Washing your hair might seem like a straightforward task—lather, rinse, repeat. However, with the vast selection of hair care products available, choosing the right shampoo and conditioner can be surprisingly complex. The question of whether high-end, salon-exclusive brands offer significant benefits over drugstore alternatives is particularly pressing. Or are you simply spending more without gaining any extra value?
Perry Romanowski, an independent cosmetic chemist based in Chicago and co-host of the podcast “The Beauty Brains,” argues that the perceived benefits of premium hair care products are often exaggerated. “The only difference is price, not performance,” he asserts. Romanowski explains that shampoos and conditioners are primarily composed of water and ingredients that either penetrate the hair or are washed away. According to him, the true distinction between drugstore and salon brands lies in marketing rather than efficacy.
Consumers frequently turn to ingredient labels for guidance when selecting hair care products. However, experts suggest that this approach may not yield useful information. “We’re all using the same toolbox of ingredients,” says Jeni Thomas, senior director and principal scientist for P&G Global Hair Care. “The ingredients in salon shampoos and conditioners are not of higher grade or different from those in drugstore brands.”
In essence, the high cost of salon-exclusive products may not necessarily translate to better performance or results. As such, it’s worth considering whether the premium price tag is justified or if more affordable alternatives offer comparable benefits.
