At Matthew’s & Co., one of the most common questions we hear is: “What’s the difference between salon products and the ones I can grab at the drugstore?”
It’s a fair question—after all, both bottles promise healthy, shiny hair. But the truth lies in the ingredients list. Drugstore brands often rely on cheap fillers and harsh chemicals for quick results, while salon-quality products use gentle, nourishing, and concentrated ingredients designed to actually improve hair health over time.
Let’s break down exactly what to look out for—and what to look for—in your haircare products.
Ingredients to Watch Out for in Drugstore Brands
1) Harsh Sulfates (Detergents)
Why to avoid These create lots of foam but strip natural oils, leaving hair brittle and frizzy.
Common names:- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS)
2) Non-Water-Soluble Silicones
Why to avoid They coat the hair for temporary smoothness but build up over time, blocking moisture.
Common names:- Dimethicone
- Amodimethicone
- Cyclopentasiloxane
3) Parabens (Preservatives)
Note Extend shelf life, but can irritate the scalp and raise health/environmental concerns.
Common names:- Methylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
4) Phthalates (Fragrance Stabilizers)
Heads up Linked to hormone disruption and scalp irritation.
Often listed as:- Phthalates (commonly hidden under “Fragrance” or “Parfum”)
5) Drying Alcohols
Why to avoid Common in sprays/shampoos; they quickly dehydrate hair.
Common names:- Isopropyl Alcohol
- SD Alcohol 40
6) Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives
Note Slowly release formaldehyde, a known irritant.
Common names:- DMDM Hydantoin
- Quaternium-15
- Imidazolidinyl Urea
Instead of fillers and harsh chemicals, salon formulas are packed with active, nourishing ingredients that deliver both instant results and long-term health.
Ingredients You’ll Find in Professional Salon Products
1) Gentle Cleansers (Sulfate-Free)
- Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
- Lauryl Glucoside
- Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine
2) Lightweight, Water-Soluble Silicones & Polymers
- Dimethicone Copolyol
- PEG-12 Dimethicone
- Cyclomethicone
- Polyquaterniums (conditioning polymers)
3) Proteins & Bond Builders
- Hydrolyzed Keratin
- Hydrolyzed Wheat, Silk, or Soy Protein
- Amino Acids (Arginine, Glutamic Acid)
- Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate (Olaplex-style bond repair)
- Argan Oil
- Babassu Oil
- Jojoba Oil
- Shea Butter
4) Moisture Magnets
- Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)
- Glycerin
- Aloe Vera
- Sodium PCA
- Hyaluronic Acid
5) UV & Heat Protectants
- Avobenzone
- Benzophenone-4
- Silicone Quaterniums
Example Comparison
Drugstore: Pantene Classic Clean Shampoo
Inredients: Water, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Dimethicone, Glycol Distearate, Fragrance, Sodium Benzoate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone
SUMMARY: Harsh sulfates, heavy silicone, strong preservatives.
Salon: R+Co Television Perfect Hair Shampoo
Ingredients: Water, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Lauryl Glucoside, Disodium Cocoamphodipropionate, Glycerin, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Orbignya Oleifera (Babassu) Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Dimethiconol (light silicone), Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (UV Filter), Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Juniperus Communis Fruit Extract
SUMMARY: Gentle cleansers, proteins, natural oils, UV protectants, and botanical extracts.
Why Salon Products Are Worth It
A common concern we hear is: “But salon products cost so much more than drugstore ones!”
Here’s the reality: salon-grade products are far more concentrated than drugstore brands. That means you use less per wash, bottles last longer, and your hair stays healthier — which saves you money (and trips back to the salon for damage control).
✅ Concentration: Less Water, More Active Ingredients
Drugstore products often contain a high percentage of water, fillers, and cheap detergents. You need a big handful of shampoo to get a proper cleanse. Salon products are designed to be concentrated formulas. A quarter-sized amount is usually enough, even for long hair, because the active ingredients (proteins, oils, gentle cleansers) are stronger and more effective.
✅ Cost Per Wash: The Real Math
Let’s look at the numbers:
Brand Bottle Size Average Price Uses Per Bottle Cost Per Wash
Pantene Classic Clean 12 oz $6.00 ~30 uses $0.20
Redken All Soft Shampoo 10.1 oz $26.00 ~60 uses $0.43
R+Co Television Shampoo 8.5 oz $32.00 ~50 uses $0.64
While the salon product’s sticker price looks higher, the actual per-wash cost is only cents more. Considering the benefits (better color protection, less breakage, fewer treatments to “fix” your hair), it’s a small investment for much healthier results.
✅ The Longterm Value
Healthier hair = fewer salon fixes. Clients who use salon shampoos/conditioners often need fewer deep repair services or color corrections. Color lasts longer. Sulfate-free salon shampoos preserve hair color, meaning you don’t have to come in as often for touch-ups. Smaller amounts last longer. A bottle of Redken or R+Co can stretch 2–3 months, versus a drugstore shampoo that runs out much faster.
Think of it like skincare or nutrition: a higher-quality product not only performs better but also prevents future problems.
One of the biggest differences with salon-grade products is that they are highly concentrated. That means you only need a small amount — usually a dime- to quarter-sized drop depending on your hair length.
—> Here’s an important tip
If your salon shampoo doesn’t lather right away, don’t add more product. Instead, add a little water and work it through your hair. This process, called emulsifying, activates the concentrated ingredients and helps them spread evenly from root to tip.
With drugstore shampoos, people often pour on more and more because the formulas are watered down. With salon shampoos, adding water is the key to unlocking the rich, creamy lather and getting the full benefit from every wash.
This simple trick not only makes your bottle last longer but also ensures your hair is being cleansed and nourished properly.
Final Thoughts
Drugstore products may seem cheaper at first, but they’re often watered down and made with harsh detergents and heavy silicones. That means you use more each wash, the bottles run out faster, and over time they can leave your hair dry, dull, or damaged.
Salon products cost a bit more upfront, but they’re highly concentrated and packed with nourishing ingredients like proteins, natural oils, and moisture boosters. You only need a small amount, so bottles last longer, and the cost per use is only slightly more.
The difference is that salon formulas actually protect your color, strengthen your hair, and keep it healthier between visits. At Matthew’s & Co., we recommend them because they’re not just shampoo or conditioner, they’re an investment in the long-term health and beauty of your hair.