I’m sure many of you in the natural hair community have heard the term “product junkie” before. Some of you may even be one yourself. Most PJs I know didn’t start off this way, and I wasn’t always one myself. Over the past few months, I’ve been seriously contemplating how I came to amass such a vast collection of products, and just how I ended up becoming a product junkie.
Before I start, let me just say being a product junkie is not all bad. Expensive, yes, but it’s not always a bad thing. I’ve discovered many products I normally wouldn’t have given the time of day, and I have an opportunity to pass along anything that doesn’t quite work for my hair.
So how does someone even become a product junkie in the first place? The rapidly expanding natural hair care industry has played a big part in my ability to even consider becoming a product junkie. There are so many new brands and products out on the market, it makes it hard to pick just one. Even though I’d consider myself a “veteran” natural, I still find it hard to make decisions about what to buy, so I know it’s even harder for those who are newly natural or transitioning.
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One of the biggest reasons I think I’ve become a product junkie is that I like to play in my hair, and that experimentation has led to an interest in trying different types of products. From conditioners to moisturizers and everything in between, you name it, I’ve probably tried it. Although I have my favorite brands, I am still learning new styles and have been trying new products to complement those styles. Not all products work well together, and it’s a good idea to know which ones in combination will give you your best hair. There is a method to the madness that is being a product junkie!
What I will say about becoming a product junkie is that it’s not for everyone, nor is it completely necessary. Going natural does not automatically make you want to run out and buy every product labeled natural under the sky. Take it from me, managing a product stash is not always fun! Your natural journey does not have to be an expensive one, and it doesn’t require you to fill your cabinets to overflowing with more products than you have hair! Taking the time to develop a system that works for you with regards to the products that you buy and use can save you time and money in the long run.
This entry was posted on Friday, October 5th, 2012 at 11:00 am and is filed under Products. You can follow any comments to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a comment. Pinging is currently not allowed.
October 5th, 2012 at 10:20 pm
I, TOO AM A PRODUCT JUNKIE! I have always been this way. Packaging gets me all the time, I love cute and pretty. Expensive is just the tip of the iceberg. I find myself searching different videos and blogs for products I think I might like for another day. My next big purchases are $75 in all natural and pure oils (so i can mix and match) and a few of my favorite items from Carol’s Daughter. I also want to buy the Kinky Curly line but that will wait until next summer!
October 7th, 2012 at 3:27 pm
I have experienced the fail attempted to use different products that does not go well together. Either it leaves a white residue that does not go away or it leaves my hair feeling waxing, oily, dry etc. Since you have an extensive experience in combining hair products, Can you make a basic list of products that go well together?
October 8th, 2012 at 3:35 pm
@Berri_Cherri I too love ingredients as well…that’s a separate stash that I didn’t post
I’m trying to keep my buying down until I use up most of these products (or until the best sale…whichever is 1st!)
@Kathy9790 I wish I had a master list of product combinations…that would solve a bunch of problems! It’s really been just trial and error for me. There are some products that I don’t like for my hair for several of the reasons you mentioned, but everybody’s hair is different. I can say that usually for my hair Kinky Curly Knot Today, John Masters Citrus & Neroli Detangler, and DIY Haircare Detangler/Leave-In have been pretty good as far as playing well with other products. I find that more of the natural products without waxes go better together; plus a lot of times it’s manipulation (intial set or next day refreshing) that causes residue and flakes. I wish I could be more helpful!