Poll: Hair product vs quality

Mrs.Leah.Maria · February 2011

I've always seemed to use lower priced hair products and haven't had nice hair in . . . well, a long time. If you have used both lower priced and more expensive better quality hair products have you noticed a difference?

katie4253 · February 2011

Not hair, but makeup. I can use 2 in 1 shampoo and have super hair. But, drug store makeup makes my skin look a mess. Also, I only like $$ bubble bath. The other stuff makes me feel SUPER itchy (like while I am in the tub).

I def. believe that spending more money on certain products is worth it. My foundation is $40 a bottle, but it is worth it to not get cystic acne.

What type of hair do you have? What are you using now? F&B is usually very helpful on thenest. Maybe you could post there and get some suggestions. Though, I wouldn't get a huge bottle of anything (even if you love it) because your hair may change after the baby is born.

korpisar · February 2011

Yes! The girl that does my hair told me I need to start using a better shampoo. I used to use Herbal Essences, Aussie, whatever was on sale. I have tried three different revlon shampoo and conditioners from my salon. I first tried the one for color and it made my hair too soft and silky if that makes sense. The second was the clean one and it didn't lather much. Now I am on the one for dry hair and I love it! I have seen a noticeabe difference i my hair. It is easier to style and it looks so much healthier.

kgunz11 · February 2011

Honestly, I can't tell that much difference with mine. When I was younger (and more frivolous), I didn't think twice about buying the whole line of salon products from my hairdressers. Now, I'm a Sauve girl 100%. And for $1.50 a bottle, I figure I'll take whatever small tradeoff I might have for fantastic hair vs saving money!

Mrs.Leah.Maria · February 2011

katie4253:

I def. believe that spending more money on certain products is worth it. My foundation is $40 a bottle, but it is worth it to not get cystic acne.

What type of hair do you have? What are you using now? F&B is usually very helpful on thenest. Maybe you could post there and get some suggestions. Though, I wouldn't get a huge bottle of anything (even if you love it) because your hair may change after the baby is born.

That's funny, because I'm the opposite. I've only ever used drug store makeup.

I'm not looking to make a change now, but was intrigued by a shampoo commercial. My hair drastically changed after DS, the beginning of which was the competely shedding of most of my hair.

katie4253 · February 2011

Mrs.Leah.Maria:
katie4253:

I def. believe that spending more money on certain products is worth it. My foundation is $40 a bottle, but it is worth it to not get cystic acne.

What type of hair do you have? What are you using now? F&B is usually very helpful on thenest. Maybe you could post there and get some suggestions. Though, I wouldn't get a huge bottle of anything (even if you love it) because your hair may change after the baby is born.

That's funny, because I'm the opposite. I've only ever used drug store makeup.

I'm not looking to make a change now, but was intrigued by a shampoo commercial. My hair drastically changed after DS, the beginning of which was the competely shedding of most of my hair.

I used to use Revlon Colorstay (did for years) but it suddenly stopped working well on my skin. I was sad! It is so cheap! But it was making my skin really break out (with cystic acne). Once I stopped using it my skin cleared. I tried a few other drug store things too and they were bad. It could have been related to hormones, but since we knew we were going to ttc, I didn't even bother going to the derm. I don't wear much makeup anyway, so the bottle I buy lasts a long time.

Maybe just try switching drug store brands. Or, pick up a clarifying shampoo (use it a few times to get rid of any buildup) and then use a deep conditioner. Do you wash your hair every day?

mbritto4 · February 2011

I use multiple drug store brands and have healthy hair. I have probably 3 pairs in my shower and rotate during the week to prevent build up. I have used salon ones but only splurge on those occasionally, and still alternate those with my cheaper ones. I have a lot of hair (looks thick but is fine) so if I don't cycle it builds up quickly.

jd101610 · February 2011

comming from a stylist's view...

i totally understand why people buy drug store brand products...they're cheap...as well as cheaply made...as mbritto4 said alternating any brands does help from build up and hair becoming...well used to the product. (also a clairifying shampoo helps that) but some shampoos have things in them as fillers to make them less expensive such as wax, water, etc. also please please please never buy salon products from anywhere but a slaon...they even say on the back of them "for sale in a professional salon only, otherwise may be gray market, used or tampered with" or something of that sort. and honestly if you're going to save on shampoo and conditioner, it's most important to buy descent styling products. mousse, gel, paste, sprays ect. tend to leave a horrible build up over time and usually need a malibu treatment to remove them. also since salon brands are more concentrated they do last longer in the long run and when used properly. hope this helps someone

smalerie · February 2011

I'm lucky because my best friend and I worked at the same retail store through college, it was a beauty supply store. I quit after about 2 years, but she's stayed on and is now regional director. She picked me up whatever I need, so I've been using higher quality products for awhile. I feel like I can tell the difference in some things, others not so much.

