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 Many of us are left to wonder, are salon products really better for our hair than the brands that are sold in grocery/drug stores? As you are wandering down the aisle and looking at all the many bottles on the shelves you can’t help but question…where do I begin? There are so many products that claim they have “special ingredients”, like herbs, vitamins, conditioners, and more.
Honestly it can be quite confusing, but look at it like this; you get what you pay for! I don’t know about you, but my hair is an extension of my personality and it has a job - to look great and professional everyday! In order to accomplish this I have to give it the very best nutrients it needs to get the job done.
Let’s face it ladies, if our hair it not at it’s best then neither are we. Let’s say that you came into my salon, and after two or so hours in my chair, I have made your vision a reality. Whether it was a color or texture service, you have now paid over fifty dollars. Invest in what we did to get your hair looking great!
 Many store brands claim that they are just as good as salon products, however the truth is while they may have some of the same ingredients, they are not alike. It is the amount of those ingredients that is critically important.
Some other products may also might claim that they are pH-balanced, but the simple fact is most store brand products are not. What does pH-balanced really mean you ask? The pH scale runs numerically from 0-14, with 7 serving as neutral. A measure under 7 is considered acid, while a measure over 7 is considered alkaline.
Normal healthy hair is positively charged and will have a pH range between 4.5-5.5. Hair in this optimum state, is acidic. In this acidic state, the cuticle is compact and constricted serving to protect the cortex, impart sheen, align the bonding (optimum configuration for strength and elasticity). Lets say your hair is in an alkaline state (above pH 7). You will find the cuticle is raised (tangles, dullness), the cortex is exposed (dryness, damage), and the hair will not readily or evenly accept chemical services.
So how can you return your hair to a normal acidic state? Use a low pH product (usually 3.0-3.5). This will reduce alkaline levels and allow the hair to assume a proper pH (4.5-5.5). This process is called acidification, and it is the first and most vital factor in hair chemistry and hair care.
 Believe it or not, but the main ingredient in shampoo is water. All shampoos also contain a lathering ingredient, however lather has nothing to do with the cleaning power. But television commercials have sure convinced us the more lather, the better the shampoo! Not true! The cleaning of your hair has everything to do with surfactants. These surfactants remove dirt, sebum, and build-up from the hair and scalp, and rinse off easily and completely. But how do surfactants do their magic, and what are they?
Surfactant molecules are hydrophobic, or water-hating, on one end, and hydrophilic, or water-loving, on the other. This way, as each molecule is introduced to the hair shaft, the hydrophobic end adheres to pollutants, pulling them from the hair. Then, when the hair is rinsed, the hydrophilic end gravitates to the passing water, taking the pollutants with it and down the drain. Remember this tip! A thorough rinsing is critical to the successful outcome of the cleansing action.
 Okay I’m sure I’ve lost you and I haven’t even gotten to the conditioners yet. You are probably thinking what does this have to do with store brands verses salon brands? If you read the back of the bottle try to locate the pH of the product and the amounts of the ingredients. You may find extra ingredients like honey, aloe, or natural herbs. For the most part they really are for show. Sure some of these ingredients may have benefits for your hair, but honestly they are not enough of them to make them effective. As for salon conditioners, they will contain more of the important moisturizers and proteins that your hair really needs meaning there is a better chance of them penetrating the cuticle and really sinking into the hair shaft. If your hair has really been over processed you will definitely want to seek out a professional to assist you with the best conditioning treatments, whether it be at home or in a salon. I know for me, saving the integrity or your hair is my number one priority!
Whoever your stylist is, they should know what products are best for you given the condition of your hair. Remember they are the ones who, after all, did your hair! And I’m sure they won’t be recommending any store brands. It’s not to say all store brands are bad or lacking quality, but I want the best for my clients hair. It's my job!
Try salon quality products. Speak to a professional. Ask if there are samples to try and see for yourself the improvements in your hair. You won't be disappointed!
~Leilani |
