The Mane Idea: Five Hair Products I Can't Live Without

Like most girls, my hair care routine goes way beyond just plain shampoo and conditioner. Here are five products that keep my hair feeling and looking its best: (from left to right)

1. Macadamia Natural Oil Flawless Cleansing Conditioner

This cleansing conditioner eliminates the need for shampoo and conditioner. It claims to speed up the blow drying process while adding nourishing macadamia oil to strengthen the hair and soothe damaged ends. I purchased a trial-size of this product for $15 at Ulta but the full size is $33 for 8 oz. 

2. Paul Mitchell Hot Off The Press Thermal Protection Hairspray

This hairspray has been a lifesaver when I'm running late and need my waves to last all day. It doubles as a heat protectant and a strong-hold hairspray that doesn't live my hair with that crunchy feeling we expect from a traditional hairspray. This product is sold at Ulta and Walgreens at around $19 for 6 oz.

3. Batiste Dry Shampoo

It's a common commandment in the world of hair care that washing it too frequently can be too drying and damaging on the hair. That's where dry shampoo comes into the picture. My favorite dry shampoo is from Batiste and I particularly love the "wild" scent (pictured above). I usually get mine at Marshalls for around $6 but it is also sold at Ulta and other drugstores for $8.

4. Lush Big Sea Salt Shampoo
After using heat protectant sprays, dry shampoo, and other styling products my hair can tend to feel a little icky.  I will use a clarifying shampoo like this sea salt one from Lush to get rid of the extra build up and gunk. Although at $27 it is a little pricey, it leaves my hair with an amazing shine and lemon scent that makes up for it. Clarifying shampoos can be a bit drying, so I like to follow them with a deep conditioning treatment.

5. L'Oreal Total Repair 5 Damage-Erasing Balm

My list of top hair products would not be complete without mentioning this deep repair masque. It claims to repair up to a year of damage after just one use. Let's be honest - that's probably not possible but it truly does make my ends feel softer and silkier each time I use this product. At only $7 for a whopping 8.5 oz of product, this is a definite must try for anyone whose hair could use a little extra TLC. You can find it at Ulta and most drugstores.

The picture of all five products and the Lush shampoo are my own. All other images were acquired at the following websites:
http://www.handsomemen.pl/UserFiles/Image/drag/batiste_wild-2013-9-20-14-27-10.jpg  
http://i-glamour.com/images/801025_2.jpg
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/GURoEtcoo4A/Uf71b4fLDsI/AAAAAAAAAH8/7AzTbiMiedU/s1600/DSCN0614.JPG
http://www.kelsidoeshair.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/WorkedUp.png