What is the difference between salon shampoo and store-bought shampoo? | An honest comparison of ingredients, price, and finish

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"Is salon shampoo really different from store-bought ones?" This is a question we hear very often, both at hair salons and through inquiries sent to us at KEMA. Looking solely at the price, they can cost several times more than shampoos found in drugstores. It is only natural to wonder if there is a legitimate reason for that difference, or if it is just a matter of atmosphere and brand premium.

In this article, as a company that sells salon shampoo, we would like to be as honest as possible and break down the differences between the two from four perspectives: "cleansing ingredients," "repair and moisturizing ingredients," "design philosophy," and "price." To give you the conclusion first, it is not a simple matter of "expensive is good" or "store-bought is bad." What matters is whether it is right for your hair and scalp as they are now. We will provide you with the criteria for making that decision, step by step.

What exactly is "salon shampoo"?

In reality, there is no legal definition for the term "salon shampoo." Generally, it refers to shampoo developed with the premise of being used in hair salons or sold through consultations with professional stylists.

A similar term is "salon exclusive." This refers to products that manufacturers have decided to sell "only at hair salons." However, recently, more products are becoming available where you can purchase them at their official online shops while maintaining the same quality used in salons.

KEMA is a brand used in salons in South Korea and Japan and recommended by stylists to their clients, but it is not a so-called "salon exclusive." You can purchase the same authentic products at salons or through this official online shop.

On the other hand, store-bought shampoos are those you can pick up at drugstores or supermarkets. They are made so that people of various ages and hair types can use them without failure, even without any professional explanation. This "difference in premise" is the starting point for all the differences we will discuss later.

Difference 1: Cleansing Ingredients — Differences in the design of "cleansing power"

In many cases, the contents of a shampoo are mostly water, followed by the cleansing ingredients (surfactants). In other words, cleansing ingredients are like the "skeleton" that determines the character of a shampoo. We have summarized the representative types in the table below.

There are two things I would like to be honest about here.

One is that we cannot simply say "store-bought equals strong cleansing power, and salon equals gentle." Recently, the number of store-bought products using amino acid-based cleansing ingredients has increased, and even salon shampoos may have strong cleansing power if the product is intended to cleanse the scalp thoroughly.

The other is that "high cleansing power" does not mean "bad." Those with oily scalps or who use styling products regularly need the power to wash them off properly. What you should be careful about is using overly strong cleansing power every day on hair that has become delicate from repeated coloring or perms. A characteristic of many salon shampoos is that they are carefully designed to balance this "not cleansing too much" according to the condition of the hair.

Difference 2: Repair & Moisturizing Ingredients — What is included, and how much?

The second difference lies in the parts other than the cleansing ingredients. According to regulations, the full ingredient list for cosmetics must be written in descending order of concentration (ingredients with 1% or less may be listed in any order). Therefore, if the names of repair and moisturizing ingredients are listed early in the ingredient list, you can interpret it as likely being formulated quite effectively.

However, almost no manufacturer discloses the actual concentration of ingredients. To be honest, we cannot assert that "if it's a salon shampoo, it's always high concentration."

Nevertheless, as a tendency, many salon shampoos are designed with protein-based ingredients like keratin or moisturizing ingredients as the main feature of the product, on the premise that the hair has been damaged by coloring or perms. The job of the shampoo becomes not just to "wash," but to "replenish while washing."

For instance, KEMA's Crema Shampoo is a "protein shampoo" that replenishes four types of proteins (keratin, silk, collagen, and wheat) into the hair while washing. When you repeatedly color your hair or use a flat iron, the protein inside the hair gradually leaks out, leading to split ends, dryness, and frizz. This product is created with the idea of replenishing what has been "lost" during your daily hair washing routine.

KEMA Crema Shampoo

A protein shampoo that replenishes four types of proteins while washing. Silicone-free and low-irritation formula for firm, elastic, and smooth-managing hair. 500mL.

¥9,020 (tax included)

Difference 3: Design Philosophy — Who is the shampoo for?

The third difference is less visible, but it may actually be the biggest one. It is "who the shampoo is made for."

Store-bought shampoo is "for everyone"

Store-bought shampoos prioritize being usable by the whole family and fitting a wide variety of hair types. To be selected on store shelves, they also emphasize "satisfaction at the moment of use," such as fragrance, foaminess, and smoothness upon rinsing. This is by no means a bad thing; being able to use it comfortably every day is a valuable asset.

Salon shampoo is "for that person's concerns"

Salon shampoos are based on the premise that the user has a "history of burden on the hair," such as coloring, bleaching, perms, hair straightening, or daily use of irons. Therefore, they are often designed with separate roles for each concern, such as damage care, scalp care, or color care.

