My Clients Are Known for Glossy, Expensive-Looking Hair—8 Drugstore Items I Think You Should Own

Welcome to Drugstore Heroes, a monthly series in which we spotlight the often-overlooked and under-hyped drugstore beauty products that industry experts count on. From editors to content creators and even celebs, we’re asking tastemakers to share their top recommendations for affordable, yet effective products. Get ready to see the best of drugstore beauty, period.
Andrew Fitzsimons is a celebrity hairstylist and the creator of his namesake line of hair products. His A-list clientele includes Megan Fox, J.Lo, Madonna, and multiple members of the Kardashian-Jenner family. So, yeah, the man knows a thing or two about the best products for flawless, glossy, and expensive-looking hair.
Expensive-looking is the key phrase there. You might think he relies exclusively on high-end (and high-cost) items to create his iconic hairstyles, but you’d be wrong. Fitzsimons says he uses affordable, drugstore items on his celeb clients all the time. It doesn’t matter if he’s styling their hair for TV, a red carpet, or a magazine cover—he trusts certain low-cost items to get the job done. And not only for his clients. Fitzsimons uses drugstore products in his own routine, too. Below, he shares his eight all-time favorite affordable items.
How often do you use drugstore hair products on your celeb clients and would you say they’re staples in your kit?
Absolutely! I use affordable, drugstore hair products on my celebrity clients all the time. It’s not about the price tag—it’s about performance. I’ve always believed that everyone deserves access to high-quality haircare, which is why I created my own line to deliver salon-level results without the luxury markup. My kit is a mix of everything, but my go-to staples are products that nourish, protect, and style the hair effortlessly, whether I’m working on a red carpet look or an everyday glam moment. Great hair shouldn’t be exclusive—it should be accessible to everyone.
What would you say to someone who thinks only expensive hair products are effective?
I’d say, let the results speak for themselves! Expensive doesn’t always mean better. It’s all about the ingredients and formulation, not the price tag. I’ve worked with every kind of product throughout my career, and I can tell you firsthand that affordable haircare can deliver just as much—if not more—than luxury brands. Great hair comes from using the right products for your hair type and needs, not just the most expensive ones on the shelf.
Any tips or tricks for finding effective hair products at the drugstore? There are so many options.
Shopping for hair products at the drugstore can feel overwhelming, but the key is knowing what to look for. First, focus on ingredients—hydrating oils like argan or coconut, strengthening proteins like keratin, and moisture-locking humectants like glycerin are all great signs of an effective formula. Second, think about your hair’s specific needs. If your hair is dry, go for something deeply nourishing; if it’s fine, look for lightweight, volumizing options. And don’t be afraid to mix and match! Some of my favorite routines combine different products to get the perfect balance of hydration, hold, and shine. Drugstore haircare can be just as powerful as luxury brands—you just need to find the right fit for you!
Fitzsimon’s All-Time Favorite Drugstore Products
Fitzsimon’s drugstore shopping cart comes through at a cool $140. That’s impressive, considering it contains eight effective products (acne-clearing, teeth-whitening, and hair-perfecting ones included).
Source: WhoWhatWear