Super-expensive shampoo? Not anymore.

Last month, I ventured to a new salon. I figured it was about time I actually found a stylist in Tuscaloosa instead of waiting months to see my favorites in Orlando.

So, I made an appointment with a sweet little blonde girl that made me feel comfortable and did an excellent job on my cut and color. I was so happy and in such a great mood after her amazing performance that I let her talk me into buying the most expensive hair products at the salon, Pureology.

I don't know if any of you have heard of the product, but it's made from all-natural ingredients, smells of mint and witch hazel (like Aveda products, actually) and costs an arm and a leg.

"It's a luxury line," the lady at the counter told me after my eyes bugged out of my head at the total on the computer screen. "But it's absolutely worth every penny. This will last you for months, and you'll see a difference in your hair immediately."

I took the bait. I'm a sucker for luxury shampoo and conditioners, and I believed that this product would surely change my life. Wrong.

Weeks later, my hair gets greasy within 17 hours of cleaning my hair with said shampoo. My hair is very fine and feels greasy usually within 24 hours of washing. This product made it worse. And it's ability to give my fine hair life and volume? Nonexistent. It's just as flat as if I were to use the cheapest of grocery store shampoos.

Case in point: I washed my hair yesterday around 3 pm (and left out the conditioner), styled it with Velcro rollers (using no hair spray, extra products) and went to a wedding. Last night, I figured, maybe if I don't put my hair in a ponytail, I won't have to wash it in the morning. (I know that excessive washing can harm your hair. ) This morning (17 hours later, around 7 am), I look in the mirror to find a grease bomb had exploded on my head. I didn't sweat in my sleep (I probably froze. It was very cold in my room!). So, what's the excuse?

I was led to believe that Pureology shampoo would cure all of my hair problems. Lies. Now, I sit here with a pony tail and a nasty feeling in the back of my head that not even teasing can remedy. I'm not a gross person. I don't go days without washing my hair. I just think that a shampoo (especially a shampoo I paid more than $30 for, before the conditioner) should keep my hair looking clean and fresh for longer than 17 hours. Is that too much to ask?

Now, I have to go to the grocery store and pick up the Suave shampoo. At least their volumizers made my hair feel clean and bouncy for more than 24 hours.

Why didn't I listen to my instincts in the salon? I'm blaming it on the hair dye's fumes and the new hair cut euphoria. I won't be fooled next time. Don't even try.