Another characteristic is that they keep in mind the finish until your next visit to the salon. If your hair is in good condition, it becomes easier to stabilize the color outcome and perm results. The reason why stylists recommend home care is often not just to make a sale, but because they want the next treatment to finish beautifully.

Difference 4: Price — Think in terms of "cost per day" rather than "price per bottle"

Finally, the topic of price, which is what most people are concerned about. The reasons why salon shampoos are more expensive are mainly as follows:

• Raw materials such as amino acid-based cleansing ingredients and protein-based ingredients tend to be expensive.
• Compared to mass-produced store-bought products, the quantity produced at one time is smaller.
• There are costs outside of the product itself, such as education and support for stylists.

However, if you only look at the price of a single bottle, it inevitably feels expensive. For this reason, we recommend thinking about "how much it costs per day."

For example, Crema Shampoo is ¥9,020 (tax included) for 500mL. Used daily, this typically lasts about 2 to 3 months (this varies depending on hair length and usage). Calculated per day, it is roughly 100 to 150 yen. It is about the same amount as a cup of coffee at a convenience store.

Who is fine with store-bought products, and who is suited for salon shampoo?

Based on what we have covered so far, let's categorize who is best suited for each. Which one is closer to you?

If you are concerned about scalp stickiness or odor rather than hair damage, the direction of the shampoo you should choose changes. What you need is not so much repair, but rather a clear, well-maintained scalp. At KEMA, our scalp shampoo fulfills that role.

KEMA Scalp Shampoo

Cleanses away excess sebum and dirt while retaining necessary moisture. For scalp concerns like stickiness, odor, dandruff, and itchiness. Light mint scent.

¥9,020 (tax included)

3 things to watch out for when buying salon shampoo online

If you search for "salon shampoo online," many shops will appear. While it is convenient, there are points you should be careful about.

For more information on purchasing KEMA products through unauthorized routes, please check this notice.

3 steps to easily read ingredient labels

Ingredient labels look difficult because they are full of katakana, but there are only three points. Try looking at the back of the shampoo you currently own.

※ Shampoo quality is not determined solely by the ingredient label. The feel during use can change significantly depending on the balance and combination of the same ingredients. Ultimately, please value the sensation of your hair and scalp when you actually use it.

When in doubt, try a smaller size first

After reading this far, some of you may feel, "Salon shampoo seems like it would suit me, but I don't have the courage to buy a full size right away." That feeling is very correct. Shampoo is all about compatibility. No matter how much you read the explanation, you won't know until you try it in the end.

At KEMA, we offer a trial set that lets you test three items—Crema Shampoo, Crema Treatment Black, and Leave-in Balm—in 50mL sizes. You can fully experience the "wash, fill, and finish" flow for about 7 to 10 days, making it perfect as a criterion for choosing a full size.

KEMA Trial Set (50mL x 3)

Try Crema Shampoo, Crema Treatment Black, and Leave-in Balm for about 7-10 days. Limited quantity, free nationwide shipping.

¥2,980 (tax included/free shipping)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to use salon shampoo every day?

Yes. Most salon shampoos are made to be used as daily shampoo. Crema Shampoo also has a low-irritation formula and can be used daily.

Is it okay to alternate with store-bought shampoo?

That is no problem. However, if you want to thoroughly confirm the difference, it is easier to notice changes in your hair if you use it continuously for about 1 to 2 weeks.

Is the product different if I buy it at a salon versus the official online shop?

In the case of KEMA, both are the same authentic products. The advantage of buying at a salon is that you can choose while a stylist looks at your actual hair. The advantage of online shopping is that you can order immediately when you are about to run out.

It doesn't lather as well as store-bought products.

Shampoos using gentle cleansing ingredients may have a more subdued lather. Pre-washing thoroughly with lukewarm water for 1 to 2 minutes before shampooing, and lathering it slightly in your palms before applying it to your hair will significantly improve the foam. On days when you use a lot of styling products, washing twice is also recommended.

Is silicone shampoo bad for hair?

That cannot be said unconditionally. Silicone is an ingredient that improves finger-combing and protects the hair surface from friction. Crema Shampoo is silicone-free, but this is a design choice aimed at achieving a finish that takes advantage of the firmness and elasticity provided by proteins. It is not a matter of which is good or bad, but rather a difference in the intended finish.

Conclusion — Choose based on "your hair now," not the price

The differences between salon shampoo and store-bought shampoo were the four factors: the balance of cleansing ingredients, the role of repair/moisturizing ingredients, who it is designed for, and the price. This is not about which one is superior. If you don't have any concerns, store-bought products are sufficient; but if you are putting stress on your hair through coloring or ironing, there are many situations where salon shampoo can be a great help.

Shampoo is something that touches your hair and scalp every day, for the longest time. That is exactly why you should choose based on "what your hair needs now" rather than the price or image. We hope this article serves as the first step in making that decision.