Beware when stores sell 'salon-only' hair-care products [article]

filthyfresh · May 7, 2008

Hey ladies, I found this article on MSN.com about buying "salon-only" products at stores like Target, Wal-Mart, etc. Here's an excerpt.

Consumers who buy professional hair-care products at major retailers -- or at grocery stores and drugstores -- are not getting the bargains they may think they are.

They're also fueling a grey-market industry that deals in counterfeit, stolen or outdated merchandise.

That's the warning issued by hair-care giants like Paul Mitchell, Redken and Matrix, which are trying to crack down on an industrywide problem known as diversion.

This problem is not only costly to the image of hair-care makers, but consumers also pay a hefty price.
"The consumer is getting ripped off because not only are they paying more for the products, those products did not come from us, they are not guaranteed, and they could be old, stolen, counterfeit or tampered with," said Vikki Bresnahan, director of product- distribution control for Paul Mitchell. "It's definitely a buyer-beware situation."

Read full article here: http://blogs.moneycentral.msn.com/smartspending/archive/2008/04/30/beware-when-stores-sell-salon-only-hair-care-products.aspx

What do you ladies think about this?

filthyfresh · May 7, 2008

I can't lie, I was certainly wondering what happened when all of a sudden I saw Redken & Chi up in Walgreen's. Then I saw a HUGE Redken display in Target. I'm not a "salon-only" product buyer so this didn't really apply to me. Although, I slowly feel myself fiending for some more Redken Butter Treat after trying that sample size. :yep:

Kay.Dee · May 7, 2008

I know! I've been tempted to buy these products at Walgreen's or Target, now I can fight the urge.
I always assumed it would be cheaper at Walgreen as compared to a salon, but I guess not!

JLove74 · May 7, 2008

There was an article I read sometime back that many of the 'Salon only' products were now being made with a different formula to be sold in drugstores, discount chains, etc......

However, I just refuse to buy salon only products from Asian stores, hell, I refuse to by from them period....but that's another story

PassionFruit · May 7, 2008

Many high end manufacturers do make a lower price version for Mass market stores like Target & Walmart... a few years ago ya couldnt buy Nexxus in those stores but ya can now get the original formula there...

same with other brands

Evazhair · May 7, 2008

I am always suspicious of salon products in grocery/drug stores, etc.. I always think they are close to expiration and the price is about the same if not more than buying from a salon, so I just stick to those to be safe. It is weird to see bumble and bumble in CVS.

Covergirl5906 · May 7, 2008

I thought about this when I saw the liters of Abba conditioner and shampoo in Marshalls the other day. for $9.99...anyway I went ahead and bought them anyway....

Ivonnovi · May 7, 2008

Great post.

I read the article and walked away with the following impresssion. The merchandise at the Major retailers are probably "diverted" no proof of "altering the contents". We all know we pay extra for convenience.

I ABSOLUTELY WILL not buy these products from the Local BSS store, becuse I've always harbored the impression that they dilute the contents of their products! :nono:

ajargon02 · May 7, 2008

Kay.Dee said:
I know! I've been tempted to buy these products at Walgreen's or Target, now I can fight the urge.
I always assumed it would be cheaper at Walgreen as compared to a salon, but I guess not!

All is know is that I have fought the urge and won many times over. All I have to do is walk into my local Target, Kmart,Drug Mart, or Wal-mart and see all the dust on the shelves and the products themselves. That RIGHT THERE is a turn off. I have only bought that stuff from salons, and will continue to only purchase my high end products from salons. :yep:

pinkchocolatedaisy · May 8, 2008

So then where would you buy these "salon" products? I like Joico and I usually buy their products at the beauty supply by my work (but it is a fancy one, every thing there is pricey). Then I found a cheaper supply even closer to my job. I haven't had any problems. Are these products supposed to have an exp date on them? I've never even thought of that! Now you got me wondering... :nono:

erplexed I remember reading an article or something similar to this thread.

