shampoo

The 5 Best Hydrating Shampoos

Andrea Cannon — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 09:30:25 +0000

If you have dry, damaged hair, a quality hydrating shampoo can provide the solution you’ve been looking for. It can moisturize and replenish your hair, leaving it soft, smooth, shiny, healthy, and manageable after every shower. It can also help prevent further damage by deeply hydrating your locks, without ever weighing them down.

What Is Hydrating Shampoo?

Hydrating shampoo can gently cleanse the hair, while replenishing moisture and preventing further damage from heat styling and other everyday offenders. It can even help fight tangles and frizz, leaving your hair more manageable. (See also: The 5 Best Shampoos)

Top 5 Hydrating Shampoos

Shea Moisture Raw Shea Moisture Retention Shampoo

The Shea Moisture Raw Shea Moisture Retention Shampoo gently cleanses, moisturizes, hydrates, and repairs hair with powerful natural and certified organic ingredients like sea kelp, argan oil, coconut oil, aloe vera, provitamin B5, vitamin E, honeysuckle, avocado oil, rosemary extract, and shea butter. The mineral-rich nutrition will leave your hair shiny, soft, smooth, and healthy — allowing it to grow in faster and stronger. Along with deeply moisturizing and conditioning the hair and scalp, it can also help promote hair elasticity and seal and smooth the hair cuticles. It is sulfate-free, paraben-free, and doesn’t include any harsh synthetic ingredients. Most reviewers love the coconut scent and rich lather. Some reviewers even refer to it as their "Holy Grail shampoo.”

The moisturizing, color-safe shampoo is a Total Beauty “Top-Rated Beauty Product” and is recommended by Rank & Style and AllWomenStalk. It is also recommended by professional hairstylists around the country for all hair types, particularly for dry, damaged, and color-treated hair.

Currently $10.25 on Amazon

Neutrogena Triple Moisture Cream Lather Shampoo

The Neutrogena Triple Moisture Cream Lather Shampoo can renew your hair by gently dissolving impurities. The revolutionary cream formula is scientifically proven to improve hair after just a single use. The panthenol and naturally derived extracts (olive, meadowfoam seed, and sweet almond oils) can penetrate to intensely moisturize each layer of the hair strand. In fact, it has triple the moisture abilities of a standard shampoo. It will leave your hair soft, smooth, silky, shiny, and manageable. It works on all hair types, including color-treated and over-processed hair because it is ultra-gentle and deeply moisturizing. Most reviewers love the salon fragrance.

This is recommended by Total Beauty, Rank & Style, and AllWomenStalk, as well as by salons across the country. This pack of three shampoos should last you awhile and offers an incredible value. If you only want to try one bottle for now, consider the Neutrogena Triple Moisture Cream Lather Shampoo, which doesn’t offer quite the same value as the three-pack.

Currently $14.88 on Amazon

Aveeno Nourish + Moisturize Shampoo

The Aveeno Nourish + Moisturize Shampoo is like food for your hair and can help you achieve instant results. It cleanses, soothes, moisturizes, and repairs dry, damaged, or color-treated hair, while reducing frizz and split ends. The exclusive Active Naturals formula is infused with essential conditioners and moisturizers, nourishing wheat complex, and hydrating oat protein. It is scientifically proven to nourish and repair dry hair in only three washes and is designed to target and fortify the areas of your hair that need the most moisture. It will leave your hair full, soft, smooth, shiny, strong, silky, healthy, and manageable without ever weighing it down.

The Aveeno brand has been dermatologist-recommended for more than 60 years. This hydrating shampoo is recommended by Total Beauty, Real Simple, and Rank & Style. It also has outstanding online reviews and reviewers tend to love the scent.

Currently $10.58 on Amazon

Matrix Biolage Ultra-Hydrating Shampoo

The Matrix Biolage Ultra-Hydrating Shampoo is a daily use shampoo that gently cleanses, recharges, and nourishes hair with intense hydration. It is inspired by the aloe plant, which never seems to dry out. It has ultra-moisturizing ingredients, like a botanical complex of lemon grass, wheat germ, sage, seaweed, rice proteins, and omega-3s, which can help absorb and retain moisture to improve the hair’s hydration levels. It can also prevent split ends and protect the hair from everyday damages like hair products and chlorine. It will leave your hair silky soft, shiny, smooth, healthy, manageable, and tangle-free after every shower. It is ideal for all hair types, including very dry, stressed, coarse hair. Reviewers tend to love the fragrance.

This is recommended by Real Simple and Rank & Style. It also has outstanding online reviews and is recommended by professional hairstylists around the country.

Currently $29.74 on Amazon

Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo

The Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo gently cleanses hair and infuses it with replenishing nutrients. The moisturizing formula contains antioxidant-rich argan oil, vitamins A and E, and red algae to repair damaged hair and maintain its natural moisture balance. It is designed to improve the health and beauty of your hair, leaving it soft, smooth, shiny, tangle-free, and manageable. The high-performance formula will deeply moisturize and condition your hair, improve hair texture and elasticity, and fight free radicals to reduce the effects of hair aging. The sulfate-free, phosphate-free, paraben‑free shampoo is color-safe and ideal for thick, dehydrated hair. Reviewers tend to love the scent.

While this is on the pricey side, most reviewers tend to agree that it is well worth the cost. The brand is recommended by Total Beauty and countless salons across the country. If this one doesn’t work for you, consider the Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo.

Currently $29.60 on Amazon

And those are our recommendations for the best hydrating shampoos. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

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This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The 5 Best Repair Shampoos

Andrea Cannon — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 09:30:32 +0000

Your hair can become damaged due to hair dye, stress, heat styling, and even environmental pollutants. Fortunately, the right repair shampoo can nurse your hair back to life and help prevent further damage.

Repair shampoos can hydrate, restore, and revitalize hair. They can also repair split ends, reduce breakage, and allow hair to grow longer and stronger. After each use, your hair should feel soft, smooth, shiny, strong, healthy, and manageable.

What Is Repair Shampoo?

Repair shampoo can gently cleanse the hair, while restoring it to its former glory. It works by restoring the hair’s natural oils, while strengthening the hair so it can grow in thicker and healthier. With the right restorative shampoo, you can repair weak, dry, damaged hair, so you won’t have to cut it off and start over. (See also: The 5 Best Shampoos)

Top 5 Repair Shampoos

Ojon Damage Reverse Restorative Shampoo

The Ojon Damage Reverse Restorative Shampoo can actually reverse damage with Ojon oil. It gently cleanses, nourishes, repairs, and revitalizes dry, damaged, chemically treated hair. It has a blend of powerful plant ingredients and natural botanicals that work to repair hair, reduce tangles, smooth cuticles, and reduce hair breakage by 99% instantly. It is fortified with wheat proteins and creamy coconut to help repair damaged hair in the shower. Your hair will be left soft, smooth, shiny, healthy, and intensely moisturized.

This gel shampoo is recommended by AllWomenStalk and is a Birchbox Editors’ pick. It also has rave reviews online and most reviewers love the scent and rich lather.

Currently $34.99 on Amazon

Aveda Damage Remedy Shampoo

The Aveda Damage Remedy Shampoo gently cleanses the hair, while restoring your hair’s health, shine, and manageability. It repairs, restructures, and restores hair with high-performance pure plant and flower essences, quinoa protein, coconut, and babassu. This is ideal for all hair types and reviewers tend to love the scent and rich lather.

While this is on the pricier side, a little goes a long way, so this should last you awhile. It is a Total Beauty “Top-Rated Beauty Product,” is recommended by Real Simple, and has rave reviews online.

Currently $27.84 on Amazon

Dove Intensive Repair Shampoo

The Dove Intensive Repair Shampoo is ideal for dry, damaged, weak, frizzy, and curly hair. The keratin repair actives work on the keratin already in your hair to rebind, reconstruct, and restore damaged hair proteins at the cellular level. It immediately repairs the hair surface by penetrating each hair to repair from the inside. In fact, it claims to leave hair up to five times smoother after just one wash. The intense solution can also help reduce breakage and prevent split ends. It hydrates, revives, and nourishes to repair the signs of dry, damaged hair. After each use, your hair will feel healthy, strong, manageable, and silky soft.

The brand is recommended by Total Beauty, Refinery 29, and AllWomenStalk. This shampoo is also a celebrity favorite and preferred by celebrity hairstylists like Ryan Richman, who works with Lorde, Ashley Tisdale, and Sarah Hyland.

