When it comes to hair products, you don’t have to spend big bucks to get luscious, star-worthy locks. In fact, when we polled several celebrity hairstylists on their favorite hair products, we were surprised that most of them waxed poetic not about the latest $500 hair serum, but about the amazing styling creams, sprays and tools that can be picked up at their local drugstore. Working on some of the hottest heads in the biz, these stylists test out all of the latest and greatest. So when they tell us the best hairspray is the one that costs under $15 and has been around for more than 20 years, we have to believe them. Because if their celeb clients don’t look good, they don’t look good.
Get gorgeous, bouncy locks with these 29 best drugstore hair products — celebrity approved and easy on the wallet.
[ Next: The Best Drugstore Makeup, According to Top Celebrity Makeup Artists ]
11 Hairstylists Share Their Favorite Drugstore Must Haves
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11 Hairstylists Share Their Favorite Drugstore Must Haves #1
“This is my favorite product due to its versatility. You can use it as an edge tamer and curl definer. It’s also great for slicked-back styles and looks that require a certain amount of definition. Not to mention, the natural ingredients are doubly important for girls who are embracing their natural textures.” –Larry Sims, celebrity hairstylist whose clients include Gabrielle Union, Danielle Brooks and Lupita Nyong'o
Smooth ’N Shine Polishing Olive and Tea Tree Revivoil Instant Edge Smoothing Pomade, $2.59 at Amazon
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11 Hairstylists Share Their Favorite Drugstore Must Haves #2
“You’d be surprised how many looks start with hair bands. A non-snagging elastic is an absolute must in my kit and I find the bigger ones are easier to work with." –Larry Sims
Goody Ouchless Hair Elastics, $2.47 at Amazon
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11 Hairstylists Share Their Favorite Drugstore Must Haves #3
“Since I work with a variety of celebrities, it’s important to have multiple shades to blend with most hair colors. I personally like the smaller size, as they are easier to hide and tend to create a tighter hold that will last throughout the day.” –Larry Sims
Karina Bobby Pins, $3.50 at Ulta
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11 Hairstylists Share Their Favorite Drugstore Must Haves #4
“It's made for kids, but it's actually amazing for everyone. It’s super light and conditioning and can be used every day as a leave-in conditioner for people with dry hair. It’s also great to take to the beach. Use it after you get out of the ocean, so your hair doesn't dry up from the salt water.” –Scott Cunha, celebrity hairstylist whose clients include: The Kardashian/Jenner Family, Lucy Hale and Kristin Cavallari
Paul Mitchell Kids Taming Spray, $10.26 at Amazon
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11 Hairstylists Share Their Favorite Drugstore Must Haves #5
“It’s really good for volume and similar to mousse, but doesn't get sticky.” –Scott Cunha
TIGI Catwalk Your Highness Root Boost Spray, $10.10 at Amazon
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11 Hairstylists Share Their Favorite Drugstore Must Haves #6
“It’s a really conditioning deep treatment. I like it because it’s all-natural, paraben-free and works really well.” –Scott Cunha
Burt’s Bees Hair Repair Shea & Grapefruit Deep Conditioner, $7.59 at Amazon
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11 Hairstylists Share Their Favorite Drugstore Must Haves #7
“I love Kardashian Beauty dry shampoo because it smells amazing and it’s a super affordable version that works really well to revive greasy roots. It’s not too heavy, so it doesn’t leave your scalp white.” –Scott Cunha
Kardashian Beauty Take 2 Dry Shampoo, $10.16 at Amazon
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11 Hairstylists Share Their Favorite Drugstore Must Haves #8
“This dryer is powerful and can help you easily achieve salon-quality results at home. I love its quick-drying power. It also has Ionic Technology, which leaves hair smooth and shiny after use.” –Johnny Lavoy, celebrity hairstylist whose clients include Cindy Crawford, Miranda Lambert and Ashley Monroe
PRO Beauty Tools Professional 1875W Ionic AC Motor Dryer, $39.99 at Target
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11 Hairstylists Share Their Favorite Drugstore Must Haves #9
“Protecting hair from heat damage is crucial. Not only does this product help protect hair, but it also offers maximum defense against breakage.” –Johnny Lavoy
