Professional hair care products - are they worth the money?

I have been hairdressing for over 10 years and the number 1 question I get asked on a daily basis is:

“What is the difference between shop bought/supermarket hair products and professional in-salon products?”

Let me explain the difference.

You get what you pay for

You usually get what you pay for when it comes to hair care products.

Cheaper shampoos are generally mass-produced and are likely to contain harsh detergents and chemicals which could be irritants for sensitive scalps. The most well known and common ingredient is Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS).

The professionally developed shampoos will usually contain higher quality ingredients; such as essential oils, plant or fruit extracts, and botanicals.

A recipe for disaster . . . ?

Ingredients like parabens, sulfates, and silicones are all contained in cheaper shampoos and although these ingredients can make your hair ‘look’ healthy, they don’t actually improve hair health.

Professionally developed shampoos will actually improve the overall health of your hair rather than simply giving the ‘effect’ of healthy hair.

Keeping it clean

When it comes to cleansing the hair; a cheap product may make your hair shine in the short time but can actually cause damage in the long term.

All shampoos are designed to lift the build-up of dirt and the natural oil (sebum) in the hair. However, what differs greatly between professional and mass-produced products, is the effectiveness of this process.

Professionally developed shampoos will have a higher concentration of ingredients, meaning they last longer as you use less, with better results.

The problem with cheap products is they can actually leave your hair in worse condition due to the harmful chemicals which strip the hair of its natural oils. This can further damage your hair and make it harder to colour/lighten.

If you spend your hard-earned money on your hair - you should consider it an investment! You need to protect that investment by maintaining the colour and condition of your hair by doing your utmost to keep your hair strong, healthy and fabulous. Buying professionally developed hair care products from your salon is the best way to achieve this.

And the best bit?

No more guessing if the product will suit your hair type/style! By talking to our stylists you reduce any risks of wasting money on products which simply won’t help you achieve your hair goals. We’re here to help you get ‘Hair Happy’! Just ask.

The difference between mass-produced and professionally developed hair care products - written by Emma Haris, Verwood Salon Manager, Joanne Hairdressing, Dorset.