I think a good shampoo and conditioner are key. Right now I'm using Paul Mitchell's tea tree shampoo and the Biolage ultra hydrating conditioner. The conditioner and I have had a multi-year love affair, I swear it saves my hair from looking like a disaster on regular basis.

I like TIGI rock out (I think is what it's called) dry shampoo to shave some time off my morning if I'm running late. and I can usually use it twice between shampoos. And if I'm taking the time to flat iron, I really, really love CHI's serum which I cannot remember the name of now. I like Paul Mitchell's super stay foam for curls or hair that needs more lift (it kind of smells like pina coladas which never fails to put me in a good mood).

I don't have any special loves in hairspray. I have never been able to tell a difference between the higher end ones and the can of Aquanet I can buy at the dollar store. I also can't tell the difference between cheap and higher cost gels, waxes, or treatments. HTH!

HJOHNSTON411 · February 2011

Yes!

I have been using Pureology for years and swear by it. It hurts my feelings every time I buy it though. It does last FOREVER because it's very very concentrated. For color treated or 'troubled' hair it's the best.

From time to time, I experiment with cheaper shampoo/conditioners, and I can definitely tell a difference in my hair within about a week. It just feels more brittle and dry, but ironically seems to look dirtier faster. With Pureology, I can easily go a day or two between shampoos.

I do also like some Nexus products though, which are considered a 'mass cosmetics' brand now.

MartaVodrey · February 2011

I never used to think/believe it made a difference until I started editing one of our web based shows that is all about the Salon and the Beauty industry. I had the chance to go to various conferences as the videographer/editor, and as soon as companies see a camera at their booth, they throw samples at you at the chance to get their product on a spot. Because of this, now I use Morrocanoil Shampoo & Conditioner and it's the best. I also have scalp psoriasis and find it's sensitive to it which is awesome. As for hairspray - 2 recommendations, a product called "Big Sexy Hair" is amazing and Aquage Working Spray is also great.

txaggie2002 · February 2011

Nope!

I have used the expensive stuff for months at a time expecting my hair to be different, but always end up going back to drugstore brands.

I'm currently using Burt's Bees shampoo and conditioner and love it!

Thetinydancer22 · February 2011

HJOHNSTON411:
Yes!

I have been using Pureology for years and swear by it. It hurts my feelings every time I buy it though. It does last FOREVER because it's very very concentrated. For color treated or 'troubled' hair it's the best.

From time to time, I experiment with cheaper shampoo/conditioners, and I can definitely tell a difference in my hair within about a week. It just feels more brittle and dry, but ironically seems to look dirtier faster. With Pureology, I can easily go a day or two between shampoos.

I do also like some Nexus products though, which are considered a 'mass cosmetics' brand now.

This! My favorite shampoo by far. It lasts for months! Dh husband bought me the big bottles one Christmas and I swear it lasted me over a year!

rab41380 · February 2011

I am a Pantene girl! But I spend a lot of $ on hair products, I use the L'oreal Tresemme Line for both straightner and heat protectant. Best stuff ever!!

AsOctoberFalls · February 2011

Honestly, I've used both, and I've never noticed a difference. The only time I DO notice it is if I use the really, REALLY cheap stuff (like Suave or White Rain)... it just makes my hair very dull. However, I often use products like Pantene and Herbal Essences, and they work just as well as the $$$ stuff I used to use. I REALLY love the generic salon products at BJ's.

Switching it up every bottle seems to help, too.

I *have* noticed a big difference in skin products - I'll only use nice products for skin care. Every cheap product I've tried has caused big-time, teenager-worth breakouts.

aesf · February 2011

Sally beauty makes generic versions of expensive brands of shampoo. It sells for 6-10 bucks. Its great. The ingredients are almost duplicate. I love the way it makes my hair look.

