"It's technique not Product"

[Charz]

The ladies with the most progress/longest hair usually have simple regimens.....

 

[Ms Lala]

I just want to add that some us just like products too. I like trying new things but I don't feel like I need them for my reggie. People do similar things w/makeup, polish etc... For me trying new things is fun, I particularly like trying new conditioners and oils.

 

[aa9746]

Subscribing

 

[Solitude]

I think there's some confusion here about regimens vs. products. I have a lot of products, but I cleanse/DC/style/moisturize. That's a simple regimen. My style determines which products I use day-to-day and week-to-week, and I experiment with a lot of different styles.

I've also noticed that some ladies who claim they K.I.S.S. actually have a bunch of products - shampoos, no poos, poo bars, tea for tea rinses, rinse out conditioners, deep conditioners, oils, henna/indigo, all different types of products from online natural hair retailers, and a bunch of different oils.

I don't think newbies should believe the hype that they have to keep it simple because "the ladies with the longest hair have the simplest regimens." You have no idea what products/tools/hair toys these people have in their bathrooms and use every day. They don't go online and post every little thing that they do to their hair. Don't copy somebody's whole regimen- find what works for you!

 

[Americka]

I think one has to work towards simplicity as an end. When I read my journal and look at ALL of the things I did as part of my regimen, I just shake my head. I have certainly simplified my regimen, but by no means is it the simplest out there. The key is that it works for me. As others have stated, you have to do what works for you.

 

[reeko43]

I think the youtuber was targeting people like me. I just started my hair journey 2 months ago after looking up a video on flexirods. I knew nothing about caring for my hair. I watched video after vidoe about different products and gadgets. Then I followed links to forums and discoverd more products and gadgets. I have purchased so much stuff in the last 2 months! I figured these ladies had gorgeous hair and if they said it was a "must have" it must be.

I began to get overwhelmend by the money I was spending and trying to keep up with all of the recommendations. I finally ran across truthishair's video and that was a game changer for me. I have stopped buying gadgets and products and now focus on price and what is working out of the stash I have. I am focusing more on "technique"! I had even started saving for a $100 + flat iron but changed my mind and bought one off eBay for $14.99. It is a Cortex and from reviews I read it is at least better than my Goldenhot that I have used for the last 5 years.

Don't get me wrong, I think that I have discoved products that I would never have without checking out different ones. However, I have been disappointed by most of my purchases and really only use a third of what I bought. Lesson learned

 

[chelleypie810]

I have to agree with this..not saying products completely don't matter BUT my hair one, Silk elements or Argan Oil Mask, and my styling creme are the only products I use on wash day. Then my stylists rolls and blowdries and I'm good for the next 3 or 4 days. I normally don't moisturize however during the winter its a diff story b/c of the dry air..but yea my hair has always done best with keeping it extra simple. Unfortunately I bought tons of stuff when I first came on the board even though my hair had always been a decent length using three products and before stylists chopped the s*it outta my hair. I know better now and just stick to my basics..

 

[baddison]

So I came across this youtuber (which I will not mention) who really got me thinking. Do we really need all the products that we buy and use in our hair? Do we really need 10 different conditioners to help retain length. I think that some times we give products too much praise instead of thinking that maybe its what we do to our hair(keeping it simple) and not what we use.

So I continued to watch this anonymous youtuber to see what her regimen was to retain her length (mbl) and surprisingly, she simply uses a cheap conditioner,( which she fails to mention because she doesn't advertise brands) airdries, and moisturize with EVCO.

Im not gonna lie, she made some real valid points in her videos that made me realize that maybe I don't need to waste my money on products like the 8 conditioners sitting in my bathroom..when just keeping it simple and using organic oils with protective styling is the key.

I am also subscribed to QB. I tend to agree with some of her points. Further proof to her case is that we all use differently products, but each of us is still experiencing nice growth. I believe in "you use what works for you", but in fact it really all boils down to how you handle your hair (technique). What good does it do for me to use the same exact products as another, when all I do is RIP my hair outta my head with poor styling and handling techniques.

She makes some really good observations, which is why I no longer consider myself a "product junkie". I have found what works for me, now I simply focus on treating my hair like silk, like royalty, and not man-handling it during my routines.

