What Pros See in Hair Products That You Might Miss
How to choose hair care with the same discerning eye as a stylist
By Romina Manenti
Lately, in conversations with fellow hairstylists, we noticed how often our clients ask the same thing: “I use this product, but I don’t know if it’s good for me.” It’s such a common doubt, and it made me think—why not share with you how professionals see products differently? Sometimes that shift in perspective is all it takes to turn hesitation into confidence, and a simple routine into a powerful habit.
Above all, we measure a product by its mission and by how it performs under real conditions, valuing the stability of hours of wear. Innovation may catch our eye, and design that reflects style and taste is always appreciated, but our approval is never rushed. Five stars are earned slowly — through consistency, refinement, and results that endure.
Pros: What Matters Most in Hair Product Evaluation
Lasting Performance: While fast results like softness, slip, and instant shine can be very appealing, we focus on true performance during and after styling — control, movement, volume, nourishment, frizz control, and a finish that lasts well beyond the first look, ideally maintaining its integrity for one to three days. If the mission of a product is to create volume, it should deliver fullness that holds for more than just a few hours.
Formula Quality: While “key” ingredients may catch your eye, the real truth is in the full ingredient list. Ingredients are always listed in order of concentration, which means the first few make up the majority of the formula and set the real performance. Those that appear toward the end are often present only in very small amounts — sometimes too little to have any real effect. Learning to read a label this way helps you see past the marketing story and understand whether the product is built on real performance or just a touch of trend.
Packaging Functionality: Aesthetics is very appealing on packaging, but we value packaging for its functionality and intelligent design — precise dispensers, easy grip with wet hands, and sizes that work in a professional setting — while also appreciating when it is noble in design and free from harmful materials. Packaging that delivers precise dosages is especially important, as it allows us to quantify and adjust product use based on the desired result. This not only gives better control during application but also helps in truly understanding and going beyond the product’s performance.
Fragrance Signature: We prefer natural or low-level fragrance because hair products are meant to perform first and never compete with perfume. A well-made formula should stand on its own without drifting into the category of fragrance. That’s why you’ll never hear us say, “I use this product because it smells good,” but rather, “It’s an excellent product that delivers results — and it happens to have a pleasant scent as well.”
Price Value: We seek the best balance of quality and price in our products. We don’t shop for the thrill of a purchase, but for performance that supports our work and reputation. We know that good products are rarely cheap — advanced formulations, high-quality raw materials, and research come at a cost. At the same time, we also recognize that not every expensive product is worth its price tag. True value is never judged by price alone, but by essentials: performance, formulation integrity, lasting durability, supportive fragrance, and functional packaging. Only when these align does the price truly make sense.
Before you rush out to buy something new, take a look at the products you already have lined up in your bathroom or vanity. Do they really hold up to a stylist’s standards — performing under heat, keeping hair resilient and healthy, and delivering results that last beyond the first few hours? Think about whether your volumizer still gives lift the next day, if your nourishing mask leaves hair soft for more than one wash, or if your dry shampoo keeps hair fresh without buildup.
Sometimes the answers are surprising: a product you’ve overlooked might prove to be a quiet hero, delivering more than you ever expected.
Romina Manenti Founder & Creator MAY11
