Why Salon-Grade Products are Better
It’s easy to reach for cheap and convenient haircare products at local drugstores or even online. I mean, how bad could they be? Well, we don’t want to disappoint you, but they can have unfavorable consequences on your hair health. Let’s explore why salon-grade haircare products are better for your health and wallet and what staple products you need to stock up on.
Why you need quality salon products
Gone are the days when you lathered and rinsed with Pantene and bragged to your middle school girlfriends about how superior it was to Suave. Turns out, it wasn’t superior. So, even though we are here to squash the rumor you can remove car paint with it, we are not here to endorse it, and here is why:
The Lather
A satisfying lather is hard to resist, but it might be the reason your strands are dry, dull, and lifeless. Drugstore shampoos contain two types of sulfides, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate. Sulfates (SLS). A mainstay in drugstore shampoo, sulfates are responsible for removing dirt, oil, and debris from your hair, but they work too well at stripping the hair and scalp of natural oils.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) came into circulation in 1940 when it was effectively used as a laundry detergent. SLS is great at lifting and removing dirt and oil from fabric, but it’s not great at preserving color or maintaining moisture balance on hair and skin. If you are concerned with keeping the integrity of your freshly dyed hair, keeping your locks moisturized, or protecting your scalp from irritation and flakiness, steer clear of shampoos containing sulfates.
If you decide to go sulfate-free, you still need to look for products that contain a cleansing agent to remove excess oil and dirt without drying out your strands or irritating your scalp.
Look for these sulfate-free cleansing agents:
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate (SLSA)
- Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate
- Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
- Disodium
- Sodium Lauroamphoacetate
- Lauryl Glucoside
The Low Down on Preservatives
We often forget the binders and stabilizers found in everyday haircare products and how they interact with our hair and skin. When choosing hair care products, including shampoo, conditioner, heat protectants, and serums, avoid products that contain parabens. So, what’s wrong with parabens?
Parabens are found in many haircare and skincare products to increase their shelf life. However, studies have shown that parabens can cause many side effects, including an increase in female hormone production, eczema flare-ups, and even hair loss. Look for brands claiming their paraben-free status and read ingredient lists before purchasing products from drugstores.
What to look for in salon-grade products
We’ve explored ingredients to avoid when choosing haircare products. Now, let’s get into the fun part! What ingredients make us excited about a hair product?
L’Oréal Professional Vitamino Color Shampoo
The Vitamino Color shampoo is a L’Oréal Professional best-seller for a reason. Unlike other shampoos, Vitamino Color shampoo from the Radiance System line gently cleanses, removing dirt and oil effectively while preserving your color-treated hair.
Resveratrol and Panthenol
Vitamino’s cocktail of ingredients boasts two key players for hair health and revitalization: resveratrol and panthenol. “Resveratrol” is a powerful antioxidant that will nourish and protect hair from the inside out. “Panthenol” works to moisturize the hair and scalp, ensuring your strands maintain their natural bounce and optimal texture while effectively cleansing and moisturizing the scalp.
Mizani Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner
With over 5,000 reviews on Sephora, Mizani 25 Miracle Milk is worth the hype. This leave-in conditioner contains a blend of key ingredients that make it lightweight and ultra-moisturizing.
Fennel Seed and Coconut Oil
Miracle Milk uses fennel seed and coconut oil to restore bounce to curls, soothe dry and frazzled strands, and promote hair growth. Fennel seeds contain phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron, copper, niacin, and vitamin C, which make it a great option for preventing hair loss and reducing oxidative stress. Coconut oil promotes stronger hair by preventing protein loss by creating a seal around the hair shaft and ends, which protects the strands from drying out or splitting.
Kérastase L’Huile Original Hair Oil
Protect and nourish your hair with the Kérastase L’Huile Original Hair Oil. This product is Kérastase’s #1 best-selling product, and this is why: it’s a multi-use product with many functions.
You can apply L’Huile oil ten minutes before you shampoo your hair for an ultra-cleanse to remove impurities. You can apply it to damp strands before you blow-dry for heat protection and to calm frizz. Finally, you can apply it after styling to add shine and texture!
Marula, Camellia, and Argan Oil
Key ingredients in this multifunctioning oil include marula oil, camellia oil, and argan oil. Marula oil is another powerful antioxidant with essential fatty acids that work deeply into the hair cuticle to moisturize.
Camellia oil is derived from a beautiful flower and absorbs quickly into the hair shaft to provide shine and brilliance to your hair color.
Argan oil not only contains antioxidants and fatty acids but is full of vitamin E, which promotes hair elasticity. Vitamin E creates stronger, more resilient hair.
Take Away
Salon-grade products don’t have to break the bank, but they are far superior to drugstore alternatives. There are some ingredients, like sodium lauryl sulfate, to watch out for when purchasing hair care products, but there are many alternatives to choose from. It’s a common misconception that salon-grade products are more expensive, but many budget-friendly salon-quality lines are here to serve you.
Our stylists are here to help you establish a haircare routine that will help promote better hair and scalp health and also make your color last longer! Tell your stylist about your needs and goals, and they can help you identify products within your budget.