Infusium 23 Repair & Renew Heat Tamer, $9.99 at Amazon
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11 Hairstylists Share Their Favorite Drugstore Must Haves #10
“A flexible hold hairspray is a must in my kit, which is why I love L'Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray. Hair is still soft, shiny and brushable after use.” –Johnny Lavoy
L'Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Extra Strong Hold with UV Filter, $10.82 at Amazon
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11 Hairstylists Share Their Favorite Drugstore Must Haves #11
“The conditioner I love to use on relaxed hair is the Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask. It moisturizers the hair with or without heat, leaves it with a great shine and most of all, feeling nice and soft. It's also the best conditioner to mend split ends.” –Takisha Sturdivant-Drew, celebrity hairstylist whose clients include Kerry Washington, Leona Lewis and Jill St. Marie
Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask, $5.99 at Amazon
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11 Hairstylists Share Their Favorite Drugstore Must Haves #12
“I also recommend using Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo once a week because it will remove product and buildup off of the hair and help make hair more manageable.” –Takisha Sturdivant-Drew
Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo, $4.59 at Amazon
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11 Hairstylists Share Their Favorite Drugstore Must Haves #13
“I always carry Marc Anthony True Professional Dream Waves Beach Spray. It is the perfect texturing spray and very versatile to achieve any look without weighing hair down. It’s perfect for all hair types to create textured hair, great voluminous looks or even stronger holding, more defined styles. It’s great for beach waves, braids, updos or just great natural, second-day hair.” –Marc Anthony, celebrity hairstylist whose clients include Catherine Zeta-Jones, Chris Martin and Kate Bosworth
Marc Anthony True Professional Dream Waves Beach Spray, $6.99 at Walgreens
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11 Hairstylists Share Their Favorite Drugstore Must Haves #14
“The Wet Brush is great for keeping hair from breaking while detangling when it's wet. It is so important to keep hair in optimal condition and wet hair is the most vulnerable.” –Marc Anthony
Wet Brush Limited Edition Holiday Wet Brush, $8.99 at Wet Brush
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11 Hairstylists Share Their Favorite Drugstore Must Haves #15
“Non-damaging hair elastics are key to have in our kits. They are the perfect accessory to help create a multitude of looks (like a messy pony, braid, half up/half down or messy bun) at home or on the go. I would suggest having two choices (small clear and larger covered) as they will create any look.” –Marc Anthony
Scünci No Damage Polybands, $3.49 at Rite Aid
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11 Hairstylists Share Their Favorite Drugstore Must Haves #16
“It doesn’t matter what celebrity I work on, everyone can always use an added volume boost. I love Schwarzkopf essence ULTIME Biotin+ Volume & Vitality because it’s universal and provides ample volume that lasts all day.” –Richard Collins, celebrity hairstylist whose clients include Selena Gomez, Ashley Tisdale and Vanessa Hudgens
Schwarzkopf essence ULTIME Biotin+ Volume & Vitality Root Lift Spray, $6.97 at Walmart
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11 Hairstylists Share Their Favorite Drugstore Must Haves #17
“I don’t go anywhere without a boar bristle paddle brush because it’s soft on the hair, causing less breakage and creates a smooth finish every time.” –Richard Collins
Conair Natural Shine Booster Boar Bristle Brush, $12.99 at CVS
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11 Hairstylists Share Their Favorite Drugstore Must Haves #18
“It sounds crazy, but I always keep a toothbrush in my kit. It doesn’t need to be fancy. In fact, the cheaper the better. I spritz a little hairspray over the bristles and gently finish off all looks, tame flyaways and banish frizz.” –Richard Collins
Reach Crystal Clean Toothbrushes, $2.00 at Amazon
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11 Hairstylists Share Their Favorite Drugstore Must Haves #19
