natural) hair.

With all the product selections out there, it can get a little expensive to keep buying products, and you don’t want to spend more money than you have to.

Here are a few popular products that you can pick up at almost every store without breaking your bank. Each product is less than $10.

1. EcoStyler

If you’re looking for a quick styler for your wash n’ gos, look no further! EcoStyler* gel costs around $4 depending on the size of the jar. Stores usually have a few different types of Eco gel to choose from, with different hold options depending on your needs.

A big reason why this gel is so great is that it doesn’t contain crazy or harsh chemicals and it’s also water based. EcoStyler* is especially good for wet styling, but it can be used for dry styling as well. This gel will leave your hair shiny, just make sure not to use too much so your hair won’t be hard!

2. Cantu leave in conditioning cream

Cantu leave in conditioner* is a popular item for many naturalistas. You can find this in most drug stores as well – they have the regular as well as the argan oil* formulae.

There are two ways to use this product: the first way is to apply it as a moisturizer/leave-in conditioner* to wet or dry hair.

The second involves applying it to your hair, putting on a shower cap*, and sleeping with it overnight. This will add some extra, and often much needed moisture to your strands.

3. Shea Moisture Shampoo

Shampoo may be a difficult thing to start searching for when you first begin your journey. Many blogs and vlogs have probably already told you to avoid sulfates (usually sodium laurel sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate in product ingredients) like the plague.

If you shop in certain stores, this may limit your product selection tremendously. Shea Moisture* does a great job of filling in the ‘natural’ gap at big retailers.

They have a variety of shampoos, from moisturizing to clarifying, so simply decide what your hair needs more. Although the product hits the $10 limit, it’s definitely worth it, especially if you don’t shampoo your hair too often – the product will last for a while.

4. VO5 conditioner

VO5 conditioner is a hit or miss for most ladies, but with such a cheap price tag it’s at least worth a try. VO5 conditioners are extremely cheap, which makes it easy to stock up on them for future use.

Depending on the store you go to, one conditioner shouldn’t cost more than $3. It’s a cheap alternative to other conditioners, and if your hair likes it then you don’t have anything to lose! For some extra oomph while using this product, add your favorite oil to give more slip.

These are some of the most popular and cost effective products out there, however you can definitely find more while you look. Keep experimenting until you find what your hair likes, and you won’t have to spend a fortune to be able to do it!

What are your favorite (and cheap) drugstore goodies?