Nexxus is a popular haircare brand that offers a wide range of shampoos, conditioners, and styling products. But with so many options on the market, you may be wondering if Nexxus is really worth investing in. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at Nexxus shampoo and conditioner to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your hair needs and budget.
Overview of Nexxus Haircare
Nexxus was founded in 1979 by two hairstylists in New York. It was one of the first salon-quality haircare brands sold in mass retail stores. Nexxus uses high-end ingredients like proteins and vitamins to help strengthen and nourish hair. The brand claims its products will give you “salon-quality results at home.”
Nexxus has expanded its haircare lineup over the years to include shampoos, conditioners, treatments, and styling products for all hair types. Some of its most popular shampoo and conditioner collections include:
- Nexxus Therappe Shampoo and Conditioner – for normal to dry hair
- Nexxus Keraphix Shampoo and Conditioner – for damaged hair
- Nexxus Color Assure Shampoo and Conditioner – for color-treated hair
- Nexxus Humectress Shampoo and Conditioner – for dry, brittle hair
Nexxus products are sold at drugstores, supermarkets, beauty supply stores like Sally Beauty, and online retailers like Amazon. The price point is middle of the road – not the cheapest haircare around but not hugely expensive either. A 13.5 ounce bottle of Nexxus shampoo or conditioner typically costs between $15-$25.
Key Ingredients in Nexxus Products
When evaluating a haircare brand, it’s important to look at what ingredients they use in their formulations. Here are some of the key ingredients found across many Nexxus shampoos and conditioners:
- Proteins – Nexxus uses proteins like collagen, elastin, and keratin to strengthen and repair hair fibers.
- Vitamins – Vitamin E, B5, and H are included to nourish hair and scalp.
- Natural Oils – Oils like avocado, argan, and coconut oil smooth and soften hair.
- Botanical Extracts – Plant-derived ingredients like aloe vera and green tea provide antioxidant benefits.
- Humectants – Glycerin and panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) draw moisture into hair.
These ingredients make Nexxus products sulfate-free and generally gentle enough for daily use on most hair types. The formulas cater to different hair needs, like adding more proteins for strengthening or more oils/humectants for moisture.
Benefits of Nexxus Shampoo and Conditioner
There are several reasons why Nexxus shampoo and conditioner may be worth investing in for your haircare routine:
Salon-Quality Formulas
Nexxus uses high concentrations of proteins, vitamins, and botanical ingredients at similar levels to professional salon brands. This gives it an edge over some mass market shampoos that use more fillers and watered-down formulas.
Sulfate-Free Options
All Nexxus shampoos and conditioners are free of sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). These harsh detergents can strip hair and irritate the scalp. Nexxus uses gentler cleansers that won’t dry out hair.
Variety for Different Hair Types
No two heads of hair are alike. Nexxus offers options tailored for specific needs like thinning hair, dry hair, damaged hair, curly hair, and color-treated hair. You can find a shampoo and conditioner in their lineup ideal for your hair type.
Lightweight Formulas
Nexxus shampoos and conditioners rinse clean without any heavy residue or buildup. This makes hair more manageable and easier to style after washing.
Long-Lasting Fragrance
Many Nexxus products leave hair smelling fresh and clean long after washing. The signature scents are light and pleasant without being overpowering.
Easy to Find
With wide availability online and in stores across North America, Nexxus products are easy to purchase. You don’t have to hunt down a salon or specialty retailer to buy them.
Potential Drawbacks
While Nexxus shampoo and conditioner offer many benefits, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider:
Not All Natural
Nexxus uses some synthetic ingredients like dimethicone along with natural extracts and oils. If you strictly want plant-based haircare, Nexxus may not meet your standards.
Can Be Drying For Some
The protein and vitamin ingredients that make Nexxus effective for strengthening hair can end up drying out certain hair types. Very dry, brittle, or frizzy hair may find Nexxus products too harsh.
Results Vary
As with any haircare brand, results will depend on your individual hair and scalp condition. Nexxus may work wonderfully for some while others don’t see dramatic changes to their hair’s health and appearance.
Fragrances Can Irritate
If your skin or scalp is easily irritated by fragrances, the scented formulas of Nexxus shampoo and conditioner may cause issues for you.