Lucky's Mom · May 8, 2008

I was thinking the same thing - what place would I go to find 'salon quality products'??????

belleama · May 8, 2008

I think I read that article here or somewhere else last year. At the time I didn't really pay much mind because I wasn't buy the expensive stuff anyway. I was on my cheapo product testing phase. Now I have recently started using Nexxus. I bought it from CVS and if this is fake I have to say this fake Nexxus is the ISH!!! :grin:

I couldn't imagine the in salon version being better than what I got at CVS and if it is I don't know what I'd do with myself. :drunk:

Since I switched I totally have hand in hair disease and hair down all the time disease. :grin:

But seriously though. I do not believe this stuff is fake or being diverted simply because its EVERYWHERE. If it were just in one store and only sometimes then I might believe that. But since I can get it anywhere I think that this is just the mass market version. They make it for people like myself who will not go out of their way to find the products but will use them if they are easily accessible.

TwistedRoots · May 8, 2008

Great post. A couple of months ago I decided that I'd go to the BSS and purchase my mizani night time treatment (my salon was out and i am impatient.... Tell me why that mess that I bought was completely seperated (thick oil like substance on top and cream at the bottom) its like 20 bucks for that damn jar...I took it back and reported it to Mizani. There is not telling how much of that mess isn't real or old as hell...I'm pissed right now just thinking about it. :wallbash:

Jetblackhair · May 8, 2008

belleama said:
I think I read that article here or somewhere else last year. At the time I didn't really pay much mind because I wasn't buy the expensive stuff anyway. I was on my cheapo product testing phase. Now I have recently started using Nexxus. I bought it from CVS and if this is fake I have to say this fake Nexxus is the ISH!!! I couldn't imagine the in salon version being better than what I got at CVS and if it is I don't know what I'd do with myself.

Since I switched I totally have hand in hair disease and hair down all the time disease.

But seriously though. I do not believe this stuff is fake or being diverted simply because its EVERYWHERE. If it were just in one store and only sometimes then I might believe that. But since I can get it anywhere I think that this is just the mass market version. They make it for people like myself who will not go out of their way to find the products but will use them if they are easily accessible.

Something just doesn't add up about all of this diverted product. I agree, it is too readily available. Look at all of the shelves across the US that are stocked with this so call diverted product. If the companies know that let's say 50% of their products are being diverted, then why do they keep producing that much? If they are only selling into salons they certainly wouldn't need that much product.

I think maybe the salons are complaining to the companies about the fact the product can be bought in drugstores. The companies in turn come out with a statement about not buying these products from drugstores and they know all the while they sold the products into the drugstores. Wouldn't be illegal for the stores to have this diverted/stolen product? Just a thought.

Now those local BSS, I don't know about them. Who knows what they are doing.

vestaluv1 · May 8, 2008

[quote=Jetblackhair;4469865]

I think maybe the salons are complaining to the companies about the fact the product can be bought in drugstores. The companies in turn come out with a statement about not buying these products from drugstores and they know all the while they sold the products into the drugstores. Wouldn't be illegal for the stores to have this diverted/stolen product? Just a thought.

Now those local BSS, I don't know about them. Who knows what they are doing.
[/quote]

This is what I was thinking. Two places I'm not sure I would totally trust...your local bss or your local market especially :grin:

.

belleama · May 8, 2008

Jetblackhair said:
I think maybe the salons are complaining to the companies about the fact the product can be bought in drugstores. The companies in turn come out with a statement about not buying these products from drugstores and they know all the while they sold the products into the drugstores. Wouldn't be illegal for the stores to have this diverted/stolen product? Just a thought.

Now those local BSS, I don't know about them. Who knows what they are doing.

That's what I think as well. If it really were being diverted I KNOW they'd be really quick to point out that they don't sell their products to CVS, Target, Walmart, Walgreens, etc. Instead they are just saying "drug stores and supermarkets." I'm also pretty sure that none of those companies would want to be involved in anything like that or even have the perception there that they buy fraudulent product to sell.

Local owned BSS' have to do whatever it takes to survive and if that means mixing up their own batches that's what they do. So I wouldnt buy salon stuff there. That's why I haven't tried Keracare yet either because I don't know where to buy it.

Jetblackhair · May 8, 2008

It would certainly seem easy enough to find out where the product is being diverted from and where the drugstores are buying it from.

If it were your product, would you not be all up in the drugstores' business of where they received your product, who sold it to them, court case, cease and desist etc. etc.?

