Pros vs. Joes: Battle of the Products

We are a society that hates overpaying for things, especially everyday things. But is the money we save buying cheaper commercial products over more expensive professional products really worth it? Each obviously have their pro's and cons. Let’s break it down:

Salon Brands (Professional Products)

• More expensive.
• Companies spend large percentage of time and budget on research, development, chemistry, and testing.
• Reformulate more often as advancements occur.
• Many have only very little to no alcohol in them, which dry out or strip the hair.
• Don’t need to use as much at a time for results. (Start small and add as needed.)
• Help to recreate the salon look you loved in between appointments.
• Tend to have more variety for specific needs.
• Don’t always lather like we have grown accustomed to.
• Tend to come in smaller sizes.
• Effectiveness tends to last longer throughout the day, especially for sprays.
• Come with education. You can learn about the product, its effectiveness, and its use from your stylist.

Drug Store Brands (Commercial Products)

• Less expensive.
• Spend large percentage of time and budget on advertising, sponsorships, and endorsements.
• Often come in large, economy sizes.
• Easy to find in every day shopping environments.
• Tend to have much less of effective ingredient.
• May be used up faster because of the need to use more to be effective.
• Use higher concentration of alcohol, waxes, and other fillers.
• May only coat the hair to mask an issue or add shine. Causes build up.
• Add extra detergent to make lather than we have grown accustomed to. (Too much detergent strips the hair.)
• May strip “perfect color” from hair because of excess detergent and alcohol.
• Advertising is only education source. 

Not unlike hair services, it all boils down to preference and investment. If you find investing in your hair important, investing in professional products are likely to keep you happier between visits, especially when it comes to color. Ask your stylist for product advice. This way, no matter what you choose, you can at least know you are making more educated purchases.