Splurge vs save: Shampoo & conditioner

Remember when we spoke to hair extraordinaire Jaye Edwards about how to maintain good hair? Well, if you don’t, you might want to read about that here.
But it got us thinking, when done right, washing our hair can turn into a rather expensive habit. And since there are so many ways to indulge yourself in a little beauty, something’s gotta give, right?
RELATED: 9 of the best pampering beauty products
RELATED: Splurge vs steal: The best hair treatments
Whether you’re looking to splurge on some liquid gold or save your pennies for a rainy day, we’ve got the best shampoos and conditioners for all your different hair textures. From curly and coarse to fine and wispy, these are the best options for you.
SPLURGE: Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Shampoo ($49) and Conditioner ($54)
Looking pretty doesn’t come cheap, but boy does it pay off. Infused with hair-loving oils, this dynamic duo does not disappoint! With a whipped cream texture, the shampoo feels weightless on your hair (tick), yet still provides moisture and UV protection. Better yet, the sweet and fruity aroma is intoxicatingly good.
SAVE: Sunsilk Co-creations Plumped Up Volume by Teddy Charles ($4.79 each)
One way to plump your locks on the cheap is with this lightly formulated, micro polyfibre complex. It hydrates and re-energises your locks from within, resulting in bouncy hair packed with body. Ten bucks for a bit of volume? Yeah, we’d pay that.
SPLURGE: Oribe Shampoo ($42) & Conditioner ($44) for Beautiful Colour
The price of this combo might make you choke on your tea, but rest assured it’s well worth the investment. Together, they’ll extend the life of your colour, soothe over-processed, traumatised locks and provide environmental protection all while looking pretty as punch on your bathroom shelf.
SAVE: Avon Advanced Techniques Colour Protection Shampoo ($9.99) and Conditioner ($9.99)
Proof that you don’t have to fork out big bucks to see results, this ‘poo and conditioner duo will transform your locks into a work of art for nothing. The shampoo is formulated to smooth the cuticle surface and strengthen the hair bond, while the conditioner seals in colour, keeping your hair rich and radiant for longer.
SPLURGE: Shu Uemura Art of Hair Cleansing Oil Shampoo ($73) and Conditioner ($58)
Make no mistake, this little purchase will set you back a few, but rest assured it won’t let you down. The ‘poo purifies and deeply cleanses the scalp and hair fibres, while the conditioner effortlessly detangles and smooths, leaving your hair with a lustrous shine and supple touch.
SAVE: TONI&GUY Hair Care Shampoo for Fine Hair and Conditioner ($15.99 each)
This is one way to get your locks looking good for less! Together, this duo works wonders for fine hair to gently cleanse the scalp and add body to the roots, but not without a dose of silky softness.
SPLURGE: Kevin.Murphy LUXURY.WASH ($42.95) and LUXURY.RINSE ($43.95)
One curly team that won’t weigh your locks down, this shampoo and conditioner are designed to give hair more flexibility and manageability thanks to the impressive hydro lipid balance (aka science) that specifically suits the needs of curly ‘dos. In layman’s terms, it’s the stuff of curly-haired dreams.
SAVE: Pantene Pro-V Hydrating Curls Shampoo ($7.99) and Conditioner ($7.99)
For just $16 buckaroos, this pro-curl duo means serious business. Designed to invigorate curls with Pro-Vitamin rich moisture, frizzies settle, leaving your curls smooth and defined. It’s everything your curls could ever want.
SPLURGE: Molton Brown Plum-kadu Glossing Shampoo and Conditioner ($58 for set of two)
Nothing feels more luxurious than $58 worth of product lathered into your noggin. Give it up for this winning set that adds shine and radiance to dull locks while working to revive damaged hair. If you’ve got a spare 58 clams in your pocket, make sure you spend it on this shine-boosting, light-reflecting gem of a duo. Worth every pretty penny? You better believe it.
SAVE: Dove Damage Therapy Daily Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner ($6.89 each)
Dry hair, you say? It might be worth taking a trip to the shops to pick up this nourishing pair. The formula helps to reduce static and product build-up, while leaving your locks healthy and oh so pampered. All that for the “pricey” sum of $14 almost seems to good to be true.
Do you splurge or save when it comes to shampoo and conditioner?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
Review them now to earn points that you can swap for free beauty products in RewardsRoom.
92 Member Comments
This is a great find. Didn't know there were alternatives like this.
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A mixture of splurge and save in my shower!
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I love Tresemme. It works well on my hair and is so economical.
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Looking for a new washing regimen...
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You'd have to have very deep pockets to justify spending that amount on haircare.
I get great results using far cheaper products!
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You shouldn’t stick to one shampoo brand.
Your scalp and hair strands like change.
I switch mine up...
Find two that you like...
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Oh yes too many brands to try isn't there, and I love trying new brands
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In my case, I try to go for brands that don’t contain SLS but yes, it really is like a lolly shop!
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Yes as price doesn't always mean it is the best
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Pantene does terrible things for my hair...
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I may be mistaken but I think you can buy Shu Uemura at some Daisos...
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Tempted by the Molton Brown but can’t justify spending that amount.
I’ll try the Dove...
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I know so dear, and they don't specialise in hair products either
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Yes I feel if I was going to splurge, it would be with a brand who specialised in hair
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Love this article. I always try not to splurge.
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I like your thinking!
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Splurge ones out of my budget anyway!
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Some of these are really expensive! I’d stick to my tresamme
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TRESemmé and my scalp aren’t friend.
Unfortunate, as the price is good!
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I think its good to use one, then splurge on a good one, that way your hair doesn't get use to just one product
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My thoughts exactly...
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That Oribe shampoo in the article is so lush.
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Try them and see which products work best for you
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I've tried the Avon coloured treated one's they are just like the rest I've for coloured hair I'm looking for something that is different from the rest & that can deliver what it actually says & I've also tried the Dove range I actually don't mind their product's. I believe the cheaper one's are just as good as the expensive one's are you just have to find the one that suit's your hair care needs first then you'll be right.
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