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Is VO5 Shampoo Really Good For Your Hair?

By The Editors • Updated on

The Editors
The Editors

Our editorial team consists of licensed hairstylists, cosmetologists, barbers, and clinicians. When you see 'The Editors,' you are getting advice backed by our collective professional expertise.

Reviewed by Madeline Hall, Senior Hair Colorist, Licensed Cosmetologist

Madeline Hall
Madeline Hall, Senior Hair Colorist, Licensed Cosmetologist

Expertise: Hair Color, Hair Cutting, Hair Styling, Color Education

Experience: 10 years

Madeline is a licensed cosmetologist and professional hair colorist who worked at CODE salon, Pure Salon, Local Honey and got advanced hair color training from hair industry veterans. She has also been a hair color educator for cosmetology students.

VO5 or Alberto VO5 shampoos are cheap. Does it mean they are bad? If you go to the internet, you’ll find many different reviews that contradict each other. The reason is that there is no such thing as an all-purpose shampoo.

If you haven’t tried VO5 shampoo before and are wondering whether it’s good for your locks, I’d recommend looking at the list of ingredients.

Vo5 shampoo
  1. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate – A common cleansing surfactant used in shampoos to lift oil and create foam. It rinses out and is not absorbed into the hair, but it can be drying or irritating for sensitive scalps, so patch test if you react easily. You are unlikely to see many shampoos without it.
  2. Cocamidopropyl Betaine – A common surfactant that is derived from coconut oil. It eases the surface tension making the shampoo easier to lather.
  3. Ammonium Chloride – pH regulator.
  4. Vitamin E – An antioxidant often included in hair products; in a rinse-off shampoo it may help condition the hair for a smoother look, though it is not proven to make hair grow.
  5. Vitamin B5 and Vitamin A – Ingredients used in some hair products; vitamin B5 (panthenol) can help the hair hold moisture and look conditioned, but hair is not living tissue and cannot be nourished or healed from a shampoo.
  6. Vitamin C and Vitamin D – Vitamins sometimes added to hair formulas; there is limited evidence that they prevent split ends or protect hair from environmental damage when used in a rinse-off shampoo.
  7. Octoxynol-9 – This common shampoo ingredient is also considered a sensitizer, which can lead to an allergic reaction. Some people may find it irritating, so patch test first if you have sensitive skin.
  8. Tetrasodium EDTA – Improves the effect of cosmetic preservatives and decreases water hardness. It is used at very small levels in shampoo and is well tolerated in rinse-off products.
  9. DMDM Hydantoin – An antimicrobial preservative. It is a formaldehyde-releasing preservative, so it can cause problems for people allergic to formaldehyde.
  10. Citric Acid – pH regulator. In the USA, it doesn’t even need to be listed as an ingredient if used for pH regulation only.

What Is Unique About VO5 Shampoo?

What sets VO5 shampoo apart is its incorporation of the “5 Vitamin Oils” and the “Power of 5 Vitamins” in its formulations. This unique combination is designed to provide comprehensive care for the hair, offering a range of benefits.

Here are the features where VO5 is unique among other shampoos:

5 Vitamin Oils

VO5 stands for 5 vitamin oils. These shampoos contain a blend of Sunflower Seed Oil, Mango Seed Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Rosemary Leaf Oil, and Chamomile Flower Oil.

These oils contribute to the nourishment and conditioning of the hair, each bringing its unique properties for hair health.

5 Vitamins

All VO5 products contain Vitamin B3, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin B5, and Biotin in the formulations. The brand markets these vitamins for hair strength and shine, though evidence that vitamins applied topically in a rinse-off shampoo improve hair growth or overall hair health is limited.

By combining these vitamin-rich oils and essential nutrients, VO5 shampoos offer unique care for your hair care. This can include moisturizing, strengthening, and providing a healthy shine to the hair.

Variety of Formulas

VO5 often provides a variety of shampoos to address different hair care needs. Whether focusing on hydration, volume, or color protection, the brand tailors its formulations to cater to various hair types and concerns.

Affordability

VO5 products, including shampoos, are often affordable. This makes them accessible to a broad range of consumers seeking quality hair care within budget.

So, what makes VO5 shampoo unique is its commitment to combining essential oils and vitamins in a way that provide a comprehensive and budget-friendly hair care solution.

As you can see from the ingredient list, VO5 shampoo combines cleansing surfactants with conditioning oils and vitamins meant to nourish and add shine to your hair. As for dangerous ingredients, only Octoxynol-9 seems to pose a problem, but the quantity is so minuscule that it should not do any harm for most people. If you have sensitive skin or a known allergy (for example to formaldehyde releasers like DMDM hydantoin), patch test on a small area first, and stop use and see a professional if you develop irritation or a reaction. However, if you prefer to avoid harsh detergents and certain preservatives entirely, you may want to consider switching to a sulfate and paraben free shampoo.