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A Pro Hairstylist Tells Us Her Must-Have Products…and They’re All Under $25!
Here's how a pro shops the drugstore aisles.
While $400 blowdryers and $154 shampoos are all well and good--if we’re honest, as much as we love a luxury splurge now and then, discovering a beauty super-bargain is usually a lot more satisfying--and totally free of post-purchase panic. With this in mind, we asked Priv pro hairstylist Jainie Diaz to share with us the tried-and-true hair products that deliver professional-quality results for under $25 a pop. Ahead, her 11 favorites.
Jainie’s Shampoo Pick: Kiehl's Amino Acid Shampoo
Why she loves it: “Even as a professional hairstylist it's hard to find a shampoo that can help cleanse my clients’ hair without overly drying,” says Diaz, who credits this product's amino acids, coconut oil and phyto peptides with cleansing, hydrating and strengthening hair.
Jainie’s Conditioner Pick: Kiehl's Amino Acid Conditioner
Why she loves it: “I love the fact that this conditioner is silicone-free, which will prevent your hair from being weighed down,” says Diaz. Also in its favor: amino acids that strengthen strands’ building blocks, as well as coconut and jojoba oils, which provide suppleness and softness.
Jainie’s Serum Pick: CHI Keratin Silk Infusion
Why she loves it: “The first time I used this serum on my clients’ tresses, it was love at first touch!” says Diaz of the alcohol- and paraben-free silkening serum. “It will leave your hair frizz-free and silky, extend the life of your hairstyle, and improve damage.” Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. “You can apply mid-shaft to the ends of the hair before styling, as a heat protector prior to flat ironing or blowdrying, or as a finishing serum.”
BUY FROM: Bed Bath & Beyond, $14.99
Jainie’s Gel Pick: Matrix Biolage Gelee All-Purpose Gel
Why she loves it: “The blue agave ingredient leaves hair so lustrous,” says Diaz, who recommends applying a small dollop of the gel to damp hair—don’t oversaturate!—to amp up hold, body, shine, and control without even a trace of stiffness.
Jainie’s Dry Shampoo Pick: Wella EIMI Dry ME Dry Shampoo
Why she loves it: “Wow!” is how Diaz sums up this dry shampoo’s superpowers, which she credits with helping to refresh pretty much any hairstyle when spritzed at the roots by absorbing oil, adding texture, and building sexy volume.
Jainie’s Brush Pick: Wet Brush Shine Brush
Why she loves it: “This is a must-have for achieving detangling, shine, and smoothness,” says Diaz, who loves how the Mongolian boar and nylon bristles evenly distribute hair’s natural oils to keep locks as healthy as possible. While the workhorse of a brush gets most styling jobs done, Diaz has one favorite way to use it: combing conditioner through hair while you’re still in the shower: “This will feel like heaven while your detangling your hair.” Another bonus: It’s amazingly gentle on natural hair, extensions, and wigs.
Jainie’s Hairspray Pick: Matrix Total Results High Amplify Hairspray Flexible Hold
Why she loves it: “This is my go-to spray for added body, volume, and texture—static-free. It will help you achieve Victoria’s Secret runway hair!,” she says of the silicone-free formula infused with hair protective proteins.
Jainie’s Hairdryer Pick: Revlon Essentials Cord Control Styler
Why she loves it: “This blowdryer is a game changer,” says Diaz. While a folding handle and retractable cord keep it compact, its ceramic ionic technology works just as will as the big guns at reducing dry time and frizz and adding glossy shine.
Jainie’s Flat Iron Pick: Remington S5500 Digital Anti Static Ceramic Hair Straightener
Why she loves it: “The Remington S5500 has the power of a salon grade flat iron without having to pay salon prices,” according to Diaz. It has pro features like digital controls and a speedy 30-second heat-up that tops out at 410 degrees if you activate its “turbo boost.”
BUY FROM: Amazon, SALE $16.03 (Regularly $19.96, 20% Off!)
Jainie’s Curling Iron Pick: Pro Beauty Tools 24-Hour Curls Professional Gold Curling Iron
Why she loves it: “This is one of the first curling irons I invested in and don't regret it,” says Diaz. “People will stop you and ask, ‘What did you use?’” The reason it’s such a winner? “It has 24K gold-plated plates, which help lock in curls or waves for hours.”
Jainie’s Hair Roller Pick: Conair Jumbo Hair Roller Travel Set
Why she loves them: “If you need to take a break from over-processing your hair with irons, this is my recommendation for you,” says Diaz. Old-school velvet rollers add beautiful volume, bounce, and smoothness your hair while buffering strands from potentially damaging heat.
Want a pro like Jainie to come to you? Whether it's a massage, manicure, haircut or beauty booking of your choice, Priv's got you covered. And don't even worry about schlepping to a spa or salon—the professionals will come to your home. Download Priv now and use promo code privnow20 for $20 off of your first booking.
