Great Drugstore Volumizing Shampoo’s
Life Lately
A question that I’m asked frequently is “what is the difference between drugstore and professional hair products?” I wish I had a thoroughly researched explanation for you but I simply don’t. So, in my professional opinion, let me shed some light on what I think the main differences are between the two.
first off, let’s get one thing straight. I’m the farthest thing from a scientist. The only “science” I do on a regular basis is mixing color at the salon to formulate the *perfect” caramel highlight, for example. So don’t go quoting me on anything I say here. Look at this as a “girlfriend splitting a popcorn with you at Target” type of conversation. Got it? In fact, look at almost anything on this blog that way. That would be cool.
So, the main difference between drugstore and professional products? Cost. Why? Ingredients. Do more costly ingredients always mean a better product? No. Can cheap shampoo’s be better than high end ones? Sure.
Overall, I’ve been more pleased with the quality of products I’ve purchased at professional stores than drugstores. I think, for the most part, you get better ingredients that will in turn make your hair look/feel/style better.
However, I’ve been in desperate need of a new shampoo and conditioner for my long locks. My hair is beyond in need for a trim (and by trim I mean 3-4 inches) and the length is killing me. I’m almost ready to go outside and wave a stranger down to help me cut the back of it. (I’ve cut my own hair for several years but these days I need a friend to help me with the back) After I finish up a project this fall, I plan on chopping my locks to a collarbone length. And I can’t wait!
Anyway, I popped in to Target and grabbed the Loreal EverPure Volume shampoo and conditioner mostly because Essie Button (my favorite YouTube Beauty Guru) highly recommended this line. It happens to be sulfate free, which I don’t personally care about, but that was not what enticed me. I wanted to try a drugstore brand and review it for the blog, as well as try this highly recommended shampoo and conditinoer.
And you know what? I love the shampoo. It’s fabulous. The conditioner is alright, but leaves a slight residue in my hair. It doesn’t make my hair feel super hydrated either but this could be because I need a haircut really bad too.
So, if you are in the market for a volumizing duo, I recommend this one! Again, I don’t love the conditioner so I’m still shopping for a better one, but give it a try if you are in the market!
I also grabbed this Biotin & Collagen shampoo and conditioner from Organix just to give it a go as well. Again, liked the shampoo but wasn’t overly impressed with the conditioner. Just like the Loreal one, I felt like it left a layer of residue on my hair.
I’m glad to now know about something that will work for me if I’m ever in a bind and need to buy shampoo and conditioner at the drugstore (kind of like if this scenario happened in real life).
comments
Thanks for this review! It’s so helpful to read your reviews before I spend money and purchase something I may not like.
I know just what you mean. Last week I’d looked at my rough over processed last 3 inches of my hair and begged my husband to cut it for me! He did and it wasn’t too bad! Had it straightened up by a hairstylist friend later………but instantly I felt lighter! Cut it!
Just curious, what do you do with products you buy and don’t love? Do you return them? My linen closet has become a graveyard for products I didn’t like and it makes me never want to buy shampoo again 🙁
Oftentimes I return them. Check the return policy of the store where you buy the items from!
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You could probably donate those products to a homeless shelter or a woman’s abuse center. I know where I live there is a place where women and children can escape and they often come with only the clothes on their backs! Just a thought 🙂
Thanks for the reminder! Our women’s shelter here where I live is always desperate for necessary products & I know any shelter would appreciate it!
Really, you can do that? I volunteer at a local shelter frequently but it never crossed my mind. I’ll check to see if they can take products that have been used a few times. Thanks for idea!
The Loreal duo sounds great, I’ll hope I can buy it in Germany too.
I used to use the Loreal Everpure for colored hair. But, something changed in the product and it just doesn’t clean my hair. I have even not used the conditioner and my hair is still oily after. Like Laura B. my closet is also a graveyard for shampoos and conditioners.
I’ve tried the green L’oreal one for weakened hair. I liked the shampoo, but the conditioner not so much.
