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Sephora Review

Sunday, November 3rd

2024 Hair Care Product Reviews

Sephora Review 3 Star Rating

Sephora

3 Star Rating
  • Over 1,700 hair care products
  • Convenient options for in-store pickup or same-day delivery of online orders
  • Free shipping on guest checkout purchases on orders of $50+
  • Free shipping on all orders for members of Beauty Insider loyalty program
  • 30-day returns for a refund on new and "gently used” products
  • Returns accepted from 31-60 days for store credit
  • "A-” rated by the BBB

Sephora is like a playground for beauty enthusiasts, a vibrant haven where the worlds of makeup, skincare, hair care, and fragrance converge in a dazzling array of colors and scents. Visiting the Sephora website feels like embarking on an adventure, with so many top-notch products from both beloved brands and emerging indie labels. Whether you're trying something new to tame an old hair care problem, or simply looking for your tried-and-true shampoo and conditioner, Sephora offers an immersive experience that invites you to discover, experiment, and indulge in the latest beauty trends.

Sephora has it all

To make an apples-to-apples comparison across all of the hair care product retailers on our list, we chose three products to find on each website: a salon-type shampoo, a hair treatment, and a styling tool. Here are the specific ones we chose, and how Sephora measured up with availability and price:

  • Kérastase Première shampoo for damaged hair: available in 2 sizes (80 mL mini, 8.5 oz standard) for $22 and $42
  • Moroccanoil Treatment Hair Oil: available in 3 sizes (50 mL, 100 mL, 25 mL), priced at $35, $48, and $18
  • GHD Glide Smoothing Hot Brush: $209

So, while Sephora might not do you any favors on pricing, you can typically count on them to have what you want in stock, and often in sizes that other stores might not carry.

Intuitive website

Overall, Sephora's inventory has over 1,700 options for hair care, and the site is super-smooth to shop. Whether you want to only see products that qualify as vegan, you've got curly hair that needs some special treatment, or you're hoping that your fave shampoo and conditioner come in a mini size perfect for travel, you'll have no trouble using those filters and sort tools right at the top.

Free in-store pick-up

Also, if there's a Sephora near you, make sure you've got that location entered in the dropdown box next to "pickup”. (The site automatically detected our closest store, so yours might already be there too.) That will make it even easier to order your favorite hair care products online and pick them up on your trip to the mall, or even more conveniently, have them same-day delivered right to you.

Best Hair Care Products

Take a look at product reviews

Sephora is one of the most popular beauty stores on the market, and it shows in the number of reviews on their hair care products. Those stars and comments can give you all of the insider tips you need to try something new. One of Sephora's most-rated hair care items, with over 1,300 ratings, wasn't exactly a hair care product: OUAI's St. Bart's Hair and Body Mist is probably better classified as a fragrance, but with notes of dragon fruit, orange blossom, tuberose and musk, we'd buy it.

Loyalty program is worth signing up

When we visited the Sephora site this time around, we spotted an offer to save 10% if we signed up for text updates as a new subscriber. And, if you join Sephora's complimentary loyalty program, Beauty Insider, you'll get free standard shipping on any order. (Non-loyalty members have to spend at least $50 for no-cost delivery, FYI.) Every purchase you make earns rewards points that can be redeemed for discounts on future orders (500 points = $10 off). Depending on how much you spend at Sephora each year, you may qualify for their two higher tiers of loyalty, VIB ($350/year) and Rouge ($1,000+/year). You'll be notified of special savings events, with discounts of 10-20% or 2x-4x the points-per-dollar, based on your tier. Finally, as a Rouge-level insider, you'll be able to exchange 2,500 points for a savings of $100 on a purchase. But, that's not all: loyalty club members earn free birthday gifts, can exchange points for product samples, and receive invitations to exclusive events. It's free, so why not?!

30-day returns, even on "gently used” products

How about returns? Sephora lets you get a refund on new and "gently used” products returned within 30 days of purchase. If your return is within 31-60 days, you can still get store credit.

Best Hair Care Products

"A-” from the BBB

The Better Business Bureau gives Sephora an "A-” rating, short of a perfect grade mostly because of the nearly 900 complaints filed with the BBB in the last three years. But, that's really no cause for concern: most big-name beauty stores, especially the ones with lots of brick-and-mortar locations, get their fair share of unhappy customers. Fortunately, that BBB grade means they think Sephora is doing an admirable job of managing issues when they come up.

Big problems with online orders

Sadly, while you may have nothing but love for your local Sephora store, your online hair care product orders might be a big disappointment. We looked at what people were saying on Trustpilot, shocked to see that 70% of the 2,400+ ratings there were the lowest possible 1-star score. So many of the rants were specifically for online orders: products were missing from many people's deliveries, and they got a much-less-than-helpful response from Sephora's customer team (if they were able to get a response at all). We read more than one complaint like this: "My order with Sephora was over $1,000 and to not reimburse me for or resend the missing items is beyond low, especially when the store makes it somehow my fault that the products were missing.” While it's true that a majority of the customers with delivery problems were from outside of the US (which would open up more opportunities for items to "walk away” during customs inspections), there were still numerous problems with Sephora orders and customer service within the US too.

Disappointingly average

It pains us to say it, but we can only give Sephora a "just average” rating. The in-store experience is so vastly different from the (often disappointing) online one that you might wonder if you're even shopping at the same retailer. You might be able to find your way around that by ordering your faves online for in-store pickup (which would solve the "items missing” issue we saw so many times). But, because that's not possible for every Sephora shopper, we can't put this store at the top of our list for hair care products anymore. (*sniff*) It's not the worst place to shop, but Sephora, we expected better from you!

