Why Are Salon Shampoos More Expensive Than Supermarket Ones
Let’s start with this — supermarket shampoos are not bad.
They are affordable, easy to find, and perfect for daily use. However, have you ever wondered why there’s such a price difference between supermarket products and professional salon shampoos?
The Hidden Reason Behind Lower Prices
Most supermarket shampoos are mass-produced to be accessible for everyone. Their formulas are mainly composed of water and cleansing agents, with only a small amount of high-quality repair or moisturizing ingredients. They often focus on creating rich foam and fragrance, but less on true internal hair repair.
Another big factor is advertising cost. TV commercials, influencer campaigns, and shelf space fees are all built into the price. That means you’re partly paying for marketing — not the ingredients.
Why Salon Shampoos Seem Expensive (But Aren’t)
Salon shampoos are made for professional use. They contain carefully selected ingredients such as amino acids, keratin, and CMC-repairing agents that work from within the hair. Each formula is created based on hair condition, damage level, and scalp needs — not for mass appeal but for results.
Since they are sold directly through trusted salons rather than mass marketing, there’s little to no advertising cost. This allows the brand to invest more in the formula itself, giving you higher concentration and better performance per drop.
Created by Hairdressers, for Real Hair Needs
Even within salon products, there are two kinds: one developed by large manufacturers, and another born from hairstylists who wanted to make something better for their own clients.
At KAMI Lab, we select and import Japanese-made professional haircare products developed by real hairstylists. These products may not be famous in New Zealand yet, but we’ve personally tested and used each one — and we only sell what we truly believe in.
They’re made for people who care about what goes into their hair — not just how it looks, but how it feels, how it moves, and how healthy it truly is inside.
In Short: The Price Reflects the Purpose
Supermarket shampoos are designed for convenience and cost. Salon shampoos are designed for care, repair, and long-term results. There’s no right or wrong choice — it’s about what your hair truly needs right now.
If your hair feels dull, dry, or harder to manage lately, that’s your cue to experience what a professional formula can do.
Discover Authentic Japanese Haircare
Now that you know the difference, here are some stylist-approved Japanese products that can help you experience true salon quality at home.
💧 LUCA Shampoo & Treatment
Designed for aging or delicate hair, LUCA balances pH while restoring natural softness and volume. Its signature “Lactone fragrance” recreates the subtle youthful scent that fades with age.
Best for: Aging, fine, or flat hair lacking bounce.
🌈 Meteo Connector
Powered by active keratin technology, this intensive repair treatment rebuilds inner bonds in bleached or highlighted hair. It leaves hair smooth, resilient, and full of shine — just like after a professional salon service.
Best for: Bleached, highlighted, or severely damaged hair.
🌿 Inform 5.5
This acidic pH treatment neutralizes residual alkali and rebuilds internal strength after chemical services. Its unique sulfur-based micro-molecular formula ensures deep, even penetration for long-lasting repair.
Best for: Hair after colouring, perming, or straightening; dry or coarse textures.
✨ GRAN Color Revive
A defensive home treatment that removes residual alkali and peroxide after colouring, protecting both scalp and hair. Keeps colour vibrant and texture silky for weeks longer.
Best for: Recently coloured or sensitive hair; those who want to preserve shine and colour depth.