3 Drugstore Hair Products That Replace Expensive Brands

When it comes to beauty "dupes," (translation: less expensive products that mimic much more expensive ones), there are entire YouTube channels, Into the Gloss comment threads, Facebook groups, and Amazon review sections devoted to the topic.

Whether or not someone's recommendation of a drugstore discovery or big box buy can indeed keep you from dropping stacks on your favorite Sephora-sold product depends on a lot. There are just some items that are worth the money whether it's because of high-tech ingredients or sourcing practices. With others you're paying for branding and fancy packaging.

In the department of hair, it can be hard to tell whether or not a Target find can give you the same results as a salon-suggested line. While we have plenty of editors who swear by their Oribe texturizing spray, they also have plenty of affordable options in their routine too. After trials, tribulations, and a few triumphs, these are the dupes that we scoop up.

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L'Oreal Extraordinary Oil Transforming Oil-in-Cream

$6; amazon.com

For fans of: Shu Uemura Essence Absolue, Ouai Rose Hair Oil, and Bumble & Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil

L'Oreal's slogan "Because you're worth it," also sounds like what your best friend says when you're holding a product priced far outside your tax bracket at Bluemercury. Funny, since their products are often what we turn to when we want performance, but we're penny-pinching. Their Oil-in-Cream did indeed transform the hair of one editor who had been complaining her hair felt like rafia paper. Infused with camellia oil, it's a very convincing stand-in for Shu Uemura's Essence Absolue.

Dove Fresh Coconut Dry Shampoo

$5; target.com

For fans of: Klorane Dry Shampoo, Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo, and Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo

After reading that a Hollywood hairstylist regularly uses Dove dry shampoo to style the likes of Dakota and Elle Fanning when they're on the cover of Vanity Fair, we decided to put our cans of Klorane, a French girl-favorite, aside and see what all the fuss was about. Color us impressed. Dove's line of dry shampoos gives us oomph and oil-absorbing power at a fraction of the price, and now, it's available in a beachy coconut-lime scent.

Garnier Whole Blends Shampoo + Conditioner

$4; walgreens.com

For fans of: John Masters Organics, Briogeo, and Accure

Sure it may not have certified organic ingredients, but for the budget-conscious, Garnier's Whole Blends series give us feel-good vibes for less with a similar selection of natural elements like coconut and olive oils, shea butter, and green tea. The Honey Treasures Conditioner is a must-have for keeping dry hair healthy in between appointments.