Louisa @ My Family & Abruzzo
My hair is thin and curly (i’ve also been coloring it for 6 years every 4-6 months) and i’ve not been using a conditioner recently because my hair is so soft (even without the conditioner) and it wont hold any style. Could you recommend and shampoo/conditioner or styling products that will add any grip or texture to my hair?
I have used the EverPure line for years. The red/silver bottles (can never remember which formula so if they change the packaging I’m in trouble). I try other things and always go back. It is on sale often and there are coupons about once a month for it so I rarely pay over $4-5 for a tube/bottle/whatever. I think I use the moisturizing because the last thing I need is more volume.
And long hair. I think all this summer humidity is about to kill me. Even your awesome hair spray rec (which can no longer be without) doesn’t cut it in this craziness.
C’mon fall.
I used that same Loreal volumizing pair for a while and finally gave up on them. But you know what has been darn near miraculous? John Frieda’s Volume Thickening Shampoo. I noticed a difference right away and the conditioner is nice and light! Two enthusiastic thumbs up for sure 🙂
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod650016
I agree! John Frieda’s Volume Shampoo & Conditioner are great for fine hair. My other favorite that I continue to go back to is Avon’s Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner. I like it as well as or maybe even better than John Frieda brand. Avon often has them on sale and the price is fabulous. I highly recommend you try. (no, I do not sell Avon)
I’m in the same boat – I let my normally shoulder length hair grow out during my pregnancy but now that baby is here I’m finding it hard to keep up with and know I need at least 3-4 inches chopped off. Can you recommend a good conditioner (either professional or drugstore) that will help with the tangles/frizzies/mask the damage until I can get into a salon for a good cut?
I am in love with the It’s a 10 products. The “Silk” shampoo and Miracle Daily Conditioner, plus a light misting of the leave-in treatment have worked miracles. I also use the hair masque every 3-4 shampoos. The shine spray doesn’t do much, though, but the rest of the line is superb. I buy it at Target or Ulta.
I feel the same way you do.. No shampoo and conditioner from the drugstore works on me with the exception of the John Freida line, although I still won’t use it unless i’m in a bind. I can’t wait to see your hair after chopping.. I battle with the “should I chop mine or not” situation. lol
Packaging also makes up for the cost difference too,oh,and marketing. I won’t use L’oreal since they animal test,but glad it works ok for you & others. Your hair will look great no matter the length,long/short,you have beautiful hair.
I’ve been using the Lorel Evercreme shampoo/conditioner for 6+ months and love it. I’ve tried more expensive professional brands when I run out of my evercreme, but I keep going back because it just works wonders on my hair type (colored, dry, naturally curly, medium thickness). I like to either straighten or curl my hair rather than let the natural curls run wild and the Evercreme is so great for helping smooth and add shine to my otherwise dry dull hair. I just took about 5 inches off my length so I’m totally with you on long hair driving me crazy. Can’t wait to see your new cut this fall!!
I have noticed that with cheaper conditioners I have to rinse the product completely out (for a long while) so I don’t have residue. With Redken and other more expensive brands, I can leave a little in to hydrate my curly hair throughout the day. Thanks for this review, I have always wanted to try the Organix brand.
Melissa
melissafayeblog.blogspot.com
Thanks for your review on the shampoos and conditioners! I have always wondered how the Loreal Ever Pure’s were. I find that I am always switching up my shampoos and conditioners. I might like this brand for one month and then the next month use it again and not like it as much. 🙁
I have fell in love with Organix coconut shampoo! It smells like island heaven! Their Moroccan argan oil works great on my hair too. Organix is my go to drugstore brand.
I recently purchased L’Oreal Ever Curl shampoo and conditioner and I love it! My hair is super dry and naturally wavy, and this duo brings out more of my wave and moisturizes my hair. I couldn’t be more pleased!
I love the John Freida line for red hair. I can always tell a difference with it and my hair is super soft but still holds style. And the conditioner doesn’t leave any residue. And I always notice a difference in my red.
I love the John Freida line for red hair. I can always tell a difference with it and my hair is super soft but still holds style. And the conditioner doesn’t leave any residue. And I always notice a difference in my red.
