Are You Buying Fake Hair Products? Spot the Signs Now
As hair product prices continue to rise, more people are turning to online marketplaces, reseller apps, and discounted listings to save money. But sometimes, that lower price comes with a risk.
Counterfeit and improperly stored hair products have become increasingly common online, especially through third-party sellers. And while platforms like Amazon, eBay, Mercari, Facebook Marketplace, Walmart, and Target can all contain legitimate listings, they can also host unauthorized sellers, making it harder to verify where a product is actually coming from.
That doesn’t always mean a product is fake, but it can increase the risk of receiving expired, altered, improperly stored, or counterfeit items. And when it comes to products you’re applying directly to your scalp, ingredients and quality control are important.
How to Avoid Buying Counterfeit Hair Products
One of the easiest ways to reduce the risk of buying counterfeit or altered products is to start with the brand’s official website. Many brands include a “Where to Buy” or “Store Locator” page that lists authorized retailers and verified online sellers.
This is especially important now that many major websites, including Amazon, Walmart, and Target, allow third-party sellers on their platforms. Just because a product appears on a well-known website doesn’t automatically mean it’s being sold directly by the brand.
Before purchasing, take a moment to check:
- who the item is sold by
- who it ships from
- whether the seller is verified
- and whether the listing matches the brand’s current packaging and pricing
If something feels off or the deal seems unusually cheap, it’s usually safer to purchase directly from the brand or a trusted retailer instead.
Another red flag is when products from discontinued brands suddenly appear in large quantities through unknown sellers. While some leftover inventory can still be legitimate, discontinued products are also more vulnerable to counterfeits, expired stock, or improper storage conditions.
Where to Buy Authentic Hair Products
Below are some curly hair brands I’ve personally used, along with retailers commonly listed on their official websites or store locators. Retail partnerships can change over time, so it’s always a good idea to double-check directly with the brand before purchasing, especially when shopping through third-party marketplaces.
| Brand | Common Authorized Retailers |
|---|---|
| DevaCurl | Sephora, Ulta, Nordstrom, Devachan |
| Shea Moisture | Target, Walmart, Ulta, CVS, Walgreens, Sally Beauty |
| Pacifica Beauty | Target, Ulta, Whole Foods |
| TGIN | Target, Walmart, Ulta, Walgreens, Sally Beauty |
| Mielle Organics | Target, Walmart, Sally Beauty, CVS |
Tip: A lower price doesn’t always mean a product is fake, but unusually low pricing, damaged packaging, missing seals, or unknown sellers can all be signs that something may be off.
Not Every Product Difference Means It’s Fake
Sometimes a product may look, smell, or feel slightly different without being counterfeit. Brands occasionally update their packaging, ingredients, fragrance, or manufacturing process over time. But packaging changes alone are not enough to confirm a product is counterfeit.
Example: DevaCurl has updated the packaging for several products over the years, including the Light Defining Gel and Styling Cream shown below.
Heat exposure during shipping, old inventory, or improper storage can also affect how a product performs.
If you notice a major difference in texture, scent, color, or performance, check the brand’s website or contact customer support directly before continuing to use the product.
FAQs About Fake and Counterfeit Hair Products
What are the signs that a hair product may not be authentic?
Unusually low prices, damaged packaging, missing safety seals, strong scent changes, unusual texture differences, or unknown third-party sellers can all be signs that something may be off. However, packaging updates and reformulations can also happen over time, so differences alone don’t automatically mean a product is fake.
Are Amazon, Walmart, and Target safe places to buy hair products?
These platforms can contain both authorized and third-party sellers. Before purchasing, always check who the item is sold and shipped by, review seller ratings carefully, and compare the listing to the brand’s official website.
What should I do if I think I bought a counterfeit product?
Stop using the product if you notice irritation, unusual texture changes, or strong scent differences. Then contact the retailer or brand directly to verify the item and, if necessary, request a refund.
Why do some authentic products still feel different?
Brands sometimes update ingredients, packaging, fragrance, or manufacturing over time. Heat exposure during shipping and old inventory can also affect a product’s performance, even when it’s authentic.
Final Thoughts
Buying hair products online has become more convenient than ever, but it also requires a little more awareness.
Between third-party marketplaces, outdated inventory, reformulations, and counterfeit listings, it’s important to pay attention to where products are coming from, not just the price tag.
The goal isn’t to create fear around shopping online. It’s simply to help you make more informed decisions, especially when purchasing products that go directly on your scalp and hair.
When in doubt, check the brand’s official website, verify the seller, and trust your instincts if something feels off.
More Curly Hair Resources
- Want to better understand your curls? Visit my Curly Hair Resource Guide for curl type breakdowns, porosity guides, routines, and product recommendations.
- Does your hair still feel dry no matter what products you use? Hard water may be affecting your routine more than you realize. Read my Hard Water & Curly Hair guide to learn the signs and what to do about it.
- Struggling with frizz, dryness, or seasonal changes? Learn how weather and seasonal shifts can affect your curls throughout the year, and how to adjust your routine accordingly.
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