I also make my own sometimes. I use apple cidar vinegar and bakingsoda. (Bakingsoda and tea for the shampoo, vinegar and tea for conditioner. Occasionally I add a little olive oil. ) It works great too

riskito · February 2011

I used to use whatever was on sale/smelled good at the drug store until I started going to a Bumble and Bumble salon. My hair has been through the works chemically and it was in rough shape. I used the B&B Creme de Coco line and my hair turned from dry and brittle and soft and silky.

And to be honest, even though I pay $20+ per bottle, it lasts 5 times longer than a cheapie brand. So, instead of using 5 bottles of $3ish shampoo, I use one bottle of $20.

Just my thought!

TristaD81 · February 2011

Maybe it depends on your hair type. For me, it definitely makes a difference. I have very fine straight hair and I get it high/low lighted about every six weeks. Lots of stress on my hair. If I try to go back to the drug store brand my hair looks washed out, dried out, and is full of split ends. I will not be making that mistake again. I like to use Redken for color treated hair, Rusk, and Biolage.

I love the Ulta though, it's a chain beauty supply store. Every few months they will put the liter size shampoos and conditioners on sale and you can get them for half price or more. I always stock up when they have this sale. When you can get a liter of Redken for 13.99, it's almost like paying drug store prices. I bought my husband a liter of American Crew shampoo, and now he's a hair product snob and won't use anything else!

pixiejazz · February 2011

i always used shampoos $$ and they work great but some of them are way to pricy and do not work at all

so i gave up and have over 100 $ worth of shampoo and stick to my stylist who is 70$ a trip....i hate having ovrly thick slightly ethnic hair

aozmomma · February 2011

I use the name brands and find them to work way better for my hair, but i have straight slick hair. Its oily too, so is my face, so I use name brand for it too. I dont see the diff in hairsprays, lipsticks, mascaras and blush. I buy those cheap. I have to recommend my hair care before I go. My stylist got me using it, it's Farouk Royal Treatment. Great stuff! I think u have to have ur stylist order it unless u go thru amazon.com.

ohashlet · February 2011

I absolutely notice a difference in almost anything I spend more money on. Handbags, hair products, makeup, skincare stuff... Everything.

jdm7 · February 2011

Mrs.Leah.Maria:
katie4253:

I def. believe that spending more money on certain products is worth it. My foundation is $40 a bottle, but it is worth it to not get cystic acne.

What type of hair do you have? What are you using now? F&B is usually very helpful on thenest. Maybe you could post there and get some suggestions. Though, I wouldn't get a huge bottle of anything (even if you love it) because your hair may change after the baby is born.

That's funny, because I'm the opposite. I've only ever used drug store makeup.

I'm not looking to make a change now, but was intrigued by a shampoo commercial. My hair drastically changed after DS, the beginning of which was the competely shedding of most of my hair.

For Make up (though you did ask about hair products) I use bare escentuals as a foundation because the drugstore stuff makes my face breakout, as does liquid foundation. I've used drugstore mineral make up but it doesn't cover as well.

For hair products, I always switch around. With curly hair, I'm always trying to find a better product. I've stuck with Aveda for 2 years now, but I'm slowly moving away from it. I just don't always want to spend the money on their items, and after a while the products stop working well in my hair. Funny enough, I found a Pantene curl cream product that I've been using and I love it (the funny part is it's "Curl Creme - to go from Curly to Straight").

Oh - and I've read, that during pregnancy a woman's hair grows thicker and longer (hence the beautiful pregnancy hair) but after pregnancy, you'll lose the hair because you don't have all the extra nourishments in your system like you do when you're pregnant. So that's something I'm just anticipating.

ShannonMacHappy · February 2011

I KNOW there's a difference. So, since I'm no millionaire, I prioritize what I spend my money on. I use A LOT of conditioner for my thick, coarse, curly hair. I use the Sauve ripoff of Nexxus Hummectant. It is cheap, but moisturizes well. Somewhere I'm not willing to skimp? Post-shower styling products. I spend about $40/month on Aveda Be Curly hair products. If I didn't, I would look like a homeless person. My hair is insane. It took me years to figure out what worked best for my hair, and I wouldn't change it for the world.

heedy07 · February 2011

As far as shampoos/conditioners go, no, I don't really notice a difference. However, when it comes to styling products such as hairspray and mousse, I think there is a huge difference. I have found that for my fine hair, Kenra and Bed Head seem to be the brands that work the best for me. They are kind of pricey, $15-$25 depending on the size of the can, but they are the only thing that gives me any lasting volume.

