Salon Quality Products vs Drugstore Products

When clients sit in my chair and ask why their hair looks and feels so much better after a salon visit, the answer almost always comes down to one thing: the products. While drugstore options can be convenient and budget-friendly, salon-quality products are formulated with performance in mind—and the difference truly shows in your hair’s health and long-term results.

1. Ingredients That Actually Do the Work

Salon products typically contain higher concentrations of premium ingredients—think nourishing oils, bond builders, and gentle cleansers. Drugstore products often dilute these ingredients or replace them with fillers to keep costs low. With salon formulas, you’re getting more of what your hair actually needs and less of what weighs it down.

My go-to products that I use personally are:

Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate shampoo and conditioner, sometimes I also use Redkens clarifying cream shampoo, Kenras leave in conditioner spray, Wella's ultimate repair miracle hair spray.

2. Designed for Your Hair, Not the Masses

Salon products are created with specific hair types and concerns in mind: fine and oily, thick and curly, color-treated, damaged—you name it. When your hairstylist recommends a product, it’s chosen for your hair’s unique needs, which means better results in less time. Drugstore shelves can’t offer that level of customization.

My favorite targeted treatments are:

K18 Professional Molecular Repair Mask, A Curl Can Dream Moisturizing Cream, and Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate 5 Minute Mask

3. Better for Your Color and Style

If you invest in professional color or treatments, salon-quality products help protect that investment. Many drugstore shampoos contain harsh sulfates, strong detergents, or silicone-heavy formulas that strip color, dull shine, or build up over time. Salon lines use gentler cleansers and more advanced technology to keep your color vibrant and your hair manageable.

Best color safe shampoos:

Pureology Hydrate Shampoo, Redken Acidic Color Gloss Shampoo, and Bumble & Bumble Color Shampoo

4. Concentrated Formulas = You Use Less

A small amount of salon shampoo or conditioner usually goes a long way. Drugstore products may seem cheaper upfront, but you often need more product to achieve the same result—meaning that bottle empties much faster. Concentrated = cost-effective in the long run.

My top of the shelf but worth the investment products:

Oribe Gold Lust Shampoo & Conditioner, K18 Detox Shampoo, and Oribe Hair Alchemy Conditioner

5. Results You Can Actually See and Feel

The biggest difference? Performance. Salon products are made to deliver noticeable improvements: smoother texture, longer-lasting styles, improved moisture levels, and overall healthier hair. When your hair behaves better on a daily basis, your styling routine becomes a whole lot easier.

Products that all my clients RAVE about:

• Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray

  • Cuts blow-dry time dramatically

  • Protects against high heat

  • Smooths frizz and leaves hair silky without weight

• Unite 7Seconds Detangler

  • Instantly detangles and softens

  • Provides UV and heat protection

  • Works for every hair type, especially knot-prone hair

• Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

  • Adds airy volume and touchable texture

  • Boosts body without stiffness

  • Perfect for effortless, lived-in styles

• R+Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo

  • Absorbs oil without residue

  • Refreshes roots and extends your blowout

  • Adds light texture and lift on non-wash days

Bottom line: Drugstore products can work in a pinch, but salon-quality products are an investment in the long-term health and beauty of your hair. If you're unsure which products are best for you, your stylist can guide you toward a routine that fits your hair goals, lifestyle, and budget.

Healthy hair starts with what you use—and we're here to help you choose wisely. ✨