Choosing DIY hair care and store-bought products can be overwhelming when it comes to maintaining healthy, strong, and vibrant hair.
With the growing interest in natural and clean beauty, more people are turning to homemade hair treatments as an alternative to commercial products filled with synthetic ingredients.
But is DIY hair care better than store-bought products? Or do commercial formulas have the upper hand in effectiveness and convenience?
In this article, we’ll compare both options, breaking down the pros and cons of DIY hair treatments vs. commercial products so you can decide what’s best for your hair needs.
The Growing Popularity of DIY Hair Care
DIY hair care involves creating homemade hair treatments, masks, conditioners, and shampoos using natural, whole ingredients without synthetic additives.
Examples of some DIY treatments include avocado and honey deep conditioner for dry hair, rosemary, eucalyptus, and fenugreek rinse for scalp care, and aloe vera and coconut oil leave-in conditioner for softer hair.
Why Are More People Choosing DIY Hair Care?
- Ingredient Control: You know exactly what’s in your products and can avoid ingredients your hair doesn’t care for.
- Customization: You can tailor treatments to your hair type, porosity, and scalp condition.
- Eco-Friendly & Sustainable: Less packaging waste, fewer artificial preservatives, and more sustainable beauty choices.
- Cost-Effective: Buying raw ingredients in bulk can save money over time compared to repurchasing expensive commercial products.
Why Do People Still Prefer Store-Bought Products?
Store-bought hair products are commercially formulated treatments sold in drugstores, beauty shops, online, and pop-up stores.
- Convenience: No need to mix or prepare anything. Just apply and go!
- Longer Shelf Life: Most store-bought hair products contain preservatives that allow them to last for months or even years.
- Scientifically Formulated: Many brands invest in research and testing to develop highly effective, well-balanced products.
- Specialty Ingredients: Some treatments contain advanced ingredients like protein complexes, ceramides, and amino acids that can be difficult to source for DIY recipes.
- Busy Lifestyle: Busy professionals who are always on the go simply don’t have time to DIY hair products.
DIY Hair Care vs. Store-Bought Comparison Chart
| Factor | DIY Hair Care | Store-Bought Hair Care |
| Customization | Tailored to hair type and needs | Limited customization options |
| Cost | Cheaper over time (buying bulk ingredients) | Can be expensive over time |
| Convenience | Requires planning, prep time and mixing | Ready to use instantly |
| Effectiveness | Highly effective when properly formulated | Professionally tested for consistent results |
| Eco-Friendliness | Sustainable, low waste | Sustainable, low-waste |
| Ingredients | Often natural and customizable | Often contain synthetics and preservatives |
Final Verdict on DIY vs Store-Bought
DIY hair care is ideal for those who want total control over ingredients, love experimenting, and are looking for a natural approach.
Store-bought hair care is great for those who need convenience, consistent formulations, and scientifically backed results.
When Should You Choose DIY Hair Care?
DIY hair care is the way to go if you’re looking for:
- A completely natural approach to haircare
- A solution free from harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances.
- Tailored treatments for specific hair needs (curly hair, damaged hair, sensitive scalp).
- An eco-friendly and budget-friendly option
When Should You Stick with Store-Bought Haircare?
Store-bought haircare might be the better option for you if you’re looking for:
- A low-maintenance, ready-to-use solution.
- Haircare products with clinically proven results.
- Specialized treatments (like color-safe shampoos, protein treatments, or anti-dandruff formulas).
- Products with stable formulations and long shelf life
In this case, look for brands that use clean beauty formulas, naturally derived ingredients, and cruelty-free and sustainable packaging.
However, the hybrid approach works best for most naturalistas. I make many of my hair products, but I also buy several commercial products for a balanced routine.
And if you’re a super busy professional, a 100% DIY hair care life is probably not sustainable.
Tip: Document your results in the Curls, Coils & Kinks Journal to track which DIY and commercial products work best for your hair type, and use the DIY Hair Care Lab Tracker to brainstorm your creations, create, document, and track results.
Conclusion – DIY Hair Care vs Store Bought Hair Care
If you love experimenting and using natural ingredients, DIY hair care is an excellent way to customize your routine.
Commercial hair care may be the better fit if you prefer quick and scientifically formulated products.
If you want the best of both worlds, adopt a hybrid approach by mixing DIY treatments with store-bought essentials.
Do you prefer DIY or store-bought hair care? Share in the comments!
If you want to start a DIY hair care journey, grab a copy of our Hair Care Lab Tracker to brainstorm, document, and refine your homemade recipes!
Abi is a curly hair care expert and an avid researcher. She is the founder of Ade Ori Hair Care, Natural Oils for Hair & Beauty, and Healthy Natural Hair Products, premier destinations for the best information, support and resources for your natural hair care and healthy hair journey! Learn more here.