 

[danysedai]

I think some of us are confusing 2 things, regimen and products. What about when you have a simple regimen but like to have lots of products. I think my regimen is simple, wash,condition,leave in,rollerset,flat iron roots and a bit of serum. What I do is rotate my conditioners and have about 2 shampoos.

Now, I LOVE products, and I get pleasure (not the sexual kind but kinda close ) when I use the products I like. My conditioners (Alfaparf,Alter Ego,Kerastase and Silicon Mix) are by no means cheap but the way they make my hair feel and look, I wouldn't change it for another conditioner just because it's cheaper (I haven't found a cheapie that I like as much as the ones I have sorry)

The rest of my products are the "problem solvers" as I call them, my Roux porosity, my Aphogee, my chelating or clarifying shampoos.

Could I make do with only one conditioner?Yes. Do I want to? Absolutely not, I have found the ones I love and work for my hair. Would I recommend a newbie to get a thousand eleven products? Again no.

 

[TrueToHair]

...........................................

 

[~~HoneyComb~~]

You really shouldn't beat yourself up if just starting out on this journey. How are you going to figure out what works for you if you don't try? Just don't stay in newbie mode for 10 years please



..

I love this statement.

 

[NikStarrr]

I'm a firm believer in that statement.

 

[Carisa]

I think there's some confusion here about regimens vs. products. I have a lot of products, but I cleanse/DC/style/moisturize. That's a simple regimen. My style determines which products I use day-to-day and week-to-week, and I experiment with a lot of different styles.

I've also noticed that some ladies who claim they K.I.S.S. actually have a bunch of products - shampoos, no poos, poo bars, tea for tea rinses, rinse out conditioners, deep conditioners, oils, henna/indigo, all different types of products from online natural hair retailers, and a bunch of different oils.

I don't think newbies should believe the hype that they have to keep it simple because "the ladies with the longest hair have the simplest regimens." You have no idea what products/tools/hair toys these people have in their bathrooms and use every day. They don't go online and post every little thing that they do to their hair. Don't copy somebody's whole regimen- find what works for you!

Exactly!!!!! A simple regimen does not mean a cheap regimen! It seems like alot of people are confusing the two. My regimen is simple but it surely is not cheap (esp. with conditioners and different oils) Also when you are new to hair care it is important you find what works for you (and finding those staple products can be time consuming and expensive too! Everybody don't find their staple products in one day- you will have to try different products out) Also I like to know starting points of women with longer hair to see did you actually grow your hair long or was it already that way to begin with.

 

[Hysi]

I have shampoo, condish, the relaxer and neutralizer and that's it. I don't believe most people need a lot of products. I don't wear protective styles and my hair is now bra strap length, so it's working for me. I think some people do more harm than good with so many products.

ITA. One thing I have noticed for sure is that before coming to the board, my regimen was very simple, tried and true and my hair always grew fast thick and healthy and retained length. After coming to the hair boards and learning all the new things others were doing and seeing their results, I had to go in and jump on the next hot thing. Now I have had setback after setback, although it still grows, it's not healthy like normal- I have issues. I have never had more shedding in my life! It is thinner in the back and I can't figure out why.

I just told my husband last week that I'm giving up all this n that and going back to my old ways and try to get the health of my hair back. I don't know if the problem is the protein/moisture balance or what. I am very sad about this too.

While I have always been a product junkie, never have I went so bizerk. Most were just to try and I always used my ole faithfuls and let the others pile up, lol. ANd I have never protective styled and still don't and never had a problem. So yeah, I truly believe there is some truth to that. But to each his own.

 

[Glamiam]

True, you also have to consider where people are in their hair journey. Someone who is trying to get their hair back on track after damage is going to take more effort (deep conditioning, for example) than someone who has arrived at her goal. Once you've reached your goal, you've perfected your technique and of course it will be simple.

You really shouldn't beat yourself up if just starting out on this journey. How are you going to figure out what works for you if you don't try? Just don't stay in newbie mode for 10 years please



Side note - my hair HATES cheapie conditioners. If I have to spend $1 extra for organic I'm gonna do it....

I don't even remember how my hair reacts to cheap conditioners because i haven't used one in so long...but i do use Dominican conditioners ( my hair loves them) so i sometimes mix them if i have a couple. Anywho, I used to purchase alot of "breakage control" serums and leave-ins blah blah blah and honestly i don't even use them anymore after the first time, its like my hair does better or the same without them. But when i was first starting my hair journey, i would use about 10 conditioners plus treatments whenever i washed. Now thinking back, its like i used to overload my hair with products.

