The claim: This brush-on powder removes dirt and oil and leaves hair soft and healthy-looking. You can use it for a midday touch-up or when you don't want to dry out your scalp with regular shampoo.
Why we're obsessed: "Typically by 5 p.m., my morning-showered hair looks like I've gone days without shampoo due to the fact that I have fine, thin hair," says Senior Associate Editor Anna Jimenez. "This powder instantly soaks up oil and matches my brown hair color so I don't have those telltale 'I was too lazy to shower again' white roots that I get so often with other dry shampoos. It also lasts a long time, which always makes a product splurge-worthy to me. I worship this stuff."
The claim: This light oil is absorbed by hair instantly and gives a natural, silky finish without leaving residue. It also restores damaged hair and helps controls frizz.
Why we're obsessed: "There are a ton of copycats out there, but no oil performs silky smooth magic on my hair like MoroccanOil," says Assistant Editor Sharon Yi. "It's expensive, but the bottle lasts a long time and it's totally worth the feeling of being able to run your hands through your hair effortlessly."
The claim: It's a fast-drying hairspray that instantly controls and completes any style while adding shine.
Why we're obsessed: "Do you know how hard it is to find a hairspray that's lightweight enough to feel natural, yet powerful enough to set your style and make it last all day?" asks Assistant Editor Jane Kim. "This is the only spray I've found that actually meets both requirements -- the second you spray the super-fine mist onto your hair and run your hand over it, all of the flyaways disappear. I would much rather give up my monthly manicure than use a cheaper hairspray."
The claim: This sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner gently cleanse without stripping color and hydrate hair with botanicals like peppermint, sage, and rosemary.
Why we're obsessed: "I have long, thick hair, and I always worry that it's about to dry out," says Associate Editor Alexis Finc. "But once the shampoo hits my hair, it instantly rejuvenates everything, from my scalp to my ends. Plus, it smells so good -- it's this wonderful minty blend that makes my scalp tingle. The conditioner does the same, and after a blow dry, my hair feels soft, smells delicious, and doesn't look dull."
The claim: It's a root volumizing spray that gives hair flexibility and elasticity and uses natural botanicals to add volume, plus protein to strengthen hair, and vitamins to add shine. UV absorbers also protect color from fading.
Why we're obsessed: "As someone with perpetually flat hair, I feel like I've tried every volumizing spray out there," says Senior Editor Sarah Carrillo. "Most either do absolutely nothing, or they do volumize but also leave my hair feeling dry or coated in product. This, on the other hand, gives me plenty of volume but doesn't feel like I have anything in my hair. For me, bouncy, soft hair that doesn't fall flat by the end of the day is worth almost any price."
We have a policy here at Total Beauty: The more a product costs, the more it needs to wow us. A $2 lip gloss that's a little sticky? Meh, we can deal. A $30 lip gloss that pulls the same stunt -- sorry, that's just not going to fly.
This is especially true when it comes to salon hair products. We're not ones to shell out tons of cash when we know there's a bargain equivalent at the drugstore. But then there are the products that truly live up to their price tag. The shine serum that leaves our hair amazingly healthy-looking but not greasy. The frizz cream that works even in 90 percent humidity. The dry shampoo that let's us be a little (OK, a lot) lazy.
When it comes to miracle salon hair products like these, we're more than happy to hand over our credit cards. It's worth it when we can consistently have soft, shiny, frizz-free, volumized, healthy, a-ma-zing hair. Bottom line: We're willing to spend if it means better results.
If you're on the fence when it comes to salon hair products, check out this list of our staffs' can't-live-without-'em favorites. We know there are other ways to spend our money, but frankly, who needs another latte or a new pair of shoes when you're having a good hair day every day?
