Salon Products: Really Worth the Extra Money?

A very important part of my job as a hairstylist is to recommend products for my clients. Educating and giving them the proper tools helps them to maintain their hair at home. One question clients frequently ask me is: "Are professional products really worth the extra money?" As a hairstylist my answer is yes, however, as a consumer I understand the hesitation. Are you really getting what you are paying for?

While all shampoos have the same basic ingredients, salon brands use the highest quality ingredients which are also the gentlest. Many of the ingredients used in drug store products will actually strip the natural oils in your hair which are needed to maintain moisture. These same ingredients will also strip your hair color causing it to fade.

Another advantage of using salon quality products is that they are very concentrated, meaning a little goes a long way. It may seem as though you are spending more money on the same amount of product, but with salon products you are actually getting more. Since you only need to use a very small amount of product, salon products will last you longer than drugstore products.

Salon products also come with more than just a pretty bottle of shampoo. You get your stylist's recommendation based on their professional assesment of your hair. Since different types of hair require different products you will know that you are getting the product that will give you the best results. The best part of purchasing salon products is that the salon where your stylist works will most likely let you return or exchange your products if for some reason you are not happy with them.

Remember that just because you are buying a professional product, it is not guaranteed unless you buy it in a salon. Product diversion is when salon exclusive products are sold by non-authorized dealers (such as Target, Walgreens, etc...) Many people think that they are getting a great deal by saving a few dollars buying products they've seen in salons at one of those retailers. The truth is that many of those products are old, counterfeit or tampered with. You can't be sure that you are really getting the product you think you are buying. Many manufactures such as Paul Mitchell and Redken actually state on their products that they do not guarantee the product unless it is sold in a salon. That is enough reason for me to beware.

So when it comes to the truth about salon products vs drugstore brand products, remember that you are getting what you pay for. For all the money that you spend in the salon to get that gorgeous hair, it only makes sence to spend a little extra to maintain it! Don't forget to e-mail me at JenMc26@gmail.com with your hair questions.