Is Bed Head Shampoo Good? Complete Recovery Range Review with Results

If you’re wondering “is Bed Head shampoo good for your hair?”, you’re not alone. TIGI Bed Head has been a professional salon favourite for decades,…

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If you’re wondering “is Bed Head shampoo good for your hair?”, you’re not alone. TIGI Bed Head has been a professional salon favourite for decades, but does it live up to the hype for home use? After using the Urban Antidotes Recovery shampoo and conditioner for 2-3 months, I’m sharing my honest experience, including before and after photos, to help you decide if this is the right brand for your hair.

Updated March 2026 – TIGI Bed Head continues to be a popular salon-quality brand for home use. This review has been updated with the latest pricing, product availability, and current formulation information for 2026.
TIGI Bed Head Urban Antidotes Recovery shampoo and conditioner bottles
TIGI Bed Head shampoo and conditioner

About TIGI Bed Head: Is It a Good Brand?

TIGI Haircare is a renowned brand in the beauty and hair care industry, founded by Anthony Mascolo and his brothers Guy, Bruno, and Toni in the late 1970s. The brand has deep roots in professional hair care, with products used by stylists worldwide in salons and on fashion runways.

Key reasons Bed Head is considered a professional-quality brand:

  • Professional Heritage: Created by hairstylists for hairstylists, with formulations designed for salon-quality results at home
  • Innovative Formulations: Advanced ingredients and technologies tailored to specific hair concerns
  • Diverse Product Range: Multiple collections including Bed Head, Catwalk, and S Factor, each targeting different hair needs
  • Global Recognition: Available internationally in professional salons and retail stores

The Bed Head collection specifically offers different product lines based on damage levels (1-3), with Recovery being a Level 2 treatment for moderately dry and damaged hair.

Close-up of TIGI Bed Head Recovery shampoo bottle showing product label and blue packaging

My Hair Type and Why I Chose Bed Head Recovery

Before I started this blog, I generally bought whichever shampoo and conditioner were on the best promotion. Lately, I’ve been spending a few extra quid on better-quality products to see the real difference they make.

My hair challenges:

  • Very dry and dull
  • Thick and brittle texture
  • Uncontrollable frizz
  • Wavy with ringlets and flyaways
  • Heat damage from frequent straightening (looks like a bale of hay otherwise!)

The Recovery line is specifically aimed at dry, damaged, and dull hair, making it perfect for someone like me with long hair that’s over-abused with heat styling.

TIGI Bed Head Recovery shampoo with prickly pear cactus extract for damaged hair

Is Bed Head Shampoo Bad for Your Hair? Understanding the Ingredients

One common concern is whether Bed Head products contain harsh ingredients. Here’s what you need to know:

Key Ingredients in Recovery Shampoo:

  • Sodium Laureth Sulfate: A cleansing agent that creates lather. While it’s a sulfate, it’s milder than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and considered acceptable for most hair types
  • Glycerin: Provides moisture and conditioning benefits
  • Dimethiconol: Protects hair from future damage and adds smoothness
  • Prickly Pear Cactus Extract: Known for healing and moisturising properties

Is Bed Head shampoo bad for your hair?

The answer depends on your hair type and concerns. For most people, Bed Head Recovery shampoo is not bad for your hair when used properly. However, if you have extremely sensitive or very dry hair, the sulfates might be too harsh. TIGI offers sulfate-free alternatives like the Moisture Maniac range if you prefer to avoid sulfates entirely.

Is Bed Head bad for your hair? Not necessarily, but there are considerations:

  • The Recovery range contains sulfates, which some people with very sensitive or extremely dry hair may want to avoid
  • TIGI does offer sulfate-free options like the Moisture Maniac line if you prefer
  • Some users report that certain Bed Head formulas can be too heavy or cause greasiness
  • The products contain DMDM Hydantoin (a preservative), which has been controversial, though it’s used within safe limits for rinse-off products

For most hair types, Bed Head products are safe and effective when used as directed. However, if you notice increased dryness or irritation, consider switching to their sulfate-free alternatives.

