Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Get the most BANG for your BUCK

When it comes to purchasing haircare products, the saying "you get what you pay for" comes to mind. Like many of you, I do not budget for my shampoo and conditioner needs and even though you may feel it necessary when purchasing from a salon, here are a few tips and tricks that helped me realize I was actually saving money by purchasing professional quality products from a salon.


Did you know when you purchase professional product from a salon or certified retailer, it comes with 100% satisfaction guarantee?? Any professional who truly believes in the quality of their product will stand behind it and make sure you are 100% satisfied or your money back.

Don't let the price of professional products from a salon intimidate you. It's true, the average salon shampoo sells for around $25; whereas, shampoo from a supermarket, on average, sell for only $12. I know this seems like a no-brainer but don't be fooled! Professional products tend to cost more at face value because the ingredients and chemistry used to create these products tend to be of higher quality.

Even though you may see professional named products on the supermarket shelf, this doesn't always mean you're getting what you pay for. Many times these products are victims of diversion and, sadly, sometimes certain product lines will sell their bottles to supermarkets giving them license to fill as they see fit. There is NO quality assurance when purchasing from the supermarket shelves.

In all honesty, professional products can save you money when purchased from a salon or certified retailer. How could this be? Remember that part about "NO quality assurance" when purchasing from a supermarket? Well, most products purchased from the supermarket are watered-down and diluted. Why would this be? By diluting the products you're forced to use more at each use therefore running out faster which then contributes to purchasing the product more often. Also, because the ingredients and chemistry are not professional grade, you are forced to wash your hair more frequently to keep it clean. Again, using more product and running out more frequently.

Most professional products are more concentrated with higher quality ingredients allowing you to use less and shampoo less frequently because the hair tends to stay cleaner longer. However, because professional products are more concentrated and now, most do not contain sulfates (the lathering agent), it's important to use the products properly to really get the most bang for your buck.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  • When using professional products, less is more because of the higher concentration.

  • Professional products tend to only lather when the hair is clean. If you do not get the lather you like, add water before adding more product. If you still are not satisfied, leave the shampoo on your scalp for 2 minutes, rinse out completely, and repeat. Once the hair is clean you will get a better lather.   

  • When shampooing, place a quarter-sized amount in the palm of your hand and emulsify. Apply to the scalp. Massage your scalp well then work the shampoo down the rest of the hair shaft.With shampooing, your main focus is cleansing the scalp!

  • When conditioning, place a quarter-sized amount in the palm of your hand and emulsify. Apply to the ends of your hair and massage the conditioner from the ends of your hair to the mid-length. Avoiding the scalp can help reduce oily build up and keep the hair cleaner longer. Your main focus when conditioning is the length of your hair!

I use Sojourn Moisture shampoo and conditioner. My hair is deceptively thick and tends to be on the oily-side. With Sojourn Moisture, I am able to extend the life of my wash shampooing every third day. My routine includes using a quarter-sized amount of shampoo apply to the scalp and massage really well. Leave in for 2 minutes, rinse, and repeat. I then apply a quarter-sized amount of conditioner to the ends and work up towards the mid-length, leave in for 2 minutes and rinse. Out of the shower, I towel dry really well and spray Sojourn Leave-In Detangler all over the hair. I then spray a nickel-sized amount of Sojourn Thermal Protection in the palm of my hand, emulsify, and apply mostly to the ends and mid-length avoiding the scalp. The leave-in and thermal protect helps bring my hair back to its natural pH, closing the cuticle and holding the moisture in my hair to help with static and unwanted frizz, as well as, protecting my hair during thermal styling. 

With this routine and sharing with my husband, we are able to use the same Sojourn Moisture Shampoo (150ml) for 5 months!

The financial break down:

Professional Shampoo: $25 every 4-5 months ($50-$75/year) vs.

Supermarket Shampoo: $12 once a month ($144/year).


Don't just take my word for it! Try it for yourself. Give it a try at your next appointment. Visit www.tyreeward.com to schedule!

Sojourn Moisture Collection

www.sojournbeauty.com

be YOU. be BEAUTIFUL.