Where is the Best Place to Buy Hair Care Products Online?

Shopping for hair care products online can be both convenient and overwhelming due to the vast selection available. When browsing, it's essential to consider a few key factors. First, identify your hair type and specific needs; this will help narrow down your choices. For instance, curly hair might benefit from sulfate-free products, while fine hair might need volumizing formulas.

Pay attention to the ingredient list: natural and organic ingredients are often preferred for their gentle, nourishing properties. Customer reviews and ratings can provide valuable insights into a product's effectiveness and potential downsides. Look for clear descriptions and usage instructions to ensure the product is suitable for your routine.

The Best Hair Care Products Compare Hair Care Products Compare Hair Care Product Reviews What are the best Hair Care Products Best Hair Care Product Reviews

Hair Care Product FAQ

How often you wash your hair depends on the type of hair you have, your daily activities, and the styling products you use. People with oily scalps tend to wash their hair more frequently than others. If you use any styling product on your hair, it is recommended that you wash your hair the next day. Leaving styling products in your hair can cause build up on your scalp and locks which can lead to irritation and damage.
Unlike shampoo, you only need to apply conditioner at the ends of your hair. If you apply conditioner to your hair roots, there is a chance they may look shiny and oily once your hair dries. Some conditioners even give the option to deep condition and leave the product in for a certain time frame to help keep your hair happy and healthy.
There are styling products that fit any hair type. Types of products include hairspray, styling cream, mousse, serums and oils, hair gel, hair paste, pomade, hair wax, heat protectant, hair straightener, detangling spray, and more. Some companies even have the option for travel size products to take on the go wherever you go.
There are so many shampoo and conditioner options to meet anyone's needs . Types of hair care categories include, but are not limited to, moisturizing, color protect, reparative, clarifying, volumizing, dandruff, gentle, oily scalp, hair loss and thinning, curl enhancing, and dry.
Heat protection provides your hair the comfort and protection against heat generated styling tools and products. Without the use of heat protection your hair is prone to become brittle, damaged, and straw like. Stylists recommend applying heat protection before using any styling tools like a hair dryer, straightener or curling iron.
Of course, most companies give the shopper the option to refine their results based on the item type and area of concern. Area of concerns for hair type specific products are typically color treated, curly and oily, dandruff, damaged, dry, dull, fine, frizzy, oily, thinning, toning, volume, and more.
On average it can take anywhere from 2 - 13 business days, depending on your shipping method, to receive your hair products. Some companies offer next day air shipping for an additional charge. Most companies offer free shipping in general or require a minimum charge before free shipping is eligible.
Most companies offer a no hassle return if your product meets all the return policy criteria. Styling tools may or may not be eligible for return. Be sure to read the stores policies before finalizing your purchase.
Compare the Best Reviews

Continued from above...

Hair care has been a part of human culture for thousands of years, with practices and products evolving significantly over time. In ancient Egypt, people used a mixture of animal fats and natural oils to maintain their hair, while ancient Greeks and Romans favored elaborate hairstyles held in place with beeswax and other natural substances.

During the Renaissance, elaborate wigs and hairpieces became popular in Europe, symbolizing status and wealth. The 20th century saw a revolution in hair care with the introduction of shampoos, conditioners, and a plethora of styling products designed to cater to every imaginable hair type and style.

Today, the market is brimming with a diverse array of hair care products. Shampoos and conditioners form the foundation of any hair care routine, with formulations targeting specific needs such as hydration, volume, color protection, and dandruff control. Styling products like gels, mousses, and sprays help shape and hold hairstyles, while serums and oils add shine and combat frizz. Treatments such as hair masks and leave-in conditioners provide deep nourishment and repair. Additionally, there are products aimed at promoting hair growth and maintaining scalp health.

Moreover, be mindful of the brand's reputation. Established brands often have a track record of quality and safety, while niche brands might offer innovative solutions. Price is another consideration - while higher-end products might offer premium ingredients, there are many affordable options that deliver excellent results. Lastly, keep an eye out for special deals and bundles which can offer better value for your money.

When deciding where to shop online for hair care products, keep these criteria in mind to save time (and maybe money too):

  • Selection. The more products the store carries, the more likely it is that you'll find what you need. A broad selection gives you the opportunity to buy products from brands you trust, or branch out a bit and give something different a try.
  • Price. Compare prices to find competitive deals and consider the value offered by different products. Don't forget to consider cost-saving benefits like free shipping on certain order totals, rewards programs, and frequent promotions and sales.
  • Satisfaction guarantee. Look for retailers that offer returns or exchanges if a hair care product doesn't meet your expectations. The best policies will let you get a refund even if you've used some of the product.
  • Reputation. Check reviews and ratings from previous shoppers. How easy was it for them to get what they needed at the particular store? Are the hair care products authentic? Does the company have a rating from the BBB?
  • Customer service. Good customer support can help resolve any issues and provide guidance on hair care product choices. Are reps responsive when there's a problem?

From buzz cuts to bobs, every hairstyle deserves great hair care products. To help you take care of your tresses, the experts at Top Consumer Reviews have evaluated and ranked today's most popular online options for getting your preferred shampoos, conditioners, brushes and more. Happy shopping - and styling!

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