Okay, so I have to be real here in saying that I never really knew the difference between drug store shampoo and salon grade shampoo until I started doing hair. Yes, I have family in the beauty industry… but, I guess what I never knew was the WHY behind it. WHY it’s better, and the science to match.

I thought it was kind of a brand preference. I obviously knew that the more expensive, salon grade products were better… but, to be honest, I could never afford them. Especially because at the time I didn’t know how much more concentrated they were and I thought that you needed to buy a lot at once.

It wasn’t until after beauty school when I really started to learn about ingredients and the effects they have on our bodies. What I wish I knew then, was, all the money I was spending on my hair color was basically thrown down the drain. I am the queen of thrifting and finding good deals, but trust me when I say- this isn’t an ideal area to be skimping on.

If you are tight on funds, my suggestion is to slowly bring in the regimen that your stylist recommends. Find ONE product that you feel is the most important to begin with. I always say shampoo & conditioner are first, then leave-in conditioner & heat protectant next, followed by styling products. That’s just my opinion. Say you buy one product each visit, and use them wisely so that they will last you. (Don’t over do it like me and pour 50 lbs of condish on your ends when you really only need like 8 grams)

Okay so here are the facts… Drugstore shampoos can contain harsh chemicals that strip the hair. So, that color you just got done, will most likely be washed out in a few weeks. Tragic, am I right??

The other thing is…Most likely, it won’t fade pretty. Because the color has been stripped in a way that is harsh, not gradual. Usually it fades your hair in what I like to call a “frazzled” way… IE: dry, brassy… not “true to tone”, hard to style, etc. Highlights you just got done can lead to feeling hay-like.

Since your hair is being stripped from these chemicals, it leaves your mane feeling thirsty, but you may not even realize. Why? Your strands are being masked with those pearling agents that are basically coating your hair temporarily. It feels super soft at first, but it’s not truly penetrating the hair shaft. The pearling agents and chemicals can also leave your scalp feeling extra oily, even after a wash. All the dry shampoo in the world can’t mask that… that my friend, may be buildup.

Since the fillers and H20 are usually the main ingredients in a lot of drugstore products, you usually need a lot more to get a good lather going. Professional grade products are a lot more dense, making it easier to suds up that scalp. To be honest, I had to train myself because I am totally that girl who fills up my whole palm with product. It’s just how the cookie crumbles. It’s fine, I’m fine… & I’ve gotten better and I like to think I put myself into Shampoo’s Anonymous. Totally JK, but that should be a thing.

Once you feel the density difference, it’s crazy how little you really need. [Most] Drugstore shampoos are usually filled with waxes, parabens and sulfates. This wax makes your hair feel soft and luxurious right out of the shower, but it’s lying to you. Even though alot of them say “paraben free” there are what I like to call “cousins” of these chemicals that could be hiding in the formula.

Here’s one more troubling thing that these products can bring to your hair journey… They can effect us hairstylist’s job. Certain chemicals can mix with our lighteners and colors resulting in… dare I say… damage, melting, smoking, etc. Yes, seriously. I won’t get too much more Bill Nye the science guy on you, but it’s happened. Your color that you likely just spent over 200+ dollars on, may have been able to lift or deposit the color differently if it had a clean canvas.

So, Being upfront with your stylist is key. In conclusion, I really want to say something else about this topic. We, as stylists should never shame our guests for what they may not know yet. And clients… in my opinon:

You should never be shamed for using a certain product, instead educated on why something else would be best recommended for your hair.

You should never be shamed for not being able to afford a certain product.

You should leave the salon feeling supported, informed, educated and happy.

You should never feel pushed. In my opinion, you should be presented with ideas that match your lifestyle or maybe easy ways to begin implementing them into your routine slowly if it is not in the budget right away.

Stylists, let’s be understanding of circumstances and lead with kindness when talking about lifestyle changes.

Let’s lift our clients up by sharing what positive things they are doing.

As humans, I truly believe we can dominate any hard topic with compassion.

Let’s approach what needs to be changed in our clients’ routines with grace and understanding, not shame.

There’s also a fine line of not assuming that your client can or can’t afford something. You know what they say about assuming, right? (LOL)

So, let’s be informative to our guests and of course show them why we love the products we’re presenting to them. Clients and friends, I encourage you to ask your stylist questions. IMO, that’s what we are here for.

Be open with what you are struggling with inside your hair routine and ask for alternatives if you are not able to purchase a whole new routine.

If you’re comfortable being transparent about what you can invest, be open with your stylist so that they can find solutions that are in your budget.

My hope is that your stylist will be compassionate and work around what feels comfortable for you and your lifestyle.

For some, taking this journey step by step is a great way to go.

Think of us like the hair doctors, we’re here to help… help you feel beautiful, supported and loved. And, my friends, if anyone isn’t making you feel this way… Hit the road, sister. Be kind to one another. Let’s educate each other & end shaming. Instead, let’s EDUCATE each other on the WHY behind what we suggest.

Stay positive, babes & let’s lift each other UP!

xo, The Positive Hairstylist

All photos originally for @jaydenpboutique , Photography by @TuroriCreative.co

SALON VS. DRUGSTORE PRODUCTS (& ending client shaming!)