Currently $7.79 on Amazon

L'Oreal Paris EverStrong Sulfate-Free Fortify System Reconstruct Shampoo

The L'Oreal Paris EverStrong Sulfate-Free Fortify System Reconstruct Shampoo will make damaged, frizzy hair instantly healthier. The vegan shampoo gently cleanses, nourishes, strengthens, restores, and repairs hair with a patented bio-ceramide complex and natural botanicals like rosemary and juniper. The gentle, yet powerful, formula actually strengthens the hair fiber after just one use, so it can resist breakage and seal split ends. It can restore your hair’s natural oils to improve its condition over time. After each use, your hair will feel soft, strong, and silky. Reviewers also tend to love the scent and rich lather.

This reconstructing shampoo is recommended by Allure and AllWomenStalk. Some reviewers even call this their miracle product. Total Beauty also recommends the overnight treatment, L'Oreal Paris EverStrong Sulfate-Free Fortify System Overnight Hair Repair Treatment.

Currently $17.99 on Amazon

Fekkai Protein RX PM Repair Shampoo

The Fekkai Protein RX PM Repair Shampoo replenishes, renews, hydrates, and strengthens dry, damaged, color-treated hair. Your damaged locks will be moisturized with sweet almond, sunflower seed extract, hydrolyzed wheat protein, milk protein, soy protein, and jojoba protein. It can strengthen, mend, and protect hair, while renewing strength and elasticity. The protein treatment will leave your hair soft, shiny, strong, healthy, silky smooth, and manageable after every use. Reviewers tend to love the scent and were able to see results after the very first use.

This salon-quality reparative shampoo is a Total Beauty “Top-Rated Beauty Product.” The brand is also recommended by Allure, AllWomenStalk, and hairstylists around the country.

Currently $24.00 on Amazon

And those are our recommendations for the best repair shampoos. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

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This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The 5 Best Shampoos for Frizzy Hair

Andrea Cannon — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 09:30:42 +0000

Don’t let frizzy hair get you down. With so many products available for frizzy hair, it is easier than ever to fight frizz. Frizz can be caused by bad weather, dryness, and a myriad other everyday occurrences. However, with the right gentle, nourishing shampoo, you can effectively fight frizz in the shower.

Thick, frizzy hair needs more moisture to make it more smooth and manageable. The right moisturizing shampoo enriched with quality anti-frizz nutrients can fight frizz and even prevent it from occurring again.

What is shampoo for frizzy hair?

Shampoo for frizzy hair is specifically formulated to thoroughly cleanse and moisturize your hair, block humidity, and combat frizz for good. It should leave your hair clean, soft, smooth, shiny, and manageable, so it is ready for easy styling. (See also: The 5 Best Shampoos)

Top 5 shampoos for frizzy hair

Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo

The cult classic Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo is a legend for a reason. It tames frizz, blocks humidity, hydrates, and thoroughly cleanses the hair, removing dirt, grime, and oil without stripping the hair. It contains the first new anti-frizz technology in over 30 years. The revolutionary shampoo contains a patented Healthy Hair Molecule (OFPMA), which is a frizz-fighting molecule developed by scientists at MIT. This unique sulfate-free shampoo leaves the hair soft, smooth, shiny, manageable, and frizz-free, and becomes more effective with repeated use. It won’t weigh hair down, won't dull color, or dry the hair out. The rich lather shampoo is safe for all hair types and has a musky lemon scent that reviewers tend to love.

This is one of the most highly rated frizz-fighting shampoos you will find. It won the Allure “Best of Beauty” Award Winner for three years and is recommended by Rank & Style and AllWomenStalk. It also has outstanding online reviews and is commonly recommended by hairstylists around the country.

Currently $17.00 on Amazon

John Frieda Frizz Ease Beyond Smooth Frizz-Immunity Shampoo

With frizz in the name, John Frieda Frizz Ease Beyond Smooth Frizz-Immunity Shampoo is just what you need for frizzy hair. It works from the inside out, instantly fighting frizz at the source by penetrating the hair fiber. It gradually builds up over time to increase frizz resistance. The non-silicone formula contains a special blend of special proteins and a frizz immunity complex that blocks humidity and fixes split ends. It also contains pure coconut oil, which will leave you with shiny, soft, manageable, silky smooth, frizz-free hair. The gentle cleansing shampoo is sulfate-free and safe for color-treated hair. Reviewers also tend to like the scent.

This comes from the wildly popular John Frieda brand, so you can feel confident that it will provide noticeable results. It is recommended by Influenster, Rank & Style, and AllWomenStalk. It also has outstanding online reviews and is commonly recommended by hairstylists around the country.

Currently $9.97 on Amazon

NEXXUS Frizz Defy Shampoo

NEXXUS Frizz Defy Shampoo fights frizz all day long, while gently cleansing the hair. The lightweight shampoo is enriched with coconut extract and lightweight Moroccan argan oil. It is ideal for dry, frizzy hair because it helps lock in moisture and block humidity. It can keep your hair smooth, shiny, frizz-free, hydrated, manageable, healthy-looking, and voluminous.

A little of this creamy frizz control shampoo goes a long way, so this bottle should last you a long time. Nexxus is recommended by Allure, Total Beauty, Women’s Health, and Influenster. It is also frequently recommended by hairstylists around the country and has outstanding online reviews.

Currently $9.99 on Amazon

(OGX) Organix Shampoo Awapuhi Ginger

There are a range of OGX shampoos recommended for frizzy hair, but the most commonly recommended one is the Organix Shampoo Awapuhi Ginger variety. It is completely organic and contains no sulfates or harsh chemicals, so you can feel good about using it every day to clean and moisturize your hair. It can repair dry, brittle, frizzy, damaged, unruly hair by penetrating each hair shaft with moisture. It can also mend split ends and prevent new ones from forming using gentle botanical ingredients. It will leave your hair soft, healthy, shiny, manageable, moisturized, bouncy, frizz-free, and silky smooth, without weighing it down. The light and airy whipped creamy formula has moisturizing oil extracted from the Hawaiian Awapuhi ginger plant, as well as keratin proteins to help strengthen the hair from within. Ginger can also help heal damaged hair. Best of all, the drugstore favorite has a luxurious Hawaiian scent that reviewers tend to love.

This two pack offers a great value and since many reviewers find this to be their “must have” beauty product, you will probably go through both bottles in no time. This is commonly compared to the Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger shampoo, but the OGX version is only a fraction of the cost. You can’t really go wrong with an Organix shampoo, so if this one doesn’t work for you, there are limitless other options available to meet your needs and preferences. The Organix brand is also recommended by publications like Rank & Style and AllWomenStalk.

Currently $20.20 on Amazon

Redken Frizz Dismiss Shampoo

Redken Frizz Dismiss Shampoo is a sulfate-free shampoo that offers lasting frizz control and moisture. It will leave your hair smooth, manageable, frizz-free, and shiny. The exclusive humidity-resistant complex can protect hair from humidity to help prevent frizz. You can expect to see noticeable results after every use. In fact, it promises up to 82% less frizz after just one use. Reviewers also tend to love the light scent.

This is ideal for frizzy hair, but can be used on all hair types. It is recommended by Allure and Influenster. It is also recommended by professional hairstylists around the country and has outstanding online reviews.

Currently $15.00 on Amazon

And those are our recommendations for the best shampoos for frizzy hair. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The 5 Best Shampoos for Colored Hair

Andrea Cannon — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 09:37:28 +0000

It’s important to care for your color-treated hair. After all, you paid good money for it. More than 70% of American women dye their hair, so there are a range of products available to protect your color and keep your strands as healthy and beautiful as possible. That’s why we’ve found some of the best shampoos to help preserve your color and make it last longer.

What Is Shampoo for Colored Hair?

Shampoo for color-treated hair is specifically formulated to thoroughly cleanse the hair while preserving your color. It can prevent the color from fading, while hydrating dry, chemically processed locks, so that they are softer, healthier, more manageable, and maintain that vibrant color you spent your hard earned money on. By using these protective hair products, you can make your color last longer, which means fewer trips to the salon and more money in your pocket. (See also: The 5 Best Shampoos)

Top 5 Shampoos for Color-Treated Hair

Wella Brilliance Shampoo for Fine to Normal Colored Hair

The Wella Brilliance Shampoo for Fine to Normal Colored Hair is ideal for nearly all hair types, including fine hair. It can cleanse and hydrate the hair, while preventing the color from fading. The light formula with liquid crystal technology will smooth your hair without weighing it down. It will leave your hair shiny and can even define highlights and enhance your hair color. Reviewers tend to like the light lather and fruity quince-and-sandalwood scent of this shampoo.

This won the Allure “Best of Beauty” Award two years in a row and is recommended by Total Beauty. If you have coarse hair, consider the Wella Brilliance Shampoo for Coarse Colored Hair instead.