TIGI Bed Head Recovery conditioner with prickly pear cactus extract for damaged hair

Product Details: TIGI Bed Head Urban Antidotes Recovery

I first discovered Bed Head at the Birmingham Clothes Show when I was 14. They were giving away products, and I came away with a coconut-scented styling product that made me a fan of the brand.

What I purchased:

  • Bed Head Urban Antidotes Recovery Shampoo and Conditioner duo pack
  • 750ml bottles (each)
  • Price: £20 for both
  • Expected usage: 2-3 months, washing hair 3 times per week

The scent: Both products smell like Skittles – sweet and fruity! The fragrance lasts quite well after washing.

Value for money: While £20 might seem expensive compared to drugstore brands, the large 750ml bottles last significantly longer than standard 250-400ml bottles, making the cost per use quite reasonable.

 Long frizzy hair after using Bed Head Recovery shampoo showing shine and smoothness results

Is Bed Head Good for Your Hair? My Honest Results

After using the Recovery shampoo and conditioner consistently, here are my findings:

What Worked Well:

  • Added shine: The shampoo made my hair noticeably shinier
  • Pleasant scent: The Skittles-like fragrance was enjoyable and long-lasting
  • Good value: Large bottles last several months
  • Moisturising: Helped with overall hydration compared to basic drugstore brands

What Didn’t Meet Expectations:

  • Frizz control: Not as effective as John Frieda Frizz Ease Flawlessly Straight range (still my champion)
  • Smoothness: My hair felt soft but not as sleek as I hoped
  • Texture: Still needed heat styling to manage the frizzy texture

Before and After Photos

The verdict: While the Bed Head Recovery shampoo and conditioner improved my hair’s shine and provided decent moisture, it didn’t completely solve my frizz issues. John Frieda’s Frizz Ease range still wins for smoothness and manageability on my particular hair type.

TIGI Bed Head Recovery shampoo and conditioner 750ml duo set for dry damaged hair

Who Should Use Bed Head Products?

Bed Head Recovery is best for:

  • Moderately dry or damaged hair
  • Those wanting professional salon-quality at home
  • People who prioritise shine and moisture
  • Hair damaged by occasional heat styling or colouring

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have extremely damaged hair (try Bed Head Resurrection – Level 3)
  • You need maximum frizz control (John Frieda Frizz Ease may work better)
  • You’re sulfate-sensitive (try Bed Head Moisture Maniac instead)
  • Your hair gets greasy easily (some users report heaviness)

Best Bed Head Shampoo for Different Hair Types

Wondering which is the best Bed Head shampoo for your hair? Here’s a quick guide: –

  • Best for dry, damaged hair: Bed Head Recovery (Level 2) –
  • Best for severely damaged hair: Bed Head Resurrection (Level 3) –
  • Best sulfate-free option: Bed Head Moisture Maniac –
  • Best for blonde hair: Bed Head Dumb Blonde
  • Best for colour-treated hair: Bed Head Colour Goddess

Bed Head Product Line Comparison

TIGI Bed Head offers several ranges for different hair concerns:

  1. Recovery (Level 2): For dry, damaged hair needing moisture – this review
  2. Resurrection (Level 3): For severely damaged hair requiring intensive repair
  3. Moisture Maniac: Sulfate-free option for dry, dull hair
  4. Colour Goddess: Low-sulfate formula for colour-treated hair
  5. Self Absorbed: For mega moisture and shine
  6. Dumb Blonde: Purple-toned formula for blonde hair

Urban Antidotes by TIGI Bed Head Hair duo

Final Verdict: Is TIGI Bed Head Shampoo Good?

    Overall rating: 3.5/5 stars

    TIGI Bed Head Recovery is a good quality shampoo and conditioner with professional-grade formulations and noticeable benefits for dry hair. The products live up to the brand’s reputation for salon-quality results at home.

    Pros: ✓ Professional salon quality ✓ Large bottle sizes offer excellent value ✓ Pleasant fragrance ✓ Adds visible shine ✓ Moisturises dry hair ✓ Trusted brand used by professionals

    Cons: ✗ Contains sulfates (though milder than SLS) ✗ May not work for severe frizz ✗ Can feel heavy for some hair types ✗ Not the absolute best for smoothness (personal preference)

    Bottom line: Bed Head is a good brand with quality products that work for most people with dry, damaged hair. While it improved my hair’s condition and shine, I personally prefer John Frieda for frizz control. However, many users with different hair types love Bed Head products, and the Recovery range receives generally positive reviews from customers worldwide.