 

[La Colocha]

I think its both depending on the person. I know i can't just use oil and water or just conditioner on my hair, it would be a hot mess. I have the same reggie every week but i rotate products that work for my hair. My hair is healthy and growing and i am content with that. I love suave and use it for a few steps when i wash, and some people can't use suave because it doesn't work for them. Every head is different and every journey will be different.

 

[Curlykale]

I started to spend less money, have a simple regimen and see results when I learned about techniques and ingredients (the ones my hair loved and hated, and the objectively bad ones to avoid). I believe in experimenting with them one by one until you find what's for you. When you know about technique and ingredients you are not subject to changes in formulations, potentially damaging ingredients, bandwagons, advertising, the weather, discontinued products and setbacks.

 

[arosieworld]

I have started to save money because I found my staples and even though they are not super cheap. I watch for sales. I just got the set of shampoo and condish in the holiday package bundled together at trade secret for 9 bucks when normally one is 18!! So I loaded up.

 

[GraceV]

I think there's some confusion here about regimens vs. products. I have a lot of products, but I cleanse/DC/style/moisturize. That's a simple regimen. My style determines which products I use day-to-day and week-to-week, and I experiment with a lot of different styles.

I've also noticed that some ladies who claim they K.I.S.S. actually have a bunch of products - shampoos, no poos, poo bars, tea for tea rinses, rinse out conditioners, deep conditioners, oils, henna/indigo, all different types of products from online natural hair retailers, and a bunch of different oils.

I don't think newbies should believe the hype that they have to keep it simple because "the ladies with the longest hair have the simplest regimens." You have no idea what products/tools/hair toys these people have in their bathrooms and use every day. They don't go online and post every little thing that they do to their hair. Don't copy somebody's whole regimen- find what works for you!

Because the 'Thanks' button is not enough.

I'm a firm believer in good technique and good products. Yes the cheapie products have their uses-- and I have those, the best being my V05 conditioners-- but the really good (and usually more expensive) brands have major merits in their favor.

I daresay that good quality products can make your regimen even simpler. In the beginning of my hair journey I would pre-poo, then mix oil, honey, and coconut milk in with several ounces of a cheap DC, sit for 30 minutes and have nicely conditioned hair. These days I don't have time for mixing and sitting around. I've found more expensive brands give me great results with less product, and without the mixing and sitting around. If I can get equal or better results with my Joico Reconstructor in 5 minutes, why would I be doing an Aphogee 2-step?

Overall I think most women who have 50-11 products have simple regimens (2nd bolded) we just enjoy variety-- and in many cases, variety is necessary if you're going for multiple looks/styles.

 

[darlingdiva]

Because the 'Thanks' button is not enough.

I'm a firm believer in good technique and good products. Yes the cheapie products have their uses-- and I have those, the best being my V05 conditioners-- but the really good (and usually more expensive) brands have major merits in their favor.

I daresay that good quality products can make your regimen even simpler. In the beginning of my hair journey I would pre-poo, then mix oil, honey, and coconut milk in with several ounces of a cheap DC, sit for 30 minutes and have nicely conditioned hair. These days I don't have time for mixing and sitting around. I've found more expensive brands give me great results with less product, and without the mixing and sitting around. If I can get equal or better results with my Joico Reconstructor in 5 minutes, why would I be doing an Aphogee 2-step?

Overall I think most women who have 50-11 products have simple regimens (2nd bolded) we just enjoy variety-- and in many cases, variety is necessary if you're going for multiple looks/styles.

I agree with the bolded. I can imagine that it would be time-consuming all of those ingredients into a cheapie conditioner PLUS sit for at least 30 minutes to allow all of it to penetrate & do something to your hair. I only do the home grown steam treatment for 15 minutes. Also, with all of the ingredients you have to use for a cheapie DC mixture, you might as well spend a few extra dollars for a stand-alone DC.

