Professional Brand Hair Products VS Store Brand Products

What are the differences between Store Brand and Professional Products?

    We all know that stylists and salons recommend professional products over store brand products, but do you know why. Is there really a difference between the two? If so what is the difference? This is a subject that I have done a lot of research on. Yes there are differences. How do these differences affect your hair? Hopefully this article will help explain that and other questions you may have.

    All shampoo’s have the same basic ingredients but the concentration is formulated differently. Store brands shampoo’s only need a small amount of vitamins and minerals in it’s formulation in order to claim the benefits. That does not mean that there are enough of this ingredient in the product to be beneficial. The ingredients in salon brands contain less filler and sulfates, and contain more minerals, enzymes and proteins resulting in healthier shine and more manageable hair. The ingredients in store brands have more water, sulfates, fillers(waxes) and less vitamins, oils and minerals which can result in a waxy build up. This also applies to mousse’s, gels and other styling products.

    Surfactants are the most important ingredient when choosing a shampoo. Surfactants are the ingredients that actually cleanses the hair and creates lather. Shampoo’s use 3 different kinds of surfactants. 

Ammonium Laurel Sulfate 

Sodium Laurel Sulfate

Sodium Laureth Sulfate

    Ammonium Laurel Sulfate removes vital oils in the hair. This type of sulfate will also strip chemically enhanced color from the hair, resulting in fading. Of the three sulfates this is the least expensive and the most commonly used in store brand products. It is also the harshest and least expensive and should be avoided. Sodium Laureth Sulfates are the most expensive and the gentlest of the three. It is also the most common found in salon brands. The most important thing to remember is that Laurel should be avoided to maintain healthy hair.

   

    The biggest difference you will find between professional and store brands is the price and where your money goes. When you buy store brand products the money goes to the store and the shampoo company. The shampoo company then uses the money to develop more product, market the product and make more money.

   When you buy professional products from your salon, the salon uses the money to pay rent, utilities, pay staff, and buy more retail. The shampoo company still uses the money to develop more product, market the product and make more money. 

    However, the shampoo companies also put money back into the salon industry by offering education to the stylist which in turn benefits YOU, the client. The stylist/ salon can then offer a money back guarantee, insuring that  you will be happy with your product and by having better trained stylist, they in turn educate YOU, the client on the benefits and proper way to use the product.

      Many of our clients tell us all the time about seeing professional products in the stores. That is called diversion. These products may look like the real thing but many of them are over priced, out dated, diluted and are not guaranteed through a salon. Trust your stylist and salon to have the knowledge and education to help you achieve the look that you desire with the correct products for your hair.