Being an informed shopper can go a long way in saving money. With that in mind, I'd like to drop some little-known facts about hair care products that I've learned from reading Don't Go Shopping For Hair Care Products Without Me by self-proclaimed “Cosmetics Cop” Paula Begoun. Not only does it debunk some of the myths surrounding hair products but it also provides some helpful tips.
Hair Product Tips and Myths
Don't Go To The Makeup Counter Without Me
In this book, Begoun teaches readers how to buy beauty products that are affordable and deliver the desired results. Buy the 7th Edition for $21.79 at Amazon now.
In one of his books, Don't Go Shopping For Hair Care Products Without MeBegoun reviews over 4,000 hair care products for your benefit. Get it now for $39.98 at Amazon.
Begoun's main goal is to provide reliable, unbiased information so consumers can find what works and avoid everything else. Here are 10 things I learned from him that will help you save money on your next shopping trip and for years to come.
1. Hair Salon Dye Is Better Than Boxed Dye
There is no difference in the quality of hair dye that you buy in a box at the drugstore for $10 and hair dye that is used in salons. If you're making a subtle change (like going from medium brown to dark brown) or you're skilled at dyeing your hair, there's no reason not to do it yourself at home, especially if you dye your hair every few weeks. . Doing it yourself can save you $50 a month or more. If you're making a big change, however, more knowledge and expertise can help you get better results and earn more money.
Personally, I have had as many hair loss successes as I have had disasters, but the successes have been with small changes and the disasters with major changes. Professionals can mess up your hair too, of course, but they'll fix it for free if they do.
2. Color Saving Hair Products
Now that you've found that perfect new shade, take note shampoos and conditioners cannot preserve your hair color— so don't waste your money on products that make this claim. Dandruff shampoos can strip hair color, however, so if you have a dandruff problem, stop that dyeing activity until you've treated the problem.
3. Hairstylists Are Product Specialists
Most hairstylist product information comes directly from the product manufacturers, making hairstylists a less reliable source of advice than most people think. This doesn't mean they can't do a better job with cutting, styling, coloring, and highlighting than you can. It means that if you're looking for a product recommendation, you should take the stylist's advice with a grain of salt before spending extra money on expensive salon products.
4. Expensive Hair Products Are Better Than Cheap
Your hair can't tell you how much your shampoo costs – expensive hair care products are less effective than cheap ones. In fact, many expensive products are actually manufactured by the same companies that make inexpensive ones and contain almost the same ingredients. You might be surprised at the results of 99 cent shampoo if you're willing to give it a shot. I have to admit that even though I know this, I'm a big fan of expensive shampoos – so I compromise and buy the $4 stuff.
5. There is an Endless Variety of Shampoo and Conditioner
There aren't really as many different types of shampoo and conditioner as their labels suggest. Remember when there used to be only three types of shampoo? One for fine/oily hair, one for normal hair, and one for dry, damaged, or colored hair? These days, it seems that most brands have from six to sixteen different types that promise to do everything from cleaning your hair to improving curls.
The truth is that these products, despite their different claims, tend to have almost identical formulas that will provide almost identical results. Strategic labeling makes people buy more products, however, by promising to solve different hair problems (the same person often has many hair problems, after all) and by taking up more shelf space (thereby doing a better job of promoting the store. for a certain line).
Hair product ingredients must be accurately labeled according to FDA standards (here), but there are no regulations regarding the accuracy of product claims. Hairdressing companies can claim that a product does whatever they want. These include claims such as “hypoallergenic” or “all natural.” Don't spend a lot of money on a hair product that makes amazing claims. Hairdressing companies operate in a highly unregulated market, so it's possible they're not entirely true.
6. Everyone's Hair Is Oily
No type of oily hair. Oily scalp. When the oil makes its way down the hair shaft (which is especially good for straight hair), the hair appears greasy. Unfortunately, there is no product that can reduce the production of oil on your scalp. There's not much you can do to fix this problem other than washing your hair regularly and keeping dandruff away from your scalp (or avoiding dandruff altogether if you can). Don't waste your money on expensive products that claim to fix your oily hair – hormones control oil production, not shampoos.
7. You Can Repair Damaged Hair
Damaged hair cannot be repaired because the hair is dead, so don't spend money on expensive products that claim to repair your hair. Begoun compares trying to repair damaged hair to trying to repair a dry, cracked leaf. It won't happen! Conditioners can give hair the look and feel of being conditioned, but this will only last as long as the product is on the hair (until the next shampoo). If you use the same deep conditioner every day, you may feel like your hair is conditioned. But if you buy expensive, one-time deep treatments, the results will last until your next shampoo – and that's a lot of money, literally.
8. Replenishing Shampoos Really Work
If used regularly, clarifying shampoos will eventually weigh down your hair and make it even weaker than it was to begin with. The same ingredients in these products coat each strand of hair to make it appear thicker and build on the hair over time. If you use a light shampoo, be sure to replace it with a regular shampoo. If you're trying to save money, you might just want to skip the volumizing shampoo altogether. Personally, I don't think replenishing shampoos help at all.
9. Natural and Organic Products Are Better for Your Hair
Natural or organic shampoos may be better for the environment, but they are never better for your hair. Natural products often contain irritating ingredients such as citrus or peppermint. (If these ingredients don't give you a problem, use them, but they can irritate some people). If your main goal is to get a gentle product on your hair or scalp, don't waste your money on these products.
10. Hair Growth Products That Work For Both Sexes
Although hair loss is more common in men than women, hair growth products, unfortunately, are more effective in women. If you follow the directions and don't get results, you can stop spending $50 a box because these products won't work for everyone and may be less likely to work if you're a man.
The confusing variety of hair care products available these days can make trying to choose the right bottle a bit overwhelming. Hopefully, these facts will help guide you in your hair care purchase, save you from unnecessary waste of money, and eliminate frustration. For more hair care product advice for every hair type and hair problem, be sure to check out Paula Begoun's Don't Go Shopping For Hair Care Products Without Me.
Do you have any other money-saving hair product tips? Share with us in the comments below!
Read more:
- How to Save Money on Hair Care
- Can You Make Money Selling Your Hair?
- 22 Things You Should Never Flush Down the Toilet
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