The "drugstore dupe" thread

I haven't done much searching to see if there is a thread like this already, but I thought it would be a great idea to start a thread where you tell us your favorite, more inexpensive duplicate of an expensive, high end, or hard-to-get product!
That way, we can save money skipping the expensive stuff or experimenting to find that perfect dupe. 
I'll start...I'm not a high-end product kinda gal, but I did splurge a little and get some Shea Moisture stuff one time when it was on sale, and I find that I could replace my Smoothie with a little bit of some apricot or coconut oil, which is cheaper and probably more versatile than the Smoothie. It's good to have around, but I won't repurchase (I could whip some homemade concoction up like that, too, since I also have Shea butter sitting in the fridge
). The one expensive product I haven't really found a replacement for yet is a sample of Jessicurl Hair Cleansing Cream. I think the Free and Clean sulfate free shampoo I ordered from Essential Wholesale comes close, but it's not as cleansing. But, I think it's still a halfway decent alternative.
So, your turn! Share your favorite dupe for that more expensive product.


I'll start...I'm not a high-end product kinda gal, but I did splurge a little and get some Shea Moisture stuff one time when it was on sale, and I find that I could replace my Smoothie with a little bit of some apricot or coconut oil, which is cheaper and probably more versatile than the Smoothie. It's good to have around, but I won't repurchase (I could whip some homemade concoction up like that, too, since I also have Shea butter sitting in the fridge

So, your turn! Share your favorite dupe for that more expensive product.
Type 2c/3a with lots of hair and a super sensitive scalp! Med/slightly coarse texture, low porosity and elasticity.
Favorite...
Low poo: Organix TTM, Essential Wholesale Free & Clean
RO/LI: TN, GFTN, YTC
Stylers: EcoStylers, GF Curl Shaping Gel, Aussie Aussome Volume Mousse & Instant Freeze Gel, GFPC, LALNC, La Bella Lots of Curls, Apricot Oil, KMFUM, AO B5DG
Extras: sugar scrubs, AVG washes, pre-poos with EVCO, oiling scalp before washes, plopping, gelatin PT.
Mod-CG since 12/1/10! :happy7:
Favorite...
Low poo: Organix TTM, Essential Wholesale Free & Clean
RO/LI: TN, GFTN, YTC
Stylers: EcoStylers, GF Curl Shaping Gel, Aussie Aussome Volume Mousse & Instant Freeze Gel, GFPC, LALNC, La Bella Lots of Curls, Apricot Oil, KMFUM, AO B5DG
Extras: sugar scrubs, AVG washes, pre-poos with EVCO, oiling scalp before washes, plopping, gelatin PT.
Mod-CG since 12/1/10! :happy7:
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2cFii (fia), normal/normal, bleached, loves protein.
Seborrheic dermatitis diagnosed 02/2016
Favorite...
Low poo: Organix TTM, Essential Wholesale Free & Clean
RO/LI: TN, GFTN, YTC
Stylers: EcoStylers, GF Curl Shaping Gel, Aussie Aussome Volume Mousse & Instant Freeze Gel, GFPC, LALNC, La Bella Lots of Curls, Apricot Oil, KMFUM, AO B5DG
Extras: sugar scrubs, AVG washes, pre-poos with EVCO, oiling scalp before washes, plopping, gelatin PT.
Mod-CG since 12/1/10! :happy7:
I've also found that Spray Gels work like hairspray for me.
Other than that... hmm. Sleek and Shine is more moisturizing than the Rusk confitioner I spent $20 on.
thick; medium/coarse; low porosity.
hair that is drier than the sahara desert.
LOW-POO: Renpure Organics
CO: L'Oreal EverCreme Cleansing Conditioner
RO: Renpure Keratin Conditioner. New HG!
LI: L'Oreal EverSleek Humidity-Defying LI Creme
Styling: SM Curl Milk, Argan Oil for sealing, sometimes GFPC Gel, some honey for hold, TIGI Control Freak Serum!!
AOMM reminds me of SS CEJ but definitely not the same.
cleanser: Redken Fresh Curls Shampoo, CJ Daily Fix
rinse out: GVP Conditioning Balm, CJ Beauticurls, CJ Smoothing
jellies/creams: CR Curl Maker, KCCC
gels: CJ CQ, CJ Pattern Pusha, BRHG
Sent from my SPH-D700 using CurlTalk App
Texture: Medium-Fine
Porosity: Normal
Elasticity: Normal
Poo: Kinky-Curly Come Clean
Co-Wash:Suave Naturals Waterfall
RO: GVP Conditioning Balm, TreSemme Naturals Vibrantly Smooth
LI: KCKT
Stylers: KCCC, Frizz -Free Volumizing Foam
CG since July 2011 :shock:
AOGPB, SS Caitlins, Garnier Body Boost Condish
CJ Daily Fix or KC Come Clean
CJ Curl Fix is true LOVE:compress:
Love all SS products
Donna Marie Miragelly & my own FSG
AG MousseGel
BRHG
Steph -- I so have to try spray gels! I experimented a little with them yesterday because I was losing hold and crunch rapidly then, so I sprayed some into my hands and scrunched into dry hair. Turned out okay, but I felt like it didn't really do anything special except make my hair smell nice. I'll probably wind up liking it, since it's an old Suave spray gel that's probably been discontinued since it was sitting under my sink for who knows how long!