Currently $22.00 on Amazon

L'Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Color Care System Moisture Shampoo

The L'Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Color Care System Moisture Shampoo revitalizes dry, damaged hair, leaving it soft, silky, and nourished. The anti-fade system will preserve and protect your hair color, leaving you with shiny, vibrant locks. The UV filters will also protect your hair from sun damage. The rich, moisturizing formula will smooth frizzy locks, leaving your hair hydrated, manageable, and conditioned. Most reviewers love the rich lather and light scent of this highly regarded shampoo.

This is a Total Beauty Top-Rated Beauty Product and is recommended by Rank & Style. Some reviewers found that this shampoo has enough conditioning properties on its own, but if you still need a reliable conditioner, consider the L'Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Color Care System Moisture Conditioner.

Currently $3.95 on Amazon

John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Multi-Tone Revealing Moisture Shampoo

John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Multi-Tone Revealing Moisture Shampoo is a moisturizing shampoo that can add gloss and shine to your brunette tresses. It will define your color or highlights and preserve your vibrant tones. It rehydrates and revitalizes dull, dry, brittle hair and reduces frizz, leaving your hair silky smooth. The non-color depositing formula repairs dry, porous hair strands, so your hair is healthy, supple, and more manageable. The low-PH formula contains a tea leaf infusion, cocoa bean extract, crushed pearls, and sweet almond oil, which softens and conditions the hair. Reviewers tend to like the generous lather and light scent of this shampoo.

A little goes a long way, so this two-pack should last you a long time. It is a Total Beauty Top-Rated Beauty Product and is recommended by Refinery 29 and Rank & Style, as well as by hair salons around the country. If you have red hair, consider the John Frieda Radiant Red Color Protecting Shampoo. If you have blonde hair, consider the John Frieda Everlasting Blonde Color Preserving Shampoo.

Currently $13.50 on Amazon

Paul Mitchell Color Protect Daily Shampoo

The Paul Mitchell Color Protect Daily Shampoo can keep your color looking vibrant for weeks. The gentle cleanser removes buildup, and will leave your hair feeling clean, smooth, and soft. It can also moisturize, strengthen, and enhance your hair’s shine without weighing it down. It contains a powerful combination of conditioning agents, sunflower extract, and sunscreen to protect the structure of the hair and provide UVA and UVB protection. Reviewers tend to like the scent of this shampoo.

This can smooth frizz and flyaways, so it may be too heavy for fine hair. It is a Total Beauty Top-Rated Beauty Product and comes from the salon-approved Paul Mitchell brand.

Currently $23.01 on Amazon

Redken Color Extend Shampoo

The Redken Color Extend Shampoo will keep your color looking fresh for much longer. The lightweight shampoo gently cleanses and can improve the health, strength, and shine of your hair. It will leave your hair soft, manageable, and refreshed without ever weighing it down. It can also produce more radiant color with depth and dimension. It has a built-in UV filter and an antioxidant-rich formula enriched with vitamin E, which can nourish the hair, while fighting dandruff and protect your hair from sun damage. The exclusive interlock protein network also contains conditioning silicone, ion blockers, and ceramide, which can help preserve color vibrancy and provide anti-fade protection. Reviewers tend to like the generous lather and mild scent of this shampoo.

This is a Total Beauty Top-Rated Beauty Product and is recommended by publications like Rank & Style, as well as by professional hairstylists around the country.

Currently $26.49 on Amazon

And those are our recommendations for the best shampoos for color-treated hair. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

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This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The 5 Best Conditioners

Andrea Cannon — Wed, 09 Mar 2016 10:00:07 +0000

Your hair needs to stay hydrated in order to look its best. In order to keep it hydrated, soft, shiny, and manageable, you need the right conditioner. The key to finding the right conditioner is choosing something that conditions your hair, without weighing it down. This is why there are different conditioners available for each hair type. Fortunately, we’ve found some of the best conditioners available, so you can start experimenting to find the right one for your hair.

What Is Conditioner?

Conditioner is a hair product that can moisturize the hair and scalp, and improve the overall health and appearance of the hair. It can also help your hair retain moisture and protect it from further damage, which will improve its condition over time. After using conditioner, your hair should feel soft, moisturized, and manageable, so you can style it in less time. Apply conditioner after shampoo and leave it in the hair for one to two minutes before rinsing it completely from the hair.

Top 5 Conditioners

It's A 10 Miracle Conditioner

If you’ve tried the cult classic It’s A 10 leave-in product, then the It's A 10 Miracle Conditioner can take those results one step further. This daily conditioner can repair damage for all hair types, including dry, damaged, and over-processed hair. It also smells great and will leave your hair soft and moisturized, without weighing it down. It can also help eliminate frizz, restore shine, detangle hair, preserve hair color, protect your hair from heat styling, prevent split ends, and more.

It’s A 10 conditioning products are recommended by professional hairstylists, celebrities, and publications like Cosmopolitan, TotalBeauty, and Elle. Most reviewers agree that this truly is a miracle product and can transform even the most damaged, tangled hair.

Currently $34.00 on Amazon

Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Hydrating Conditioner

The Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Hydrating Conditioner has a moisture-silk complex that helps lock in moisture from root to tip, so your hair is healthier with every wash. It contains antioxidants, which can nourish the hair from the core to the surface. It can also reduce protein loss, improve hair health, and leave your hair soft, shiny, detangled, frizz-free, and manageable. It is ideal for all hair types, including permed and color-treated hair.

Pantene conditioners are recommended by Cosmopolitan, TotalBeauty, Elle, and Good Housekeeping. This conditioner is an Amazon bestseller, but if it isn’t right for you, you may still want to try one of the other conditioners in the line. There are a range of Pantene conditioners available, such as the body building and full and thick varieties, which will condition your hair, while boosting volume at the same time.

Currently $6.98 on Amazon

L'Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Color Care System Moisture Conditioner

If you’re looking for a conditioner that can help prolong your salon results, then you’ve found it in L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Color Care System Moisture Conditioner. It's ideal for color-treated hair, and can help preserve your color for much longer. It does not contain any harsh sulfates that can damage your hair. Instead, it contains UV filters and an anti-fade system, which offers long-lasting color purity and protection against sun damage. This sulfate-free protective conditioner will hydrate your hair with refreshing rosemary, juniper, mint, and natural botanicals. The creamy formula will leave your hair soft, shiny, nourished, and smelling great, while protecting the color so it stays bright and vibrant.

This drugstore favorite is a bestseller on Amazon and is commonly recommended online. L’Oreal Paris Advanced Haircare conditioners are also recommended by Allure and TotalBeauty. You can’t go wrong with L’Oreal conditioners. They are commonly compared to the most expensive conditioners on the market, and always come out on top. L’Oreal has affordable conditioners specifically designed for every type of hair. There are even varieties that can effectively combat difficult issues, like brassy blonde.

Currently $5.97 on Amazon

Joico Body Luxe Thickening Conditioner

The Joico Body Luxe Thickening Conditioner was selected as one of the best hair-thickening conditioners by Good Housekeeping because it can help restore and moisturize your hair, while making it look and feel thicker and fuller overall. Your hair will feel softer and more manageable immediately after each use. The thickening conditioner contains keratin and an oat protein complex to thicken each hair fiber, as well as a quadramine complex to protect the hair from further damage. It has a balance of 19 essential amino acids, which can reconstruct the hair from the cuticle to the cortex. It can also help detangle even the most dry, damaged, tangled hair, and make it more responsive to styling. It has a thick, rich consistency, but rinses away nicely.

Reviewers agree that this conditioner can actually boost volume for all hair types, including fine hair. The Joico conditioners are recommended by TotalBeauty, featured in various publications, and commonly used in (and recommended by) professional salons. The Joico Color Endure Violet Conditioner is another award-winning conditioner, designed specifically for blonde and gray hair.

Currently $8.57 on Amazon

Aussie 3-Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioning Treatment

The Aussie 3-Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioning Treatment takes the standard three minutes to process, but it offers the results of a deep conditioner, which usually takes much longer to process. In fact, it promises to offer three times the moisturizing power of a traditional conditioner in just three short minutes. It is ideal for even the most dry, damaged hair, thanks to ultra hydrating ingredients like natural Australian aloe, sea kelp, and jojoba seed oil. It will leave your hair instantly softer, shinier, and feeling thicker. It can also detangle the hair, leaving it more manageable. Many reviewers experienced results with this conditioner, even when they’ve had no luck with traditional conditioners in the past. It smells like coconut and has a thick consistency, but will wash out nicely. The bottle itself has unique packaging, with no bottom cap. You simply squeeze the bottle when you want conditioner and it will dispense out of the bottom.