I’ve recently stared using the John Frieda Full Repair line and I really like it! My hair seems a lot softer and shiny.
xoxo
Suzanne from written by suzanne
I use the L’Oreal EverPure Smooth Shampoo and I’ve decided I don’t like it. I tried really hard to like it, but I agree, the conditioner just didn’t give me that nourished feeling and my hair was dull and dry feeling afterward. I also hated the smell. It’s mint rosemary and it didn’t smell like that to me. It smells like men’s deodorant and that’s not exactly the smell I’m going for. 🙂 I keep going back to the L’Oreal Advanced Haircare Color Vibrancy, which is cheaper, makes my hair feel nice and smells much better!
Meant to say I use the I use the L’Oreal EverPure Smooth Shampoo AND Conditioner. 😉
I have been using TreSemme’s shampoo and conditioner for colored hair for years and really love it. It doesn’t leave a residue and also doesn’t leave my fine hair oily or weighed down. My stylist has been surprised at how healthy my regularly colored hair looks. I’ve tried other drugstore brands and while they worked great for a few days, after a week I would notice my hair become more oily or weighed down.
really helped 🙂 thankyou X
Holly | Thoughts Fashion & Photography
http://hhollymae.blogspot.co.uk/
Kate, I love your hair! You always have the perfect wave in it!! I have been using the Organix line for about 2 years now. I love it, then I get sick of it but I tried this Collagen Biotin one and the only thing I can say is that my hair is soft, it smells amazing but there are no results when it comes to adding volume. I even tried the styling products in the same line and they do nothing. My hair falls flat no matter what I do, it’s annoying. I am willing to try the everpure though, I used that shampoo when it came out and I loved the smell. I avoid sulfate shampoos, I use them once a week.
Thanks for the advice Kate because after spending $100+ on my hair every 8 weeks I can’t afford $30 shampoo and $30 conditioner on top of that.
My best friend is a chemist & she says shampoo is basically…shampoo. She says they are mostly all the same, so drug store brands ARE as good or better than salon brands a lot of the time, so don’t waste your $$$. (Of course there are crummy cheap brands with inferior ingredients – don’t buy those either just to save a buck)
Conditioners are what you want to spend your money on! I have been noticing lately that I am seeing more & more salon brands in the regular stores too…and my town is getting an Ulta soon (squeeee)!
I really like the L’Oreal line for drugstore shampoo/conditioners. I use the L’Oreal EverPure moisturizing line for color treated hair and it’s been the only drugstore line that properly moisturizes my colored hair and yet doesn’t fade it out.
katespitz.blogspot.com
Great review! I have been dying to try the Organix volume shampoo! I only use deep conditioner and even then only use it twice a week so the fact that the conditioner is not great won’t really affect me trying this line for myself 😀
http://thewomaninthedress.com
I love the Loreal EverPure line! In fact, since I’ve started using it my hairdresser has been asking me what I’ve been doing to keep my hair color from fading. Also, since I’ve started using it I only get my ends colored once a year. (of course, my roots I definitely have to go back for more often)
Huh, I might try the Organix one, though I don’t mind spending cash on something that will work. I have fine, oily hair. I haven’t found a salon product that will both boost my hair and clean it at the same time. My stylist talked me into a gigantic bottle of Big Sexy Hair shampoo, but it leaves my scalp greasy. Right now I’m using Pantene Volumizing Silicone-Free Shampoo. I’ve been impressed with it. It gives me noticable lift, and my scalp isn’t greasy by noon!
Oooo….you know what jumped out at me in this post? “After I finish up a project this fall…”
I am not-so-secretly hoping that it is a book! Or some other fabulous project where you need to have the same “look” throughout it!
I recognize that it may be something entirely different, something more serious, or something that has nothing to do with your readers. But I, apparently, am very selfish, as I am hoping that it is something fun to be shared with all of us!
You’re sweet but it’s definitely not a book! I’m not a very strong writer, in the traditional sense of the word. 🙂
I like the Organix products, I was buying them for a while but they are kind of expensive for the amount you get. Great post!
