topic Re: Do you think professional/salon shampoos and conditioners are actually worth it? in Best Hair Ever

Do you think professional/salon shampoos and conditioners are actually worth it?

Shan1216 — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 01:01:13 GMT

Hello all!

I have been using drugstore shampoo/conditioners, nothing expensive or too fancy for pretty much my whole life. I have tried more expensive shampoos/conditioners but have never seen a significant change in my hair to fork over the extra money. It's funny because I spend a lot on styling products, but cringe for some reason over the high prices of salon shampoos! I think it's just because I want to make sure they actually do something for me. Do you all think that the higher end shampoo and conditioners are actually worth it? If so what do you like? Or what do you like from drugstores?

I have very thick, wavy, blonde hair that I wash 2-3 a week. Would love any recommendations!

Re: Do you think professional/salon shampoos and conditioners are actually worth it?

Titian06 — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 01:07:33 GMT

Hi, @Shan1216! I've never found salon shampoos/conditioners to be any better than drug store (non-salon) hair products.

I use Avalon Organics Scalp Treatment Tea Tree Shampoo from my health food store and Shea Moisture Restorative Conditioner from Target.

I have fine, curly/wavy blonde hair that is dry and I have an itchy scalp. The shampoo has helped control the itchiness and the conditioner has pretty much eliminated the dryness. I wash my hair every two to three days and let it air dry.

Re: Do you think professional/salon shampoos and conditioners are actually worth it?

Anonymous — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 01:54:36 GMT

I think it depends on your hair type and concerns. For me, shampoo doesn't make any difference. I have thick, FULL (too much, actually) 1b (1c inside) east asian hair. Clarifying shampoos are too dry expensive or not, and any damage repair/moisturizing shampoos leave tacky feelings and I even get tiny bumps around hairline. Volumizing shampoos do nothing, because my hair's too thick/long (heavy). So, pantene? classic clean shampoo works best for me, so far.

ON the other hand, I regularly purchase and use daily salon-grade or expensive hair masks. Keeps my hair healthy and shiny, and if I use cheaper ones, I also get tiny bumps (which is strange, since many say--and I believe--ingredients are not too different).

I always have used and will use moroccan oil treatment (leave-in oil) because it gives all the shine without making it sticky or weighing down (other expensive ones, like ones from Kerastase didn't work like this). Smells nice& soft too...One of my friend with dark wavy blonde hair (naturally) loves it too, maybe try!

Re: Do you think professional/salon shampoos and conditioners are actually worth it?

friedrice — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 02:19:24 GMT

Do you have colored hair?

Salon shampoos are better for your hair.

And Nooo I'm not trying to upsell you a bottle of salon shampoo.☺️

But you are paying for high quality ph balanced that is gentle on your hair, as it wont strip too much of the natural oils from your hair and will prevent future damage or dryness. And as the price, you are helping the salon business and your stylist as you purchase the product.

Salon shampoos are more concentrated so you dont use as much compared to drugstore that are mostly watered down with some harsh chemicals.

Drugstore shampoos have very high in PH (alkaline level) which is not healthy/not good with hair as it is so harsh to our hair.

When you get your hair washed and done from a salon, does your hair always feel so soft and bouncy after??

(I'm a Licensed Cosmetologist)

Re: Do you think professional/salon shampoos and conditioners are actually worth it?

StephaniLynn — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 03:30:18 GMT

Hi @Shan1216!

I have lightened hair, which results in it being a little dryer and more prone to breakage. I usually wash my hair 2x a week and mask on those days as well. Dry shampoo is my best friend every other day of the week so I need my shampoo to break down all that build up but now strip my hair completely and my conditioner needs to be moisturizing to combat the damage from processing. I've mostly stuck to brands like It's a 10 and Redken but recently have found a drugstore gem I think it's Garnier Whole Blends Honey? Also I usually pick up jumbos of my favorite 'salon brands' when Ulta does their liter sales then fill travel bottles for better shower storage, It's a great way to save on 'salon brand':)

My sister dyes her hair and finds salon brand helps her color last longer before fading.

I guess it really depends on what you want from your shampoo and conditioner.

Re: Do you think professional/salon shampoos and conditioners are actually worth it?

Shan1216 — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 17:04:40 GMT

@StephaniLynn Thank you so much for your response! I also have lightened hair, forgot to mention that! What kind of mask do you use? That's another thing I've never really tried!

Re: Do you think professional/salon shampoos and conditioners are actually worth it?

Shan1216 — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 17:06:42 GMT

@friedrice Thank you so much for the help! Yes I have colored hair- naturally blonde but have been getting lighter blonde highlights for around 10 years. Do you have a salon brand you would recommend?

And yes, my hair does always feel great after the salon 🙂

Re: Do you think professional/salon shampoos and conditioners are actually worth it?

Shan1216 — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 17:08:32 GMT

@Anonymous I've used Pantene and liked it a lot! I like what you said about hair masks, I've never really tried one though! Is there one you recommend?

I've also never tried moroccan oil treatment, that sounds great! I'll definitely check that out!

Re: Do you think professional/salon shampoos and conditioners are actually worth it?

StephaniLynn — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 17:18:42 GMT

@Shan1216 I switch between a few top 3:

1. It's a 10 miracle

2. Garnier Whole Blends Honey

3. Carols Dauggter Monoi

Sometimes I just drench my hair with coconut oil and let it sit then wash it out.

