Salon hair color versus drugstore brands

by Caroline Tutera
(Missouri)

Can you tell me the difference between salon color, and store bought hair color?????

Comments for
Salon hair color versus drugstore brands

Jan 04, 2008

Salon Hair Color/Drugstore Brands
by: Donna in Ct.

Caroline,as an experienced colorist, I'm going to tell you honestly that there really ISN'T a dramatic difference, despite what manufacturers want us to believe. The big difference comes into play with knowing WHICH colors to choose, and WHY. You are not adding color to a blank canvas...you are either adding or subtracting color that is already in your hair naturally,PLUS the new artificial color pigment. An experienced colorist has studied the theory of color and will choose pigments and the appropriate volume developer to result in your desired shade. Also, they will take into consideration the porosity levels of the hair shaft; often different at the ends than at the scalp, and treat those areas accordingly. When it comes to touch-ups, a stylist will apply the formula only to the roots, not the entire head, which home-colorists often do month after month, which results in trashed hair and off-colors. So, in essence, a good stylist would get great results with ANY color line, while an inexperienced person at home may not, even if they were to use the highest end salon-only product.

Jan 04, 2008

Professional color offers more flexibility
by: Michelle

Hi Caroline,

As far as the actual chemical formulation of the color product, I'd have to agree with Donna... there isn't a noticeable difference between professional and drugstore color.

However, with a drugstore brand, you're limited to what's in the box, whereas a professional will have a cupboard full of goodies to mix into just the right formula.

For example, if we want more lift, we'll use a 30 or 40 Volume developer, rather than a 20 Volume. For more deposit, we'll opt for a 10 Volume developer.

We can also use boosters to enhance a specific pigment (i.e., make a more fiery red) or neutralizing pigments to help combat those temperamental underlying pigments.

Salon colors are often customized by mixing 3 or more different colors for a very specific formula.

More on the art and science of hair coloring.

This (plus the all important application techniques) is why you'll generally get better results with salon color. Of course, it all depends upon the level of experience and creativity your stylist possesses. You can give the same tools to 10 different colorists and get a dramatic variation of results.

All the best,
Michelle
Editor, SHM.com