As many of you may know, hair styles and treatments "fads" come and go. In the 80's it was Teasing and Perms, in the 90's it was "The Rachel" and bleach, then came the stark contrast highlights, and finally we have come into an age of hair that is sleek, timeless, and not something we will look back on 20 years from now and go what the hell was that?! But achieving great hair can cost a fortune. A trip to the salon costing in excess of $100 is no longer a shock. Dropping $25 on a bottle of hair product is considered "the norm". Well for those of us that can't afford to do those things have no fear. There are many options for having great hair at an affordable price. And the best part, they work just as well as their ever expensive counter part!

Moroccan Oil Shampoo

8.5 Oz. Bottle-$22.42+ Shipping

13.5 oz bottle $21.00+ Shipping

Moroccan Oil

3.4 Oz. Bottle - $40.17 + Shipping

250ml bottle $38.00+ Shipping

I will be going over two of those products today. Both are part of the current hair treatment craze: One being Moroccan Oil, the other being Keratin. Both of which can cost a pretty penny to use on your hair. I love the results these two items bring to my hair. I have fine but thick (I know, that's hard to imagine), does whatever it wants half the time hair. When these two products combine in my hair, I can straighten it and it will actually last until the next wash. It is shiny, manageable and not frizzy. The only problem is- I can't afford the $26+ bottle of shampoo and $26+ bottle of conditioner that most Keratin Treatment Shampoos Cost, and the Moroccan oil costs probably the same if not more. There are some things I don't mind splurging on, but this isn't one of them.

About 6 months ago I found a brand called "One and Only" at Sally's Beauty Supply. They sale Moroccan Oil Products at a fraction of the cost of salon bought products. A Regular sized bottle of their Shampoo/Conditioner costs $9.99, compared to the $25.99 at my local hair salon for a product promising the same results. I also found their version of the Moroccan oil. I bought a small bottle for $5.99 about a year ago, and still have not ran out. That is about an 85% decrease in cost. And just to clarify- Argan oil is the same thing as Moroccan Oil ("Moroccan Oil" is actually the company that became the most popular). The awesome thing about this product is you don't have to use as much as its more expensive counterpart, but still works just as well. 12 fl oz bottle $9.49

Now, on to my next Product. Over the last few months I had been seeing commercials for Suave's new Keratin Shampoo and Conditioner. I was skeptical tho, most commercial hair products have one main thing that I try and stay away from- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, actually any sulfates and sodium of any kind. It strips the hair of natural moisture, causes breakage, and fades hair color quickly.

I thought surely, this product would be no different. Even the more "high end" drug store hair products have Sodium and Sulfates of some sort in them. No way would a product that costs $2.74 at Wal-Mart not have these items in them.

Then came the day I was out of my shampoo and conditioner, and didn't really have the extra money to buy the above mentioned "One and Only" products. (Yes, we were that broke that week). So off to the store I went. I walked down the shampoo isle, and the gold Suave bottle caught my eye. I decided to check it out and read the label. As I read the back of the bottle I was shocked. It didn't contain Sulfates! I quickly bought two bottles, thinking what the hell... I'll give it a try. If it works great, awesome..if it doesn't..at $5 total for both who cares. Later that night I washed my hair with the Suave Product and I was shocked. It gave me the same results, if not better than the 3x the cost One and Only Shampoo and Conditioner. I have also in the past used Salon bought Keratin Products, and I have to say this product works just as well as the Kerastase Shampoo and Conditioner it claims to compare to. My hair was just as manageable, shinny, and soft.

12.6 oz bottle -$2.74 each- Argan Oil 2 oz. bottle -$6.99

I went on vacation with my Mother and Sister shortly after discovering this product. They both use the "High End Salon" bought products such as Kerastase ,and Coppola Keratin Complex (a 13.5 oz. bottle runs $18.95 ea.). After trying the Suave Keratin Shampoo, they both agree it works just as well.

I don't know about you but I am a deal loving Momma. I live for a good deal, and a great find. (Okay, maybe that's a little excessive, but you know what I mean). When living on a budget, and trying to make a household with 1 live-in child and 4 step children work; Any money saved is great. Plus, I love the "My little secret" moments when someone complements you on your hair, or dress, and only you know you got it for an amazing price. I was extremely happy/surprised that I found a shampoo and conditioner for under $3 that was actually healthy for your hair, and worked just as well as other products that cost 200% more at least. I plan on trying their keratin treatments and oils next. I will be sure to let you know how it works!

I hope you enjoyed today's Tip and Product Review! Be sure to check My blog MommytoMommies, and BloggyMoms Profile frequently for more tips, tricks and Ideas! Happy Friday! Thanks for reading!