This conditioner has recently gained a lot of popularity because it promises dramatic results and can actually hold up to the claims. It is also the 2011 and 2012 Allure Best of Beauty Award Winner, 2013 and 2014 Glamour Glammy Award Winner, 2014 Total Beauty Readers’ Choice Award, and the recipient of a number of beauty product awards. The “Before and Afters” and online reviews are convincing, with nearly 1,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. It is also one of the top rated conditioners on Influenster, with more than 5,000 online reviews. It’s also backed by a money-back satisfaction guarantee for your added peace of mind. There are a number of Aussie 3-Minute Miracle Deep Conditioning Treatment varieties to try, but the Moist conditioner is the one most commonly recommended, especially for women with dry, damaged, or curly hair. At such an affordable price, it is definitely worth a try.

Currently $7.42 on Amazon

And those are our recommendations for the best conditioners. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The 5 Best Shampoos

Andrea Cannon — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 10:00:08 +0000

Shampooing your hair is one of those things that can’t be avoided, just like brushing your teeth. Fortunately, there are a variety of shampoos available for all different hair types, including volumizing, color-safe, frizz control, root boost, straightening, and moisturizing varieties. The right one for you will depend on your hair’s condition and your personal preferences. It can take some time and experimentation to find the right shampoo that will leave your locks clean, shiny, soft, manageable, and volumized. That’s why we’ve found some of the best shampoos available to help get you started.

What Is Shampoo?

Shampoo is a hair product made of water, cleansing agents, and foaming agents, designed to cleanse the hair and scalp by removing oil, dirt, and product buildup that may be weighing down your hair. Some people prefer to wash their hair every day, while some can go for up to five days at a time without washing. Experts agree that it is not good to wash your hair everyday because it can strip your hair of its natural oils, so try to wash every other day at most. Start by creating a lather at the scalp and then carry the suds down the length of your hair. Then, rinse it out and follow up with conditioner for best results.

Top 5 Shampoos

Dove Men+Care Fresh Clean 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner

The Dove Men+Care Fresh Clean 2 in 1 Shampoo + Conditioner offers the perfect solution for any busy man and will save you money on your hair care items. And you can’t go wrong with Dove. They have the right variety of shampoo for every hair type and you’ll be hard pressed to find a Dove shampoo with less-than-stellar reviews online. The shampoo and conditioner duo attacks dirt and grease, leaving the hair feeling clean and refreshed. It is infused with caffeine and menthol, which can help stimulate hair growth and leave the hair feeling instantly thicker and stronger. Many reviewers found that their hair felt better after the very first use. It has a masculine scent and tingling sensation that many reviewers find wakes them up in the morning. It is best for oily hair, but will work on all hair types.

About.com recommends this shampoo/conditioner duo for men. Their men’s hair expert found that it works just as well as professional salon items. Men’s Health also recommends using items that contain menthol to stimulate and freshen the scalp. There is no shortage of affordable Dove options for both men and women. Allure recommends the Dove Quench Absolute line for curly hair. Refinery29 recommends the Dove Daily Moisture line for short hair. Harpers Bazaar recommends the Dove Oxygen Moisture line for fine hair. No matter which one you choose, you’ll find stellar reviews online and on Amazon. The morale of the story is: Dove really works.

Currently $9.04 on Amazon

Pureology Hydrate Shampoo

Pureology Hydrate Shampoo is pure, extra gentle, and perfect for all hair types, including dry and color-treated hair. The sulfate-free formula can thoroughly cleanse and moisturize the hair without leaving any residue behind or stripping away the color, thanks to an exclusive Anti Fade Complex. It creates a luxurious lather, but is still easy to rinse out. Most reviewers love the scent and say it gives them a spa-like experience.

While this shampoo is the most expensive option on our list, reviewers tend to agree that the results are worth the extra cost. If you’re also interested in buying the conditioner, you’ll get an even better deal on Amazon’s bestselling shampoo and conditioner set. This brand is commonly carried and recommended by professional salons because it is ideal for all hair types, including color-treated, dry, and damaged hair. Pureology shampoos are also recommended by Good Housekeeping and TotalBeauty.

Currently $25.99 on Amazon

Matrix Biolage Advanced Fiberstrong Shampoo

The Matrix Biolage Advanced Fiberstrong Shampoo is an advanced system that can help strengthen even the weakest, finest, most fragile hair. It will gently cleanse the hair, while leaving it shinier, softer, more manageable, and healthier overall. The paraben-free shampoo is formulated with proven effective ingredients like Intra CylaneTM, Ceramide, and bamboo, which can maintain elasticity and reinforce hair fibers, leaving each strand stronger and thicker. It works by filling in gaps in the hair’s cuticle, without leaving behind any product buildup.

Biolage shampoos are commonly carried and recommended by professional salons, but you can also find them at various drugstores. There are various types of other award-winning Biolage shampoos available, such as the full lift volumizing, hydrating, anti-dandruff, normalizing, and age rejuvenating versions. Biolage shampoos are also recommended by TotalBeauty, Good Housekeeping, and Real Simple.

Currently $22.94 on Amazon

Garnier Shampoo Daily Care

Garnier Shampoo Daily Care is Consumer Search’s top pick for best everyday shampoo and is ideal for anyone with normal hair. Experts compare this affordable daily shampoo to some of the most expensive shampoos on the market and it always comes out on top. In fact, it even contains identical detergents and similar ingredients as Kerastase, and reviewers agree that it also produces a similar feel and results, at a fraction of the cost. It just goes to show that expensive salon brands can’t always outdo affordable drugstore brands. The affordable drugstore favorite will leave your hair soft, clean, moisturized, and smelling great all day, with no product buildup or residue. It nourishes hair from root to tip and maintains the hair’s strength and shine all day. The daily fortifying shampoo contains vitamins, grapefruit antioxidants, and natural protein, which can leave the hair up to 15 times stronger. It also contains silicone, which coats the hair, making normal hair appear smoother, healthier, and more manageable.

There are various types of other award-winning Garnier Fructis shampoos available, such as the volume extend, color shield, sleek and shine, triple nutrition, dry scalp, and damage eraser versions. Regardless of which option you choose, it is bound to smell amazing and leave your hair feeling clean and refreshed. Real Simple also voted this the shampoo with the best scent, with a fruity fragrance that reviewers tend to love. It is also recommended by TotalBeauty, where it received above-average ratings thanks to its ability to strengthen and moisturize the hair.

Currently $14.21 on Amazon

Johnson's Baby Shampoo

Johnson's Baby Shampoo is a mild, tearless formula and is as gentle as pure water on the eyes, so you don’t have to worry about getting it in your baby’s eyes. Baby hair is more prone to tangling and breakage, which is why baby shampoo is a must for your little one. It uses extremely gentle cleansing agents and has no irritants — making it safe for your baby. The soap-free, hypoallergenic, paraben-free, dermatologist-tested shampoo will leave your hair looking healthy and shiny, smelling fresh, and feeling softer. It rinses out quickly and easily, and has a soft scent that most reviewers love. You can also choose the Calming Lavender scent for extra calming and relaxation benefits, especially if your baby is difficult to bathe.

Johnson's Baby Shampoo is Consumer Search’s top pick for baby shampoo, but it is so much more than just baby shampoo. It is often recommended as a makeup brush cleaner, gentle body wash, and effective cleanser for fine or color-treated hair. It can also help soothe an irritated, dry, or flaky scalp. It is extremely gentle, so it may not be strong enough for adults who tend to use a lot of styling products. This pack of two 15-ounce bottles offers a great deal, especially if you are sharing it with your baby.

Currently $13.99 on Amazon

And those are our recommendations for the best shampoos. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

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This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

10 Ways to Get Great Hair Without the Salon

Andrea Cannon — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 11:00:21 +0000

If you want to look your best without having to spend a fortune at the salon, there are several simple things you can do to improve the condition and appearance of your hair from home. Here are some of the best tips out there.

1. Stop Washing Your Hair So Much

Most hairstylists recommend that their clients wash their hair between one to three times per week, depending on hair type and condition. For instance, if you have thick hair, you may be able to get by just washing your hair once per week. On the other hand, if you have fine hair, you may need to wash every other day. The less you wash, the better your hair will look and feel. The natural oils of your scalp are good for your hair and washing them away every day won't do you any good.

Dry shampoo can keep your hair looking and feeling clean on the days when you don't wash it, while allowing the natural oils from your scalp to moisturize and nourish your hair. You can also experiment with up-dos on days when your hair looks like it needs a wash.

2. Use Less Heat

Using hot tools on your hair, such as a blow dryer, curling iron, or hair straightener, can cause a lot of damage. Whenever possible, skip the hot tools and let your hair air dry or commit to an up-do for the day.

