So, I am looking to save a little money. Right now I'm a brunette (trying to hide a full head of blonde highlights). I spend about $30-40 a month on Redkin Color Treated Shampoo, Conditioner and Redkin Heavy Cream. I will always use a Color Treated Version of Shampoo and Conditioner but my question for you all is.. how important is the brand?
I'd really like to try to switch to a drugstore brand to save some cash, but I dont want my color to be ruined or not last as long. I think the salon has me brainwashed that only the "salon approved" products will do the trick. Is it true? Do any of you use a drugstore brand that you absolutely love? Help me out here....
personally, i always tell my clients as long as it says color-safe, i think it's ok. a lot of the hair care brands are made by the same companies (and a lot of times in the same factories -- my work sold makeup that was "ours" that was basically branded and was made by the same factory that made mac cosmetics) that i just think it boils down to advertising/etc.
if you are worried about fading, maybe try color-safe shampoos with a bit of a tint in them. (i know john frieda makes one, i don't know what other drug store brand does.)
I'm not a stylist, but I'll tell you my secret to making my browns and reds last longer - Artec color depositing shampoo. If you want to save on everyday shampoo and conditioners, maybe you could just purchase one bottle of Artec to use once a week (or whatever) to make the most out of your color. Whenever I used the Artec shampoo, my friends were always asking me if I'd had my hair redone recently. I just used the shampoo, not the conditioner, and I used regular drugstore "color safe" products the rest of the time. I like Aussie for a drugstore brand. It always seems to be good to me.