Hair Matters Blog

It seems like hair product companies just looooovvvvveee to change their hair products. Whether they’re re-packaging their products in fun, new, colorful bottles or updating and improving their formulas, it seems that change is not a four letter word in the hair care business.

But what does that mean for consumers? Usually it means frustration.

After years of using a particular product, you discover one day that it now looks completely different! The round, white bottle with green trim you have loved for years is now a pink, square bottle. Agh! Things get even more complicated when they decided to change the name of their product! Is it nourishing shampoo or gentle shampoo? Are the ingredients the same or different?

All of this change causes us to ask the question: Why?

Why are they changing their packaging and their names and their ingredients?

Well, the first two are easily explained: sales. Hair product companies are always trying to find new ways to grab your attention and get you to pick up their product instead of the other guys. I’m sure they spend a ton of money on consumer research each year. These two changes are all about asthetics and appealing to customers.

And the ingredients change? This is where things get a little more tricky.

Technology changes everyday. We learn more about harmful and useful ingredients everyday. It makes sense that our hair products are going to change over time. Though this frustrates some, it really is best for the hair care world.

Sulfate-free products are the new craze, and almost all of the hair product compaines are developing new formulas to meet the demand for sulfate-free products. Consumers are now asksing for gluten-free products, salt-free products, vegan hair products and products without alcohol, as well.

The hair care world is moving toward a more health and environmental conscience place.

Along with new techonology comes new information. While we learn about harmful ingredients, we’re also learning about more useful ingredients. Formulas are being improved to help with all kinds of hair types and problems, from hard-water and chlorine exposure to fine and thin hair. Improvements in formulas means a more effective, quality product … hopefully.

So while new packaging may be a little frustrating, if the new bottle is now recycleable, we think that’s great!

We’re not so sure that new product names are really neccessary, but if they more accurate and descriptive of the product, then that’s a good thing as well!

New ingredients mean better, more efficient, more cost effective products! Who doesn’t want their hair products to work better?

So give change a chance. It may take a little getting used to, but the hair product companies are doing this for you! They really do have your best interests in mind. If you really don’t like a new change, send the manufacturer an email or give them a call and let them know. They probably aren’t going to make a change to that product, but they will think twice about how they update their products in the future.

A major company has just updated one of it’s shampoos and the reviews are in. Check out my next blog for all the info on the change.