Re: Do you think professional/salon shampoos and conditioners are actually worth it?

friedrice — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 19:40:43 GMT

@Shan1216 When I was still in beauty school, we used Scruples brand on clients.

but I recommend the RedKen brand for color treated hair. This helps your color last longer and shinier. They sell this brand at Ulta, so take advantage if the store is having a sale especially with the 20%off coupons 🙂

Re: Do you think professional/salon shampoos and conditioners are actually worth it?

cassandraw91 — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 19:47:17 GMT

I completely think higher end shampoos/conditioners are worth it!

I use an Aveda shampoo followed by Pureology hydrate conditioner. Pureology is one of the more expensive lines but I believe it is worth it. You use way less and it makes your hair healthier.

With drugstore shampoos, sulfate is an ingredient. This strips out the oils in your hair. While it may lather much better, its not good for your hair. Drugstore conditioners usually have a form of wax in them that causes you to think your hair feels soft and healthy. But its really bad for hair.

Changing up your shampoo/conditioner every fee months is also good for your hair.

Re: Do you think professional/salon shampoos and conditioners are actually worth it?

missjeanie — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 22:31:25 GMT

I agree that higher end shampoos and conditioners make a difference, at least they have for me. I have oily roots and dry ends, all of my hair is dyed a natural dark colour with portions bleached out then dyed blue.

I used to use drug store brands, pantene, herbal essences, some ogx. I switched just over a year ago to using primarily bumble and bumble's hairdressers oil and the alterna caviar. My roots are less greasy, my ends are smoother and my hair is softer overall. I just spent 100$ on the jumbo size S&C from alterna and nearly had a heart attack doing it but my hair loves it. I've also found that I use quite a bit less each washing now compared to my drug store days.

Re: Do you think professional/salon shampoos and conditioners are actually worth it?

Anonymous — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 22:40:47 GMT

Kerastase was my Salon brand. It is very good and especially their deep mask.

I think it is sold at Ulta and you collect points there.

Re: Do you think professional/salon shampoos and conditioners are actually worth it?

Babypeachist — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 23:01:48 GMT

Hair damage is not reversible. No hair products can change your hair permanently. Well-formulated shampoo and conditioner will temporarily improve the texture or appearance of your hair. But you will have to continuously use them to maintain the results.

Re: Do you think professional/salon shampoos and conditioners are actually worth it?

sultananatalie — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 23:05:26 GMT

I think salon products rad much better, but if you don't have a lot of hair needs, drugstore works perfectly fine for shampoo and conditioner

Re: Do you think professional/salon shampoos and conditioners are actually worth it?

Anonymous — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 23:43:17 GMT

@Shan1216My two favorites are moroccan oil moisture one (brown rim vs orange) and pink one from Amos professional (not sure if the brand is available in the U.S.). I think as long as you continuously use any "good" hair masks, your hair will thrive. I use hair mask everyday (habitual), but since I rinse them quite throughly, my hair is never greasy or weighed down.

I have to add, although I do not feel much advantage of using higher-end shampoos, that using "real" salon shampoos can be more tricky, although they are really amazing. I tried using them at home but I couldn't be bothered, because shampooing long, thick, full hair with ph-balanced, protein-rich shampoo took so much time and effort. Also, something I liked best @Salon was rinsing my hair with some sort of sparkling water...which I'm not willing to do at home.

Re: Do you think professional/salon shampoos and conditioners are actually worth it?

greeneyedgirl107 — Thu, 04 May 2017 01:21:05 GMT

I have thick, wavy, frizz prone hair. I use all salon products (except for shampoo) and they are all superior. I think it just depends on your hair texture. Try some at Ulta and Sephora and see for yourself 🙂

Re: Do you think professional/salon shampoos and conditioners are actually worth it?

JillyBeanTX — Thu, 04 May 2017 16:29:58 GMT

Since a pay a fortune (well.. not a fortune but plenty) for color and highlights, I use salon hair products because they tend to preserve my color and protect my hair (which in turn, protects my investment in that salon color and highlights).

My hair is naturally wavy so I like Deva Curl and
Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino Shampoo.

Alterna is also good.

I used to try to save a little by getting hair products on Amazon BUT a few times the product I received did not seem salon quality (Chi was one - I took it to my stylist - she smelled it and told me to throw it out.) - so because keeping my hair conditioned and vibrant is important to me, I use salon products that I can buy through Sephora.

Drugstore brands - Aveeno or Nexxus.

These are my backup products - and what I buy (and usually leave with someone) when I am traveling.

Re: Do you think professional/salon shampoos and conditioners are actually worth it?

Shoos8 — Fri, 05 May 2017 03:15:07 GMT

It sounds like we have VERY similar hair and I'm not loving mine at the moment. What hair products are you loving?

Re: Do you think professional/salon shampoos and conditioners are actually worth it?

burningisis — Tue, 16 May 2017 11:17:02 GMT

I used to use a lot of drugstore shampoos. If your hair isnt complicated and doesnt have many special needs, drugstore shampoos and conditioners can fit your bill just fine. I really liked Garnier for smelling nice. But I admit, salon brands have served my complicated hair well.

My hair is incredibly damaged from bleaching and coloring (I love fun colors, dip dyes, bright balayage, melts, etc) so my hair has some pretty special needs. In addition to the damage, I have very fine hair but a LOT of it. So it tangles at the slightest breeze. I ADORE Sebastian products (volupte is my go to shampoo/conditioner combo and Potion 9 is my go to repair conditioner) I love Bumble and Bumble for a clarifier with its sunday shampoo, and Aveda for a paraben free shampoo/conditioner (I'm not a huge fan of Aveda's scents though, they smell too herbal but they work very well)