Hello there! Let’s be honest, we all love that feeling of walking out of a salon. Your hair is perfect, your nails are flawless, and you feel like a million pounds. But that feeling often comes with a bill that makes your eyes water. A haircut, colour, and a manicure can easily cost over £100. What if I told you that you could get that same salon-quality finish for a fraction of the price?
You can. And the secret weapon for millions of beauty lovers is Sally Beauty.
Maybe you’ve walked past a Sally Beauty store in your local high street and wondered what’s inside. Perhaps you’ve browsed their website but felt a little overwhelmed. Is it for professionals only? Will you need a degree in chemistry to use the products?
Don’t worry. I’m here to be your guide. As a blogger who has saved a small fortune on beauty treatments over the years, I’m going to show you exactly how to navigate Sally Beauty like a pro. We’ll talk about what to buy, what to avoid, and how to create stunning looks from the comfort of your own bathroom.
So, put the kettle on, and let’s learn how to be our own glam squad without breaking the bank.
What Exactly is Sally Beauty Supply?
First things first, let’s clear up the mystery. Sally Beauty Supply is a retailer that sells professional-grade beauty products directly to the public. They started in America but now have over 170 stores right here in the UK.
Their mission is simple: to give everyone access to the professional tools, hair colour, and skincare that salon stylists use. You do NOT need to be a qualified hairdresser to shop there. Everyone is welcome!
They sell everything from hair dye and styling tools to nail care, skincare, and even beauty salon furniture. It’s a treasure trove for anyone who loves beauty.
You can find your nearest store using their Store Locator tool on their website: Sally Beauty UK Store Locator.
Why Shop at Sally Beauty? The Benefits
Why should you go to Sally instead of just popping to Boots or Superdrug? Here are the big reasons:
- Professional Quality: This is the biggest draw. The products are often the exact same brands that salons use. This means better pigments in hair colour, more effective styling products, and longer-lasting results.
- Save Money: By doing it yourself, you cut out the cost of paying for a stylist’s time and expertise. A box of high-quality hair colour might cost £12, whereas having it done in a salon could cost £80 or more.
- Huge Selection: The range is vast. You can find every colour, every tool, and every brand you could possibly imagine. It’s a place for experimentation.
- Expert Advice: The staff in Sally Beauty stores are usually very knowledgeable. Many are trained beauticians or hairdressers. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions!
Your First Trip: How to Navigate the Store Without Panic
Walking into a Sally Beauty for the first time can feel a bit intimidating. It’s not as brightly lit as Lush, and there are rows of products you might not recognise. Take a deep breath and follow this plan.
- Go With a Goal: Don’t just wander in. Decide what you want to achieve. “I need a red hair dye for dark hair” or “I need a good heat protectant spray.” This will stop you from feeling overwhelmed.
- Ask for Help: See a staff member? Use them! They are your best resource. Say, “Hi, I’m looking to achieve this look,” and show them a picture on your phone. They can guide you to the right products.
- Read the Labels: Professional products give you a lot of information. Look for what hair type a product is for (fine, thick, coloured, etc.) and what it specifically does.
- Check Out the Sale Sections: Sally Beauty always has great promotions and clearance items. You can often find fantastic tools and products for half the price.
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The Best Things to Buy at Sally Beauty: A Category-by-Category Guide
Now, let’s get to the good stuff. What should you actually put in your basket? Here are the top products and categories that offer the biggest bang for your buck.
1. Hair Colour: The Crown Jewel
This is where Sally Beauty truly shines. Forget box dyes from the supermarket. Here, you can mix and match developers and colours for a truly custom result.
- Top Brands to Look For:
- Wella Professionals: A legendary brand loved by professionals. Their Koleston Perfect range is amazing for permanent colour with great grey coverage.
- Igora Royal: Another fantastic professional brand known for vibrant, long-lasting colour.
- Clairol Professional: A trusted name with easy-to-use systems.
- How It Works: You usually need to buy two things: the colour cream itself and a developer (or peroxide). The developer volume (10, 20, 30, 40) dictates the lifting power. A 10 volume is for darkening or depositing colour, a 20 volume is for same-level colouring, and a 30/40 volume is for lifting (lightening) the hair.
- Pro Tip for Beginners: If you’re new to this, start with a brand like Clairol Professional that often has more beginner-friendly instructions. Or, ask a staff member to talk you through it. You can browse their huge colour selection online: Sally Beauty Hair Colour.
2. Hair Care & Styling Products: Salon-Worthy Hair Every Day
The products you use after you wash your hair make all the difference.