Nexxus Shampoo and Conditioner Product Lineup
Here is an overview of some of Nexxus’s most popular shampoo and conditioner selections:
| Product Line | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Therappe Shampoo | Normal, dry hair | Milk protein and elastin for strength |
| Therappe Conditioner | Normal, dry hair | Light hydration with antioxidants |
| Keraphix Shampoo | Damaged, overprocessed hair | Keratin protein fills and repairs broken bonds |
| Keraphix Conditioner | Damaged, overprocessed hair | Hydrolyzed keratin seals cuticles |
| Color Assure Shampoo | Color-treated hair | Sulfate-free, protects color vibrancy |
| Color Assure Conditioner | Color-treated hair | Ceramides seal in moisture and color |
| Humectress Shampoo | Very dry, brittle hair | Hydrating formula with jojoba oil |
| Humectress Conditioner | Very dry, brittle hair | Intense moisture with panthenol |
How to Use Nexxus Shampoo and Conditioner
To get the most out of Nexxus shampoo and conditioner, follow these tips for usage:
Shampoo Tips
- Wet hair thoroughly before shampooing.
- Apply a quarter-sized amount of shampoo to your palms.
- Work shampoo gently into scalp and roots first before massaging into hair lengths.
- Let shampoo sit for 2-3 minutes before rinsing out.
- Rinse until water runs completely clear.
Conditioner Tips
- After shampooing, apply conditioner from roots to ends.
- Comb through hair to evenly distribute conditioner.
- Let conditioner sit for 3-5 minutes before rinsing.
- Rinse thoroughly until no conditioner remains.
- Apply less conditioner to roots and more to ends if hair tends to get greasy.
Expert Reviews
Here is what professional hair stylists and experts have to say about Nexxus shampoo and conditioner:
“Nexxus products use high-grade ingredients that make a noticeable difference in hair’s strength and manageability. The protein formulas really do help reinforce damaged areas.” – Christine, salon owner
“I recommend Nexxus to a lot of my color clients because the formulas are sulfate-free and contain ceramides to lock in color. The conditioners are rich without weighing hair down.” – Rachel, hair colorist
“For my clients with dry, frizzy hair, I suggest trying the Nexxus Humectress line. The shampoo and conditioner pack a serious moisture punch thanks to ingredients like glycerin and panthenol.” – sec ratatouille, master hair stylist
Nexxus vs. Other Haircare Brands
How does Nexxus compare to other popular drugstore haircare brands?
Nexxus vs. L’Oreal
Nexxus tends to use more natural oils, proteins, and humectants while L’Oreal relies more on silicone and synthetic film-forming agents. Nexxus is sulfate-free across all products while L’Oreal has some harsher detergents.
Nexxus vs. TreSemme
TreSemme has a lower price point and simpler formulas without advanced proteins and vitamins. Nexxus uses more salon-grade ingredients for targeted hair repair and protection.
Nexxus vs. Garnier
Like TreSemme, Garnier is a very affordable drugstore brand that keeps formulations simple. Nexxus provides more specialized solutions for common hair issues.
Nexxus vs. Matrix
Matrix is actually Nexxus’s sister brand under Loreal’s umbrella. They have similar high-end formulas and wide product ranges. Nexxus is more accessible at mass retailers while Matrix is primarily salon-sold.
Is Nexxus Cruelty-Free?
Yes, Nexxus is certified cruelty-free by PETA. None of their products are tested on animals.
Cost Analysis
On average, here’s how much you can expect to pay for Nexxus shampoo and conditioner:
| Product Size | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Travel/sample size (2-3 oz) | $3-$8 |
| Regular size (10-13 oz) | $14-$22 |
| Salon jug (33-40 oz) | $25-$40 |
Nexxus is more expensive than basic drugstore brands like Suave and VO5 that can retail for $1-2 per bottle. However, it’s very competitively priced with other salon-quality drugstore brands.
Opting for the larger jug sizes can help lower the per ounce cost. Nexxus shampoo and conditioner also go on sale frequently at major retailers.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, Nexxus offers high-performing shampoos and conditioners packed with nurturing ingredients to treat a variety of hair care needs. While not 100% natural, the formulas use proven proteins, vitamins, oils, and humectants to make hair healthier and more manageable without drying it out.
If you invest in the Nexxus products tailored to your hair type and use them correctly, you should see an improvement in strength, softness, manageability, and color protection. Just keep in mind results vary individually. For the mid-range price point, Nexxus shampoo and conditioner deliver salon-worthy results making them a solid choice for your haircare regimen.
