I Tried These Over-The-Counter Products For My Summer Haircare And Here's My Verdict

Ahoy! All aboard the frizzy, oily, untamed and sweaty hair season. Summers will put a stop to all your #GoodHairDays, and your budget will restrict you from getting high-on-keratin, nourishing and hair straightening treatments. We hear you, we’re in the same boat. We’ve all heard the issues with regular drugstore buys—chemicals harming your hair, not getting the right kind of products for your scalp and many more disappointing stories. But if we tell you that you can get magical, shiny, happy hair without breaking the bank, will you believe us? I’ve tried these hair products for us ‘broke’ sisters that your wallets and your crowning glory will fall in love with. P.S. They’re all under ₹500.

Best Summer Haircare Products Under 500

1. Biotique Bio Neem Margosa Anti-Dandruff Shampoo & Conditioner

This bottle of goodness is godsent for those with an itchy and flaky scalp. Say goodbye to dandruff and flakes with the power of neem to help your hair grow and become healthier. It is also enriched with bhringraj and reetha, making it an ayurvedic essential. Psst… their 120ml bottle is priced at only at ₹155!

My verdict: I’ve used this before and it’s a great summer shampoo to keep my scalp cool and healthy. I usually use it after an aloe vera scalp and hair mask, once a week.

2. Nykaa Naturals Shampoo - Apple Cider Vinegar & Ginger

When you talk about summertime haircare, you need to bring in fenugreek into your conversation. Not only does it promote hair growth, but it also hydrates your hair making them stronger and preventing hair loss. Onions are also great if you want to achieve shiny, long hair. Their 200ml bottle is priced at ₹399.

My verdict: I have an oily scalp and the combination of onions and fenugreek works wonders for me. I use this shampoo regularly and I’m in love with it.

3. Tresemme Keratin Smooth With Argan Oil Conditioner

Banish the frizz with this keratin-rich, argan oil conditioner. It will tame your hair, whether wavy or curly and keep them nourished and bouncy. For a mane that will feel soft to touch and caress without any tangles, this bottle will become your BFF during summer. The 190ml bottle is priced at ₹220.

My verdict: This is probably one of the cheapest keratin-rich products I’ve ever tried. I have short hair and don’t usually need a conditioner, but after using this, I’ll probably continue using it through summer. Also, its aroma is heavenly!

4. Mamaearth Aloe Vera Gel With Pure Aloe Vera & Vitamin E For Skin and Hair

There’s nothing more cooling, nourishing and caring than some fresh aloe vera for your scalp and hair. Imagine spending your Saturday mornings sipping an iced tea with this cool gel working its magic on your hair. Use this as a mask once a week, or as an after-shower serum to detangle everyday. The 300ml bottle is priced at ₹399.

My verdict: As I have an oily scalp, I’ve switched from weekly yoghurt hair masks to aloe vera ones to keep my scalp oil-free. I am a big fan of Mamaearth products and this gel is only an addition to my routine.

5. LOreal Paris Elseve Extraordinary Oil

If you’re looking for a luxurious, salon-like experience for your hair, buy this magnificent serum immediately. An oil-based formula, the serum will bid adieu to dullness and frizzy strands by deeply nourishing your mane. With the goodness of rose, chamomile, lotus, tiare, flax and sunflower oils, this leave-in elixir will truly leave your hair transformed and fabulous. 30ml bottle for ₹299.

My verdict: You can use this oil for summer and beyond. The mix of 6 rich flower oils makes this serum one of my favourite hair products ever. After using it for 3-4 days after my shower, my hair felt softer, shinier AND bouncier.

6. Matrix Biolage Smoothproof Professional 6-In-1 Deep Smoothening Hair Serum For Dry & Frizzy Hair

Matrix Biolage Smoothening Hair Serum is all you need to flaunt your gorgeous long tresses without tying them up or braiding them. With their miracle ingredient of avocado and grape seed oils, this leave-in serum helps tame your hair and nourish and protect them from the harsh heat of styling tools. It will also protect your hair from the scorching sun. The 100ml tube is priced at ₹350.

My verdict: TRY THIS NOW. I used this along with my mom. She has long, frizzy hair and only after a week, her hair’s fuller without any static and a lot less frizz. A big thumbs up for frizzy hair.

Key Takeaways

In the always-glamorous realm of hair care, over-the-counter solutions are the secret heroes of our bathroom countertops cheap, ubiquitous, and wonderfully effective when well-selected. From deep conditioners at the drugstore that compare to salon visits to serums that glide like a dream, the perfect combination of high-low beauty can perform miracles. So, no matter if you're a loyal product junkie or a minimalist with one holy-grail choice, the secret lies in understanding your hair's love language. Test, combine, match, and above all enjoy the process.

FAQs

1. Are drugstore hair products as effective as high-end brands?

   Many over-the-counter hair products contain similar active ingredients as luxury brands. The key is to check the ingredient list and find what works best for your hair type.

2. How do I choose the right drugstore shampoo and conditioner for my hair type?

   Look for formulas tailored to your needs, hydrating for dry hair, volumising for fine hair, sulfate-free for colour-treated hair, and protein-infused for damaged strands.

3. Can I mix and match different brands of hair products?

   There's no rule saying your shampoo, conditioner, and styling products have to come from the same line. Sometimes, the best routine comes from a little mix-and-match experimentation.

4. Do drugstore hair masks actually work?

   Look for masks with nourishing ingredients like keratin, argan oil, or shea butter. For an extra boost, let the mask sit under a warm towel or shower cap to help it penetrate deeper.

5. How often should I switch up my hair products?

   If your hair starts feeling weighed down, greasy, or just “off,” it might be time to rotate your routine. Otherwise, if a product is working for you, stick with it there’s no set rule for changing products.