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Supermarket vs Salon Brands: What's The Difference?

We’ve all been there: standing in the shampoo aisle at the supermarket, staring at rows and rows and ROWS of products that promise sleek, shiny, and healthy hair, all for a fraction of the cost of salon brands. It’s tempting, right? After all, why spend more when those supermarket options seem to do the same job?

But here’s the thing: while supermarket haircare might seem like a bargain, there’s often more to the story. The difference between salon-grade and supermarket products goes beyond just the price tag - it’s about what’s inside the bottle, how it’s formulated, and the long-term impact on your hair’s health.

In this blog, we’re breaking down the key differences between supermarket and salon brands, so you can understand exactly what you’re getting for your money and why your hair deserves the best.

Ingredients Matter

One of the biggest differences between supermarket and salon-grade products is the quality and concentration of ingredients. This is where the price difference really starts to make sense (because we know price is the biggest reason we all head to Woolies for our shampoo!).

Supermarket Products

Supermarket brands tend to dilute their formulas with fillers and lower-cost ingredients, which means you’re not getting the full benefits of the active ingredients. While these products might seem effective at first, they often contain smaller amounts of the nourishing elements your hair really needs, like proteins, oils, and vitamins. As a result, you might find yourself using more product just to get the desired effect.

What's more, while these products may create the appearance of smooth, shiny hair, it’s often temporary. Ingredients like silicones coat the surface of your hair to give it a glossy finish, but they don’t nourish the hair deeply. Over time, this can lead to product build-up, leaving your hair looking weighed down and dull. And who wants that?!

Salon-Grade Products

Salon products, like those offered at Holy Grail Haircare, are formulated with higher concentrations of active ingredients, ensuring your hair gets the nourishment it needs from the inside out. While silicones are present in both types of products, salon brands use them in a way that complements the nourishing ingredients, helping to protect the hair while improving its health. Instead of just masking the problem with a temporary shine, salon products work to strengthen and hydrate your hair at a deeper level, leading to a consistent, natural shine that comes from truly healthy hair.

Think of it this way: if you had to eat Maccas every day, your body would be getting the sustenance it needs to survive, but not what it needs to thrive. The same can be said for using supermarket hair care products! Salon-grade products, on the other hand, are like a nutrient-packed diet for your hair, delivering exactly what it needs to stay strong, shiny, and healthy in the long run.

Woman washing her hair with Nioxin in the shower

Tailored for Your Hair Type

One size rarely fits all when it comes to haircare, and this is another major difference between supermarket and salon-grade products. Your hair is unique, and it deserves products that are tailored to its specific needs.

Supermarket Products

Supermarket brands often use a “one size fits all” approach. These products are designed to work for a wide range of hair types, but they can fall short if your hair has specific needs.

For example, if you have curly, colour-treated, or very dry hair, you may find that supermarket products don’t give your hair the nourishment or care it really needs. The result? Hair that feels frizzy, dry, or just not quite right - no matter how often you wash it!

Salon-Grade Products

Salon products, on the other hand, are formulated for specific hair types and concerns. Whether your hair is fine and needs extra volume, curly and requires moisture, or colour-treated and needs protection, salon products are designed to target those specific needs.

At Holy Grail Haircare, you’ll find a range of professional products that address different hair concerns. For example, Pureology Strength Cure is perfect for damaged or colour-treated hair, while Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo helps lock in moisture for dry or frizzy hair. Using products that are specifically designed for your hair type means you’ll see better result - your hair will look healthier, feel smoother, and perform better in your day-to-day routine. And you might even be able to go longer between washes!

Long-Term Hair Health

While supermarket brands may offer a quick fix, the reality is that their results are often superficial and temporary. When it comes to the long-term health of your hair, the quality of the ingredients and the way products work beneath the surface is what truly makes the difference.

Supermarket Products

Supermarket haircare products often rely on cheaper ingredients and fillers that can leave a build-up on your hair. Over time, this build-up weighs down your hair, making it dull and lifeless. Harsh cleansers like sulfates may strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and prone to damage, while silicones give a temporary shine that quickly fades as the health of your hair deteriorates beneath the surface.

Prolonged use of these lower-quality ingredients can weaken the structure of your hair, leading to issues like breakage, split ends, and thinning. In the long run, you may end up needing more frequent salon visits to repair the damage caused by supermarket products.

Related: What Causes Split Ends?