-Maddy @ http://www.BeautyBanterBlog.com
So helpful. I really appreciate that you did this!!!! Going to buy them 🙂
I had a feeling you would be talking about the L’Oreal when you said you were going to review a drugstore brand- I bought it too after hearing EssieButton rave. I had the exact same reaction as you, and have healthy hair so I don’t think its your hair. I’ve found that salon conditioner (Pureology is my all-time fave) is definitely the way to go as you can really tell a difference with the ingredients. Love your blog!
I love these types of reviews, thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I have super thick hair so volume isn’t my problem but hydration and shine are. I really like the Pantene for coloured hair shampoos. For conditioner, I use a hair mask. That sounds mental but I only wash my hair 2-3 times a week (dry shampoo, sisters!!) and it’s not as expensive as it sounds. I really like the Palmer’s coconut oil protein packs. I get 3-4 uses out of one–$1.99 each and they are really amazing. If I want to take it to the next level, I’ll wash my hair at night and leave the mask in overnight. Silk.
This is a great review! I also love Essie Button, so I’m glad to hear a second opinion on the L’Oreal EverPure. I heard from my hair-dresser that conditioner really matters recently. I feel a little lied to over the years or like I haven’t been listening. Because forever, I thought of conditioner as a nice-to-have, not a must-have. A lot of this was because I have such thin, fine hair that a lot of conditioner really weighs it down and makes it look like a grease pit. But, based on your review and that note from her, I might go drugstore brand for shampoo and professional grade for the conditioner moving forward!
omg. I absolutely HATE the Loreal conditioner. It makes my already oil-prone hair SO much greasier.
I have such a hard time finding shampoo and conditioner! I have fine-ish hair and I hate, hate, hate when I purchase a product that leaves behind a residue. Conditioner is tricky because I feel like they never leave my hair soft enough or rinse out enough. That being said, the Suave line that’s similar to Aveda is pretty decent and smells great and one of my favorite brands has been the Dove line because I feel like it doesn’t leave any residue behind.
Everything I’ve used so far from Dove has been amazing. The dry shampoo probably is the best on the market. The whipped curls mousse accentuates my waves and leaves my hair frizz-free and incredibly soft. I may have to give the shampoo and conditioner a try, although it would be hard to lure me away from It’s a 10.
I too was intrigued after hearing essie button rave! really must try it too very soon. I have loved the organix line alot in the past so will def. check those out too as they are very decently priced! xx. gigi. http://www.gigikkitchen.blogspot.com
I love the Loreal Ever Pure (thanks to Estee) as well!
For those interested (celiacs with a severe gluten allergy) Loreal EverPure is gluten free, but the above mentioned Organix is not gluten free. However, Organix does make other shampoo/conditioners that are.
Ha I was thinking this when I read the review ; ) I love some of the Organix shampoos, but have to read the labels very carefully! I’m sure other gluten challenged folks like myself will appreciate the shout out ; )
So do you not use a color care shampoo/conditioner? Is it not necessary?
I LOVE drugstore recommendations! I can’t help bubbling over about my excitement over Juice Organics Brightening shampoo, but I was glad to read your post on this, too! 🙂
Seems like every woman I know who cut their hair above their shoulders right before or right after having that first baby regrets it. A sleep-deprived person can get that hair in a messy bun or your fake ponytail idea and look polished. Often a person with shorter hair is stuck without as many options. Just a thought – I’m sure you could pull anything off beautifully!
but, like in sewing – think twice and cut once 🙂
Good to know! I bought Voluming shampoo/conditioner from Pantene (which I know some hairdressers hate Pantene.) It made my hair so staticy (is that a word?) and weird!
I tried that same L’Oreal shampoo and conditioner and didn’t love it. The shampoo would “work” if I didn’t have anything else but it wasn’t my favorite. The condition left my hair sticky and feeling like I needed to wash it again. I just had a cut and color and my stylist mentioned my hair felt and looked different and asked me what i changed so I know it for sure they just didn’t work for me! I gave them to my sister who has a different hair texture than I do and she loves them. Maybe my baby fine, stick straight hair is spoiled or something but I keep going back to my tried and true favorites – Redken Blonde Glam and Matrix Amplify.
