In my bargain hunting, one thing I’ve learned is not to be faithful to a brand if you want to save money.
When it comes to beauty products, most women don’t want to switch brands to save money because they are scared about the end result. Shampoo and conditioner preferences are big deals to women. For many women, this is the last bastion of savings they’ll fight to the bitter end.
I was one of those women who formerly was digging my heels in, reluctant to change from my pricey salon products to the drugstore variety. Based on my budget, I had to transition over, though it was slow going for me. What I found, (shockingly so), was that many of the cheaper versions of hair care products were as good, if not better, than my expensive salon versions. I’d been rinsing money straight down the drain for years, right along with my salon conditioner.
With four daughters, our hair ranges from stick straight and fine to thick and unruly curls, color treated and dry, and wavy tresses. We’ve tried a mix of products around here and have come up with our favorites.
If you’re on a budget and contemplating a cheaper hair care switch here are my product reviews:
- Pantene - A family favorite. Seriously competes with all salon products on all levels as it seems to consistantly produce shiny, healthy tresses. We’re especially impressed with the Nature Fusion line. Don’t buy it on regular price, which can be around $4.99-$5.99, instead wait till it’s on sale and stock up. Most good sales feature Pantene at $3.00 or 2 for $6.00. Use coupons if possible and score this great product for even less during sales. Last week for instance, Kroger had Pantene on sale for $2.97, with a 2/$1.00 coupon, you could pick it up for $2.47 each. If you’re in doubt, try it and take the challenge offered by the manufacturer. They’ll give you 2 times the money you’ve spent back if you’re not satisfied.
- Herbal Essence: If scent alone could sell a product, this one delivers. However, Herbal Essence also provides great hair care products with fun names and lots of variety to suit any hair. My curly topped daughters prefer the new “Tousle Me Softly” version and I, with my dry hair like the “Hello Hydration” products. Price is the same on sale as Pantene and perhaps a bit less. Wait to buy till prices are around $3 or buy one, get one free, and stock up.
- Aussie: If you don’t try anyone variety, one worth sampling is the “Cleanse and Mend” shampoo and conditioner. It really does rinse clean from the roots as advertised and leaves ends conditioned. Same price on sale, same drill- stock up when it hits around $3.00
- Tresemme-:My personal take on this one is not a favorable one, even the hydration/moisturizer is not as moisturizing as I’d like. However, my daughters love this. If you have really healthy or thick hair, try this. Tresemme comes in giant bottles that offer the best price about once a month, usually 2/$5. Coupons are random, but usually to be found in Sunday inserts such as Red Plum.
- Fructopia: CVS has this on sale frequently for $1.99. You can pick up Extra Care Bucks from time to time when they offer a special and nab it for cheaper. I’ve bought this for $.99 after rewards. The family favorite is the combination shampoo and conditioner, which smells like coconut and leaves hair really clean feeling without being weighted down. I think it’s not enough conditioner on the long term for drier hair, but it’ll do in a pinch for a quick clean and rinse. If your hair is normal or oily this might be perfect. Watch for bundled packages of two for one for extra deals.
Pantene, Aussie, and Herbal Essence are Proctor and Gamble products, so you’ll find coupons for these in the monthly Sunday paper P & G Brandsaver inserts. (The next P & G Brandsaver is November 01, 2009.)