If you've spent any time scrolling through social media lately, you've probably seen the growing trend of people swapping out their professional haircare for drugstore shampoos in an attempt to save money. While budget-friendly options may seem tempting, the reality is that using non-professional products can cost you more in the long run, both in terms of hair health and overall maintenance. At Meraki Studios, we exclusively use and recommend industry-leading brands designed to protect and nourish your hair while preserving the integrity of your salon service. Here’s why trusting your stylist’s recommendation is crucial for achieving and maintaining luxurious, healthy hair.
1. Professional Products Are Backed by Science
Pureology and Redken are developed with cutting-edge technology, advanced formulations, and high-quality ingredients. These professional-grade products undergo rigorous testing to ensure they deliver targeted solutions for different hair types and concerns. Unlike generic store-bought shampoos, which often contain harsh sulfates, silicones, and fillers, Pureology and Redken products use concentrated, salon-grade ingredients designed to strengthen, repair, and enhance your hair’s health.
2. Better Ingredients Mean Better Results
Many drugstore shampoos contain low-cost detergents that strip the hair of natural oils, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to damage. These products often include sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances that can cause buildup and irritation over time. Pureology, for example, is 100% vegan and sulfate-free, ensuring that your hair remains hydrated and color-safe. Redken’s scientifically backed formulations include protein-enriched complexes that restore and reinforce hair structure, making them an essential choice for anyone with chemically treated or damaged hair.
3. Salon Products Protect Your Color Investment
If you color your hair, professional products are non-negotiable. Store-bought shampoos can strip away your color much faster, causing fading and dullness in just a few washes. Redken’s Color Extend line and Pureology’s Antifade Complex are specifically formulated to lock in color vibrancy and prevent premature fading. This means fewer salon visits for touch-ups and longer-lasting, radiant hair color.
4. You Use Less Product, Saving You Money Over Time
One major difference between professional and store-bought shampoo is concentration. Many drugstore shampoos are diluted with fillers and water, meaning you need more product per wash to get the desired effect. In contrast, Pureology and Redken use highly concentrated formulas, requiring only a small amount to achieve a luxurious lather and deep cleanse. This means your bottle lasts significantly longer, making salon products a better long-term investment.
5. Customized for Your Unique Hair Needs
When you purchase a shampoo from a grocery or convenience store, you’re selecting a one-size-fits-all product that may not cater to your specific hair needs. Your hairstylist, on the other hand, is trained to assess your hair type, texture, and condition, recommending products that will best support its health and styling needs. Whether you need extra moisture, frizz control, scalp balance, or bond repair, professional salon products offer targeted solutions that drugstore brands simply can’t match.
6. Supporting Your Stylist Supports Your Hair Goals
Purchasing products directly from your salon not only ensures you’re getting authentic, professional-grade haircare, but it also supports your stylist—the expert who invests time and energy into keeping your hair looking and feeling its best. Many counterfeit and diverted haircare products are sold through unauthorized retailers, meaning you could be unknowingly using expired, diluted, or tampered-with formulas. By trusting your salon and investing in recommended products, you’re making a commitment to your hair’s long-term health and beauty.
The Bottom Line
Trends come and go, but the science behind healthy hair remains the same. While drugstore shampoos might seem convenient and cost-effective, they often do more harm than good, leading to dryness, breakage, and fading color. At Meraki Studios, we believe in using only the best for our clients, which is why we stand behind the superior quality of Pureology and Redken. Your hair is an investment—treat it with the care and expertise it deserves by choosing professional products recommended by your stylist.
Next time you're due for a restock, skip the drugstore aisle and visit us at Meraki Studios. Your hair will thank you for it!