How To Find A Cheaper Version Of Your Favorite Product

Natasha needs to know…The leave-in “It’s a 10″ was recommended to me by my stylist to cut down on split ends and frizz. I have fine hair and even when its clean and brushed/combed tends to look messy, and it tangles very easily. I have been using the “It’s a 10″ leave-in for the last few weeks every time I shampoo my hair and have been very happy with the results. My problem, I HATE the way it smells. It’s not that the scent is a bad one, I just personally don’t like it. Is there a similar product that has a different or no scent?

The Left Brain replies:

Here are the ingredients:

Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Menthylparaben, Propylparaben, Propylene Glycol, Panthenol, Cyclomethicone, Silk Amino Acids, Heli Anthus Annuus, Sunflower Seed Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Quaternium-80, Fragrance, Citric Acid, Methylchloroisothiazaolinone and Methylisothiazolinone.

And here’s how to find similar products:

1. Search online (or look in stores) for other leave in sprays.
2. Check the ingredient list to make sure it’s water based (water should be first ingredient.)
3. Then look for “Behentrimonium Chloride” in the first 3 or 4 ingredients. That means the product should be pretty similar.
4. Look for “Cyclomethicone” after the first 5 ingredients. That means it’s even closer.
5. Look for Quaternium-80 after that. If the produce you find has all three of these ingredients it should be VERY similar.
6. Smell the product before you buy it so you know you like the fragrance!

I can’t guarantee this approach will find an exact duplicate of the “It’s a 10″ product, but it should help you narrow down your choices and increase the likelihood that you’ll find something you’ll like. (You might even be able to save some money!)

Image credit: freefoto.com