    Where to Buy TIGI Bed Head Recovery

    You can purchase TIGI Bed Head Urban Antidotes Recovery here on Amazon.

    Have You Tried Bed Head?

    What’s your experience with TIGI Bed Head shampoo and conditioner? Does it work for your hair type? Let me know in the comments which Bed Head products you love!

    Frequently Asked Questions About Bed Head Shampoo

    Is Bed Head shampoo bad for your hair?

    No, Bed Head shampoo is not bad for your hair when used as directed. The Recovery range contains sulfates, which some people prefer to avoid, but these are considered safe for most hair types. If you have concerns about sulfates, try the Moisture Maniac sulfate-free range instead.

    Is Bed Head shampoo good quality?

    Yes, Bed Head is a professional salon-quality brand with formulations designed by hairstylists. The products contain effective ingredients and deliver noticeable results for dry, damaged hair.

    How long does a 750ml bottle of Bed Head shampoo last?

    With regular use (washing hair 3 times per week), a 750ml bottle typically lasts 2-3 months, making it good value compared to smaller bottles from other brands.

    Can I use Bed Head Recovery shampoo on colour-treated hair?

    Yes, you can use Bed Head Recovery on colour-treated hair, though the Colour Goddess range is specifically formulated for coloured hair and may be a better option if you want maximum colour protection.


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    35 comments

    1. You hair looks amazing —-I love this brand I even have it for my dogs. I know I was as amaze when I saw it at a pet store and I purchase it. Great tutorial.

    2. Your hair looks great, I wish I could get mine to look that healthy and long! I also love the idea of shampoo that smells of skittles, despite you saying its not as good as others. I’m easily swayed…

    3. Bed Head used to be one of my absolute favorite products!! I love the smell of their sprays! I haven’t used them in ages and now have a sudden urge to go to a hairdresser and buy a few bits and bobs!!! ๐Ÿ™‚

    4. It’s been awhile since I’ve used any Bed Head products but they make a hair wax in stick form that I really like.

    5. I lovw TIGI. I’m currently using the oatmeal and honey but I use whatever I can get of their products in TK Maxx, its so much cheaper!

    6. You have such pretty hair! I’ve never tried the Bed Head products. Biolage is definitely my favorite brand of shampoo and conditioner ๐Ÿ™‚

    7. This stuff is great! I still love biosilk. I know that product is old, but it smells so good and feels even better!

      xo

      Michaela

    8. Your hair looks in great condition really lovely and shiny. I really try to change my shampoos and conditioner every couple of months as it gets used to the product. Favourites are those that are sulphate free. Lucy x

    9. Hi sweetie
      so amazing review and product
      Your hair looks wonderful
      Kisses
      Maggie Dallospedale Fashion diary – Fashion blog

    10. I always used to use Bed Head, then totally forgot then existed. Your hair looks stunning though, enough to sell any hair care!!

      Annabel โ™ฅ
      Mascara & Maltesers

    11. Your hair looks really healthy for that length! I have yet to try Tigi or John Freida but have seen both brands here. I will keep it in mind when my current shampoo finish.

      Reflection of Sanity

    12. Great photos! I’ve actually never used Bed Head products before…but I do love the idea of a product that smells like Skittles! Yay!! I’ll have to check these out. I use Aussie Miraculously Smooth Conditioner to keep my hair super moisturized. Works wonders for me as my hair is SUPER picky! I also am adding a pinup themed rose conditioner to my beauty brand very soon that peeps are going to love.

      โ™ก Regina โ™ก
      Margarita Bloom: Retro Modern Beauty & Skincare
      Beauty Brandโ™ก http://www.margarita-bloom.com
      Blogโ™ก http://www.cherrylipsblondecurls.com
      Facebookโ™ก https://www.facebook.com/pages/Margarita-Bloom/28087812273?ref=mf
      Twitterโ™ก https://twitter.com/MargaritaBloom

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