“I love using the Moisture Replenisher Leave-In Smoothing Crème. It helps fight frizz and leaves your hair looking super soft and smooth.” –Enzo Angileri, celebrity hairstylist whose clients include Charlize Theron, Jennifer Lopez and Katie Holmes
Infusium 23 Moisture Replenisher Leave-In Smoothing Crème, $6.49 at Kmart
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11 Hairstylists Share Their Favorite Drugstore Must Haves #20
“Certain vitamins can keep your hair looking shiny and youthful and help it grow faster.” –Enzo Angileri
Nature's Bounty Optimal Solutions Hair, Skin & Nails Tablets, $6.99 at Drugstore.com
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11 Hairstylists Share Their Favorite Drugstore Must Haves #21
“This multipurpose foam is a staple in my kit. I use it to wrap, set, mold, shape and hold my clients' hair. It also creates a moisture barrier to help protect hair from heat styling, leaving hair shiny, conditioned and full of body. And I love that it’s infused with nourishing ingredients like wheat protein, macadamia and almond oils.” –Ursula Stephen, celebrity hairstylist whose clients include Rihanna, Iggy Azalea, Rita Ora, Mary J. Blige, Laverne Cox and Jordin Sparks
Motions Versatile Foam Styling Lotion, $9.99 at Amazon
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11 Hairstylists Share Their Favorite Drugstore Must Haves #22
“I love using this hairspray because it provides just the right amount of hold and still allows for comb through. It’s also layer-able, so you can keep spraying and spraying with out the helmet head effect.” –Ursula Stephen
TONI&GUY Casual Flexible Hold Hairspray, $14.40 at Amazon
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11 Hairstylists Share Their Favorite Drugstore Must Haves #23
“These are very versatile. You can use them at the gym or for a creative updo. They are lifesavers if you’re trying to grow out bangs and are in that awkward stage. I even use them on men if they have long hair and need to keep it out of their face.” –Sunnie Brook Jones, celebrity hairstylist whose clients include Hailee Steinfeld, Ashley Benson, Lana Del Rey, Imagine Dragons, Owen Wilson and Nick Kroll
Scünci No-Slip Grip Headbands, $3.89 at Amazon
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11 Hairstylists Share Their Favorite Drugstore Must Haves #24
“Get those beach waves at home with this crease-free, easy-to-use iron.” –Sunnie Brook Jones
Sarah Potempa Beachwaver S1, $129 at Amazon
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11 Hairstylists Share Their Favorite Drugstore Must Haves #25
“I call this insurance for a healthy scalp. It keeps your hair clean, free from product buildup and creates the perfect foundation for smooth and sleek styles. It also provides 24-hour frizz control and smells amazing!” –Sunnie Brook Jones
Head & Shoulders Smooth & Silky 2 in 1 Dandruff Shampoo + Conditioner, $5.82 at Amazon
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11 Hairstylists Share Their Favorite Drugstore Must Haves #26
“Sometimes schedules become challenging and actors have to jump on planes last minute. This is a godsend! It’s a quick, easy resource to get you through those moments when even 1/4 inch of gray hair at your roots isn't an option.” –Charles Baker Strahan, celebrity hairstylist whose clients include Rebecca Romijn, Christina Applegate, Jaime King and Mariah Carey
Clairol Nice 'n Easy Root Touch-Up, $3.78 at Amazon
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11 Hairstylists Share Their Favorite Drugstore Must Haves #27
“This is a tried-and-true body-building hairspray that allows me to sculpt and create looks that are big, bold and beautiful with great hold. It's a go-to when I want to do editorials with hair that is larger than life.” –Charles Baker Strahan
Herbal Essences Body Envy Volumizing Hairspray, $5.17 at Amazon
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11 Hairstylists Share Their Favorite Drugstore Must Haves #28
"This is my new go-to curl tamer. It leaves the hair feeling soft, fluffy and manageable. It detangles without breaking, enhances your hair’s natural shine and smells heavenly.” –Gabrielle Corney, celebrity hairstylist and beauty expert whose clients include Niecy Nash, Brandy, Kandi Burruss and Evelyn Lozada
Carol’s Daughter Sacred Tiare 4-in-1 Combing Crème, $9 at Target
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11 Hairstylists Share Their Favorite Drugstore Must Haves #29
“The Wet Comb is a great detangler for any hair texture. The waved teeth allow the comb to glide through effortlessly.” –Gabrielle Corney
The Wet Brush Pro Select Wet Comb, $6.98 at Amazon