LOVE the review. I haven’t used a Loreal shampoo in several years because I just didn’t like them. I will definitely have to give them a try again! Thanks!
I really LOVE Dove shampoo & conditioner as well as Frizz Ease Rehydrate Intense Deep Conditioner. The Frizz Ease conditioner smells fantastic and feels great on my hair!
Thanks for the review, Kate! I’ve been using the Organix Thick and Full for a few months now and so far it has been my favorite drugstore brand duo. I absolutely love the smell, the fact it’s natural, and the shampoo. However, I don’t feel like the conditioner is deep enough for my needs since I have to wash my hair practically everyday (my scalp gets oily, but sometimes I can get away with a day and a half). I simply condition my ends twice and my hair is so soft, even in high humidity. I may try this L’Oreal product next though 🙂
Although you use mostly high end salon products I like the fact that you wanted to try a drugstore shampoo and conditioner just to review for your blog. As a reader I enjoy someone that doesn’t always have to review the most high end, top of the line, salon brand products. Also, I really like the fact that you reference different blogs and vlogs that you watch, like Essie Button. I decided to check out her YouTube channel the last time you referenced her on your blog and I think she is hysterical. So it’s very nice to find a blog I enjoy reading about, like yours, with the occasional vlog post and then watch vlogs that you recommend…it really puts my blog subscriptions at the top of the line, in my opinion!!
Essie Button is my favorite too! I laugh almost every video. Always entertained! And now that you both like the L’oreal I’ll definitely have to try it.
-Kodi
grey et al
I love that brand. I use the Keratin one in the brown bottle.
Xo
CcCrystalChain.etsy.com
I’ve heard that drug store shampoo washes away your color. Is this true? I’ve been afraid to use drug store for a while now because I don’t want the money I spend on highlights and low lights to literally wash down the drain.
Hey Shanna,
Its the sulfates that strip your hair of color [and other nutrients]. The L’Oreal Ever Pure that is above is sulfate free, and they also make one for color [the pinkish bottle] that I used on my color treated hair and it works nicely! If L’Oreal isn’t your favorite, just look for sulfate free shampoo [ there shouldn’t be any mention of “ammonium lauryl sulfate” sodium lauryl sulfate” etc] most organic shampoos shouldn’t contain sulfates either.
I am loving the L’Oreal brand currently! I’m using the L’Oreal Total Repair 5 and it is amazing how it has transformed my bleached/platinum hair.
http://www.ahintofsage.blogspot.com/
I started watching Essiebutton because you mentioned her. Well, of course I loved her! And I also bought the L’Oreal shampoo because she said it was amazing! 🙂
The Pantene Expert Collection Anti Aging Conditioner is my new go-to drugstore conditioner. This stuff is seriously moisturizing, it certainly rivals any salon brand I have tried. My hair is pretty coarse/wavy/frizzy, and this does the trick to make styling easy and keep my hair looking smooth on humid days. I haven’t tried the shampoo, and do not care for the styling products (they don’t seem to protect very well and make my hair really dry)…but the conditioner I get excited just talking about it!
I’ve heard that it’s a good idea to alternate your shampoo/conditioner brand every few days (i.e. buy 2 brands and alternate between brands/washes). Your thoughts?
I’ve seen that line of shampoos/conditioners. Can’t wait to try it!
Nice post. I have some tips on beauty and health on my blog too. http://medglobe.blogspot.com/
Wait. You share the popcorn at Target???
🙂
This comment has been removed by the author.
Srry, I didn’t see an edit option.
I LOVE this blog. Well-done!
But one teensy, tiny criticism: It’s spelled ShampooS, not apostrophe s. Apostrophe S denotes possession: The shampoo’s texture capability. You are using the plural version, so it’s just S.
And after watching your messy bun tutorial, I wore it to class the other day, and got lots of compliments! Thank-you; lovin’ this blog.