I just thought of another one. IAgirl's gelatin PT for Aphogee 2-step. Not that I've tried the actual Aphogee stuff...just her homemade gelatin knockoff.
Favorite...
Low poo: Organix TTM, Essential Wholesale Free & Clean
RO/LI: TN, GFTN, YTC
Stylers: EcoStylers, GF Curl Shaping Gel, Aussie Aussome Volume Mousse & Instant Freeze Gel, GFPC, LALNC, La Bella Lots of Curls, Apricot Oil, KMFUM, AO B5DG
Extras: sugar scrubs, AVG washes, pre-poos with EVCO, oiling scalp before washes, plopping, gelatin PT.
Mod-CG since 12/1/10! :happy7:
I was just about to buy more Shea Moisture Smoothie (buy one get one 50% off til Nov 5 at Walgreens) and then I read this. How are you using
the Coconut Oil? I've been using the Smoothie as an overnight pre poo and as a leave in.
I've used Coconut oil as a pre poo as well. Never used the Apricot oil. How are you using that?
Mix your sulfate-free shampoo about 50-50 with the YTC conditioner. Or maybe 40-50 or 50-40.
Add a little apricot oil (or canola or whatever you have) 2-6 drops
You could use another conditioner, but the YTC has some oils and de-frizzing stuff in it. Judging from the ingredients, this will be very similar to the JCCC.
3b. fine & thick, coarse, dry, medium porosity. Sucks up product and loves ACVs! FSG is my HG!
Currently using:
Low Poo: TJ's Refresh No Poo: CoWash w/VO-5; Sonoma Soap Company sulfate-free poo
RO: Yes to Cuc; SSC Lavender Condish; Sally GVP LI: Donna Marie Miracle D&C
Style: FSG w/Aussie Instant Freeze & CIAB
Yes to Carrots, but I think either would work.
I use the coconut oil a couple of different ways, though I haven't touched it much lately (darn OC'ing!). I LOVE LOVE LOVE it for pre-poos, and that's my favorite way to use it. I also like it to SOTC with, although I think I like apricot oil a little better for this purpose. One time I layered some over my gel when my hair was feeling very dry, and it turned out amazing! I'm sure it would work great underneath as a moisturizer, too. I use my apricot kernel oil to seal with, to SOTC with, and sometimes when my hair is dry and looking a little wonky, I will scrunch some of that in and it looks and feels so much better! I love the stuff so darn much -- it's nice and light and so perfect and moisturizing! But, I use both oils in pretty ordinary ways.
IAgirl -- thank you for the suggestion! It sounds so tempting, but every time I put condish on my scalp, I get itchy.
Favorite...
Low poo: Organix TTM, Essential Wholesale Free & Clean
RO/LI: TN, GFTN, YTC
Stylers: EcoStylers, GF Curl Shaping Gel, Aussie Aussome Volume Mousse & Instant Freeze Gel, GFPC, LALNC, La Bella Lots of Curls, Apricot Oil, KMFUM, AO B5DG
Extras: sugar scrubs, AVG washes, pre-poos with EVCO, oiling scalp before washes, plopping, gelatin PT.
Mod-CG since 12/1/10! :happy7:
That is really interesting! I might have to try that! Do you do that every time you wash? I think I would have to, which scares me a little, but I do love doing them from time to time. My scalp has been needing good cleansing every time I wash, too, so I'm not sure if the extra condish would just make me greasy. Also, I have been kinda seeing a correlation between ACV rinses and bad hair, LOL! But I will have to try it at least once and tell you how I like it!!
Favorite...
Low poo: Organix TTM, Essential Wholesale Free & Clean
RO/LI: TN, GFTN, YTC
Stylers: EcoStylers, GF Curl Shaping Gel, Aussie Aussome Volume Mousse & Instant Freeze Gel, GFPC, LALNC, La Bella Lots of Curls, Apricot Oil, KMFUM, AO B5DG
Extras: sugar scrubs, AVG washes, pre-poos with EVCO, oiling scalp before washes, plopping, gelatin PT.
Mod-CG since 12/1/10! :happy7:
Yep ACV every time I wash, I will say that I only wash once a week it could be either a lo-poo or co-wash depending on the week (I alternate.) but from day to day I wash with just water and reapply my conditioner and styling products. My scalp gets itchy and irritated if I attempt to cowash daily or leave conditioner on my scalp. My hair desperately needs the conditioner. To avoid AVC rinses more than once or twice a week if my scalp feels like it needs cleansing or greasy feeling after I just washed I'm a huge fan of using a bit of a waterless shampoo (keeping it off my hair as much as possible) . I really like TRESemmé Fresh Start's waterless foam shampoo for curly hair (not exactly CG it has cocamidopropyl betaine, but I don't really mind because I'm not using it on my hair) My hair thanks me because it gets the benefits of cowashing without the itchy scalp.
