Drugstore Curly Hair Routine Under $25 | Suave, Hask, Shea Moisture

I washed and styled my curls today for under $25, including clarifying, deep conditioning, and styling. I’m on a mission to find some of the best drugstore curly hair products because it can be so hard good products that are actually at drugstore prices and readily available in-store.

All products are available at Wal-Mart in-store, online, and in drugstores. This is the first time I am testing these products, so this will be a first impression review where I will share my results day 1-3.

1. Pre-Treat (optional)

Purpose: 
-Remove tangles while the hair is dry because hair is in its strongest state when dry
-Protect hair from breakage & protein loss when shampooing

Who it’s best for:
-All hair types, especially high porosity/damaged hair

Frequency: Every wash day

Product: Any hair oil that contains coconut or raw coconut oil (very small amount)

2. Clarify

Purpose: 
-Remove product buildup, sweat, oil, & dirt
-Remove hard water minerals
-Reset for a clean slate

Who it’s best for:
-All hair types

Frequency: 1-2 times per month

Product: Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo $2-4

3. Deep Conditioner

Purpose: 
-Restore moisture and provide extra conditioning
-Strengthen hair and prevent damage

Who it’s best for: Dry, damaged, or weak hair

Frequency: 1-2 times per month

Product: Shea Moisture Hydrate + Repair Protein Power Treatment $10-14

3. Gel

Purpose: 
-Define curls
-Tame frizz
-Light moisture
-Medium hold

Who it’s best for: All curl types

Frequency: Every wash day or to refresh

Product: Hask Curl Care Curl Shaping Jelly $6-7

4. Brush Style (optional)

Purpose: 
-Smooth frizz
-Enhance curls & create clumps
-Increase shrinkage

Who it’s best for: All curl types

Frequency: Every wash day or when refreshing

Product: Kiss Colors & Care 9-Row Detangling Hair Brush $4-6

5. Diffuse

Purpose: 
-Set the curl shape & gel cast
-Increase shrinkage
-Create volume & root lift

Who it’s best for: All curl types

Frequency: Every wash day or when refreshing

Product: InfinitiPRO by Conair Texture Styling Hair Dryer $20-40

Results & Final Thoughts

After diffusing, I did have some frizz and my hair had a very light cast. I glazed a light layer of gel on top of dry hair and got much more hold and it tamed the root frizz. I think my hair was so frizzy on top from the lack of moisture. As I was applying the gel, my hair felt like straw and it was drying really fast. I think it felt so dry from the strong shampoo and lack of curl cream or leave-in. The gel was not moisturizing enough for my hair to use on its own and did not have enough slip to brush style with it in by itself. I was surprised that the deep conditioner didn’t provide sufficient moisture and softening.

I need to try all of these products again but alongside other products. I want to try the clarifying shampoo again with a different deep conditioner, perhaps protein-free, and see if my hair is soft and conditioned.

Regardless of the poor application experience, my results were great! My day 2-3 hair was so voluminous and clumped. I did have some frizz but I think that could be prevented with more moisture.

I have since tried the gel with a curl cream underneath and will be sharing that routine in next Sunday’s video which will also be a comparison of the KISS and Denman brushes. Make sure you’re subscribed to me so you don’t miss it!

Watch my previous drugstore curly hair routine to see another great affordable gel!

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