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Saturday, May 17th
2025 Hair Care Product Reviews
Ulta
- Over 4,000 hair care products
- Hundreds (sometimes thousands) of reviews on most items
- Free shipping on any purchase of $35+
- In-store pickup available at 1,200+ locations nationwide
- Beauty Rewards loyalty program
- 60-day returns/exchanges (applies to both new and used products)
- "A+” rated and accredited by the BBB
- In business since 1990
Ulta Beauty, founded in 1990, is a leading American beauty retailer offering a comprehensive selection of cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrances. With over 1,200 stores across the United States and a well-stocked online store, Ulta caters to a wide range of beauty enthusiasts, from those seeking high-end brands to those preferring drugstore options. The store is renowned for its "All Things Beauty, All in One Place" concept, providing not only an extensive range of products but also salon services, including haircuts, coloring, and skincare treatments.
Might not have every brand you like
As we looked for ways to compare the various hair care product retailers out there, we chose three common items (a shampoo, a deep treatment, and a styling tool) from different brands. We were surprised that Ulta only offered one of the three:
- Kérastase Première: Ulta doesn't carry this brand
- Moroccanoil Treatment Hair Oil: Ulta doesn't carry this brand either
- GHD Glide Smoothing Hot Brush: $209
Over 4,000 hair care products
That's not par for the course, though: Ulta actually has more products (4,000+) than many of its rivals on our list. We found over 170 brands from A(G Care) to Z (well, the list stopped at W with Wella, Wet Brush, and Wigo...). It wasn't hard to get our salon favorites like Redken and Paul Mitchell, along with some new brands we hadn't tried before.
Filters save you time
If you're not loyal to a particular brand, you should use Ulta's filters to make your shopping a little more efficient. You can shop by Type (hair type or styling tool type), Concern (like dandruff or dry scalp), your preferences for clean ingredients or sustainable packaging, special offers, and so forth.
Thousands of product reviews from shoppers
Ulta often has thousands of customer reviews on the products they sell, and they don't pull any punches. For example, the Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kit had more than 46,000 reviews the last time we looked, and comments ranged from "couldn't be more natural looking” to "big mistake: this color turned my hair orange”. You can also take advantage of numerous customer Q&As on most products, often with the answer coming from the product's manufacturer itself.
Your loyalty is rewarded here
Ulta has an extensive Beauty Rewards program (and we laughed when we saw their description of it as "the rewardiest program in beauty, where beauty loves you back”). It doesn't cost anything to join, and you'll earn points for every dollar you spend. When you reach an annual spend of $500, you get 1.25 points per dollar as a Platinum-tier member, and spending $1,200+ in a year gets you 1.5 points per dollar in the Diamond tier. Other perks vary based on your loyalty level, but they include your choice of a birthday gift, double points in your birthday month and a $10 coupon. You can redeem points for salon services, products, or discounts (from $3 off for 100 points, up to $125 off for 2,000 points).
Customer-centric returns and shipping
One of the reasons Ulta lands at the top of our list is the retailer's generous return policy. We even like the way they word it: "Wrong shade? Not right for your hair? We understand things happen, which is why Ulta Beauty is dedicated to making the return process beautifully simple for you.” You've got 60 days to return any hair care product, used or unused, for a full refund or exchange. Just make sure that you've got your order confirmation email as proof of the price you paid; otherwise, your refund will be the lowest selling price for that item within the last 90 days. Your best bet is to return the items to your local Ulta, if possible, because you'll have to pay for the shipping costs to do it by mail. And, speaking of shipping, if you don't opt for in-store pickup of your online order, you'll get free delivery if your order is at least $35 (a lower threshold than many of Ulta's competitors).
"A+” from the BBB despite some complaints
How about Ulta's reputation? (It's the store our favorite hair stylist recommends, for what it's worth!) The Better Business Bureau gives the beauty store a perfect "A+” grade and accreditation, despite having received over 1,000 complaints in the last 12 months. Given the number of Ulta stores and the number of purchases made there (and online), it's not surprising that there would be so many. Fortunately, that rating from the BBB means that Ulta's representatives are responsive and handle problems quickly and appropriately. We saw a similar pattern at Trustpilot and on other platforms: yes, Ulta has its fair share of complaints that range from problems with online accounts to in-store woes, but the response from Ulta is prompt and apologetic.
#1 choice for hair care products online
Despite some challenges with customer satisfaction, Ulta still earns our #1 spot among hair care product retailers. You can't beat the return policy or the rewards program, the selection is excellent, and it's a store that hair care professionals trust. The next time you need to restock your shampoo or you want to try a new deep conditioning treatment, make Ulta the first online store that you visit.
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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.
Continue reading below
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.
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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