3. Be Gentle With Your Hair

You should make efforts to be gentle with your hair. Go easy when brushing it, styling it, washing it, and don't attempt to pull tangles out. Treat your hair gently, especially if it is in a growing stage, and you will notice a difference in the length, fullness, and condition of your hair. If your hair tangles easily, you may want to invest in a detangling comb and detangling spray to help. Giving your scalp a good massage every so often can also help initiate hair growth.

4. Sleep on Silk Pillowcases

Cotton pillowcases remove moisture from the hair and can cause your hair to tangle and pull in the night. On the other hand, satin pillowcases won't pull your hair when you sleep, which can result in less hair loss, breakage, and damage. Silk or satin pillowcases feel great to sleep on, are easier on the skin, and can help improve your hair over time. They can even help preserve your style from the night before.

5. Improve Your Diet

Water and nutrients are the keys to great hair. Make sure you are drinking enough water, eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins, and taking a multivitamin every day. You may also want to add supplements like fish oil, biotin, zinc, vitamins A, C, and E, or a hair growth product for men or one specifically designed for women. It's also important to get a moderate amount of exercise every day, which can help improve your overall health and lifestyle, which results in better hair.

6. Take Advantage of DIY Hair Masks

Whether you want to create a DIY hair mask using ingredients in your kitchen or you would rather just slather quality oil through your hair, you can achieve big results by just taking advantage of hair treatments at home. Using argan oil, olive oil, or coconut oil as a hair mask or leave-in treatment can improve your hair's shine, health, and overall condition. It also means you can skip the costly deep conditioning treatments at the salon.

7. Protect Your Hair From the Elements

Things like the sun and chlorine are very damaging to hair. Whenever possible, try to protect your hair from the sun, by doing things like finding hair products with sunscreen in them or wearing a hat. If you will be swimming, consider applying argan oil to your hair first, which can help protect your hair from damage and the green appearance of chlorine.

8. Dye Your Hair at Home

Dyeing your hair at the salon every six weeks can cost around $100 each time, while your first DIY hair coloring job will cost around $25. Once you have completed the first $25 dye job, every treatment thereafter will be more affordable because you already have most of the tools you need.

Dyeing your hair at home can achieve similar results to those you can get at the salon, at a much lower price point. Some at-home dyes can actually improve the condition of your hair after you use them, so there's no reason to visit the salon as often, especially just for root touch-ups. However, if you're not comfortable dyeing your hair or you're not sure which products you'll need to achieve the results you're looking for, then don't attempt it. A bad dye job can take even more money and time to correct, and will end up just damaging your hair in the end.

9. Find the Right Products

Certain products can completely change the way your hair looks and feels. They can help fight dryness, frizz, dullness, split ends, and any other issues you may be facing with your hair. However, it can take some time to find the right products for your hair, which can also mean an investment of time and money. You may want to consider subscribing to a beauty subscription box (such as Birchbox, Ipsy, or Glossybox). Your subscription will include several products designed for your hair in one affordable box every month, which can help save you money and allow you to try several products at once to see what's right for you.

10. Get More From Each Salon Visit

When it is time to visit the salon, inquire about whether they offer loyalty rewards or referral programs so you can get more out of your investment. Make sure to also take advantage of your stylist's knowledge. Ask what you can do to improve your hair, how you can extend the time between visits, and what types of products are right for your hair. They can also give you styling tips and advice on how to make your morning routine even shorter, so make sure to take advantage of every second in the chair.

Do you have any other tips on how to improve your hair without having to make an extra trip to the salon? Please share your thoughts in the comments!

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This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The 5 Best Dry Shampoos

Andrea Cannon — Thu, 14 May 2015 09:00:09 +0000

Dry shampoo is a quick and convenient solution for your hair, perfect for your home, travel bag, and beauty arsenal. Washing your hair with shampoo everyday can remove your hair’s natural oils, resulting in drier, thinner hair. Instead, washing your hair less often (about every 2-4 days) can improve your hair’s health and appearance in the short- and long-run. It will save you time and protect your hair by allowing you to achieve a clean feeling, without having to wash your hair.

What Is Dry Shampoo?

Dry shampoo is the perfect solution to refresh your hair between washes. It will allow you to get the clean feeling you love, without the use of water or traditional shampoo. In only one minute, your hair can be cleaned, revived, and refreshed, with just a few spritzes. To use dry shampoo, shake the can well, hold it about 8-10 inches from your dry hair, and spray lightly and evenly over the hair and scalp. Then, use your fingertips to massage the product through your hair. After about one minute, brush your hair out and enjoy instant volume. Dry shampoo can also double over as an instant hair texturizer and lightweight hairspray.

Top 5 Dry Shampoos

Batiste Dry Shampoo Original Clean & Classic

Batiste Dry Shampoo is not only a best seller in the US; it was also voted the #1 dry shampoo in the UK. It has a massive following with women, hairstylists, and celebrities alike. It has also topped the list of the best dry shampoos on Amazon, Ulta, Elle Magazine, TotalBeauty.com, and Allure. The instant hair refresher will remove oil, boost volume, and revitalize your hair, without weighing it down.

It will also leave it looking and smelling clean and beautiful. The original scent is clean and fresh, and Batiste Dry Shampoo is also available in more sizes, scents, and options than you can count, including varieties for light and dark hair. This dry shampoo has no white residue, applies easily, and works for all hair types and textures.

Currently $9.09 on Amazon

Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo With Oat Milk

Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo is an award-winning dry shampoo that is available in both aerosol and non-aerosol formulas. It is an Allure Best of Beauty Winner and has topped the list of the best dry shampoos for Elle Magazine, TotalBeauty.com, Birchbox, and Cosmopolitan. Even Karl Lagerfeld swears by this cult favorite. These small cans are easy to transport, so they can easily fit in your travel bag or purse.

The lightweight formula contains protective oat extract, cyclodextrins, natural polysaccharides, and other highly beneficial ingredients to help clean, nourish, and soften the hair with each use. It also contains corn and rice starch to cleanse the hair, and natural microspheres to remove dirt and odors. It penetrates the hair to absorb dirt and hair products, so once it’s brushed out, it will take all impurities with it, leaving you with soft, clean, volumized hair. It has a soft, mild scent and is quick and easy to use everyday on any hair color or type of hair (even fine and oily hair).

It is even ideal for people with a sensitive or itchy scalp because it soothes your scalp with every use. It does not leave behind a powdery residue or weight hair down. In fact, it can even add volume and leave you with a just-blow-dried look. While it may be more expensive than a typical drugstore find, reviewers agree that this dry shampoo with oat milk is worth the price considering it is far more effective than any other product on the market.

Currently $26.49 on Amazon

Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo

Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo is an award-winning loose powder dry shampoo that cleanses, absorbs oil, removes product build-up, and boosts volume with each use. It will leave your hair smelling just-washed with a soft citrus scent from the lemon verbena. It is easy to use on a daily basis and can make your hair oil-free for days, which made it a top choice for the best dry shampoos for Cosmopolitan, Real Simple, and Elle Magazine.

You can direct this exactly where you want to use it on the scalp, which is ideal for anyone who thinks an aerosol spray distributes too much product. Simply use the pointed cap to separate sections of hair, tilt the bottle, and lightly squeeze the powder onto the roots. It will absorb oil quickly with rice and oat starches.

Currently $11.00 on Amazon

Garnier Fructis Volume Extend Instant Bodifier Dry Shampoo for Fine or Flat Hair

Garnier Fructis offers an affordable dry shampoo that was voted one of the best dry shampoos by PopSugar Magazine, thanks to the root-boosting results. It can be used on all hair types and hair colors, but is especially beneficial for those who have fine or flat hair. It immediately revives and refreshes hair, removes oil, adds texture, imparts shine, and extends volume a full 24 hours. It does not weight hair down and can add bounce and fullness to even the finest hair, which can be difficult to accomplish with a dry shampoo.

Reviewers found that their hair both looked and felt cleaner after using this dry shampoo. The orange citrus and grape extracts also impart a strong fruity scent that will cover up any odors.

Currently $4.97 on Amazon

Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo

The Amika Perk dry shampoo was voted one of the best dry shampoos by Birchbox because it can help improve hair health with each use. The ultra-lightweight, talc-free mist is formulated to clean and refresh hair, absorb excess oil and dirt, add volume, refresh the roots, and shape without buildup. The nutrient-rich dry shampoo contains obliphica (sea buckthorn berry) extract, which is high in antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fatty acids. This helps repair split ends, impart shine, and strengthen and nourish hair.

