I CAN'T AFFORD EXPENSIVE PRODUCTS ANYMORE

[Mandy4610]

Ok ladies, here's the deal. DH and I bought a new house, its our first home, this is exciting for us.............but, it means we have house payments before anything else.......it means i can not afford to be a PJ any more and I can not afford to buy expensive products.
What are some good products that are not so expensive? I am relaxed and I use mostly Mizani, Keracare and most recently Elasta QP and Aphogee.
I need some good alternativesohwell:
Please help

 

[Leslie_C]

Hmmm...well at the walmart salon I noticed the keracare products reallly are only a dollar or two more than the drugstore brands. Another option would be you buying the large sizes of the products you use in bulk...it comes out to be much cheaper. For example get the liter size or 32oz size of your keracare products and the tub of humecto. They would probably last at least a year and Im pretty sure longer than that. There are a few sites you can get them from at a discount.

Here are my favorite cheapies:

BTW Elasta QP everything is very reasonably priced....Their shampoo for relaxed hair is nice, and their breakage control serum is a nice mild protein treatment. Im not sure what is a good cheap heavy protein...

Cream of nature poo and conditioner are cheap and very moisturizing.

Suave daily clarifying makes a good clarifier and its like a dollar.

For a deep conditioner...I would say use cholesterol....cheap and effective! Doctor it up with honey and oil for something extra if u want.

Rinse out conditioners or cowashes: white rain tropical coconut...best dollar I spend lol.

Moisturizer: elasta qp moisture recovery...2.49 lol.

Serum/heat protectant: whatever is on sale....they are about the same to me anyway as far as drugstore brands.


congrats on your new home!

 

[Amarech]

Congrats on the new house!! And much props for being financially responsible.
Some would just continue being a PJ.

I used to be in the same situation as far as not being able to purchase high end products. Here are a few suggestions.

Try and catch only the best of the best products on sale and buy in bulk.

ex. you use a combination of Paul Mitchell, Dudley, Joico, etc. but you really could do with out PM or Joico, then buy your Dudly products in bulk and on sale.

Next, only use your high end products sparingly, like for church, going out, special occasions, etc.

All other times use the best there is at the price you can afford, also buying in bulk when you can.

I highly recommend the Herbal Essence line. Their conditioners are so thick and rich you won't want anything else. Also the various lines they have (straightening, moisturizing, etc) actually work. I've use the pin straight line and the moisturizing line and both have given me phenomenal results.

Also consider in investing in (if you haven't already) quality tools that pay for themselves. That will also help your hair to look amazing even thought you aren't buying the expensive products.
HTH


soooo......whens the house warming?

 

[Mandy4610]

thank you so much ladies, this is very helpful. I think I like the idea of buying in bulk and using sparingly.

My husband says the house warming will be when he has finished beautifying the house. He is so good at it, I swear he should have been an interior designer.

I will be sure to invite all of you guys to our house warming.

 

[PuffyBrown]

Ok ladies, here's the deal. DH and I bought a new house, its our first home, this is exciting for us.............but, it means we have house payments before anything else.......it means i can not afford to be a PJ any more and I can not afford to buy expensive products.
What are some good products that are not so expensive? I am relaxed and I use mostly Mizani, Keracare and most recently Elasta QP and Aphogee.
I need some good alternativesohwell:
Please help

Congrats on the new house.

Keep in mind to that stores have good sales at least 2 to 4 times a year. Put away 6 or 7 dollars every two weeks and stock up at sales 2 to 4 times a year. Alot of stores have BOGO's and 50% off discounts during the holidays. Most products have at least a 1-2 year shelf life. Many of generic products work just as good as the name brand. Elasta QP products are really good. Again Congrats.

 

[cutebajangirl]

Congrats on the new home!

I dont know how much of a PJ you are when I had to tighten my belt I jsut stopped buying new products period. That was two years ago and I still have products, lol. The only thing i have had to buy is a serum and one bottle of CON poo. All this to say try and use what you already have sparingly and save for the BOGO specials etc.

 

[Covergirl5906]

you might want to try elasta QP products....they good and are reasonably priced.....

all I can say is when I look at some of these expensive brands and see that mineral oil is in the fist couple of ingredients listed...it really makes me stick to the more reasonably priced products

 

[seeminglysweet]

The only expensive product I use is Keracare shampoo and I buy that in bulk and both me and my SO use it, it lasts about 4 months. I use Elasta DPR-11 for conditioner but I don't consider that to be high priced. Otherwise I use lots of oils (EVOO, Coconut) which last a long time and have multiple uses (which is key to being frugal with hair products)

Try Indian products, they are VERY affordable really work wonders. Add oils and glycerin to cheapie condish for co-washes. I don't find that an expensive brand is any better than a drugstore brand. It won't be so hard to convert, you'll see.

