During college, my roommate and I were really into buying different kinds of shampoo. We joked about opening up our own salon to do makeup and hair, since we both really enjoyed doing both. I’ve tried a ton of products, so here are some of my favorites that I’ve used over the past few years!
Lanza - for dry hair
Pros: It’s relatively inexpensive and you can find great deals. In my opinion their color care line is the best, but it’s more expensive than the regular line.
Cons: After awhile, it starts to feel like it doesn’t work as well as it did in the beginning
Pureology - for colored hair (I’ve heard some people talk about this brand on Weddingbee before)
Pros: The conditioner is the BEST conditioner I’ve ever used! It conditions deeply and makes your hair soft. This would work best for people whose hair just got fried from bleaching or if you just got a perm. Not only does it help you maintain your color, but it literally tingles your scalp when you shower!
Cons: It SMELLS LIKE CRAP. The menthol makes it seem like it’s working really well, but I would assume that not all people want to smell like menthol all day right? You might want to use this line when you’re not planning to be around your boyfriend/fiance/husband. Unless he doesn’t care, like Mr. Caramel - who loves smelling my hair even after I haven’t showered. 
Enjoy - for thin yet damaged hair
Pros: It smells nice, and is good if you don’t usually use heavy products in your hair. It works well and feels more natural than most products.
Cons: It’s pretty mild so don’t expect huge changes. It is a good product overall, but for someone with super dry hair I’d recommend the other two above products.
Matrix- for all types
Pros: There are so many shampoos/conditioners for all hair types! There’s a Matrix line for curly hair, straight hair, colored hair and normal hair. They work well and seem to keep your hair very shiny and healthy!
Cons: They have a slimy texture but it still lathers well. I don’t really have cons for this line except for the fact that they sell it in grocery stores now, which makes me think twice about its quality. (Yes, I’m a hair snob!)
What are some of your favorite shampoo/conditioner lines?
I LOVE kerastase products. they work magic but cost an arm and a leg ($35 for a tiny bottle!). My hairstylist always tells me not to shampoo my hair everyday because it actually dries the hair out. But if I don’t wash, my hair gets so oily! When I use kerastase products, i don’t have to wash my hair for three days and it still won’t be oily. I know, gross, right? =) but it totally works!
i lovelovelove that purology conditioner! esp the way it tingles ur head!
even though i find products that i love, i still try something new everytime. it’s an addiction! right now i’m using fresh soy shampoo w/ their pomegranate conditioner. it’s not the most moisturizing, but they both smell sooooooo good i can’t resist!
other favorite lines are kerastase and crede.
i was reluctant about shampooing every other day too, but it does work. your hair doesn’t smell as super fresh as if you’d shampoo’d it, but it doesn’t smell dirty. i highly recommend shampooing every other day - just water gets it clean.
My hairstylist said she recommended Biolage (by Matrix), so I went out and got it. I use the ultra hydrating shampoo and the conditioner that goes along with it. Sometimes I use a spray leave-in conditioner instead of the thick stuff, and sometimes I use both. Makes my hair soft and I don’t have half as many flyaways.
my favorite is frederic fekkai w/ soy protein. BEST shampoo and conditioner i’ve had!! and i’ve tried a ton of brands before. it works perfectly for my coarse, dry asian hair.
I love, love Kerastase. It really does make a difference–even the shampoo. I never used to believe it until I tried the Kerastase shampoo. My hair is so silky after that shmapoo I barely need conditioner. Highly recommend, despite the $$$ price.
Alba Botanica!
I know I’m in the minority here and other people swear by it but I really disliked pureology. I have dry hair and it didn’t help at all…it made it worse plus I had horrible static cling. It is the only shampoo/conditioner I’ve thrown out without using the whole thing. It smells like dog shampoo and I hated the way my hair smelled with it.
I like a lot of the Pyto products…most smell really good. I LOVE their anti-frizz balm
http://www.drugstore.com/qxp49902_333181_sespider/phyto/phytodefrisant_botanical_hair_relaxing_balm.htm
It’s a miracle worker
I’ve heard of Pureology not working on some people, and actually the shampoo doesn’t work for me as much as the conditioner. (If I only used the shampoo I would not have the same results) So I really believe in just trying new products all the time to see which fits your hair the best!
These are great suggestions! I’m going to use them ALL! hehe
I am a big fan of Goldwell’s Moisture Definition line and although they sell them in drug stores now, I actually really like Nexxus Humectress and Therape. I have naturally wavy/curly, yet fine hair so I need lots of moisture without oils that weigh my hair down or tons of silicone that coat it.
I also got a purifying/filtering shower head and it makes a huge difference, because our hard water was drying out my hair.
I love Crede products. For colored hair, I recommend Nigella DS. Both make your hair soft and supple.
I love Crede products (I use the ft shampoo and the er conditioner). I was introduced to the line after I did the Japanese hair straightening. Even after the straightening grew out, the Crede products still left my hair smooth and shiny.
I’ll also add in my endorsement for Kerastase products. I really like the Oleo-Relax line, and it smells great.
Out of curiosity, has anyone tried washing her hair w/ conditioner only?
Thanks Mrs. Bee…I think I’ll try that tomorrow!
I have super-oily hair, so simpler is better for me- cheap, clear shampoos like basic Suave or Herbal Essences is the best thing for my hair. Conditioner just makes my hair heavy and limp, no matter how much I rinse it out after- but my sister has thicker, coarser hair, and needs conditioner or she gets split ends.. Weirdly, I have really oily skin, but I need to use a cocoa or shea-butter soap or it’s too drying and irritates my skin… but glycerin soaps leave it even greasier than before I washed it. I think your hair/skin’s Ph balance has something to do with what works best on you.
My aunt/stylist got me a bunch of pureology products to get my hair wedding ready. I LOVE them all and my hair smells amazing! I swear; the scent lasts from one shower to the next. The shampoo and conditioner are in a bronze colored bottle and they’re for color treated hair. My aunt works for a beauty supply store, and I think the stuff she got me is brand new. It made my hair so silky and smooth. I also use the detangler/color protector spray and smoothing gel.
Mrs. Caramel, Los Angeles
Age and Occupation: 24, Art Gallery/Museums
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Engineer
Engagement Date: January 8, 2007
Wedding Date: October 6, 2007
Venue: a beautiful church and hotel reception
About Me: I love dancing, singing, eating out, eating in, surfing on the net, and brainstorming fantastic ideas. I also love cats, coffee, and know every quote written on Sex & the City. I'm known to laugh really loud and have really crazy hand gestures while I talk. My fiance writes songs and I take pictures. What else? We're just a crazy young couple in love, trying to make a fabulous wedding!
I don’t buy into the shampoo distinctions, personally.