Are Salon Quality Shampoos Better? Here’s Our Verdict…

Is salon hair care worth the investment, or is it all hype? 

When you see a price jump of over $30 between a supermarket brand shampoo and a salon shampoo, I think it’s fair enough to wonder what you’re actually paying for. 

The truth is, you do get what you pay for... up to a certain point. 

As you move towards the higher end of the price spectrum, you may start paying for bells and whistles—packaging, fragrance, even a name—and not necessarily performance.

So, that’s why we’ve put together a guide featuring our best salon hair brands that are *actually* worth the hype. 

What’s So Special About Salon Professional Hair Products?

Why is salon shampoo better? Well, when you invest in a salon hair product, it’s likely that you're purchasing a product that contains more active ingredients, in efficacious amounts. 

Every ingredient that goes into your shampoo bottle has an individual price tag of its own.

So, when it comes to salon shampoo and conditioner that should be what you’re paying for.

When you decide to invest in the best professional shampoo, you're purchasing a product that has:

• More innovative active ingredients based on extensive development trials

• A higher percentage of active ingredients

• A significant amount of research and testing behind the formulation

Generally, it’s not likely that your supermarket pick will have the latest ingredients, and if they do list them they may only be included in very small amounts. 

The Best Salon Shampoos in NZ

1. Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

What it is: This is a gently cleansing bonding shampoo designed to repair and restructure damaged hair.

It Includes Olaplex Bond Building Chemistry to improve internal strength and improves shine and manageability. It’s also sulphate free, colour safe and vegan!

Why we love it: Many of us first experienced this formula in the salon and were shocked by the brand-new hair feel we couldn’t quite replicate at home.

As far as ticking all the boxes goes, this formula is lightweight, volumizing and replenishing like no other. What shampoo do hairdressers recommend? It’s this one.

2. Kérastase Genesis Bain Hydra-Fortifiant Shampoo for Thin Hair

What it is: If you’re experiencing hair fall, weakness or damage, this formula is ideal for revitalising fine, fragile hair.

It’s gently cleansing and revitalising, using ingredients such as Ginger root and Edelweiss extract. This nourishing formula soothes and hydrates, leaving hair voluminous and light. 

Why we love it: After the best salon shampoo for fine hair? This formula will hydrate your hair, without weighing it down.

Forget feeling greasy after day two, this expert formula leaves your hair and scalp balanced for days to come, promoting healthier hair growth and overall strength. 

3. Mr. Smith Balancing Shampoo

What it is: Designed to deal with both your hair and scalp, this shampoo is effective at removing product build up, as well as softening each strand.

Rich in botanicals such as Mandarin, Geranium and Lavender Oils, this shampoo delivers nourishment and protection to all hair textures. 

Why we love it: When it comes to popular salon brands, we love one that boasts locally sourced ingredients.

This natural Australian brand makes shampoos that look good in your shower, and leave your hair feeling notably silky, without sulphates and silicones. 

Can You Pay Too Much for Professional Salon Shampoo Products?

That being said, we reckon that the “you get what you pay for” philosophy definitely has a tipping point. 

Sometimes when a brand becomes so well known, what you’re paying for is the prestige of the brand, not necessarily the efficacy of the product.

In this case we recommend you consider whether you’re looking for active ingredients or the *experience* of professional hair products.

Starting by reading the ingredients list will help you make your choice. 

Want even more of the best professional hair care? Check out these guides...

• 7 French Girl Hair Products That Are Salon Quality

• I Worked as a Hairdresser for Years and These Are the Best Hair Products Under $35

• 5 Adore Beauties With Different Hair Types Tried Our New (Affordable) Salon Haircare Brand

Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.