 

[Tee]

Hmmm...well at the walmart salon I noticed the keracare products reallly are only a dollar or two more than the drugstore brands. Another option would be you buying the large sizes of the products you use in bulk...it comes out to be much cheaper. For example get the liter size or 32oz size of your keracare products and the tub of humecto. They would probably last at least a year and Im pretty sure longer than that. There are a few sites you can get them from at a discount.

Here are my favorite cheapies:

BTW Elasta QP everything is very reasonably priced....Their shampoo for relaxed hair is nice, and their breakage control serum is a nice mild protein treatment. Im not sure what is a good cheap heavy protein...

Cream of nature poo and conditioner are cheap and very moisturizing.

Suave daily clarifying makes a good clarifier and its like a dollar.

For a deep conditioner...I would say use cholesterol....cheap and effective! Doctor it up with honey and oil for something extra if u want.

Rinse out conditioners or cowashes: white rain tropical coconut...best dollar I spend lol.

Moisturizer: elasta qp moisture recovery...2.49 lol.

Serum/heat protectant: whatever is on sale....they are about the same to me anyway as far as drugstore brands.


congrats on your new home!

I agree alot with Leslie C's post. Many great products recs! Buying in bulk is a great tip. (Now you just have to find someone in your new home to store it. )

Congrats on your new home Mandy!

*Also, look for sales on your fav. items. (ex: Trade Secret and JC Penny has some good bogo's from time to time.)

 

[*Muffin*]

It'll all be all right. There are many products out there that aren't expensive and work wonders for the hair. And there are places that you can go that sell for cheaper than others. I'm the cheapest person ever when it comes to buying things. Here's some tips that I follow:

1. Try to go to Wholesale Beauty Supply places to get your things. They usually sell for cheaper than Sally's and salons and often times carry the same things.

2. Get rid of the unnecessaries. For instance, I found it unnecessary to waste money on a leave-in conditioner when I can dilute my regular conditioner, put it in a spray bottle, and spray that in my hair. It works just as well and saves me money!

3. Indian Stores-I just discovered this. If you are fortunate enough to have one near your home, they sell oils like Coconut and Amla for a lot cheaper than online, and they are good quality. Also, I bought an herbal cleanser called Aritha there (soapnut powder) and it only cost 2 dollars. And they sell Henna really cheap. I guess you can look in phone books to see if there's any near you.

4. Health Food Supermarkets-I love Whole Foods. I can buy a big 32 ounce bottle of 365 brand conditioner for less than 4 dollars, and it lasts a long time. I also use it as a leave-in so it kills two birds with one stone. I like the fragrance free conditioner because it's simple, not overpowering, and very moisturizing. They also sell a lot of other things that may be useful for cheaper.

5. Wally World!-Walmart also sells a lot of good products for cheap. For instance, they sell organic root stimulator deep conditioning packs for cheaper than convenience stores. Also ORS deep conditioning packs are a good alternative to expensive deep conditioners. They only cost around $1.20 a pack, and I can sometimes make that pack stretch to two servings!

6. Dilute it or spread it thin-I love doing this. A lot of times I can be guilty of using too much product unnecessarily, and this wastes money!Now, when I Deep Condition my hair I try to use just enough to lightly coat my hair. It's going to seep into the hair anyway, so piling a lot of product on defeats the purpose. And also, If I see that my conditioner is running low, I dilute it with water. That makes it last until I can go out and buy some more of it.

All and all, those are just a few suggestions I came up with. I hope they helped! But there are always ways of getting the products you like for cheaper or finding products that are just as good but cost a lot less.

 

[Leslie_C]

It'll all be all right. There are many products out there that aren't expensive and work wonders for the hair. And there are places that you can go that sell for cheaper than others. I'm the cheapest person ever when it comes to buying things. Here's some tips that I follow:

1. Try to go to Wholesale Beauty Supply places to get your things. They usually sell for cheaper than Sally's and salons and often times carry the same things.

2. Get rid of the unnecessaries. For instance, I found it unnecessary to waste money on a leave-in conditioner when I can dilute my regular conditioner, put it in a spray bottle, and spray that in my hair. It works just as well and saves me money!

