WRITTEN BY MADISON BRUECKMAN

Salon vs. Drugstore Hair Products

Trying to do the best for your hair can be challenging when you’re hearing advice from every platform, influencers with hair that looks like it came from Rapunzel’s head, and every “internet expert” So the question remains: Is a drugstore product the same as a salon-quality product? Do they perform the same? Can you make your hair feel its best on a budget?

The answer is yes, you can, but you need to understand where to spend your money to get the best results for your hair. Many shampoos, conditioners, and treatments promise similar results, but there is a difference in how those results are achieved and how long they last.

Ingredients & Formulation

Salon-quality products are formulated with higher concentrations of active ingredients designed to support the hair’s structure and balance its pH. These formulas often include advanced technologies that strengthen, protect, and maintain hair over time.

Drugstore products are created to work for the widest range of people at a lower price point. To achieve this, they often rely on more basic ingredients or fillers that provide immediate softness or shine without addressing deeper hair health.

Performance & Results

Many drugstore products deliver instant cosmetic results that may make hair feel smoother or look shinier after one wash. While this can be satisfying, these effects are often temporary.

Salon products are designed for long-term performance. With consistent use, they improve manageability, strength, and overall hair condition, rather than simply masking underlying issues.

Colour & Treated Hair Considerations

Colour-treated or chemically processed hair requires more specialized care. Salon products are formulated to preserve colour, maintain tone, and protect the hair from unnecessary damage.

Using products that are not designed for treated hair can shorten the life of your colour and compromise the integrity of your hair over time.

Price vs. Value

While salon products typically have a higher upfront cost, they are more concentrated and require less product per use. Over time, the cost per wash is often comparable, and the benefits far outweigh the initial investment.

Choosing the right products can also reduce breakage, dryness, and the need for corrective services down the line.

The Takeaway

Drugstore products can be suitable for basic hair maintenance. However, if your hair is color-treated, damaged, or you are working toward specific goals, salon-quality products offer targeted solutions and long-term results.

The best haircare routine is not about chasing TikTok trends. It is about choosing products that genuinely support your hair. Working with your stylist to create a simple, tailored routine that addresses your needs and goals will not only deliver better results, but also save you money in the long run. 

-Madison