It’s a Hairy situation

It’s been a difficult week. I was planning to write a heartfelt piece about women and loyalty. But as I sat in bed, emotionally drained and mentally tapped out, I picked up my favorite hairbrush and started brushing my hair.

There I was, brushing my hair like an exiled princess — no crown, no castle, just a woman detangling split ends and emotional buildup. And then I had one of those glimmer moments — the sparkly kind that makes you pause and smile for no reason at all.

I thought: Fudge it. Let’s talk about my hair.

Because I may be bad at math, and I can’t remember the last time I folded a fitted sheet correctly… but hair? Hair, I know.

Over the past few months, I’ve tested three shampoo and conditioner combos — from drugstore to high-luxury — because for years I’ve heard the whispers (and dramatic Instagram warnings) that cheap hair products made in the USA could wreck your hormones or coat your scalp in chemicals. I wanted to see for myself: what’s hype, what’s science, and what actually matters?

Let’s start with Dove Bonding Shampoo and Conditioner — $15.99 for the set, and available everywhere. It made my hair feel silky, smooth, and easy to love. That’s thanks to a solid dose of silicones, which coat the hair like a glossy top layer.

Here’s the thing: there’s no scientific evidence that silicones in shampoo disrupt hormones. None that I could find. The real issue is buildup — those heavy silicones can start to block moisture and nutrients from getting in over time.

Dove is the In-N-Out of hair care. Delicious, satisfying, gives you a little protein — but let’s be honest, it’s not exactly nourishing your system. Comfort? Yes. Long-term health? Not so much.

Next up, Pureology Hydrate — $67 for the duo and a solid middle ground. It uses both natural and synthetic ingredients, including light, water-soluble silicones (so they rinse out easily) along with essential oils and plant proteins. It’s sulfate-free, smells like a spa, and made my hair feel clean, soft, and strong.

Pureology hits the balance — not too crunchy, not too chemical. It performs, but you won’t feel like you’re washing your hair with a science experiment.

Then there’s Arete’s Heal & Hydrate Hair Wash — $108 for a 30.2 oz glass bottle, and yes, it’s gorgeous. This one is full-on luxury. No synthetics, no silicones, just small-batch botanicals and oils that actually nourish your scalp.

Using Arete feels like arriving at Meghan Sussex’s Montecito guest cottage — candlelight, eucalyptus, a whisper of wealth. It’s an experience. But for my hair? The results weren’t that different from Pureology. This is actually great for a product with no synthetic chemicals. It is an indulgence more than a game-changer for my hair, but I sure love the packaging. (This is my BBF’s favorite)

Now here’s the plot twist: Costco’s Kirkland Signature Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner are made by the same manufacturer as Pureology. Nearly identical formulas. Around $10 for a liter. If you want clean, effective hair care without spending a fortune, you know where to go.

But even with all this testing, here’s what I know for sure:

You can buy the fanciest and purest shampoo in the world, but it won’t fix thinning, dull, or brittle hair if your body’s running on stress and snacks.

Hair health starts in your gut, not your shower.

I’ve lived that reality — skipping meals, snacking my way through exhaustion, and hoping a $70 bottle would do what only food and rest can. These days, I’m leaning back into what truly supports hair health: eggs, avocados, salmon, leafy greens, berries, nuts and seeds. Nothing wild. Just whole foods, eaten regularly, without guilt.

So next time you’re window shopping at Sephora, hovering over the “Add to Cart” button, ask yourself: Am I buying a miracle? Can I make better choices that can help not only my hair but my entire body?

Hair is emotional. It’s personal. It’s part of how we show up. And yes, you deserve beautiful products. Just don’t forget that the most powerful beauty ritual still starts on the inside.

And if you still want that Pureology feel without the price tag? Costco’s got you covered!

*Special thanks to all my amazing hair stylist friends that have kept my hair looking awesome. Carlos Mendoza (@carlosmendozasalon), Brendon Caryl (@6_salon) and Harmony and Annie (@citizenhair).

*Stay savvy about chemicals in beauty products with resources like the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database.