- Heat Protectant: This is non-negotiable. Using heat stylers without protection is like frying your hair. The Fantasia IC Heat Protectant Spray is a popular and affordable choice.
- Deep Conditioning Treatments: Salon hair is healthy hair. Once a week, treat your hair to a deep conditioner. The Hask hair care range has amazing, inexpensive deep conditioners in little sachets—perfect for trying out.
- Professional Styling Brands: Look for brands like Biolage, Tigi Bed Head, and Redken. These are the products your stylist uses in the salon. A good mousse or hairspray can hold your style for days.
3. Nail Care: A Professional Manicure at Home
Why pay £30 for a manicure when you can do it yourself?
- Gel Polish Kits: Sally Beauty is the best place to get started with at-home gel nails. They sell starter kits from brands like Gelish and CND that include a LED lamp, polishes, and everything you need. The initial cost is quickly saved after just a few manicures.
- Tools: They sell professional-grade nail files, cuticle pushers, and clippers that are much better quality than what you find elsewhere.
- Acrylics & Dip Powder: For those who want even longer-lasting nails, they have full systems for acrylic and dip powder nails.
4. Tools & Appliances: Invest in Your Toolkit
Good tools make any job easier, and beauty is no different.
- Brushes: Their range of hair brushes—for detangling, blow-drying, and teasing—is extensive and affordable.
- Professional Hairdryers & Straighteners: While it’s an investment, buying a professional styler from Sally means you’re getting a tool built for daily use that will last for years. Brands like Remington and Babyliss are always available.
What to Be Careful With: A Word of Warning
With great power comes great responsibility. Because the products are professional, some things require more care.
- Bleach and High-Lift Colours: Lightening your hair is a chemical process that can go wrong. If you have never bleached your hair before, it might be best to get it done professionally the first time. If you are determined to try it at home, do a strand test first and follow the instructions exactly.
- Complex Colour Changes: Going from dark brown to platinum blonde at home is very, very difficult. Sally Beauty is perfect for touch-ups, root coverage, and colouring within a few shades of your natural colour. For drastic changes, see a pro.
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How to Save Even More Money: Sally Beauty Loyalty & Offers
Who doesn’t love a discount? Sally Beauty has a great loyalty programme.
- The Sally Club: For £4.99 a year (sometimes it’s even free to join!), you get:
- £5 off when you spend £25 or more in-store.
- Exclusive member prices on hundreds of products.
- A free gift on your birthday.
- It easily pays for itself in one shopping trip. You can sign up online or in-store: Sally Beauty Club.
- Check the Website: Always check their 【Latest Offers】page online before you go shopping. They always have rotating deals, like 3-for-2 mix-and-match offers.
A Simple DIY Project: How to Cover Your Grey Roots at Home
Let’s put this all into practice with a simple, money-saving tutorial.
What you need (all from Sally Beauty):
- A tube of permanent hair colour in your shade (e.g., Wella Koleston Perfect 6/0 for dark brown).
- A developer (20 volume is standard for covering greys).
- An application brush and bowl.
- Clips to section your hair.
- Gloves!
Steps:
- Do a patch test 48 hours before to check for allergies.
- Mix the colour and developer in the bowl as directed on the tube.
- Section your dry, unwashed hair into four parts.
- Wearing gloves, use the brush to apply the colour only to the regrowth area where the greys are. Try to avoid overlapping onto already-coloured hair.
- Once all the roots are covered, set a timer for the processing time (usually 30 minutes).
- When the time is up, add a little water and massage the hair to lather the colour, then rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear.
- Condition your hair well.
And there you go! You’ve just saved yourself £50.
Final Thoughts: Is Sally Beauty Right For You?
Absolutely, if you are:
- Someone who regularly colours their hair.
- Tired of drugstore products that don’t perform.
- Willing to learn a little and read instructions.
- Looking to save a serious amount of money on your beauty routine.
It might not be for you if:
- You prefer the simplest, all-in-one-box solutions.
- You are attempting a very complex colour change for the first time.
Ultimately, Sally Beauty empowers you to take control of your beauty routine. It’s fun, it’s creative, and the savings are real. So, why not pop into your local store this weekend? A world of professional beauty is waiting for you.
What’s your favourite Sally Beauty find? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do I need a professional license to shop at Sally Beauty in the UK?
