Is expensive shampoo worth it - does it really make a difference?

[Littlemiss74]

After nearly a year of lockdown cancelled hair appointments I’m getting it cut & coloured today, hurrah!!
Whenever I go to the salon I think about buying the products they use as my hair comes out delightful, soft and shiny afterwards. But, they are so expensive. I have bought some shampoo in the past but my hair doesn’t look as amazing when I use it at home.
I realise alot of it is probably in the styling but just wondered if others use more expensive shampoo/conditioner & think it is really worth it?

I like the L’Oreal Hair Expertise Pure Colour shampoo - around £6 for 250ml, so not major expensive but not cheap either.

Thanks for all the replies & suggestions. I have bought from a salon before but one shampoo was awful on my hair & I had to take it back for a refund. Perhaps I’ll try Amazon.

@DragonWillow we would like to get a water softener as our water is very hard and really dries out our skin

I really like label M products (styling as well as shampoo and conditioner). They really work for my hair. They are also cruelty free.

@FizzyPink

I’ve been using Olaplex shampoo and conditioner for the past few months with No.3 beforehand as well. I’m not sure how long it’s supposed to take to see a difference but my hair is exactly the same as when I was using Pantene/L’Oreal/whatever brand was on offer at the supermarket

I was so disappointed with Olaplex. Xx

Not for me. Kerastase, Kevin Murphy etc products are no better than the Faith in Nature range I've had from the supermarket. To me all my hair needs is sulphate free products and it doesn't matter how much I spend as long as I keep to that.

Personally, not for me. I bought a bottle of Kerastase when I got extensions and it was okay but no better than the Pantene I’d be using.

My hair dresser is convinced it transformed my hair and keeps asking if I’m still using it and I just say yes to keep the peace but the thing that’s actually saved my hair is only having my hair highlighted four times in the last year instead of every 6 weeks and basically abandoning the hair dryer.

I've tried shampoos and conditioners from every price range - my hair was the exact same after using any of them! I stick to the cheap stuff now.

Expensive shampoo just smells nicer. I buy the Keratase gold one for my children as it makes their hair smell delicious.

Changing shampoo and conditioner regularly makes the most difference

I agree with changing products often to ‘shock’ hair.

What’s made the biggest difference to my hair is my dyson dryer. Dries smooth and frizz free even when rough dried. It’s been an absolute game changer

I co-wash so I haven't used shampoo in nearly a year. Everyone's been asking me what shampoo I use because my hair looks so good. LOL!

Used keratase and olaplex products for months made no difference! Learned about Shea moisture on tick tock best thing ever highly recommend!

no, my hairdresser works from home and uses the alberto balsam ones that cost a quid. My hair always looks lovely after She says its the cut and styling techniques that make it look nice, and that every salon shes worked in, shes been under pressure to sell whatever brand sponsers them, but you dont have to pay over the odds for posh shampoo

@LunaTheCat

I swear by anything from kerastase.

Luna - which ones do you use? I took the plunge after my hairdresser friend recommended but I haven’t really seen any difference 😬

I use aveda. I’ve tried cheaper and my hair suffered for it 🤷🏻‍♀️. I always go to their salons too.

It’s not tested on animals either or sold in main land China & the bottles are recycled plastic. It is owned by Estée Lauder group though but with garnier now buav approved I’m hoping they’ll follow suit.

I spend pennies on skincare so it all balances out budget wise.

@longtompot I use the Damage Remedy range, including the treatment conditioner (I used to leave it on for a few hours with clung film over and even sleep with iron sometimes) but I think I started off the the Shampure one and had good results with that.

Jesus, I used to put CLING FILM over it and SLEEP WITH IT ON. I've never put an iron on my hair

@NeedATan

I co-wash so I haven't used shampoo in nearly a year. Everyone's been asking me what shampoo I use because my hair looks so good. LOL!

Yes !

I'm afraid that it really does make a difference and I've learned its not worth wasting money on supermarket shampoos and conditioners, they just seem to be shit for my thick coarse hair.

I now buy Redken products from look fantastic website. And actually they last for ages because you dont need to use much. I think its more cost effective than the supermarket crap that I was constantly throwing away.

Im an Aveeno fan..

Shampoo and Conditioner leaves my hair very happy 🥰

@ParadiseLaundry

Jesus, I used to put CLING FILM over it and SLEEP WITH IT ON. I've never put an iron on my hair

Phew! You had me worried then 😉

I shall look into those, thank you 😊

I've tried lots and the only high end I felt made a difference was Philip Kingsley. I think it probably depends on your hair and what you do to it. My hair is very fine and thinning, i would say it's in good condition at the moment mainly because I haven't had any colour or highlights for a year and it's almost back to it's natural state which now includes a few greys. I'm currently using Faith in nature shampoo bar and garnier conditioner and loving it. I've concluded thickening shampoos are a waste of money.

Varies
I have used Ouai for fine hair and it has been very good - bought on offer from I think Cult Beauty and I purchased a refill pouch - overall has worked out cheaper

I also use certain Pantene, Olsplex sometimes and for styling the Aveda blow dry spray

I also love my Dyson hairdryer - bought with gift money last year in lockdown and the fine hair attachment - my hair dries now quickly and I have not used my straighteners since I've had it

I like the Phillip Kingsley shampoo that removes build up. I use it every few washes. I have a giant bottle of another PK shampoo but can’t tell the difference. My thick and straight hair is so dry a frizzy.
I’d love to find something that really made a difference.

@NeedATan

I co-wash so I haven't used shampoo in nearly a year. Everyone's been asking me what shampoo I use because my hair looks so good. LOL!

Can you explain a bit more about that! Co-wash?

@AnnieSnap

Conditioning only .. no shampoo