Buying hair care products in Rome

Probably depends on what they use. I don't think there's any way I could have found what I needed, considering you can only buy it in very select salons and otherwise just online here. If they just use typical drug store brands then I guess that they could buy them over there, although I really didn't see brands I recognized anywhere.

I've never had a problem finding hair care products in Italy. I prefer to buy the products there rather than try to carry enough for my trip.

Pharmacies are everywhere (look for the green neon cross), and you should find what you need there.

Definitely buy them at a farmacia when you get there. You'll probably end up with a fun story about explaining to the pharmacy workers what you're wanting.

Hair Salons are another option.

The major supermarkets carry mainstream hair products and toiletries. There are names that I recognise eg L'Oreal, Pantene, Herbal Essences and Garnier etc but don't know how familiar they are to North Americans.

The bigger question is whether it is worth the time you'll spend hunting down what they need. Maybe it won't take long at all but I know I wouldn't have felt like taking the time to shop for toiletries. What's so bad about checking bags!? :) I always do because of the liquid restrictions- not worth the headache to me to try to check and eitehr cram things into teeny bottles or have to shop on arrival.

I always buy shampoo and conditioner when in Italia...it is fun trying something new. One of my favorites has lemon and olive oil in it and it smells and feels wonderful! However, if you have a favorite hair gel, I would bring that along as that can be tricker to find just what you need..I don't use hairspray so can't help you with that one. Don't try and buy them at the airport, you will find plenty of shops in Roma. I always buy mine at the grocery store, they have a great selection.
Enjoy!

Pantene, Herbal Essence, and Dove are all brands that are easily found in supermarkets, or these sort of Walgreens type stores (without the pharmacist) called Acqua&Sapone where they sell everything from shampoo to toothpaste to make up. And after years of having my mother bring me John Frieda Frizz Ease, they finally sell the brand here.

I've bought toiletries in Europe due to baggage being lost by airline. Some people find it quite astonishing that yes, you can buy shampoo and deoderant in Europe ;-)

I have long, thick and curly hair (that I straighten) and am very picky about my hair care products. I stayed in Italy for 6 months and had no problem finding high quality shampoos and conditioners. Kerastase, actually French, is a very high quality brand and is actually a little less expensive than it is here. Brands you find at the supermarket in the U.S. are very easy to find in Italy.

Hair dryers, curling irons and especially hair straighteners from the U.S. will burn out quickly in Italy because of the wattage difference. I bought a hair dryer and curling iron over there and didn't use a straightener. I know of someone who used her U.S. straightener and it melted that piece of her hair.

Just to piggyback on the last response - I have used my travel blow dryer throughout Europe with no problems, and have not had problems with a curling iron either. They do have to be dual voltage and an adapter is necessary. I have heard that flat irons will fry though.

I find it a little "funny" that a few posts( not most) imply that for some reason only good hair products on available in States. .No need to check a bag because one thinks there are no good products in Europe. ..

As noted, Italian ladies often have lovely heads of thick hair,, I guess they have figured out a way to care for it without having to fly to States and buy products there.

Just like here, there are different levels of products, if you want a high end( at least price wise LOL ) go to salons ,, they will sell mostly top quality stuff( just like here in North America) and drugstores and department stores etc will sell all the other stuff.

Four girls with long hair will use alot of shampoo, so I think bringing a small amount is fine, but it does make alot of sense to buy it there.

And,, shopping for that sort of stuff can be fun ,, I love looking at the different stuff available in other countries.

It absolutely drives me nuts that we have a whole suitcase dedicated to just "toiletries" and hairdryers/curlers/straighteners. Yikes!