I'm not one to brag, but there's one thing I can definitely say I'm good at. Some might consider themselves department store fashion connoisseurs while others know exactly where to find the best drugstore makeup, but personally, I consider myself a professional Target shopper. It can be an overwhelming task to walk into such a superstore because there are so many options, but now that I've written about beauty for a few years now, I know exactly how to navigate the deep dark depths of the fully-lined Target aisles.
Buying things like skincare at Target can be great (shoutout to incredible brands like Versed), but my forte lies in haircare that goes above and beyond in terms of quality and price. Even before I ventured into the world of beauty writing, I almost exclusively bought my entire haircare routine there and have now pinpointed exactly what's worth it and what's not. If you're in need of a few high-quality haircare products that won't break the bank, keep reading below. I'm breaking down all my favorite lines available right at your local Target.
1. Mielle Organics
Created by registered nurse Monique Rodriguez, Mielle Organics utilizes key nontoxic ingredients that give your hair extra shine and hydration. They're made for all kinds of hair types and textures, but I really love that its products are also made with textured hair in mind. So many products labeled "for all hair types" just don't do it for my dry, curly hair. But Mielle's products (like the Rosemary Mint Oil and Curl Cream) actually include the proper hydration levels that curly hair needs to thrive.
2. Kristin Ess
Celebrity hairstylist Kristin Ess's eponymous line is really good. I've been a stan for years and sometimes I can't believe how affordable and accessible her line is for the quality. I love her Dry Finish Texture Spray for days I straight and curl to give my hair a little more of a tousled, lived-in feel. Another standout product from her line is the Leave In Conditioner Spray which is so great for dry, thick hair. It detangles with ease and adds much-needed extra moisture to your strands.
3. Native
You may be familiar with Native's incredible line of clean deodorants, but you definitely also don't want to miss out on the brand's vegan line of shampoos and conditioners. Some of its formulas are simple (made with 10 ingredients or less) but still incredibly nourishing for the strands. If you're into delicious-smelling hair post-shower, try the brand's warm cider and cinnamon scent.
4. Odele
Free of sulfates, formaldehyde, phthalates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and any of the 1300+ cosmetic ingredients banned by the European Union, it's safe to say that Odele products are at the highest standard when it comes to clean beauty. Even better is that its formulas are actually really good and incredibly affordable. I've only had the pleasure of trying a few things from the brand, but I can outline a few favorites I happened to discover at Target. The Air Dry Styler is really great at smoothing down flyaways and frizz while the Leave-in Detangling Tonic helps prep my hair for heat styling. It smooths and conditions without being too heavy or causing plumes of smoke to rise from your flat iron when styling. You know what I'm talking about.
5. Maiu Moisture
Maiu Moisture is another fan-favorite brand I actually discovered when I wrote exclusively about hair for a while. I was so impressed by the products that I continued to buy them at Target long after. I mean, you truly can't beat the brand's drugstore prices, but what really blew me away was how hydrating each of the products was that I tried. It's such a great option for those with dry, thick, curly hair because the hydration doesn't dry up after a few hours or even a day or two—it lasts well into your next wash day. My two favorites from the brand are the Curl Quench Shampoo and Curl Enhancer, but the brand has a variety of items to choose from. The brand even has a few formulations that cater specifically to drier hair types.
6. Love Beauty and Planet
Love Beauty and Planet is a brand on a mission. And luckily for us, it's sold at your local Target. Sourced with responsibly sourced organic ingredients and contained in recycled bottles, you can rest easy knowing your haircare is pretty sustainable. Let's take a second to talk about the formulas though. All the products smell incredible, but the Murmuru Butter & Rose Blooming set really stands out. I used this set for color-treated hair for a while when I did an at-home hair-gloss treatment to keep the gloss vibrant-looking. It really did help and the conditioner made my hair so silky and soft after I would use it. At just $7 each, I can definitely say I give the brand two thumbs way up.
7. Function of Beauty
Function of Beauty is known for its custom formulas made-to-order, but FYI, it also offers premade products for different hair types at Target. For coily hair types, the brand's co-wash and murumuru butter-rich mask are definitely worth trying. Each item also has almost a perfect five-star rating on Target's website—that truly speaks for itself.
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