 

[Britt]

I'm sorry but products do matter for me. I realized that years ago when I joined the board. Also you may not need a ton of products, but it's good to find the ones that work for you. Not everything yields the same results. You can have a simple regi with minimal products, but make sure the products work for your hair. I don't think you need several of each product category but make sure you like what works for your hair.
Also, some ppl who "KISS" hair regimen isn't exactly simple to me when you just used an oil, a butter, a creamy pudding, a leave in, etc... that's not exactly simple to me.

 

[KurlyNinja]

I think the technique does have a lot to do with it. But there is no way in HE!! that technique is gonna help with the application of something like Pink Lotion.

 

[iri9109]

i think products matter to an extent...but i dont think your products have to be expensive to work all the time...i hate some cheapy condishes like v05 & suave coconut because they're too thin and watery for my hair now, but i love some cheapy condishes like aussie moist or tresemme naturals...for example tigi bedhead moisture maniac normally sells for over $20 (i see it for $12 @ tjmaxx sometimes), and i like it...but i like my $5 pump bottle of aussie better...i dont think its always neccessary to spend $15 or $20 for 8-12 oz of product or less, or order exclusively online , because there are cheaper products that work just as well or better...and i agree about jumping on bandwagons...which goes back to maybe its technique not product, because my hair thrived as a child and there was no lhcf for my mom to look at when she was taking care of my hair, and she used some products and practices that alot of ppl here would consider "unhealthy", but i never had some detailed regimen, but my hair was perfectly fine.

 

[curlyhersheygirl]

I believe you have to find a balance between the two.
For me the first thing was establishing the right routine for my hair and then finding the right products. There are alot of products that fall in each category (moisturizer,sealant etc) but they are not created equally.
My sis and I always have this argument because she can use stuff from bss but I can't so I've found what works and stick to that.

 

[KurleeK5]

Honestly, I realized that it depends on your hair. It seems on this post that women with relaxed hair don't really see the need for all the products, which makes sense as their hair is consistently in one state; Relaxed. The natural ladies have more styling options hence the need for more products (in my opinion). I would not use the castor oil or Eco gel on my flat-ironed hair versus a WNG or "puff” where I need it to style my hair. Additionally, it seems women with natural need a lot of moisture and a lot of women enjoy make their own moisturizing concoctions, oils and DCs to keep the moisture balance in check which = more products. At the end of the day, I think it's all a matter of what people want. I have a trillion products that as a natural on this board, I've used and my hair has liked, hated, or felt indifferent about.

 

[B3e]

products are like clothes...you really don't need them, let's be honest. But some closets are definitely more loaded than others. Neither route is good or bad, I think you just hav to understand that the things you have don't define you.

I rinsed my hair with water today, slapped a little vaseline, and voila...I had my wash and go, my mum was all up in my hair and yet, she has a million products and her hair is yet to go past NL because she insists her hair is not like mine and needs more. lol.

 

[sj73]

I like to keep it simple too, but I used to purchase different conditioners until I found the best protein and moisturizing conditioners for my hair. I had several at one time because I found great deals at Marshalls and TJMaxx. I have only two great ones now!

I'm using my stash now, but I plan to try some more conditioners in the future. I've never had different shampoos. Just a moisturizing shampoo and clarifying...that's it.

 

[AfroKink]

I don't agree that products aren't important to hair health and retention. It's not like all products are created equally. There isn't a "1 product that fits all". One product may work gloriously for one lady and cause matting and tangles leading to a set back for me. The best techniques cannot overcome that. A statement like "it's not the number of products..." would be more accurate because type of product really does matter.

 

[lolascurls]

Someone above mentionned that products are like clothes. I agree with that but in a different way to what she explained. I feel that you may have the most expensive wardrobe of clothes but look a "ham" because you don't know how to put the pieces together!
However, your technique (style) with picking and choosing what goes here and there will make you look great! Similiarly with cheaper clothes, you CAN look a million bucks!

The main point I still stand by is that, it's not the price of the products or the number of products invading your cabinet and sink space lol, it's how you use them...how they fit into the grand scheme of you being more gentle with, moisturizing and protecting your hair. If the product causes knots everytime you look at it, throw it out or give it away! If you have to mix 5 million other oils and butters into it (or layer something else on all the time) to make the hair look or feel as good as another, slightly more expensive but effective product....stop fooling yourself and let it go!

 

[camilla]

I KNOW WHO YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT she does have a valid point i found my staple moisture and protein line and my few oils i am bsl and growing i gave away SO much it is sickening