Are the #18 and #13 oils essential to the effectiveness? I need to justify the costs to my hubby.

Yes of course, #18 is most important...no short-cuts here, and nothing here is frivolous, except gels and styling aids. It is ALL made for each other made as a system, to work together, note: incidentally, most practical-minded hubbys manage to try to adopt parts of your Longhairs® Magicpack, once they get wind of the results in-store for the little extra effort, they love it too.

If you are a 'basic-jane' (not generalizing any Janes), and want basic results relative to the basic headspace, go LONGHAIRS® BTN Duo Beginners Kit and the #18 Scalp Oil. Otherwise if you want higher potential for longterm (recommended) results, and related phenomenal effects tryBeginners Kits, Surprise Kits and for maximum benefits of our carefully planned system...Choose the Longhairs® Magicpack, it is all you need for simply wonderful hair that you'll both love to live in.