[LiteraryLark]

I'm not intending this to be a community add-on thread, but I would like input.

I've noticed that the $3 cheapie 2-in-1 shampoo I bought works just as fine and dandy as the $16 shampoo and conditioner that is labeled as oober-healthy-and-eco-friendly and "hypothetically" is supposed to make your hair grow faster...AKA "Not Your Mother's Way to Grow" ($8 per each shampoo and conditioner)

In comparison, this $3 shampoo is a 2-in-1. I've tried letting my hair soak in it after scrubbing, but there's never this "silky smooth" feeling like when you put in real, separate conditioner. However, when my hair dries, my hair is just as silky as when I used conditioner separately and as when I bought expensive shampoo.

Comparing the $16 shampoo and conditioner to the $3 cheapie 2-in-1, my hair is growing just as fast if not faster with the cheapie shampoo than the one that boasts of making your hair grow faster.

I am curious if there really truly is a difference between shampoos, if the money really matters. I know everyone's hair is different. My hair is as "normal" and healthy as you can get. I used to dye my hair every three weeks because I had red hair and there was no shampoo that could prolong the hair from keeping it's color, even if I only washed my hair once or twice a week. But now I'm growing out my hair and there's only an inch or two of dyed hair left on my head....man.....just talking about hair dye gives me the itch! Anyway...that's a looong story.

Do you think shampoo choice matters? Do you think an expensive shampoo really is better than cheap stuff? What shampoo do you use and why, does it work for you, do you have multiple shampoos, and if it's not too private, how much do you typically spend on shampoo?

[splitimage]

I can't comment on the relative effectiveness of cheap vs more expensive shampoos, but I'd say that if your hair feels as silky as ever once it's dry and is growing normally, then there's nothing wrong with saving some money and getting the cheaper shampoo.

Personally I always and only use Head & Shoulders, as it's the only thing that works on my really bad dandruff problem.

splitimage

[WishfulThinker66]

As explained to me regardless of the regular product you use to give it an ultra good cleaning at least once a month - and this is best accomplished with a cheap old shampoo. This cleans off the waxy build up left behind by conditioners. It is also not healthy for your hair to wash it every day. Ideally it should be washed every 2-3 days.

I don't waste my money when it comes to hair products and my stylist says I have some very thick and healthy hair.

I don’t think there is a difference. Weather I use the 3 dollar stuff or the expensive stuff-my hair dresser says my hair is healthy.

[possum220]

Have to wonder about products where the price varies so much. I tend to buy middle of the road priced shampoo and use a pump pack so I don't use too much of it at once. I will buy one brand and when that it all gone I will purchase a different one because I like a change in fragrance. The fancy shampoo that you buy at the hairdressers is so expensive that it's out of my reach.

[piggy momma]

I look for vegan, eco-friendly products. I do tend to pay more, but I think it's worth it.

I usually use Lush shampoo bars, which are about $10 for a small bar, but one bar lasts me forever, so I guess in the long run it's really not that much more expensive.

I just try to stay away from all the chemical additives, and I hate paying for water in things like shampoo and laundry detergent.

[healingme4me]

I think that if it's working for you, don't change a thing. Changing can sometimes wreak havoc. I tried a different, not expensive, but common named brand over the spring or summer and it wreaked havoc with my scalp and going back to my other brand that I had used for years without trouble couldn't fix it. I spent a lot of time knee deep in tea tree mixes as well as medicated treatments. Gave this one "pump sized" middle of the road brand a try and that's been ok for now.

Looking into the differences has been mind numbing. And I do not have full answers at the moment as I haven't taken any leaps. I'm still researching, basically.

[KD1980]

I think it's fine if it suits your needs and you don't use heat or chemicals on your hair. People who use heat on their hair frequently or bleach their hair tend to benefit more from the expensive brands.

[LiteraryLark]

Originally Posted by piggy momma

I look for vegan, eco-friendly products. I do tend to pay more, but I think it's worth it.

I usually use Lush shampoo bars, which are about $10 for a small bar, but one bar lasts me forever, so I guess in the long run it's really not that much more expensive.

I just try to stay away from all the chemical additives, and I hate paying for water in things like shampoo and laundry detergent.

See, that makes sense. Paying more for vegan, eco-friendly, animal-friendly, etc products because of your personal beliefs is fantastic. That's worth paying a little extra.

[TheSeaCat]

I'm going to be that person and say the I love my fancy stuff, I have been using Herbal Essences: Bio Renewal it's about $6.00 a bottle but it smells sooooo good. I also have a bottle of a hair mask that I got last Christmas that makes my hair look hair commercial shiny and soft.

[Albatross2008]

In general, the really fancy and expensive stuff is a waste of money. But an overly cheap off-brand shampoo can also be a waste, if you have to use more of it to get the same effect. I suppose it depends on the off-brand.

I mostly consider the ingredients, as with any soap, shampoo, or detergent, there might be something in it that breaks me out. Usually it's a fragrance or a dye, which strangely enough, the fancy pricey stuff may even be more likely to have in it. I have to use "free and clear" laundry detergent or else I'll get hives and itch like crazy. So I tend to use products that I know won't do that.