Let’s face it. Product Junkies exist and the struggle is REAL. The fact that there are so many different hair products for curly hair out there to choose from makes brand selection very overwhelming. You end up feeling like you need to buy EVERYTHING! Am I preaching to any product junkies here? In an effort to curb your enthusiasm, here are some great tips on how to be smart and confident about the hair products you buy. These tips are especially helpful when you’re starting out as a new natural on your hair journey.
Here are some things you want to consider when buying hair products:
PRICE
Ask yourself “is it too expensive?” and “do you typically give up on products before they run out?” If the answer is yes to either of these questions, it’s probably better for you to stick with drugstore brands until you identify the types of ingredients your hair prefers. Then you can upgrade to pricier products.
QUANTITY
Similar to the point above, if you prefer to try multiple products it might actually be cheaper in the long run to purchase a smaller size of a particular product versus the jumbo size that seems more cost effective but you never end up finishing (because you don’t like it or move on to something else).
QUALITY
Once you use the product, determine whether or not your hair “agrees” with it. How does your hair feel? Are you curls soft or do they feel stiff? Does it feel moisturized/strong or does feel dry/brittle? Answering these questions will help you figure out if the product is doing it’s job. You may want to give a product at least 3 months if the initial results are positive. Also, knowing your hair’s porosity will clue you in on whether the product is right.
CONSISTENCY/TEXTURE
You should keep in mind how fine, medium or thick your hair is because you don’t want to weigh down your hair. Hair that’s on the finer side won’t appreciate thicker products like creams or butters.
RESEARCH
If you are interested in a certain product or brand in general, it’s so important to do your research. YouTube and Google are your friends! Find some reviews from other people who’ve tried the product – it’ll help you make a more informed decision.
WEATHER/CLIMATE
Yes, weather affects your hair! Weather, plus ingredients, affect how your hair will react to the product. For example, you want to find glycerin-free products if you live in colder climates but in warmer climates, humectants will be your friend. Best not to use products with glycerin (or other humectants) during the winter because the product pulls moisture from your hair/scalp instead of the atmosphere.
INGREDIENTS
This is the most important factor when identifying products. I personally don’t pay much attention to fancy packaging or price. I just go directly to the ingredients. I prefer all-natural/organic, cruelty-free products. Even if that isn’t your preference, you want to keep ingredients in mind. Look out for ingredients that you may be allergic to or ingredients that you know your hair doesn’t like (some trial and error is involved but best keep a hair diary to minimize guessing!). Also consider the NO-NO ingredients: NO silicones. NO sulfates. No parabens. NO artificial preservatives. NO mineral oils. NO petrolatum… You get the idea!
So what are your thoughts? What are some things you keep in mind when buying new products? What products are you currently trying? Comment down below.
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