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."
The claim: A daily treatment for thick to coarse hair that eliminates frizz and leaves hair sleek and shiny. Ideal for damaged or color-treated hair.
Why we're obsessed: "Every other styling product I use works for the first hour after I've blown out my hair, but this is the only one that makes my blowout last all day," says Graphic Designer Paola Gonzalez Marra. "When I don't use it, I get the awkward frizz-waves that I'm cursed with."
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?