Salon-Grade Products

Salon products, on the other hand, are designed to improve your hair’s health over time. Instead of simply masking problems with shine-inducing silicones, salon brands use high-quality ingredients that work from within to strengthen and nourish each strand. Products like Olaplex No. 0 don’t just cover up damage; they actually repair broken bonds in the hair, addressing the root of the problem and restoring your hair’s integrity.

The difference with salon products is that they’re crafted to support your hair in the long term. Ingredients like shea butter, proteins, keratin and natural oils like jojoba and argan oil help to fortify and protect your hair, making it stronger and more resilient to daily stressors like heat, styling, and environmental damage. Professional products not only help repair damage but also prevent it from happening again, giving you hair that’s not just shiny on the surface, but genuinely healthy.

With regular use of salon-grade products, you’ll find that your hair requires less maintenance over time. It will be more manageable, less prone to breakage, and visibly healthier, which means fewer trips to the salon for emergency treatments and less frustration with styling. Your hair’s health isn’t just about today - it’s an investment in its future!

Customised Recommendations from Experts

One of the standout advantages of using salon-grade products is the expert advice that often comes along with them. When you buy professional haircare, you’re not just getting a product - you’re getting years of knowledge and experience that can help you make the best choices for your hair.

Supermarket Products

When you pick up a bottle of shampoo at the supermarket, it’s often a shot in the dark. Supermarket brands cater to the masses with generic formulas that are designed to work "well enough" for most hair types. But every person’s hair is different, and using products that aren’t suited to your specific hair needs can result in lacklustre outcomes or even exacerbate existing problems like dryness or frizz.

There’s no expert guidance involved when choosing these products. You may find yourself in a cycle of trial and error, constantly switching products in the hope that one will finally deliver the results you want.

Salon-Grade Products

Salon products, on the other hand, are often recommended by professional hairstylists who understand your hair’s unique needs. Stylists can help you pinpoint the exact products that will benefit your hair type and concerns - whether it’s dry, damaged, curly, fine, or colour-treated.

At Holy Grail Haircare, we carry trusted salon brands whose products are formulated with specific hair types and conditions in mind. Whether you need a deep moisture boost or strengthening for colour-treated hair, you’ll be using products that have been carefully crafted to solve particular hair concerns. Using professional recommendations means you’re not wasting time and money on products that aren’t right for you. Instead, you’ll see noticeable improvements in your hair’s health and manageability because you’re using the right product from the start.

Plus, with us around, you don't have to head back to the salon every time you need a top-up - you can get your professional haircare products right here!

The Price Factor: Are Salon Products Worth It?

We’ve all heard the saying, "you get what you pay for," and when it comes to haircare, this couldn’t be more true. While salon-grade products often come with a higher price tag, they offer benefits that extend well beyond the supermarket aisle.

Supermarket Products

At first glance, supermarket haircare products seem like a great deal. They’re cheaper, convenient, and easy to pick up during your regular grocery shop. However, the lower price often reflects the lower concentration of active ingredients. Supermarket brands tend to dilute their formulas with fillers and cheaper ingredients, meaning you’ll likely use more product in each wash - and still not get the long-term benefits you’re looking for.

Over time, this can cost you more in other ways. The frequent need to replace products, repair damage, or visit the salon for corrective treatments adds up, making supermarket products less of a bargain in the long run.

Salon-Grade Products

While the initial cost of salon-grade products may be higher, you’re paying for quality and longevity. Salon products are often more concentrated, meaning you need less product with each wash. This not only makes them last longer but also ensures your hair is getting the full benefit of the nourishing ingredients inside.

Beyond the bottle, the real value of salon products lies in the long-term health of your hair. Using products designed to support and repair your hair will reduce the need for frequent salon visits, emergency treatments, or frustration with unmanageable hair. Salon brands like Pureology, Moroccanoil, Matrix and Olaplex are trusted by professionals for a reason - they deliver noticeable, lasting results that make your hair healthier, shinier, and easier to manage.

Smiling woman holding Olaplex No. 4 & No. 5

Give Your Hair the Care It Deserves!

When it comes to caring for your hair, the choice between supermarket and salon-grade products is about more than just price - it’s about the health, strength, and long-term beauty of your hair. While supermarket brands may offer convenience and low upfront costs, the benefits of salon-quality products far outweigh the price difference. With better ingredients, tailored formulas, and long-lasting results, salon-grade products are an investment in the future of your hair.

At Holy Grail Haircare, we’re proud to offer the best salon brands at the most competitive prices in New Zealand, so you can give your hair the care it truly deserves without breaking the bank. Explore our full range of professional products and start your journey to truly healthier, more beautiful hair today.