OH, SNAP - IT'S A TRAP!

June 13, 2022 2 min read

By Ailesh Abrams

Kerastase Bain Divalent, Masque Réhydratant and Fresh Affair
OK, so your stylist has converted you using amazing salon-quality products and you can now navigate that drugstore aisle like a pro:
“Not today, Head & Shoulders!”
“Box dye? No beuno.”

…but wait a minute, is that *insert fancy product name* being sold in my local drugstore?!?

We get it, it’s confusing. But, as with many things, luxury salon brands available at a drugstore is too good to be true. BUT I'M SEEING IT WITH MY OWN EYES – how?

This question has an answer that can be summed up in one word: DIVERGENCE.


Before going forwards, let's take a step back to the behind-the-scenes of salon retail. As a salon, when we decide to bring in a new luxury product line, we need to apply for the right to do so – and they can say no! 

For example, when Salon Society wanted to partner with Oribe, we needed to communicate with the Oribe brand reps to be sure that we would be a good fit! These luxury brands want to be sure that the salons that carry their products are able to properly use, educate, sell, and represent the brand as an ambassador.

As you can imagine, these types of brands also commit to not selling their products to drugstores/major retailers. Additionally, many of these brands invest time and money into the prevention and interruption of unauthorized sales to avoid unhappy customers or damage to their brand. When you find luxury brands on Amazon or in Walmart, what is actually being sold is a diverted product.


“Diverted products can be counterfeit, diluted formulas, or old, expired formulas that may not be safe to use. Contaminated or counterfeit products could cause irritation or even infection.”

- Kérastase Official 2022


So that’s the nitty-gritty of it – when you find these diverted products you are really rolling the dice on whether or not you are getting what you’re paying for!

 

Ailesh Abrams - Social Media & Special Projects Manager - Signature with Salon Society icon


Leave a comment


Also in BLOG

The Insider's Guide to Great Hair: Why Salon Society Should Be Your New Salon
The Insider's Guide to Great Hair: Why Salon Society Should Be Your New Salon

August 02, 2024 2 min read

We strive to make Salon Society the home away from home for every client who walks in the door. Our salon prides itself on creating the ultimate experience in a contemporary, inspired atmosphere. We strive to reach beyond the roots (of hair), and into the refinement and healing of one’s core self. 
REGINA HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: SHOP LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
REGINA HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: SHOP LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

November 30, 2023 3 min read

This year has been a rough year for the economy, pocketbooks, and small businesses -- which makes it all the more important that we shop local this holiday season and support our community entrepreneurs. That’s why we have compiled a list of all our favourite places to shop locally this Christmas!
OUR NEW EXCLUSIVE CURLY HAIR SERVICE: THE CADŌ CUT
OUR NEW EXCLUSIVE CURLY HAIR SERVICE: THE CADŌ CUT

July 05, 2023 2 min read 1 Comment

Hey there, it is the SASO Curly Hair Specialist crew here writing a collaborative blog to share about one of our all time favourite curly cutting techniques: The Cadō Cut! All types of curls and waves can be cut to enhance, define, and volumize natural texture! And even better, this cut is designed to be customizable.