It's just strange...a piece of the puzzle is missing.

chellero · May 8, 2008

I seriously doubt that huge companies like Walmart and Target are going to get involved in some illegal mess over some shampoo and conditioner.

the_UnPrettiest_pretty · May 8, 2008

This is the exact reason if I get anything "salon quality", it comes either from a salon or Ulta :yep:

Kirei · May 8, 2008

Jetblackhair said:
Something just doesn't add up about all of this diverted product. I agree, it is too readily available. Look at all of the shelves across the US that are stocked with this so call diverted product. If the companies know that let's say 50% of their products are being diverted, then why do they keep producing that much? If they are only selling into salons they certainly wouldn't need that much product.

I think maybe the salons are complaining to the companies about the fact the product can be bought in drugstores. The companies in turn come out with a statement about not buying these products from drugstores and they know all the while they sold the products into the drugstores. Wouldn't be illegal for the stores to have this diverted/stolen product? Just a thought.

Now those local BSS, I don't know about them. Who knows what they are doing.

I was thinking the same thing. The salons are complaining and so the companies want you to go back there before they lose their "ticket".

I don't think the products are dilted or stolen, I just think BSS don't care if they are expired or old, they still sell them. :ohwell:

That's not right, but it's a money game and all about numbers.

Also, I think companies sell the BSS, Walgreens and other stores the products they can't sell or aren't selling to well in the Salons. Just like the clothes at Marshals and TJMaxx, samething.

Lucky's Mom · May 8, 2008

Sorry silly question - What is Ulta?
:grin:

kweenameena · May 8, 2008

I've seen a salon-only Affirm relaxer that was spelled "Afirm" on the top of the container. The label around the container was spelled the correct way that. It was at an asian BSS.

Kirei · May 8, 2008

Jetblackhair said:
It would certainly seem easy enough to find out where the product is being diverted from and where the drugstores are buying it from.

If it were your product, would you not be all up in the drugstores' business of where they received your product, who sold it to them, court case, cease and desist etc. etc.?

It's just strange...a piece of the puzzle is missing.

The piece missing is, they want you to fall for the Oke Doke is all! Plenty people are falling too, only buying from the Salons, that's what they want. How often do Salons have sales or markdowns? We would be surprised if we knew how much these products cost wholesale and we pay $15-20 a bottle.

Probably like $5 to $7 if that, per bottle and they mark it up so high, but Wal-Mart can afford to buy more bottles, thus they get them for cheaper hence the cheaper price, same with Walgreens and others

balisi · May 8, 2008

I been tryin' to tell ya'll. :ohwell:

It's baffling to me that people who care as much about their hair as those of us on this board, will take such a chance as to purchase hair products from questionable sources.

Ladies, if you truly want to purchase salon quality products from a salon, it is not that difficult. You should be able to locate salons in your area that retail those products, or can order them for you. If you like Joico, try visiting their website to find retail locations near you.

I retail some items in my salon, but if someone requests something that I do not stock, I do not have a problem obtaining it from a reputable source -- directly from the distributor or from a beauty supply store that sells only to licensed cosmetology professionals. I know that their products have not been languishing on the shelves forever and a day.

gymfreak336 · May 8, 2008

Liyah said:
The piece missing is, they want you to fall for the Oke Doke is all! Plenty people are falling too, only buying from the Salons, that's what they want. How often do Salons have sales or markdowns? We would be surprised if we knew how much these products cost wholesale and we pay $15-20 a bottle. Probably like $5 to $7 if that, per bottle and they mark it up so high, but Wal-Mart can afford to buy more bottles, thus they get them for cheaper hence the cheaper price, same with Walgreens and others

Actually pretty often. If you shop places like Ulta, you can readily find deals in the clearance and weekly specials. Trade Secrets also has sales where you can get 2 liters of product for the price of one. You usually find the full line and not just certain items and you don't have to worry about the age of your product. I am not saying that every item at CVS or a Walgreens is old but you have high chance of getting an older product at one of these stores compared to a place like Ulta.

