Welcome to the hair-raising truth about buying hair products at the grocery store. Sure, it's convenient to toss a bottle of shampoo into your cart while picking up your veggies, but convenience can come at a cost. From potential damage to your precious locks to the hidden toxins and fillers lurking in those bottles, buying hair products at the grocery store is a risky game. Join me as I dive into the world of product diversion, the truth about what's really in those bottles, and why not all hair products are created equal. It's time to give your hair the love it truly deserves.

The Truth About Non-Professional Products

First and foremost, let's talk about WHY non-professional hair products are so much more affordable than salon quality products. Believe it or not, it is not just because your stylist wants to earn a profit. The non-professional products you see on many retail shelves are much cheaper to manufacture than their salon-quality counterparts. The amount of concentrated active ingredients in non-pro store brands is very small... what you're paying for is mostly water, alcohol, or other potentially harmful fillers that wreak havoc on your hair. These fillers top off bottles for merely pennies. So while you may think you're getting a deal, what you're really getting is hair damage in a bottle! And you're paying for it!

These fillers not only dilute the active ingredients but can also strip your hair of its natural oils, making it dull and lifeless, dry and brittle. Other fillers (parabens/plastics) can clog your hair follicles and create an unhealthy scalp environment which can negatively impact hair growth and retention. Non-water-soluble silicones found in most non-pro conditioners coat your hair (giving it a temporary shine/softness) but prevent it from absorbing the important nutrients it needs to truly be healthy. And if that's not enough, these products often contain harmful toxins and carcinogens (preservatives like formaldehyde) that can create hormonal imbalance and contribute to serious diseases.

Some of you may be thinking "No, no... I know to shop only for the professional brands when I'm at the grocery store. I don't buy Pantene or Suave. I only buy the products there that I’ve seen on the shelves at the beauty salon!" Sadly, despite your valiant efforts to be good to your hair (for which I applaud you!), buying the professional brands at Marshalls or CVS, your grocery store, or even Amazon is often no better than being blindfolded in Walmart's haircare aisle and just picking up a product at random. But how can that be? It's a tricky little scam called "product diversion", and I'm going to tell you all about it.

About "Product Diversion" and Why it's Killing Small Business

So, what is "product diversion" and why is it such a big deal? "Product diversion" refers to the unauthorized distribution or sale of a product through channels unintended or unauthorized by the manufacturer or brand owner. Manufacturers typically implement strategies to prevent and address product diversion to maintain better control over their brand, pricing, reputation and the distribution and sale of their products.

For example, let's start with the agreement between professional brands and hair salons. You see, most professional brands like to keep their products exclusive to salons. They work hard to create top-notch hair products that deliver high-end results, and they are committed to keeping profit in the salons that choose to work with them, putting food on stylists tables.

But here's the catch:

You see, despite manufacturers strongest efforts, once the product leaves its original distribution center, they all too often end up in the wrong hands. Greed takes over and the products are sold to scammers who want to turn a quick profit. What better way to do this than use a reputable brand that's already well established? These phony con-artists buy in bulk, dilute or tamper with the products, or purchase expired products at a discount, and sell them to the big chains and retailers who may not know better. Once the counterfeit products are on display and being sold, there is little the original manufacturer can do to remedy the situation.

When you purchase these fake products from grocery stores, you're taking a gamble. There's no guarantee of authenticity or quality. Imagine slathering your hair with expired conditioner or using a tampered-with shampoo. Not exactly the pampering experience you were hoping for, right?

Check out this video on one brand in particular whose owners themselves have spoken out against diversion.

Nearly a decade later, we still see their products in unauthorized stores.

And unfortunately, the consequences go beyond just a bad hair day. When you buy these fake products, you're not only hurting your hair and your wallet, but small businesses take a hit too. Salon owners and stylists invest their time, money, and expertise in providing exceptional services and products to their clients. We rely on the sales of these professional products to keep our businesses afloat and only want the best for you because you deserve nothing less!

Get the Customization Your Hair Needs (and Deserves)

While grocery store products often take a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to performance, salon products are specially formulated by experts who understand the science behind hair care. They use high-quality ingredients that are carefully selected to nourish and protect your locks while grocery store products often contain generic formulas that likely won't deliver the same level of results.

By buying from a salon, you're ensuring that you're getting genuine products that have been tested and approved. Salon products are specially designed to address specific hair concerns, whether it's frizz, damage, lack of volume, thinning, color care, etc. Your stylist, who knows your hair in and out, can prescribe a custom hair care regimen specifically for your hair type and desired results, ensuring your money is well spent and your investment is protected.

I know it's overwhelming being inundated with hundreds of products all over the shelves, ads on social media, and constant information about what is and isn't good for your hair. Take the guess work out of it, and seek guidance or advice from your hairstylist. You won't regret it!

Let Me Help You Treat Yo'self!

No stylist? No problem! I’m happy to recommend products specifically for you! Dive into the world of personalized hair care, with me as your guide. Fill out this questionnaire , spill the tea on your hair, express those concerns, and share the hair goals you're chasing. Why? Because your hair is special, and so is the regimen it deserves!

Now, about my salon – it's not just about hair, it's about a commitment to a better planet and fabulous hair days. I'm on a mission for eco-friendly, natural, and SAFE ingredients – no nasties allowed! And guess what? It's a mutual love affair with the other small businesses I order retail from. We support each other, like a haircare ecosystem. Not just about "helping the little guy" (though that's awesome too), but because smaller brands invest in quality. Forget mass-produced mediocrity; think concentrated excellence!

Why choose the underdogs? Well, they put their money where their (beautifully styled) hair is. Less on flashy ads, more on groundbreaking research and development. The result? Products that perform like haircare superheroes! Plus, that "product diversion” we talked about – a distant concern when you're dealing with the hidden gems that you won't see on just any shelves.

And here's a beauty hack – smaller brands often simplify. One bottle, many solutions. Your bathroom cabinet stays clutter-free, and your wallet gets a breather. It's a win-win!

Ready for a hair journey that's both fabulous and conscious? Dive into the questionnaire, and let's get your hair pampered the right way! 💁‍♀️💆‍♂️✨

Sources:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/samantharadocchia/2018/10/23/hair-product-diversion-is-dirty-business-heres-what-it-will-take-to-clean-up-the-supply-chain/?sh=12da2e6c5ff6