A: Absolutely not. This is the most common misconception about Sally Beauty. While the store was founded to supply beauty professionals, it is entirely open to the public. Anyone can walk in and shop. The staff are there to help everyone, from seasoned hairdressers to complete beginners. The “professional” aspect refers to the quality and type of products they sell, not an exclusivity policy for customers.
Q2: I’m scared of the hair colour mixing process. Is it really that complicated?
A: It can seem daunting at first, but it’s much simpler than it appears. Think of it like following a recipe. You combine two ingredients (the colour cream and the developer) in a specific ratio. The staff in-store are trained to guide you through it.
- The Key Steps: 1) Know your goal (cover greys, go darker, etc.). 2) A staff member will help you pick the right colour tube and developer strength (e.g., 10, 20, or 30 volume). 3) They will tell you the mixing ratio (often 1:1 or 1:2). 4) You mix in the provided bowl. The real pro secret is to always do a strand and patch test 48 hours beforehand to check for both colour result and allergic reactions.
Q3: What’s the actual difference between Sally’s hair colour and a box dye from Boots?
A: The difference is in customisation, quality, and results.
- Box Dye: Is a one-size-fits-all formula. It contains a pre-measured amount of developer that is often very strong to try and work on all hair types, which can be more damaging. The colour results can be unpredictable.
- Professional Colour: Allows you to choose the exact developer strength for your goal, which is gentler on your hair. The pigments are higher quality, leading to more vibrant, longer-lasting colour and better grey coverage. You have control, which leads to a better, more salon-like result.
Q4: Is the Sally Beauty Club loyalty scheme actually worth the £4.99 fee?
A: In almost all cases, yes, it pays for itself immediately. The membership is designed for frequent shoppers.
- The Math: Your first in-store purchase after joining will give you £5 off your £25 spend. So, you instantly recoup the £4.99 fee and then some. On top of that, you get ongoing member discounts on thousands of products throughout the year. If you plan on shopping at Sally Beauty even twice a year, the club membership is a financially smart decision.
Q5: What is the one “must-buy” product for a Sally Beauty beginner?
A: If you only try one thing, make it a professional-grade heat protectant spray (like the Fantasia IC Heat Protectant or a Biolage option). Everyone uses heat stylers, and using a proper protectant is the single most effective thing you can do to prevent damage and maintain healthy, salon-worthy hair. It’s an affordable product that makes a massive difference to the look and feel of your hair over time.
Q6: Are the at-home gel nail kits from Sally Beauty difficult to use?
A: They are surprisingly beginner-friendly. Brands like Gelish and CND design their starter kits with the at-home user in mind. The kits come with clear instructions. The process is simple: apply base coat, cure under the LED lamp; apply colour coat, cure; apply top coat, cure. The key to success is applying thin, even layers and ensuring you cap the free edge of your nail with each coat to prevent peeling. There are also countless tutorial videos on YouTube for visual learners.
Q7: How can I be sure I’m not buying a fake product from Sally Beauty?
A: Sally Beauty is an authorised retailer for all the brands they carry. This is their biggest advantage over third-party sellers on Amazon or eBay. When you buy from a physical Sally Beauty store or their official website sallybeauty.co.uk, you are guaranteed to receive a genuine, fresh, and authentic product. This is crucial for things like hair colour and gel polish, which have a shelf life and need to be stored correctly.
Q8: I have a sensitive scalp. Are the professional hair colours gentler?
A: This depends on the specific allergy. Professional colours often contain higher-quality ingredients and fewer unnecessary additives. However, they still contain the chemicals necessary for permanent colouration (like PPD). The major advantage at Sally Beauty is the huge range of options. You can find brands like Clairol Professional that offer specific sensitive scalp formulations. This is where asking a staff member is invaluable, as they can help you find the best product for your needs.
Q9: Can I really trust the advice from the staff in-store?
A: Generally, yes. Unlike in a general drugstore, Sally Beauty staff are typically beauty enthusiasts themselves and receive product training from the brands. Many have experience working in salons or are studying beauty therapy. They see products being used every day and have a wealth of practical knowledge. It’s always best to go in with a clear goal or a picture for them to reference to get the most accurate advice.
Q10: What is your top budget-friendly tip for shopping at Sally Beauty?
A: Beyond the loyalty club, my top tip is to explore the trial and travel sizes. Many professional brands, especially in the hair care aisle (like Hask or Biolage), offer deep conditioning treatments, shampoos, and stylers in small, affordable sachets or small bottles. This allows you to test a high-end product for just a pound or two before committing to a full-size, expensive bottle. It’s the smartest way to experiment risk-free.