Also, as an avid animal lover and animal rights activist, be careful of some of the new L’oreal products. I called the company two weeks ago and was informed that they still continue to test NEW ingredients on animals. The older product lines are safe, but anything new coming out from the company, she said you can rest-assured that it contains ingredients that have been animal tested. 🙁
Love It’s a 10 hair drugstore products. No animal testing
I have curly hair and have recently started using L’Oreal’s EverCurl shampoo. It is awesome! I’m glad another kind from their Ever line is good. : )
Hi, Kate! I really like L’Oreal’s Color Vibrancy Shampoo and Conditioner. I had to borrow some shampoo and conditioner from a friend while on vacation and I went out and bought some when I got home because I liked it so much! I really felt like it gave more life to my highlights and it seems the more I’ve used it, the more people are complimenting me on my highlights which hardly happened when I first had them done back in June!
I will
buy shampoo online .This shampoo seems good.Will try.
I hope your assessment of my site
Talking about shampoo
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Thanks dear, for sharing your views with us…….
http://consumer.admanya.com
I just bought this set recently cause I was tired of buying expensive shampoos and I love it!!
Professional hair brands are better, drugstore brands can definitely end up being injuring in excess of only nice hair. So, don’t feel like you are “being sold” when your hairstylist recommends a shampoo as well as conditioner. It is their own job to make nice hair that looks great and that brings on after you leave the salon as well.
Je suis pressé dе lire uun autre post
What about your favorite drugstore volumizing mouse and spray.
I use Kirkland Signature Moisture Shampoo; it works really well, hasn’t damaged my hair and the price just can’t be beat. I can’t speak to it’s volumizing properties, as my hair is super-short, but my wife is really satisfied!
Un ost rempli de ʝolis conseils
Hi Kate!!
I also love the Loreal Sulfate Free line as far as drugstore brands go. But my favorite professional brand is Kerastase (holy expensive though!). I have found with shampoos you get what you pay for and with all the cheaper brands my hair breaks more quickly than if I invested in the good stuff 🙂
BTW I just found your blog yesterday and am luvin’ it- can’t wait for more tutorials!
From all the bottles collecting under my sink, I can promise you I have tried EVERY brand of volumizing shampoo on the market. I have tried everything from the cheap dollar store stuff to the most expensive salon stuff. NOTHING has worked as well as Shielo. It cleans all the daily styling gunk from my hair, but it never “strips” it. My hair is never left feeling dry. I have very fine hair that has been thinning from a medication that I have to take. It seems like the Shielo shampoo has slowed the thinning because I think it is removing the residual medication from my scalp. For a volume shampoo, this doesn’t even strip my semi-permanent color either.
vsisit here http://www.shielo.com/volumizing-shampoo.html
I have been using such hair products for 1 month now and my dry hair is starting to become shiny again and I strongly appreciate to use such hair product for making your hair more beautiful. To get such shampoo, you may go here http://www.shielo.com/volumizing-shampoo.html and use accordingly
I LOVE LOVE the Biotin Collagen Shampoo. I bought the Biotin shampoo and use it with the Cherry Blossom conditioner because it offered light moisture (I struggle with getting good lift and maintaining that during the day when my hair is straight) and I LOVED the smell. I also picked up a trial size of Aquage lifting foam and I LOVE it! I even use it on curly hair days and it gives me some lift at the crown as well as a little more control over my waves. I just adore your recommendations and tutorials…keep doing what you are doing!
I have tried about 4 different hairsprays to control my frizz – and i say that the Shielo Volume Flexible Hairspray is the best. This is definitely better, it doesn’t make your hair sticky, holds it in place (even in windy conditions) and doesn’t look like you have anything on unlike other hairsprays I have used.
What kind of shampoo & conditioner do you recommend from cosmoprof or those types of retail stores? Your a stylist & was just wondering…..
I really love Pureology products, they’ve been good to my hair through the years!
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I don’t think I can take anyone who recommends OGX seriously, Considering the fact that they have a lawsuit against them for using harmful chemicals that cause hair loss, I wouldn’t trust any of their products. Either the writer here is being paid to promote or is woefully unaware of the shady business practices of OGX. Either way, no thank you. Do some research on OGX before buying, you will thank me later. Or you will understand why your hair I falling out and throw out the OGX!
or I recommended these products well before this information was released…