Mrs.Leah.Maria · February 2011

jdm7:
Oh - and I've read, that during pregnancy a woman's hair grows thicker and longer (hence the beautiful pregnancy hair) but after pregnancy, you'll lose the hair because you don't have all the extra nourishments in your system like you do when you're pregnant. So that's something I'm just anticipating.

Yup, the shedding at 3 months was intense and noticeable. DH was actually worried and absolutely convinced that it couldn't be natural. He really thought something was wrong with me.

jdm7 · February 2011

ShannonMacHappy:
I KNOW there's a difference. So, since I'm no millionaire, I prioritize what I spend my money on. I use A LOT of conditioner for my thick, coarse, curly hair. I use the Sauve ripoff of Nexxus Hummectant. It is cheap, but moisturizes well. Somewhere I'm not willing to skimp? Post-shower styling products. I spend about $40/month on Aveda Be Curly hair products. If I didn't, I would look like a homeless person. My hair is insane. It took me years to figure out what worked best for my hair, and I wouldn't change it for the world.

I may have to try this when I run out of my Aveda Color Conserve. I like the Aveda Be Curly stuff as well, but I'm switching out of it right now. (I seem to be getting a lot of dandruff. I think it's the Aveda shampoos not really washing my hair well, the thicker its getting).

ShannonMacHappy · February 2011

jdm7:
ShannonMacHappy:
I KNOW there's a difference. So, since I'm no millionaire, I prioritize what I spend my money on. I use A LOT of conditioner for my thick, coarse, curly hair. I use the Sauve ripoff of Nexxus Hummectant. It is cheap, but moisturizes well. Somewhere I'm not willing to skimp? Post-shower styling products. I spend about $40/month on Aveda Be Curly hair products. If I didn't, I would look like a homeless person. My hair is insane. It took me years to figure out what worked best for my hair, and I wouldn't change it for the world.

I may have to try this when I run out of my Aveda Color Conserve. I like the Aveda Be Curly stuff as well, but I'm switching out of it right now. (I seem to be getting a lot of dandruff. I think it's the Aveda shampoos not really washing my hair well, the thicker its getting).

I don't know your hair type (mine is thick, curly, coarse). But, I've been advised to only wash my hair with shampoo once a week. It has worked wonders for my dryness. On the days in between, I just get it super wet and really run my fingers through it and on my scalp to get any build-up off. Too much shampoo can really dry your hair and scalp out, also leading to dandruff.

jdm7 · February 2011

ShannonMacHappy:

I don't know your hair type (mine is thick, curly, coarse). But, I've been advised to only wash my hair with shampoo once a week. It has worked wonders for my dryness. On the days in between, I just get it super wet and really run my fingers through it and on my scalp to get any build-up off. Too much shampoo can really dry your hair and scalp out, also leading to dandruff.

I don't think I would be able to do that... my hair gets super oily as well. My hair isn't super coarse, I've tried to do the shampoo every other day, but the oil build up is unbearable.

oscarandlucy · February 2011

I am such a product whore - anyone can convince me to buy anything. Most of the bottles are sitting under my cabinet. My colorist told me that Pantene was just as good as most of the higher end shampoos/conditioner. I have been using that - I love the smell and it seems to be working just fine.

There are a few things I swear by in terms of hair.

-Frederic Fekkai shea butter mask is amazing. You use it 1-2 times a week and it makes your hair so smooth and shiny. I love it when I am in need a cut and my hair is looking "shaggy" .

-I also swear by Moroccan Oil - the oil you put in before you blow dry. I swear it has changed the texture of my hair. It is expensive $38 dollars but it lasts forever.

I was having keratin treatments done on my hair but I stopped doing them b/c I got pregnant. I honestly do not know if I will get it done again. While it did cut down on my drying time significantly, I just found it did not last very long (3 mn) and was $300 a pop. Plus, my hair just felt gross - I had to wash it every day.I honestly think the Moroccan oil has helped my hair so much.

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