We have all done it. We are out shopping for groceries and that last little item on the list... shampoo. You could backtrack down to aisle 8 and grab something off the shelf, down and to the left of diapers and deodorant. You might even say, "I'll buy a more expensive brand, it must be better." And it might be better than the 4-in-one shampoo+conditioner+body wash+fuel additive for $2.50. But to distribute across all major chains, even your more luxury products might not actually have the best ingredients to support your own body's little eco-system.

When you buy professional (not just luxury), you can be sure you're getting the very best. These days buzz phrases like "gluten-free, paraben-free, vegan" are thrown around so often but that doesn't actually mean it is! Scientists and chemists paid by big brands love to change a molecule here or there to give sulfates a new name to escape our increasing awareness of those red flag ingredients. With professional products purchased at a salon, the industry standard guarantees your hair's color longevity, elasticity and integrity.

When you buy local you are directly supporting the community you live in. You are ensuring that your friends and neighbors prosper. Even if you shop for professional products, getting them from a national chain beauty supplier takes commerce away from the families that help make up this community. Consider going out of your way to shop your local salon. Your stylist knows YOU and wants to insure the hours of work spent on making your hair its best.

Your health and your hair should never be an afterthought, or a task at the bottom of a shopping list. Challenge yourself to invest in your hair care more than once every 4 to 6 weeks. Make it your daily routine with professional products at home and you will love yourself for it!