This also imparts a great scent that helps cover up odors. It is ideal for all hair types, including color treated hair, and does not leave any powdery white residue behind.

Currently $46.50 on Amazon

And those are our recommendations for the best dry shampoo. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

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This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Alternative Uses for Everything in Your Bathroom

Meg Favreau — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 10:36:40 +0000

As a kid, I used to love using other people's bathrooms — there was always a new, exotic array of creams, cleaners, and conditioners to stare at, wondering “What's this for?” (And, in some cases, “Why does this [insert: soap, lotion, powder] smell so flipping awful?”)

These days, I still get a little excited about the products we keep in our bathrooms — but now, it's because I like discovering alternative uses for everyday things (OK, I still like to know what other people's lotions smell like, too). I've collected tips from around Wise Bread and the web to help you make the most of your bathroom products. So whether you want to get more life out of the stuff you own or are out of something and need to find a substitute, read on for great ways to get more out of everything in your bathroom. (See also: How Baking Soda Took My Bathroom From "Yuck" to Yes!)

Bar Soap

Yeah, you can use a bar of soap to make things smell nice and clean, but it can also help you keep things smelling nice in another way — if you hang it up outside, bar soap can help deter skunks. Prefer liquid soap to bar soap? You can follow this tutorial for turning bar soap into liquid. There are plenty more alternative uses for bar soap, too — like these nine.

Bobby Pins

From pulling zippers to holding hems, check out Myscha's piece on 25 uses for bobby pins.

Comb

I fondly remember making a comb into a musical instrument as a kid. Real Simple has seven more uses for combs — including using a (clean) comb to create some awesome cake-frosting texture.

Conditioner

Personally, I'm a soap-and-water shaver. But one thing I remember from my days of reading teen magazines was the suggestion of swapping in conditioner for shave cream when you're in a pinch. Since conditioner is, at heart, a moisturizer, it can also be used as a stand-in for lotion, or even to grease up stuck things like zippers or rings trapped on fingers (because, come on, do you really want to cover your wedding ring in butter?).

Cotton Balls

Stylelist has a great list of alternative uses for cotton balls; my favorite detials how you can use cotton balls to make daffodils last longer.

Deodorant

The Coupon High recommends a few uses for deodorant, including drying pimples.

Floss

Our own Linsey Knerl has already listed 14 great uses for floss, including hanging photos, precision cake cutting, and even baby delivery (um, don't try that at home?).

Hairbrush

Over at Yahoo! Voices, Angela Vee lists a few different ways to use old hairbrushes. Most of them are for (big surprise) brushing other things, but I especially like her suggestion of using an old brush to work dirt out of messy kids' clothes (or adult clothes, because sometimes, you just have to jump in a mud puddle no matter what your age is).

Hairdryer

I've always liked using my hair dryer as a way to dry clothes in a pinch, but that's a pretty obvious use. For more creative options, take a look at this Instructables guide on ways to use a hair dryer.

Liquid Soap

If your liquid soap is Castile soap (like Dr. Bronner's), you can dilute it and use it as a household cleaner, add a ¼ cup to your laundry in place of regular detergent, or even use it as a toothpaste.

Lotion

When I'm having a particularly frizzy hair day (such as every day that I'm on the East Coast), I'll often use a little bit of lotion to help tame the curly beast. Like the aforementioned conditioner, it can also be used when you need to moisturize other things (like hair) or get stuck things unstuck.

Mouthwash

Our Nora Dunn compiled a list of 19 uses for mouthwash, from treating bruises to cleaning glass. Mouthwash also factors into Paul's secret lawn tonic recipe, which uses other common ingredients that you (hopefully) don't keep in your bathroom, like beer.

Nail Polish

I was first introduced to the magic of nail polish when my 3^rd grade teacher took a bottle out of her desk to help stop a run in her stockings; all you need to do is paint a little clear polish around the hole. Mikey compiled 14 other uses for nail polish — as someone who has done a lot of sewing, using nail polish to help thread a needle is one of my favorite tips.

Razors

Even though it's probably not great for the blade, I'll sometimes use my bathroom razor to cut loose threads off of clothing. But if you're a straight-razor user, you have several more options available to you.

Shampoo

If you've spilled grease or oil on your clothing, try pouring a bit of shampoo on, rubbing it in, and rinsing. This works best immediately after the spill. Readers Digest also recommends a bit of shampoo for shining up leather shoes and purses (just rub a little on it with a clean cloth) and washing things other than hair, like delicates or hair brushes.

Shaving Cream

Well, I know that performers will often use shaving cream as an inexpensive alternative for whipped cream when they want to hit someone in the face with a pie. That might not be the most practical use, but Apartment Therapy has another great suggestion — mixing shaving cream with bleach to help keep the cleaner in place when removing mildew from grout.

Toilet Paper

Of course, toilet paper can be used for tissues (and vice versa). But if you really want to get fancy...check out this toilet paper wedding dress.

Toothbrush

Just because a toothbrush isn't great for cleaning your teeth anymore doesn't mean it's kaput. Used toothbrushes are great for scrubbing hard-to-reach areas around the house, like between tiles or behind the faucet. Or if you're looking for a fun project to do with your kids, try this toothbrush robot.

Toothpaste

From removing stains to relieving itchy bug bites, Nora Dunn has gathered 20 great alternative uses for toothpaste.

Witch Hazel

You might know the stuff primarily as an astringent, but Paul has detailed 14 other great uses for witch hazel.

What did I miss? Share your favorite alternative uses for bathroom products in the comments.

This article is from Meg Favreau of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

DIY Shampoo: The Baking Soda Experiment

Clair Boone — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 13:00:04 +0000

Pop, fizz went the sound as the baking soda and vinegar mixed together to create a volcano-like effect. Most times this experiment is conducted in science classrooms across the country, but today the experiment was in the shower. More specifically: in my hair.

Baking soda and vinegar have long been touted to have great cleaning properties, but never did I think that they could clean hair. That was until my girlfriend attended a Mom's group where the speaker who'd had breast cancer at 30 years old clued the group to the cosmetic safety database.

Stunned by all the shampoos and conditioners with high toxicity, I decided to research the options. The problem was that the ones that scored low on the toxic index were high on the price index, and as a seasoned frugalite I had to believe there was an alternative.

Someone mentioned that they had used baking soda before, and so I decided to try it. All you need is 1/8 cup of baking soda mixed with warm water each time you wash your hair, and at $1 or less a box, the amount needed per time is in the pennies. Still, could it really remove all the dirt?

For a week I used it solely in place of my shampoo and conditioner. While I know that sometimes even something that doesn't feel clean is helping my hair, could rubbing something like sand into my hair really help? After more research I learned that you've got to give it at least a week to see results, so I kept plodding on, all the while unsure it was working and putting up with a weird dry feel. I've got to say that at the end of week two, I wasn't convinced. My hair felt like straw and didn't smell much better. I was tired of the no-sudsy feeling I was getting while washing that makes me feel like something is working, so I gave it up as a failed experiment. Until...

I was tempted to try it again for a blog experiment with lots of other people watching. This time I'd use 1/2 cup of vinegar, as well as the baking soda, as recommended by another reader. This is supposed to prevent dryness and was worth a shot for sure.

Well, gag me now if vinegar in the shower isn't the last thing I want to smell while relaxing, but it did help. I stunk at science, and I guess I just didn't realize the effects of the baking soda and vinegar, but I liked it a lot. Somehow all that fizzing and popping made me feel like it was working. Although it didn't smell sweet like shampoo, nor did it smell like vinegar once rinsed — and it certainly wasn't dry.

All in all, I much preferred washing with the vinegar, even though the stench was a little much. It's non-toxic, incredibly cheap, and my hair looks and feels the same as when using a regular shampoo. I can honestly say I liked the experiment and have a new love for one of the world's oldest cleaning ingredients. According to Wikipedia, even the ancient Egyptians loved it and used it as soap.

If you'd like to try it, here are the directions I used (there are two options):

Wash with baking soda regularly. Those who do this say they experience a short period of their hair feeling really dry and straw-like. You should give it at least 2 weeks.
Wash with baking soda a few times a month to get rid of shampoos, conditioners and stylers that build up. Honestly, this is probably what I'll be doing from now on. I do love the smell of my shampoo and am not sure I'm ready to give that up yet.

The Recipe

1. Mix this in small plastic container:

1/2 cup baking soda
3 cups of warm water

These two ingredients will make a lot of "shampoo" so just use a little each time and then after you've washed with the baking soda mix, rinse with 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar.

2. However often you wash your hair, wash it with the mixture.

3. It won't suds up and will feel a little weird to begin with — it will also fizz and pop.

4. Rinse and dry as normal.

Tell us what your experience with baking soda and/or vinegar shampoo was like.

