Product Junkie

Are you a product junkie hair care enthusiast?  Let's take a simple test to see where you land on the product junkie scale:

1. Does your bathroom counter/cabinet(s), shower, tub, etc resemble a beauty supply?
2. Do the folks at Sprouts or Whole Foods know you by name?
3. Are there more edible oils in your bathroom than your kitchen?
4. Do you purchase a hair product every time you are in the store?
5. Do you receive a new hair product in the mail weekly?
6. Can your husband define product junkie? (raises hand...smh)

If you can answer yes to 2 or more of those questions, you might be a product junkie (PJ).  A product junkie is defined as a person who is addicted to purchasing and trying new hair products regardless of necessity.  I was am a product junkie...kinda.  As you can see I'm not ready to admit my illness.  In all seriousness, being a PJ isn't a horrible fate.  As a new natural I purchased several hair products in hopes of finding what worked for my hair.  Being a PJ definitely has advantages and disadvantages:

Pros

• Knowledge - you learn so much about your hair, how can that be bad?!
• The thrill - there a certain level of excitement you get from purchasing a new product
• Being well versed in products - ahem "The know it all"

Cons

• Expensive
• Wasteful
• No consistency 

Let's explore ways to avoid becoming a product junkie or ways to control your junkie-ism

1. Staples - every natural or transitioner needs a cleanser, conditioner, leave in, styler, and for some a detangler.  Find those products and stick with them!
2. Develop a regimen - give products a chance.  You can't use a product once and see any real benefit.  Use products for at least a month and then reevaluate.  As they say in the business world, you can't manage what you don't measure.
3. Set goals - Have an idea of where you are going on your hair journey and curtail your purchases based on those goals.
4. Research - Spend some time learning about hair, the different products on the market, and what ingredients are in those products.  Every product doesn't work for everyone.  Research!
5. Product Swap - To avoid a significant amount of waste, sign up for a product swap.  A product swap is essentially an AA meeting for product junkies.  Good times!
6. Set a budget - If you HAVE to buy products then set a monthly budget for product purchases.

Wherever you fall on the PJ scale EMBRACE it!  This natural ride is a fun process and shouldn't be bogged down with rules & regulations.  So...are you a product junkie?  We would love to hear from you! Please comment below.  Also, if there are any topics you would like discussed feel free to email us at info@lovemyhairitage.com

XOXO,

Lisa