Tresemme vs Pantene – What brand is better?
Pantene and Tresemme are two of the most popular budget-friendly hair care brands, and at first glance, they seem almost identical. The truth is, though, these brands are far from the same.
Sure, they’re both affordable, and they both offer a full range of hair-care products. But, your hair type and goals will determine which one you should use. Each brand works a little differently, so we set out to determine which brand was best for whom.
Below we compare Tresemme vs. Pantene in two of their top product categories: hairspray and curl care shampoos and conditioners. If you’ve ever wondered which one is best for you, read on. We promise you’ll have an answer by the time we’re done!
Tresemme vs. Pantene: Hairspray
Both Tresemme and Pantene receive high marks for their hairspray lines. Here we’ll compare their top-selling hair sprays appropriate for all hair types. For Tresemme, we’ll look at their Freeze Hold Anti-Frizz Hairspray. For Pantene, we’ll discuss their Pro V High Lift Hairspray.
Tresemme Freeze Hold Anti-Frizz Hairspray
Tresemme’s Freeze Hold Anti-Frizz Hairspray provides a strong hold that’s never sticky or tacky to the touch. It’s also humidity-resistant and delivers the classic fruity Tresemme scent.
Tresemme promises salon-quality control and even features its products at NY fashion week. Unfortunately, runway lights don’t mimic real-world conditions. This hair spray will keep every lock in place, but it can also look stiff.
If you want a natural look, this isn’t the product for you. Once this hairspray sets, it’ll last for hours, if not days. It’s great for intricate styles or the stage, but it may be too heavy for everyday use.
Pros
- Humidity-resistant
- All-day hold
- Pleasant, fruity scent
Cons
- Doesn’t look natural, very stiff
- May be too heavy for everyday use
Pantene Pro-V High Lift Hairspray
Pantene Pro-V’s High Lift Hairspray provides volume and humidity-resistant shine without becoming rigid or stiff. It creates a more natural look than the Tresemme option above and may be better for daily use.
However, the scent isn’t very pleasant. Though it fades quickly and doesn’t make your hair smell, it can be repellant while you’re spraying.
And, because the hold is more natural than Tressemme’s line, it may not be strong enough for specific hair types. If you have extra heavy or thick hair that you need to style into an up-do or curls, Pantene may not provide enough hold.
Pros
- Natural look
- Can brush out style at the end of day
- Humidity-resistant
Cons
- Smell is on the chemical side
- Not good for updos or curling heavy hair types
Final Thoughts on Hairspray
Tresemme and Pantene both make excellent hairsprays at a great price. Tresemme will provide a strong hold that lasts all day. It’s great for evening events or being on stage because it won’t let a strand fall out of place. However, it may provide too much hold for daily use.
Pantene’s High Lift Hairspray provides a much more natural look. You can get away with not washing out between stylings if needed, but the smell is a major turn-off to some users.
Tresemme vs. Pantene Curl Care Shampoo and Conditioners
Tresemme and Pantene both feature curl care lines that have users raving. Deciding between them can be a challenge, which is why we set out to determine which brand does it best.
If you have curly hair, keep reading! We’re comparing Tresmme’s Flawless Curls line to Pantene’s Curl Perfection conditioner and shampoo.
Tresemme Flawless Curls Shampoo and Conditioner
Tresemme’s Flawless Curls Shampoo and Conditioner are tried and trusted favorites. They detangle, de-frizz, and define curls using a moisture-rich formula. Hair comes out smooth and silky, and many users swear by it.
Unfortunately, the formula can leave residue behind. You won’t see white flakes or anything like that, but you may notice the curls at the top of your head sit a little flat. Better rinsing habits can help, but part of the problem is in the conditioner’s formula. It’s just too thick to escape tightly coiled curls.
Where this shampoo and conditioner excels is actually with wavy hair or thin hair that’s curly. Thick curls might not get as much out of Tresemme’s system.
Pros
- De-tangles, de-frizzes, and defines
- Great for thin curls or wavy hair
- Classic Tresemme scent
Cons
- Not great for thick curls
- May leave residue behind that flattens curls near the scalp
Pantene Pro V Curl Perfection Shampoo and Conditioner
Pantene Pro-V’s Curl Perfection Shampoo and Conditioner promise defined curls for 24 hours. The system uses targeted moisturizing agents to reinforce weak spots in your curls. The results are smooth, defined, and manageable tresses.
This system works great with tight and thick curls. The shampoo formula creates an intense lather that penetrates every strand of hair, but it’s lightweight and rinses out easily. The conditioner coats each strand in moisture but isn’t heavy. It won’t weigh curls down.
The only place Pantene lacks is with thin curls or wavy hair. It can make your locks feel oily or greasy, probably because the shampoo is so lightweight. It doesn’t seem to clean oil from scalps as readily, which is excellent for coarse curls but not great for thinner strands.
Pros
- Great for thick, coarse, or tight curls
- Provides 24-hour definition
- Targeted moisturizers create manageable curls
Cons
- May leave oil or grease on the scalp
- Not ideal for thin curls or wavy hair
Final Thoughts on Curl Care Shampoo and Conditioner Sets
If you have thick, coarse, or tightly coiled curls, Pantene’s Curl Perfection line is ideal. It will provide definition and manageability at an affordable price. Plus, we can’t get enough of Pantene’s apple-fresh scent.
For thinner curls or wavy hair, Tresemme is the way to go. Their formula is perfect for thin hair that’s desperate for moisture. It’s also ideal for detangling.
With thick or coarse curls, though, Tresemme’s formula seems to get stuck. It’s hard to rinse out and may leave the curls at your crown a little flat. Longer rinsing might help, but we suggest using Pantene instead.
Final Thoughts: Tresemme vs Pantene
Both brands are generally affordable and provide great results. Depending on what you’re looking for, what type of hair or skin you have, and what your budget is, you’ll either want one or the other!
