Which Conditioner Conditions Better Between Hair Coloring, Ion or Preference?

I put Superior Preference by Loreal of Paris color-saving conditioner and ion Repair Solutions conditioner to the test. From texture to cost [one being under $20], hydration to other factors, both prove to be worlds apart. But only one of them did reach better performance on my long, damaged, dry and brittle hair type. Which one?

Normally I would purchase a box of Preference by Loreal and use the conditioner that comes with the coloring mixture. The conditioner was used twice a week until my hair began breaking off. I then decided to use the conditioner once a week instead. That didn't help.

My scalp slightly itched like clock work a week before coloring. That grew tiresome. It was time for something new.

I traveled to Sally's Beauty Store and purchased the Wella Charm system. The system is sold separately and not in a one box bundle. For conditioner I used ion Repair Solutions as recommended by management of Sally's. This particular conditioner was designed to strengthen, moisturize weak damaged hair and is 100% vegan at approximately $10 per 12 oz in a tall white [with red lettering] bottle.

After purchasing the items and a red relaxer I walked out of that store $35 less than what I had walking in.

I applied the Wella Color Charm hair color [mixed as directed]. The scent of the hair color was not as strong as Preference. Approximately 30 minutes later I rinsed until clear then applied the i.R.S. conditioner. I left the conditioner in for approximately 4 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

The conditioner had [has] an odd faint scent. No, the scent should not make you faint. The conditioner applied well - easily evenly. Preference conditioner is lighter in weight. i.R.S. tends to spread like smooth butter.

Right away I noticed my hair felt silky and my scalp did not itch. Weeks later my hair appeared less damaged and dry in all aspects. I decided to use the i.R.S. conditioner [once a week] until the next time I had to color.

5 weeks pass...

So, recently I noticed all of the gray hair coming back - at an alarming rate! Alarming rate. It was so bad I did everything I could to hide it, even pulling the old Donald Trump side step.

Recent photo [taken by A.K.] shows the gray hair overthrowing my scalp. That is if the uneven eyebrows do not invade your attention (yes, eyebrow shaping next).

I am not too happy with the short-life on the Wella Charm color liquid permanent but I am happy with the way my hair feels. I then used Preference hair color and, again, the conditioner that came inside of the box. I went two steps darker and it looks much better. Like coloring my hair in the fountain of youth!

Three days later...I washed my hair and used ion Repair Solutions conditioner. No complaints, only compliments. It all depends on preference. And I prefer my hair to remain healthy and intact because I'm worth it. So are you.

And for only approximately $10 a bottle? Like Charlie Sheen on Tiger Blood -- we have a winner!