I hope that wasn't too confusing.
Not exactly the same, no glycerin and no oat/wheat peptides or plant extracts - but pretty close. The lack of plant extracts is good for allergy folks anyhow! About $6 for the Suave for 7oz vs around $18 for 12oz for ArcAngel. So $0.85 per ounce vs. $1.50 per ounce.
Not that great a savings per ounce, but they are kind of comparable, hold-wise.
IAgirl -- too cool! The Deva ArcAngel is a regular gel -- no spray -- right? And you know I like the "no plant extracts" part about the Suave, too!
Favorite...
Low poo: Organix TTM, Essential Wholesale Free & Clean
RO/LI: TN, GFTN, YTC
Stylers: EcoStylers, GF Curl Shaping Gel, Aussie Aussome Volume Mousse & Instant Freeze Gel, GFPC, LALNC, La Bella Lots of Curls, Apricot Oil, KMFUM, AO B5DG
Extras: sugar scrubs, AVG washes, pre-poos with EVCO, oiling scalp before washes, plopping, gelatin PT.
Mod-CG since 12/1/10! :happy7:
I guess I am an odd ball here or maybe its just I've never had the right products but I like my hair crunchy, to me if its not crunchy I think its frizzy/poofy/gross looking it may all be in my head also
Sent from my PC36100 using CurlTalk App
Sent from my PC36100 using CurlTalk App
2cFii (fia), normal/normal, bleached, loves protein.
Seborrheic dermatitis diagnosed 02/2016
Sent from my PC36100 using CurlTalk App
Favorite...
Low poo: Organix TTM, Essential Wholesale Free & Clean
RO/LI: TN, GFTN, YTC
Stylers: EcoStylers, GF Curl Shaping Gel, Aussie Aussome Volume Mousse & Instant Freeze Gel, GFPC, LALNC, La Bella Lots of Curls, Apricot Oil, KMFUM, AO B5DG
Extras: sugar scrubs, AVG washes, pre-poos with EVCO, oiling scalp before washes, plopping, gelatin PT.
Mod-CG since 12/1/10! :happy7:
2cFii (fia), normal/normal, bleached, loves protein.
Seborrheic dermatitis diagnosed 02/2016
Favorite...
Low poo: Organix TTM, Essential Wholesale Free & Clean
RO/LI: TN, GFTN, YTC
Stylers: EcoStylers, GF Curl Shaping Gel, Aussie Aussome Volume Mousse & Instant Freeze Gel, GFPC, LALNC, La Bella Lots of Curls, Apricot Oil, KMFUM, AO B5DG
Extras: sugar scrubs, AVG washes, pre-poos with EVCO, oiling scalp before washes, plopping, gelatin PT.
Mod-CG since 12/1/10! :happy7:
3b, Medium-Coarse (slight coarse charactericstics), Normal porosity & Low elasticity per Curl Wizard Profile.
Low-poo: Nourish Shampoo, Cantu Quinoa Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair, Decadence No Poo
Co-wash: Nourish Conditioner, Suave, Aussie Moist, Clairol Natural Blends Coconut
Deep Conditioner: Loreal Total Repair Balm, Cantu Masque
Leave-in: Nourish Conditioner (Trader Joe's), Decadence Conditioner
Stylers: LA Looks Sports, Homemade Flax Seed Gel, Devacurl Ultradefining Gel, Coconut Oil
Methods: Sleep with extra large satin bonnet. Able to get 7 day hair. Prior to getting 7 day:Wet plop or pineapple at night, diffuse in the morning. Scrunch w/joboba, coconut or almond oil.
Medium-high density, fine-medium, low-normal porosity, 3b/c, permanent color.
CG, no heat, combs, brushes, parabens.
Fall/Winter HG=Alba Botanica Soft Hold Style Cream.
Spring/Summer HG=MGA Sculpting Gel
Current fave LI=Madre Labs Made by Nature for Baby Conditioner.
Limit oils, butters, glycerin.
No, it's more of a gel/gelee. It's not snotty like KCCC, but I get the same curl enhancement. I didn't notice any additional drying time with it either. The biggest difference I noticed is that I don't get the same shine as I do with KCCC and it doesn't promote clumping like KCCC does in my hair.
Review: L'Oreal Evercreme Cleansing Conditioner
Review: Yes To Carrots Nourishing Shampoo & Pampering Conditioner + 35% off at YTC.com
3a-b, fine & medium texture, medium-high porosity from years of damaging. I'm addicted to changing my hair color.
Cleansing: No-Poo, Elucence MBS, YTC Poo,
Conditioner: One Condition, JC Too Shea!, YTC Condish, Elucence MBC, Joico Daily, KCKT
Styling: KCCC, LALPS, BRHG, Biotera Gel
SMB Photography
2c on top - low elasticity
3a&b scattered underneath - normal elasticity.
fine texture. thin density. A lot of it.
porosity: normal to high.
loves protein and moisture.
products may vary. i'm a PJ.
loving Curl Junkie, Curly Kinks, and AS I Am.