My clients are always telling me how excited they are when they find their favorite Bumble and Bumble, Kerastase, Schwarzkopf, Wella, etc products at their neighborhood grocery or drug store. They are so excited for the newfound convenience.  I am here to tell you that consumers who purchase professional salon products anywhere other then a professional salon, are not getting the great “deals” they might think! Products found at these major retailers, grocery, or drug stores are often times conterfeit, stolen, or outdated. Companies such as Paul Mitchell, Sebastian, Wella, Bumble and Bumble assure us that they NEVER sell their products to these establishments.

I am so frustrated as an industry professional to see my friends and clients being taken advantage of by these businesses, and often times the products aren’t even discounted. Consumers are getting ripped off by purchasing products that do not have a salon guarantee and they remain unaware of the harm that purchasing these products is doing to the beauty industry. Buying these products supports a crime which is called Diversion.  Our salon and most participating salons sign agreements that we will not sell our products wholesale, nor will we sell our products to anyone other than our direct clients. 

Salon Exclusive Label on MoroccanOil Package

Therefore, no online sales, no partner sales and no trade show sales.

Most people then ask if it is illegal for these retail stores to sell these products. If you look on your favorite bottles most of them have some sort of label that states the products are only guaranteed when purchased in a profesional salon. So although at this moment it isn’t illegal for products to be sold in these establishments, there is a place on each package that states that the company does not stand behind any business other than a salon selling their product.

The issue of diversion is a fast and growing problem for the beauty industry.  Salons are losing tons of business because stores like Target and Rite Aid are able to offer more convenience with products that “mysteriously” end up on their shelves. People need to be aware that in this case convenience definitely compromises quality.

I am a firm believer that if you are going to spend money on getting your hair professionally cut or colored, then you should pay the additional cost for professional product to keep your look maintained in between seeing your stylist. I never push products on clients, but I am always telling my clients “Don’t you put the expensive gas in an expensive car? Isn’t that what keeps the car running to it’s optimum potential? Isn’t that the same with your hair?.”

So next time you see your favorite plus size bottle of shampoo at the drug store and you think you have hit the jackpot, think again. Purchase the right products, the ones that you need, the ones that only your personal stylist knows how to recommend.  And take advantage of the opportunity to review the instructions for use with your stylist.  That is part of the service they should provide.

Professional products are only to be sold in professional salons.

Recent Posts by Meredith Morris

• Studio DNA to Donate Hair to Soak up Oil and Help Save Gulf Coast - May 8th, 2010
• Cutting My Hair Helps it Grow Faster? - April 17th, 2010
• Bang it Out for Spring 2010 - April 3rd, 2010
• A Body of Work - March 7th, 2010
• Rain Rain Go Away or Give Us Relief from a Rainy Hair Day?! - February 9th, 2010