Busy. Tired of spending money to try to find a good product. Tired in general. Got better things to do than troubleshoot why your hair is acting like an unhinged psychopath? Does this sound like you?
I could pitch you some expensive, fancy, salon or prestige product and you could spend an arm and a leg on it…
…or you could just chill and get Costco’s liter-sized Kirkland Signature Shampoo and Conditioner.
While I’m a content Costco customer, don’t worry – I’m not a sample-rabid zombie. I just appreciate a good value – and Kirkland Signature Shampoo and Conditioner is certainly that.
Since my hair loss disaster (I’m all better!), I switched primarily to the wholesaler’s in house product. I didn’t do extensive product testing or sampling; I just picked it up in my usual groceries because my time is currently at a premium.
Why?
First, Quality
The formulas of Kirkland Signature Shampoo and Conditioner are salon-tier, and that is not just marketing hype. We’re talking a sulfate-free conditioner (its main surfactant is used by Ethique bars). It is gentle on my balayage, doesn’t dry my hair out, make it brittle, make it flat, etc.
If you enjoy lather, don’t worry – you won’t miss out; the shampoo produces a rich, dense lather with only a little bit. The conditioner is hydrating, but not overly so – if you have dry hair you may want or need to supplement 1-2x a week, but it is enough for me.
2023 Update: This product has recently been reformulated. It is still a good product, but may not be a good fit if your hair is protein-sensitive. Unfortunately, the new formula isn’t a good fit for me, so I no longer use this product.
Also First (yeah, yeah): Price
In their warehouses (and even via Instacart (not affiliated) where I am), Kirkland Signature Shampoo and Conditioner retail for under $10 each (it’s a little more if you order it for conventional shipping on Costco.com). Specifically for me, it is $9.83 via Instacart (which means it is definitely cheaper in the warehouse). That’s around $0.29 per ounce, and is cheaper than a 38.2 fl oz bottle of Pantene they also carry for $12.01 (via Instacart), or $0.31 per ounce – and Pantene is a lower quality formulation.
That’s to say nothing of how much you’re saving over salon brand pricing – whether you’re stocking up at a place I don’t do business with anymore, or buying at the salon.
For what it’s worth, I’ve never purchased shampoo at a salon; even though I’m educated on, “why you, ‘should,'” it’s too damn rich and frivolous for my blood. (Now, if you have a great relationship with your stylist/salon and explicitly want to provide them with additional support, that’s a different story. That does not describe me.)
It Lasts!
I mentioned that you only need a LITTLE bit of the shampoo. Personally, I need more conditioner than shampoo, which is normal with long hair (I’m back down to mid ribcage), but I ultimately get a year out Kirkland Signature Shampoo and Conditioner, washing 2-3x per week!
Your mileage, of course, may vary depending on a bunch of factors:
- your hair type
- how oily your scalp is
- how often you sweat
- how much and how often you use product
- whether your hair is chemically treated
- the hardness of your water
- your climate,
and so forth. For me, my hair is naturally wavy, highlighted, doesn’t deal with much sweat, pretty middle-of-the-road scalp oil levels, and infrequent heat styling since it is summer (I heat style more often in winter because cold wet hair sucks).
The Bottom Line
I liked Kirkland Signature Shampoo and Conditioner more than my former, “holy grail,” Tigi Moisture Maniac, and more than any other salon sample I’ve tried. And it is less than half the price, even in this mess of an economy. It isn’t the least expensive option, but it is outstandingly priced for the quality and volume you get.