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Guest Post Blurb:

This is a guest post by Clair Boone. She bought diapers for 20 cents a pack and earned the applause of the cashier checking her out. Over the past year, Clair's money-saving tips has helped thousands of people all over the U.S. save hundreds of dollars. Read more articles by Clair at her blog, Mummy Deals:

This article is from Clair Boone of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

6 Ways to Get your Toiletries for Cheap or Even Free!

Linsey Knerl — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 02:50:34 +0000

With my budget straining at the increase in the cost of milk, I can’t always justify buying my favorite shampoo, the best razor, or that luxurious body wash I crave. I have found ways to ease the pain, and while not always predictable, they work! If you don’t mind getting a bit creative with your methods, you can pay much less (even nothing) for your bath and body treats, too!

Guest Services. When I was a girl, my Aunt came home from a convention in Vegas and dumped a gallon Ziploc bag of designer mini-soaps and tiny shampoo bottles in my lap. At the time, I thought she was loony. Who would use these hotel spiffs for everyday grooming? Years later, my husband began working a “road-warrior” job that left us with too many of the tiny treats. We continued to save them in a small plastic bucket in our bathroom closet. They came in handy when guests or relatives visited, and when the budget got a bit tight, we would hold off on buying full-size products until the bucket had been emptied. We could go weeks on what he had acquired in a year. (And before you complain that it’s greedy to take the hotel soaps, many places throw them out if you don’t use them for hygiene’s sake…)

Free Samples. Joke all you want about those of us who sign up for every free sample you can get online. With the ample supply of one-time use samples I’ve received, I have been able to enjoy some of my favorite brands at times when access to them would be scarce. (When each of my children were born, I would pack the samples into my “baby bag” for my first shower at the hospital. After 3-4 days of hospital care, having the tiny packets of my favorite body wash in my institutionalized beauty routine seemed like heaven.) Other fun uses for them? Send them with kids going to summer camp, tuck them into a car kit for unexpected road trips, or add them to that “hotel mini” basket mentioned above. Some websites that offer regular samples of brand name products include Walmart.com and Start Sampling. You can set up Technorati tags to scout out anything labeled “freebies” for even more good leads. (To cut down on waste, I would personally avoid signing up for items I would be certain not to use. It’s clutter and it costs money to mail. Let’s be responsible here.)

Shop ‘Til You Drop. This tip takes much more work, but can net you some great deals on your top brands. Our own Carrie Kirby has already shared how she scores free and almost-free stuff regularly at CVS retail stores. I have been successful at scouting out Target Clearance Deals in the health and beauty aisles and pairing them with high-value manufacturer’s coupons. Many websites track the best deals on items, including my favorite website, Refundcents (which also allows shoppers to chat about their deals and trade coupons.) Just be sure you are buying things you will use, and don’t hog items for the thrill of it. Overconsumption is NOT the goal.

Free After Rebate. Some folks despise the “effort” involved with purchasing a product on the premise that it will be free after a mail-in rebate. Several outlets make this an easy choice for shoppers, including Walgreens. Their monthly Easy Savers Rebate catalog features 3-6 brand-name items for nothing after rebate. Rebates are easy to obtain, thanks to their dependable tracking system and online submission forms (which don’t require even the cost of a postage stamp.) Late rebate requests are usually no problem, as long as you call and explain the situation. With a 10% extra incentive for rebates that are placed on Walgreens gift cards, it’s possible to buy your favorite items for completely free, including the price you paid in tax. (Although, I prefer to get mine back as cash.) If you are getting items that won’t rot in the back of your closet, you can add $10-20 to your health and beauty budget. With items ranging from hair dye to cold medicine, I have found it to be an EXCELLENT deal.

Bulk Buy with a Buddy. I’m no sucker for those giant bottles of mouthwash packaged together at Costco. They are a great deal if priced separately, but how long would it take me to use all of it? I’ve found the best way to save money at bulk co-op outlets and warehouse stores is to go halves with my Mom. She buys pretty much the same stuff I do, and by splitting both the cost of the warehouse club fee and divvying up the goods, we make out like bandits on items that rarely go on sale or don’t offer much in the way of manufacturer’s coupons. (Carpooling saves us gas money and makes for a fun afternoon!)

Dispense with Care. Many of the products we use every day are packaged poorly. They are designed to allow a large amount of product to come out at a time, increasing your usage and forcing you to buy more often. If you only need a “dime-sized” helping of shampoo, why does a “half-dollar” come oozing out? One way to save money is by changing your usage habits. We do this at home in several ways. My favorite is to buy some inexpensive foaming hand pumps for products like face wash. A nifty toothpaste tube flattener helps us use every bit of paste, and keeps the kids from trashing the sink. Storing bottles upside down in the shower lets us get two or three more days from most items.

Saving money doesn’t have to be a hardship. I’ve never been one to ask families to make their own beauty products for the sake of frugality (although it can be a fun hobby!) I also despise generic beauty products and don’t believe in watering down the goods. It is possible to stick to your favorites and save at the same time!

This article is from Linsey Knerl of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

I'd Rather Be A Brunette: 10 Tips To Save On Hair Care

Thursday Bram — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:55:27 +0000

In high school, I watched a friend drop over $100 on a trip to her favorite salon. I'd always known that her hair looked better than mine, but I couldn't believe that it was simply a matter of money. I didn't want it to be, either. Even in high school, I had other financial priorities than my do. There are frugal options for taking care of your locks, though. It's taken me a while to find them, but I use these tricks regularly.

Skip the repeat: 'Lather. Rinse. Repeat.' is one of the greatest marketing phrases of the 20th century. But it's misleading. To get your hair clean, one lather-and-rinse cycle is plenty.
Eat a healthy diet: You can eat your way to better hair. If you eat a balanced diet — plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as protein — your body will have the nutrients necessary to grow healthy hair. A balanced diet won't solve every hair problem, but it can head quite a few off at the pass.For instance, if you have an iron deficiency, your hair can thin out.
Go natural: Hair dye is expensive, and it can make keeping your hair healthy much harder. Consider going back to your natural hair color for a while and save some serious dough. The same goes for perms. I've also been known to dye my hair myself. It isn't hard, but I recommend having a second pair of hands around.
Shop around for products: The same tips for shopping frugally for groceries work on hair care products. I buy on sale, clip coupons and pick up bulk bottles. I do have a preferred brand that I tend to stock up on, but it's not the most expensive brand on the shelf. According to a few hair styling friends, the expensive hair products aren't really any better than cheaper options. Wholesale distributors will also often provide great deals, as do online vendors.
Barter: If you really do prefer the job a professional will do on your hair, you don't have to give up those regular visits. But it's worth finding a stylist willing to accept a payment other than cash. During high school, I traded babysitting for haircuts on a regular basis. I didn't have to pay for a haircut and I could generally do my homework at the same time. Barbers and stylists need services as well as cash; you can see what you can trade.
Go organic: Sure, organic brands can be more expensive than their chemically-enhanced counterparts. But many organic shampoos and conditioners do not contain sulfates. While sulfates do remove oil and other junk from your hair, they also strip it and create frizz and other problems. If you can switch to sulfate-free products, you can stop using other products — like anti-frizz mouse. There's a period of adjustment and your hair might be slightly oily in comparison, but after a few weeks, your hair should be healthier.

This article is from Thursday Bram of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Pet Peeves Part 2: Good Grooming

Andrea Karim — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 21:45:14 +0000

Dogs are by far the most expensive pets to groom. Cats need a good brushing and maybe the occasional bath, birds clean themselves (as do rodents), and fish LIVE in a bath. So, dog grooming is where a lot of pet owners drop a wad of cash. It doesn't have to be that way.

I used to take my dogs to PetSmart for a good all-over grooming — bath, trim, nails, ears, tooth brushing. PetSmart grooming fees differ depending on the breed you have, not the type of grooming that is performed. Because I have two small dogs that might be considered high-maintenance breeds (a Shih Tzu and a Pekingese), my fees run about $50 per dog, plus taxes. I always thought that this was a bit unfair. I can see charging $50 each if I wanted the dogs to have long, silky hair that was brushed out and swooped up in bows, but I have my dogs clipped short all over. That doesn't matter to PetSmart.

All in all, I used to spend over $119 every three weeks to have my dogs groomed (nearly $2,070 per year).

Once I calculated that total, I realized that grooming my own dogs was going to be key to saving myself some moo-lah. After a bad experience with $30 Costco dog clippers, I found that although an initial investment in grooming supplies might cost me more than a couple of groom sessions, the purchase would pay for itself within the first four months of ownership.

