How to Get Celebrity Hair at Home

How much is too much to pay for a trip to the hair salon?

Whether it’s k-tips, highlights, a cut, or a lace front wig, many women are beginning to feel the squeeze in the chair. Deposits for hair appointments are a new-age concept because a number of stylists have complained that clients will do a no-call, no-show on the day of their appointments, which inconveniences them.

Some stylists have stated that they look forward to the client for the day because that is money they were depending on to pay a bill or run errands. Now, with many stylists either quitting the profession altogether, working out of their kitchens, or just up charging their clients and sneaking in massive fees, when is enough, enough? And can you say goodbye to the salon and get celebrity hair at home?

When we think of celebrity hair, we think of shiny, voluptuous, bouncy, healthy hair that many celebs flaunt on the red carpet or in their promotional photoshoots. Additionally, some celebrities will take it a step further by selling their own haircare products to their fans and the general public, which many people support in hopes of achieving the same results.

Beyoncé, for example, launched her haircare line, Cécred, earlier this year to a wave of criticism. Both fans and spectators were skeptical about purchasing the products because they believed Beyoncé mainly wore wigs, and if they could not see her real hair, then how would they know if the products were effective or not? Sure enough, Beyoncé then released a series of videos via TikTok and Instagram showcasing herself getting ready for Cécred’s launch party, in which she is, in fact, using the products and sporting her natural hair.

We fast forward a few months later, and Rihanna debuts her haircare line—Fenty Hair. This launch was met with similar backlash, prompting the Bajan singer to sport her natural short cut in a commercial and in a photo op. Fans were quick to point out that her hair is not long like Beyoncé’s, and therefore they would not be supporting Rihanna’s line. Not only do many consumers believe this is all one big cash grab from their favorites, but they are also just strapped for cash and have to make wise purchasing decisions.

After conversing with salon owner Kimberly Capuano from Bella Salon and Spa, it’s apparent that the hair industry as a whole is changing. “It’s actually a shame that so many clients think we want to raise our prices just because, but the truth is we have to pay booth fees, salon fees, and even the cost of the hair products we use in our clients’ hair is rising,” she says. The main difference between salon products and those sold in regular retail stores lies in the formulation quality, concentration of active ingredients, and targeted effectiveness.

The other day, I went to my salon to get a wash, trim, and blow-dry. My stylist noticed that I was experiencing some balding in one area of my head, and she offered me the Hair Loss Lotion from the WIU Line. This is not a product sold in stores, but after only a few days of using it, I’ve noticed some growth. I’ve used store-bought products for some time, none of which have given me much in the way of results. The product does retail for $49.90, which is a hefty price tag for one item compared to hair loss drops that can cost anywhere from $11.49 to $32.00 at your local drugstore.

To keep the price down, most store-bought products often contain diluted versions of active ingredients and may include more fillers, sulfates, silicones, and alcohols to extend shelf life, which can be harsher or less beneficial for the hair in the long term. Mielle Cosmetics recently began receiving backlash for its products causing hair loss in many customers; however, the founder is adamant that the ingredients have not changed. But this may not be entirely true, considering she started making the products in her home with no concern for preservation or shelf life.

Once the line was sold, larger corporations needed to take this into account, which may have led to changes in the formula and the outcomes many users are experiencing now. If you want that celebrity hair, it’s best to take time out of your day and search for salon-grade hair products. Some places will even sell them to you—although I don’t think they’re supposed to, a few may. It doesn’t hurt to ask. Salon products are designed to be used under professional supervision, which means they’re tailored for more intensive treatments or particular hair concerns that require a trained stylist to achieve optimal results.

Over-the-counter haircare products are naturally formulated for general use to meet a broad range of hair types and styling needs. A trip to the salon may cost you $120 today, but think of the money you’ll save if you can purchase those salon products at a good price to do your hair at home. The only exception here, of course, is if you need your hair colored, a wig applied, or human hair extensions like clip-ins or tape-ins; then it’s always best to go to the salon.

High-end salon brands often distribute their products only through licensed salons to maintain consistency in quality and effectiveness. This helps with brand reputation as well, reducing the risk of misuse and protecting the brand’s reputation for delivering high-quality results. When the goal is to get your hair to look like your favorite celebrity, maybe don’t be so quick to purchase the items they’re selling, especially if their goal is to one day land shelf space in Target. Be diligent in your approach and speak with your stylist about working together to get some of these salon-grade products. Your hair and your wallet will thank you.

by Kyla Cruz
Image Credit: Bellocqimages/Bauer-Griffin | Getty Images