Also, seeing these products at these stores makes people think that salon products are expensive because the price is generally marked up because its more convient. Truth is, some of the redken, biolage, Paul Mitchell etc........ is no more expensive than some Nexxus and other things at drug stores especially when you buy on sale.

The selection at Ulta can't beat a drugstore. Drugstores don't have the small sample sizes of products nor the full range of each line. You can go to Ulta and get little sample sizes of many lines and with all the buy 2 get one free specials, you don't have to spend much. They have all kinds of gift sets and special promotion deals that the companies put together and most places have reward programs that let you get free or discounted services or even more product.

gymfreak336 · May 8, 2008

Jetblackhair said:
Something just doesn't add up about all of this diverted product. I agree, it is too readily available. Look at all of the shelves across the US that are stocked with this so call diverted product. If the companies know that let's say 50% of their products are being diverted, then why do they keep producing that much? If they are only selling into salons they certainly wouldn't need that much product.

I think maybe the salons are complaining to the companies about the fact the product can be bought in drugstores. The companies in turn come out with a statement about not buying these products from drugstores and they know all the while they sold the products into the drugstores. Wouldn't be illegal for the stores to have this diverted/stolen product? Just a thought.

Now those local BSS, I don't know about them. Who knows what they are doing.

The reason why many of these companies are having a hard time fighting it is because they are buying the backstock from people that were orginally authorized to have it. I don't think all the product is fake but the "Freshness" of it can be questionable. You don't know how long the product was in their warehouse before the resell deal was made.

Actually Bare Minerals is trying to file suit against Target because Target is selling some Bare Minerals products.

PassionFruit · May 8, 2008

I HIGHLY doubt the items in Walmart/Target are old.... I see too many people buying them...

the original formula Nexxus cant even be bought in Salons anymore.... ONLY in mass market stores like Wally World, wtc

yeah, Id be worried about finding Aveda in the Korean BSS or similar... but otherwise Im not too worried

When you find items like ABBA in places like Burlington & Marshalls... its not because they are fake or outdated.... its because they are mislabled or overstocks, just like the clothes ya find at those same stores

DeepBluSea · May 8, 2008

Is it just me or are the prices in WalMart/CVS not that different from stores like Trade Secret or Mastercuts?

PassionFruit · May 8, 2008

gymfreak336 said:
Actually pretty often. If you shop places like Ulta, you can readily find deals in the clearance and weekly specials. Trade Secrets also has sales where you can get 2 liters of product for the price of one. You usually find the full line and not just certain items and you don't have to worry about the age of your product. I am not saying that every item at CVS or a Walgreens is old but you have high chance of getting an older product at one of these stores compared to a place like Ulta.

Also, seeing these products at these stores makes people think that salon products are expensive because the price is generally marked up because its more convient. Truth is, some of the redken, biolage, Paul Mitchell etc........ is no more expensive than some Nexxus and other things at drug stores especially when you buy on sale.

The selection at Ulta can't beat a drugstore. Drugstores don't have the small sample sizes of products nor the full range of each line. You can go to Ulta and get little sample sizes of many lines and with all the buy 2 get one free specials, you don't have to spend much. They have all kinds of gift sets and special promotion deals that the companies put together and most places have reward programs that let you get free or discounted services or even more product.

I have never found anything I wanted in Ulta... I dont even waste my time going in anymore.... However Walgreen's always has what Im lookign for at a reasonable price.... Why would I pay ULTA twice the price for the EXACT SAME bubble bath I get out of Walgreens.... Walgreens aint risking their rep & biz license on no fakes....

Some folks get fooled by PRICES and LOCATION...

yes, if ya see MATRIX in the Korean BSS for half the price as ULTA, be wary... if ya see MATRIX in Walgreens for half the price as ULTA.... Thank ya lucky stars, grab 2 bottles and jump in line

PassionFruit · May 8, 2008

DeepBluSea said:
Is it just me or are the prices in WalMart/CVS not that different from stores like Trade Secret or Mastercuts?

I bought that new Nexxus Humectress leave-In... was $10 in Walmart... $12 in CVS and $11 in Target but Target also had a coupon if ya bought 2...

they dont even sell Nexxus( original formula in white bottle) in Trade Secret anymore

Beware when stores sell 'salon-only' hair-care products [article]

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