DIY pet grooming isn't nearly as difficult as it sounds. If you just set aside a little bit of time each month, you can save a bundle and still have happy, clean pets.

The First Cut Is the Priciest

First, clippers. The groomers at PetSmart were happy to tell me which clippers they used in the doggie salon, which were conveniently sold at PetSmart for roughly $220. I wrote down the model number and found them on eBay for $160, less than the cost of two grooming sessions. These clippers do require maintenance and replacement blades, but they are still much cheaper than having someone else trim my dogs. Also, I can give my Shih Tzu a mohawk whenever the whim strikes me.

Now, I'm not claiming that I do as good a job trimming my dogs as the people at PetSmart. But my dogs aren't that vain, and they look good enough that so far, no one has laughed openly at them.

Rub-a-Dub-Dub

Next, bathing. I had tried unsuccessfully to bathe my dogs by setting them in the bathtub and shampooing them while pouring pots of water over their heads. My little guys are small, but absolutely determined to be nowhere near the water flowing out of the faucet. Turning on the shower did no good because the spray was too dispersed and difficult to aim at such a small target. And they were just too big (and gross) to wash in the kitchen sink. Because I had to do so much fighting, I ended up wasting a lot of water, and I'd usually run out of hot water halfway through bathing the second dog, so that one of them was guaranteed to be shivering and miserable when I was finished (as opposed to just miserable).

Thus, I was delighted when my sister gave me a Rinse Ace Indoor Pet Sprayer, which she had started using on her large dog after it got too cold to simply hose him off outside one winter. An ingenious little device, the Rinse Ace is a hose with a showerhead that you can plug into your current showerhead. The hose is long enough to reach into the tub for bathing small dogs, and you hold down a little switch to the turn the water on. When you let go, the water stops, thus saving dozens of gallons every bath. Having to hold the button down does cause some hand fatigue, but it's better than using all the hot water, and struggling to keep the dog in the tub while pouring water over its head.

I also like using this when I occasionally have to bathe the cat. Since we got her when she was a kitten, she's easier to bathe than a cat that has never been in the water. I have to wear rubber gloves and long sleeves for the process, but it significantly cuts down on her shedding and my allergies.

As far as canine beauty products go, I really like the Lavender and Mint Buddy Wash shampoos and conditioners by Cloud Star. They cost between $9–$13 per bottle, but they are concentrated so that they last a long time, and leave my dogs smelling great. And, one of my dogs has terrible allergies that cause him to chew and scratch, but the Buddy Wash Conditioner soothes his dry skin and keeps him from scratching.

Towels. Never fall for the ruse that your dogs need special towels. Just use your old ones.

Grin and Brush It

Tooth care: This aspect of pet care is often overlooked, but you should brush your dog's teeth at least once a week, if not every day. If the process is followed by praise and treats, your pooch with probably endure it. You don't need to get an Oral B Extra Sonic Ultra Laser Boom Brush like the one that you use — a simple doggie toothbrush and some dog-happy toothpaste is enough.

I Am Canine, Hear Me Bark

Cleaning your dog's ears is actually easier than it sounds. Simply take some tweezers and pluck out most of the small hairs that crowd your dogs' inner ears (not inner-inner — you're not plucking out their eardrums or anything). Pulling the hairs out is remarkably painless for most dogs. Then swab the inside of the ear with a soft cloth (or Q-Tip, if you have good aim and your dog has small ears). An ear cleanser should be relatively inexpensive and free from alcohol.

Putting Their Best Feet Forward

Nail trimming is my least favorite part of caring for my dogs, and I will occasionally take them to PetSmart with me when I go to pick up their special, hypoallergenic prescription diet, and pay $5 to have someone trim their nails. Remember, if you do it yourself, that it is uncomfortable for dogs, as they have nerve endings in their claws that we don't in our fingernails. Be gentle and patient, but firm.

Flea Market

When I went to PetSmart grooming, I often paid extra for anti-flea treatments, in addition to using Advantage flea-treatment capsules (I use Advantage rather than the better-known Advantix — it's cheaper and safer around cats). The combination of a flea bath AND flea medication is not necessary. Stick with whatever your vet gives you (Advantage, Advantix, whatever) and forgo anything else. You will need to wait about a week after bathing your dog before using any flea treatments. And all dogs should be protected against fleas, unless you want to deal with worms some day. You don't, trust me. Grossest thing ever.

Smells Like Wasted Money

Perfumes? Bunk. Unless your carry your precious poochie in your handbag, or unless your dog is exceptionally stinky, and your vet has told you that it's not a medical problem and you just have a stinky dog, dog perfumes are simply a waste of money. They can cause skin irritation, and probably cause your dog immense embarrassment around other dogs.

This article is from Andrea Karim of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Former Pop Princess Figures Out Frugal? Go Bald!

Andrea Karim — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 18:33:04 +0000

I think every woman should shave her head once in her life. I can say this, because I've already done it, so I'm off the hook now. It's a very liberating experience, feels really neat when you shower, and gives you a fresh start with brand-new, stress-free strands. Also, it saves you a bundle on styling products, because you really don't need anything, save a few tuques or baseball caps to stay warm. It's something that a lot of women do to support friends who are going through chemotherapy, and it can be quite the bonding experience for the shavees.

And of course, there's always the memory of the soulful, wailing Irish balladeer who made the look acceptable to begin with. Could Sinead rock that look or what? So, I lend my wholehearted support of chopping off one's locks and sporting a fuzzy noggin. It's a sort of rebirth for a lot of people. In fact, in many Asian cultures, you are encouraged not to cut your hair following the New Year Celebration — something about not cutting off the luck of the New Year.

Britney Goes Bald

Now, there are plenty of theories out there as to why Britney Spears shaved her head. K-Fed was threatening to test her locks for traces of illegal substances. She was going bald already because of all the terrible chemicals, weaves, braids, glue and whatnot she had been piling on her scalp for the last few months. That stuff can really destroy hair follicles. Maybe she's having a nervous breakdown — who knows?

Or maybe, just maybe, she wanted to save some dough.

A bald head has so many implications that it's tough to know what to make of Brit's Baldness. The military shears off recruit's locks during basic training, mostly for the purpose of creating an atmosphere in which none of the new arrivals is visibly superior to the others (hopefully enhancing a sense of community and subordinance). Head shaving has often historically been a method of punishment (The Inquisition and The Holocaust are two good examples of forced head shaving), or a way to prevent headlice, or both. In an ironic move, Neo-Nazis throughout Europe adopted the look in the 1970s, and bald heads still send mixed messages today.

Spending at the Salon

According to the British Daily Mail, the average British woman spends, over the course of her lifetime, £36,903.75 and 650 days on hair care. I've estimated that I spent over $5,000 on my hair over the past 6 six . A blog poll puts the number of women who spend between $100-$200 on a cut and color at 35% (as of February 21, 2007). I went on a date a few years ago with a man who was a bit older than me, made more money than me, and spent more on his colorist every month than I did on my rent. One date was all her got.

Blogger Fabulous Single Ma thinks that she can save $100 a month by doing the following:

1. Reduce salon visits from weekly to bi-weekly.
2. Consider new hairstyle or cut that requires less maintenance.
3. Extend touch up from six weeks to eight weeks.
4. Let hi-lites grow out.

Weekly to bi-weekly? A salon visit every week? I like FSM and all, but weekly visits to the salon are bloody insane! I'm not a great saver, and I'm not yet even close to frugal, but I never went to a salon on a weekly basis.

Women's Health magazine offered a breakdown on American hair spending that makes ME want to breakdown:

Percentage of women who don't own a blow-dryer: 5%
Amount spent on hairstyling appliances in 2005: $941 million
Price the American woman pays for a haircut: $42
How often she gets a trim: every five to nine weeks
Percentage of women who've never dyed their hair: 16
Most popular dye job: brunette

Aha, but there's more:

Number of women who've considered shaving their head: 1 in 5

So, it's not that unusual after all. One in five! That's 20% of the population. I'll bet it's higher than that, too.

According to a hilarious Time Magazine article from 1950(!):

American women is damaged by too much pampering, tinting and shampooing (all the things the beauty shops do to it). "The hair of European women is like a well-manured garden," explained one of the Fleischers solemnly. "The quality is good, but sometimes it doesn't smell too well."

There are even videos out there to help you figure out how it's done.

Doesn't that just make you want to take it all off? Even if you're not checking into rehab after months of stupid public behavior, you too can going fabulously follicle free! Let's all follow Britney's example (minus the drugs, divorce, and child neglect) and lop off our locks.

Well, the rest of you. I did that in college, and let me tell you, I have a really strangely shaped skull.

This article is from Andrea Karim of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: