Supermarket vs Professional Haircare: What’s the Real Difference?

Kerastase Professional Salon Haircare

If you’ve ever wondered why your hair feels amazing after a salon visit, but never quite the same at home, your haircare products are often the missing piece.

At Novum – Hair & Beauty in Tarvin, Chester, we’re frequently asked whether professional haircare really makes a difference compared to supermarket alternatives. The short answer? Yes, and not just cosmetically.

Our recommendations are always guided by your hair condition, scalp health, and the services you receive in salon, whether that’s a Cut & Finish or Expert Hair Colour service.

What Supermarket Haircare Is Really Designed To Do

Supermarket haircare is formulated for mass appeal, not individual hair health.

To achieve this, many products rely on heavy silicones to coat the hair and create instant shine, strong sulphates to deliver a deep “clean” feeling, and lower concentrations of active ingredients to keep costs down.

These formulas are designed to look effective quickly, not to improve the hair fibre or scalp condition over time.

Why Professional Haircare Works Differently

Professional salon haircare is developed to actively treat the hair and scalp rather than disguise problems.

These products are designed to work in harmony with In Salon Treatments, supporting hair health between visits and helping maintain the results you achieve in the salon.

Brands such as Kérastase and Nioxin use advanced delivery systems and higher-grade actives that work inside the hair fibre, not just on the surface.

Supermarket vs Professional: Real Comparisons Explained

This is where expert product knowledge truly matters.

Pantene Pro-V vs Kérastase Elixir Ultime

Pantene Pro-V relies heavily on silicones to create surface-level shine. These silicones coat the hair shaft, smoothing the cuticle temporarily but leading to build-up over time. This build-up prevents moisture and nutrients from penetrating the hair, leaving it dull, dry, and brittle beneath the surface.

By contrast, Kérastase Elixir Ultime uses a blend of precious oils that nourish the hair fibre internally without heaviness. Rather than masking damage, it improves softness, smoothness, and shine with continued use.

Tresemmé Keratin Smooth vs Kérastase Discipline

Tresemmé Keratin Smooth promises sleek, frizz-free hair, but often achieves this through strong sulphates and heavy smoothing agents. While the hair may feel smoother initially, this approach can strip natural moisture and disrupt the hair’s protein balance.

Kérastase Discipline works differently, targeting frizz at its source within the hair fibre. It smooths and controls without compromising movement or long-term hair health, resulting in hair that feels lighter, healthier, and more manageable over time.

Head & Shoulders vs Nioxin Scalp Recovery System

Head & Shoulders Classic is commonly used for dandruff relief, but its harsh detergents can disrupt the scalp’s natural balance, fade colour, and dry out the hair fibre. While it may provide short-term relief, it often doesn’t address the underlying cause of the issue.

The Nioxin Scalp Recovery System is a professional-grade solution designed to treat dandruff while supporting overall scalp and hair health. With dermatologist-approved ingredients, it gently clears flaking, soothes irritation, and restores comfort without compromising hair condition or colour longevity.

Clients experiencing ongoing scalp concerns may also benefit from a personalised consultation and targeted Nioxin Hair Loss & Thinning Treatments plan.

Why Tailored Haircare Matters

Hair is influenced by hormones, stress, lifestyle, seasonal changes, colour services, and scalp condition, which is why no single product works for everyone.

At Novum, we don’t sell products, we prescribe routines. Every recommendation is tailored to your individual hair needs and supported by the professional ranges we use in salon. You can explore the brands we work with on our Products We Use page.

Colour-Treated Hair: Where Product Choice Is Critical

If you colour your hair, product choice becomes even more important. Supermarket shampoos can strip colour pigments, leading to faster fading, dryness, and loss of shine.

Professional colour-safe haircare helps protect the investment you’ve made in your hair and supports long-lasting results from your Expert Hair Colour service.

Ready to Upgrade Your Haircare Routine?

Great hair isn’t about using more products, it’s about using the right ones.

If you’d like expert guidance on the best haircare for your hair and scalp, speak to your stylist at Novum – Hair & Beauty, Tarvin, Chester, or complete the form below and we will arrange your consultation.

When your hair looks healthy and your scalp feels balanced, confidence follows, and we’re here to help you achieve that.

FAQs – Supermarket vs Professional Haircare

Is professional haircare really better than supermarket products?

Yes. Professional haircare is formulated with higher-quality, more concentrated active ingredients designed to treat the hair and scalp rather than mask issues. Supermarket products often rely on silicones and strong detergents to create short-term results, whereas professional products improve hair health over time.

Why does my hair feel good at first with supermarket shampoo but worse over time?

Many supermarket shampoos coat the hair with silicones to create instant smoothness and shine. Over time, this build-up prevents moisture and nutrients from penetrating the hair, leading to dryness, dullness, and breakage beneath the surface.

Are salon hair products worth the extra cost?

In most cases, yes. Professional haircare is more concentrated, meaning you use less product per wash. Bottles typically last longer and support healthier hair, colour longevity, and scalp balance, often saving money on corrective treatments in the long run.

Can supermarket shampoo damage coloured hair?

It can. Many supermarket shampoos contain harsh sulphates that strip colour pigments and dry out the hair. Professional colour-safe products are designed to lock in colour, protect the hair fibre, and maintain shine between salon visits.

What’s the difference between salon shampoo and supermarket shampoo ingredients?

Professional shampoos use advanced formulations, targeted actives, and pH-balanced systems to support scalp and hair health. Supermarket shampoos often prioritise cost, shelf life, and mass appeal, using diluted actives and stronger cleansing agents.

Do I need different haircare products for my scalp as well as my hair?

Yes. Your scalp is skin and needs to be treated accordingly. Professional haircare addresses scalp concerns such as dryness, oil imbalance, sensitivity, or flaking, rather than focusing only on the hair lengths.

Is professional haircare better for fine or thinning hair?

Absolutely. Professional ranges such as those recommended at Novum are designed to strengthen the hair fibre, support scalp health, and avoid heavy build-up, all of which are essential for fine or thinning hair.

How do I know which professional haircare products are right for me?

This is where expert advice matters. At Novum – Hair & Beauty in Tarvin, Chester, we assess your hair type, scalp condition, lifestyle, and treatment history before recommending a personalised homecare routine.

Can switching to professional haircare really improve my hair condition?

Yes, consistently. Most clients notice improved softness, shine, manageability, and scalp comfort within weeks of switching to the correct professional products.

Should I use the same haircare products all year round?

Not always. Hair and scalp needs change with seasons, stress levels, hormones, and services such as colouring or smoothing treatments. Professional guidance ensures your routine adapts as your hair does.

Written by the Novum Hair & Beauty, Tarvin, Chester