Product Junkie Rehab

It's been almost 3 years since I transitioned and 2 years into my natural hair journey. Over the course of that short time being natural I have developed a bit of a problem collecting hair products. I don't even know how this even started it just slowly crept in like a bad fart on an crowded elevator. When I was relaxed I never was into buying and spending money on products. I was like a guy if was cheap and gets the job done I bought it. I think since being natural I discovered a love for my hair that I didn't have before. Let me be honest for a minute here and make this statement . I HATED BEING RELAXED!!!! I only stayed relaxed because it was all I  knew outside of wearing braids and a ponytail. I'm so glad I made the change from relax to natural. No more chemical burns, long noise salon visits, and spending $60+ just to have my scalp burned off every 6-8 weeks (so don't miss those days). After getting rid of one problem I kinda developed another. At first it started by me not knowing what products worked for my hair, because I didn't know the basics  of natural hair and the whole hair typing thing. Once I grasps the basic knowledge about natural hair, then finding out the different kinds of products and how to properly use them for my type of hair things got a lot easier. I started to find a few staple products some not so nice products. Then something created a spark in me that I never had before. The more I researched the more I was interested. The more I was interested the more money I was spending on products. Fast forward I was hooked on trying every product that caught my eye, especially if it was on sale with a coupon marked down in the clearance section type of product. I was watching YouTube product hauls and reviews like they were hardcore porn movies. I looked up one day and notice my bed room was dominated by an organized prison for hair products. They were every where!!! In my closet, in a costume trunk, in a plastic 3 tier container, in the bathroom cabinet, almost a year worth of curl kit boxes and in the shower. I've tried giving some of it away and there is still too much left. So I have to face the music. I am Girl Friday and I am a product junkie. I never thought I would of seen the day I admit I love products because I love my hair. I've been doing pretty good lately using up stuff but still I find myself buying things. At least its things like conditioners that I use up in no time and things to make deep conditioners with. I've been only trying to buy things when I have to or are things that I really use on a daily, weekly, monthly basis. I plan on giving away most of the hair products I have left to newly natural women since I know how hard it was for me starting out. So here are a few tips I'm learning on my road to product junkie recovery.

Product Junkie Recovery Tips

• Clean House- Sort through all your products if it hasn't been used at least 4-5 times in the last 6 months put it in a box to be given away. Most likely your not gonna use them, some one else could.
• Inventory-Make a list of all the products you use by category (Shampoo, Conditioner, Deep treatments, Leave-ins, Moisturizers, Stylers, Oils, Tools, etc) By doing this you know exactly what products you use in your regimen and won't wonder or purchase other products.
• Restrictions&Limits- By setting up ground rules you only use what products you have and only buy what you need.
• Fighting Temptations- When getting the urge to walk down the isles of the supermarket hair section 

1. Stop and turn around you have plenty of products at home you can use.
2. Look but don't touch you won't buy it if you don't touch it.
3. Take mental inventory of products and come back to them when you use up products you already have at home.
4. If its a product you use REGULARLY and its on sale its ok to stock up on but not ok to horde (No more than 4-5 bottles of a product at one time)
5. Always keep a list of the products you NEED not WANT on hand when your out shopping.

• Recover Slowly-Take your time it's a process we are creatures of habit. A "PJ" addiction is just like any other addiction you can relapse if you don't take the steps needed to control it. 

The L-O-C Method

 The rise of natural hair awareness (trend or not) has sparked many questions from natural haired woman. The most frequently asked question being, "How do I keep my hair moisturized?". I think alot of woman relaxed or natural have come across this issue more than once in their life time. It's a "hair thang" that alot of woman from all walks of life have to deal with, but mostly black woman. The lack of retaining moisture will bring any naturalist to their knees. Most woman in general run out and try to buy or find any miracle product that will promise or ensure their hair will be fully packed with moisture. Which sadly becomes a lost cause and another product to bury in the product stash grave yard. Maybe it isn't just what you pt in your hair, but how you your using the products. Which leads my to the topic at hand. The L-O-C Method (Leave in, Oil, Conditioner) I first came across this method my first few months post big chop (Dec 20 2011) after transitioning for 7 months. After watching so many youtubers explain and break down this unique and easy method for retaining moisture. The "L-O-C Method" is simply applying certain products in a general order on wet or dry hair.

(The Break Down)  L-O-C

 

1. Leave In
2. Oil
3. Conditioner

Leave in conditioner acts as the foundation product that helps continue the conditioning process which soften, detangles, and makes the hair more manageable.

Oil works as a sealant for the hair shaft and nutrient for the scalp. Oils vary in uses and benefits research which oil works best for your personal preference, seasonal weather and health.

Conditioner (moisturizer) is used to soften, strengthen and moisturize the hair making the hair soft, shiny, and healthy.

This is the only method I personally used that really locks the moisture in my hair. I've tried different ways but this simple 3 step method is a sure way to keep the moisture in my hair longer. Another key ingredient is picking the right product for your hair texture, porosity and hair type.