Is Salon Hair Care Really Worth It? A Breakdown of Professional vs. Drugstore Products
Is Salon Hair Care Really Worth It? Let’s Break It Down!
We get it—when you’re standing in the hair care aisle at your local drugstore, those big bottles of shampoo and conditioner seem like a great deal. But is salon-quality hair care really worth the investment? Let’s compare professional products vs. drugstore options so you can make an informed choice!
1. The Ingredients – Quality vs. Fillers
💇♀️ Salon Products: Designed with high-quality, concentrated ingredients that nourish and protect your hair. They often contain gentle, sulfate-free cleansers, keratin, natural oils, and vitamins that help maintain colour, moisture, and hair health.
🏪 Drugstore Products: Often contain harsh sulfates, parabens, and silicones that give hair an artificial shine but can lead to long-term damage. Many cheaper shampoos strip natural oils, causing dryness or excessive oil production.
The Verdict: Salon products win for healthier, long-lasting results!
2. Colour-Treated Hair – Keep Your Colour Vibrant
🎨 Salon Products: Specifically formulated to preserve colour and prevent fading. Brands like Kevin Murphy, Eleven, and Goldwell offer sulfate-free and pH-balanced formulas to keep your shade looking fresh.
🚿 Drugstore Products: Most contain sulfates, which strip colour and cause fading much faster. You might notice your vibrant blonde, brunette, or red shade turning dull within weeks.
The Verdict: If you colour your hair, salon shampoo and conditioner are a must to protect your investment!
3. Concentration & Long-Term Value
💆♀️ Salon Products: Highly concentrated, meaning you need less product per wash—a little goes a long way!
💰 Drugstore Products: Often watered down, requiring more product per use, which means you run out faster and buy more often.
The Verdict: While salon products have a higher upfront cost, they last longer and provide better results, making them a smarter investment in the long run.
4. Scalp & Hair Health – Avoid Buildup & Damage
🧴 Salon Products: Formulated with clean ingredients that work with your scalp’s natural balance. They help prevent dryness, irritation, and buildup.
🚫 Drugstore Products: Contain silicones and waxes that coat the hair and create the illusion of smoothness—but over time, they cause buildup, leading to weighed-down, dull, or greasy hair.
The Verdict: If you struggle with scalp issues or weighed-down hair, professional products will give you healthier, more balanced locks!
5. Styling Products – Hold Without the Damage
🌀 Salon Styling Products: Made with lightweight, non-damaging ingredients that hold your style without making hair crunchy, sticky, or dry.
💨 Drugstore Styling Products: Often contain alcohol and heavy resins that dry out and damage hair over time.
The Verdict: If you style your hair often, investing in salon-grade styling sprays, serums, and heat protectants will keep your hair healthy while holding your look in place!
Final Thoughts: Are Salon Products Worth It?
✅ If you colour your hair → Salon products help maintain vibrancy and prevent fading.
✅ If you struggle with buildup or scalp issues → Salon formulas are gentler and free from damaging fillers.
✅ If you want long-term hair health → Investing in high-quality shampoo, conditioner, and styling products pays off!
💇♀️ Want to experience the difference for yourself? Book a service at The Hair Studio in Ile des Chenes and ask us which salon-grade products are best for your hair type!
📅 Book your appointment online today and say goodbye to bad hair days!