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Original poster

Is expensive shampoo worth it?

67 replies

GymSloth · 13/01/2020 12:15

My hairdresser recommended that I try some fancy salon shampoo as it would help the colour last longer. So I bought the (very expensive) shampoo and conditioner, but I'm not really sure I can tell the difference. It's nice and everything, but I'm just not sure it's worth spending that much, when I can pick up my normal stuff in the supermarket for fraction of the price. Is it just marketing or does it really make a difference?

Apparently supermarket stuff has silicone though and it's bad for your hair.

What does everyone else use? Any recommendations for a good shampoo and conditioner for dyed hair?

OP posts:
Delatron · 13/01/2020 19:52

I’d been using cheap shampoos for years, remembered how good Kerastase is and went back to it. Hair is noticeably better, less frizzy, softer etc. For me it’s worth it.

KenzoBaby · 13/01/2020 20:14

I used Faith in Nature shampoo (fairly inexpensive but silicone free) and save my bucks for Loreal Professional Conditioner which I buy in big tubs. I'm led to believe it's the same stuff as Kerastase.

managedmis · 13/01/2020 20:33

Depends 9n your hair type, surely? I reckon if you've oily hair it's easier to use cheap shampoo.

HighNetGirth · 13/01/2020 20:38

Some expensive shampoo is better. I like Philip Kingsley and Phyto, which I buy in TK Max.

Mummyshark2018 · 13/01/2020 20:44

I've tried lots of over the years and never noticed the difference. I have straight, dark, oily, shiny hair, no frizz or anything so generally good condition. I do notice that when I wash my hair at my parents (soft water area) that it's bouncier. I have a friend though with dyed blonde hair that is quite dry and she swears by a specific expensive brand for blonde hair.

chugga · 13/01/2020 20:50

@Tableclothing what websites? I'm interested Grin

ButterflyRuns · 13/01/2020 20:52

I find them to be better personally.

Original poster
GymSloth · 13/01/2020 20:55

This is all really interesting, thanks for all the replies!

It seems the consensus is to buy sls free, but not necessarily expensive?

The good thing is I've now got a list of recommendations to work through!

The thing I was most sceptical about was the colour lasting longer. Surely my roots show after a while because my hair grows, not because I've washed it away? Or can the right shampoo really make a difference?

OP posts:
aroundtheworldyet · 13/01/2020 21:04

Yes I think colour shampoos do make a difference
But maybe I’m brainwashed

Mrstwiddle · 14/01/2020 00:08

Agree with previous poster about water hardness having a huge impact. Whenever I go to stay with my parents, who live in a very hard water area, my hair instantly turns into a bird nest, even using olaplex number 3, I come home and one wash is all it takes to get it back to normal, worth investing in a filter.

Rachelfromfriends1 · 14/01/2020 00:13

My hair is bleached and damaged. Expensive products make such a difference, I use Kerastase shampoo/conditioner/masks and olaplex. It leaves my hair healthy/soft/shiny. On the odd occasion that I use cheap stuff, you can see how dry/limp/thin my hair is in comparison. Maybe it’s not as noticeable if you don’t have problem hair.

Nat6999 · 14/01/2020 01:43

Look in TK maxx, they have professional hair products on sale, cheaper than they are at the beauty warehouses.

TheBossOfMe · 14/01/2020 03:22

Soft water plus good shampoo = hair nirvana

SpeckledyHen · 14/01/2020 07:28

Water softener here and Aveda . My hair is the best it has been since childhood, and that was a long time ago.

Original poster
GymSloth · 14/01/2020 09:22

TK Maxx is a great tip, thank you. Would never have thought of looking there for shampoo.

I also never realised that water makes such a difference. Unfortunately we live in a hard water area.

OP posts:
Comefromaway · 14/01/2020 09:25

I have a really sensitive scalp and the only two shampoos I have found that don;t make me itch are Neutrogena Tgel and a Superdrug one called Noughtie.

Tableclothing · 14/01/2020 09:57

@chugga

Usually allbeauty.com

It's pretty variable but (especially if prepared to buy the litre bottles) can usually find a high end brand for supermarket equivalent prices. You do need to be prepared to try something different once in a while. I'm currently using Pureology and it's negated any need for Olaplex on my coloured hair, so I'm pretty impressed with it.

isthismylifenow · 14/01/2020 10:16

I bought Aveeno chamomile and rosewater when I was in the USA as I had an awful excema problem while I was there, i think due to the water. I have since coloured my hair so am a bit nervous to use it, incase it strips the colour. Anyone with dyed hair used this one successfully. It really is lovely and definitely soothes my skin.

I do use the salon products but i am not in UK so not sure if its brand you get. But they are getting a bit pricey and I am also looking for something else to use.

youvegottobekidding · 14/01/2020 11:26

I’ve never spent £££ on shampoo, the most expensive around £5-£8. To be honest I haven’t found the result much better than my usual £2 herbal essences.

I did watch a programme on hair a while ago & they did a test on shampoos. They tested a top price range, middle and low. It turned out the low price range wasn’t great & there wasn’t really any difference in results between the middle & high price ranges.

I have actually just started to use Simple shampoo. I have coloured hair, a bit dry in the lengths and ends. But I’m quite impressed. It’s left my hair quite shiny and soft & my hair feels really nice too. However I did use a tresemme conditioner for coloured hair after though.

YetAnotherSpartacus · 14/01/2020 11:42

It seems the consensus is to buy sls free, but not necessarily expensive

You will need a good SLS free shampoo in a hard water area because what SLS do (does?) is to make foam. There are foaming agents in non-SLS shampoos but they are not as effective. Also, watch out for ingredients that are effectively SLS under a slightly different chemical name. I use SLS free because I'm prone to itchy back and eczema.

citygirl1961 · 14/01/2020 13:04

yougottobekidding - I always used to use Simple shampoo but I can't seem to find it in Boots anymore. I hope they haven't stopped selling it?

Bansku19 · 14/01/2020 13:13

I don't think they are. I have worked in shampoo company. My hair is very fine and in good condition, and I use what ever shampoo there is. Same with conditioner.

Delatron · 14/01/2020 15:23

I think it depends on your hair type a bit too.
If it’s well behaved then maybe you are fine with cheaper ones.

Mine is frizzy and out of control so for me (and I’ve tried loads) the only one that has made a difference to the frizz is expensive ones like Kerastase and Living Proof. I live in a hard water area too. Hair is much better when I go to my parents or abroad. I’d probably save more money by getting a water softener!

I’ve tried cheap/ natural/ non silicone ones and hair looks worse. Some cheaper ones like Herbal essences are ok.

damnthatanxiety · 14/01/2020 17:24

OP, the difference to coloured hair isn't about regrow the at the roots. It's about maintaining the colour through the length of the hair. Harsh shampoos strip the colour leaving it faded and brassy. If you want to retail the rich tones of when you has it coloured for longer, use the appropriate colour safe shampoo. And to a pp who said that as hair is not alive, it doesn't matter what you use. Yes it is technically dead but just as with nails and fabric, you can treat hair harshly or with care and it will effect the speed at which it splits and the cuticles roughen up. We have all seen people with hideous frizzy poorly kept hair. That.