3. Indian Stores-I just discovered this. If you are fortunate enough to have one near your home, they sell oils like Coconut and Amla for a lot cheaper than health food stores and online, and they are good quality. Also, I bought an herbal cleanser called Aritha there (soapnut powder) and it only cost 2 dollars. And they sell Henna really cheap. I guess you can look in phone books to see if there's any near you.

4. Dilute-I love doing this. If I feel like money is running short and I can't run out and buy something right now, I dilute it. I don't dilute deep conditioners, but I do dilute regular conditioners. You could also dilute shampoo to make it last longer.

All and all, those are just a few suggestions I came up with. I hope they helped! But there are always ways of getting the products you like for cheaper or finding products that are just as good but cost a lot less.

I like that idea! Also u can add oil or a cheapie conditioner to a more expensive one to stretch it out.

 

[*Muffin*]

I like that idea! Also u can add oil or a cheapie conditioner to a more expensive one to stretch it out.

That's a good idea! I never thought of that one.

 

[BrownBetty]

Congrats on the house!

Questions:

Are the lines you listed your staples? I say stick with them but only them. Buy in bulk and look at ebay or if you know someone who is licensed you can go to those professional stores where items are cheaper.

PJ's (I am reformed), get into trouble because they don't stick to staples and buy everything. I know what it is like to have lean times but I figure if you have to keep trying cheaper products to see what works 3 or 4 cheap products could of been your one staple.

 

[BrooklynSouth]

The products you have sound great. Money needs other places to go..I'd stick to QP products..reasonable cost and pretty good results. The larger sizes of your favorites are available in the rear of your favorite BSS..much cheaper in the salon sizes.

 

[Barbara]

Target, Walmart and K-Mart normally have good, quality products at reasonable prices, and sometimes they are more reasonable when they are on sale.

 

[Divanme]

Congrads on the New Home!!!!

In view of being able to still purchase some of the more exp products.....consider JCPenny's; b/c truth be told this was how I was able to get the majority of my Keracare products.

They have the buy one get one for $1 or .88 cents....I see these two the most so you are basically getting two for one.

You may also want to cut back on Shampoo, and only do this twice a month. Also, not sure where u reside but some of the Bed Bath & Beyond stores carry lines of Hair Care products and they are always sending 20% and $5 off $15 or more coupons.

HTH, b/c even though I am not a Home Owner its hard on me as well being a single parent and a college student - BROKE all the time!!!

Take care and congrads again on your new home!!!

Cid

 

[Mortons]

Mane N G Tail is a good line to use. They have shampoo, conditioner, leave in, and headdress to use. Elasta QP is very inexpensive as well.

 

[Candy_C]

same here

i stick to indian stuff
£20s worth will last me a YEAR

i cost nr enough £10 for enough keracare for a month or two!

 

[Cincysweetie]

I would suggest hanging out on the forum where ladies are selling/trading/giving away products. I'm sure you can find good deals on there.

 

[bravenewgirl87]

Africa's Best Olive Oil Deep Conditioner $3.99

Regis DesignLine Olive Oil Hair Masque $10
​

Motions Lavish Conditioning Shampoo $5
​

Kera Care Hydrating Detangling Shampoo $13.50​

​

Elasta QP Mango Butter Moisturizer $5

Mizani H2O Intense Nighttime Treatment $16.50

BB. Oil Moisturizer with Castor Oil and Aloe $3

​

Pantene Styling Cream,
Relaxed & Natural Oil Moisturizer
$5

Creme Of Nature
Clarifying Shampoo $4
​

Aveda
Brilliant Shampoo
$12.00

Kiehl's Leave-In
Conditioner $18
​

Garnier Fructis
Length and Strength
Leave-In Conditioner $4​

​

Ultra Black Hair
Conditioner $32​

Elasta QP Intense Conditioner $3



























Ion Reconstructor,$2




















Joico K-Pak Reconstructor $25

Aphogee
Essential Oil $4

Long Lovely Locks
Nature's Essential Oils $11
​

​

Jane Carter Solution
Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner $13

Ellin Lavar SatinSoft $7​

​

 

[Mandy4610]

WOW, is there anything that you guys don't have answers for?:wow:
I will definately take these suggestions to heart....or else..........my DH will divorce me.
My problem is that I only have one choice of a place to buy my products. They usually don't have sales because they are the only BSS that carry some of these products made for women of color. We do have wal-mart, but they don't carry alot of these things. This BSS is also very far from my house, so I can't check for sales on a regular basis.
Thanks to all your advice, I think I will be able to do this mortgage thing.....while maintaining my hair's health.........and my DH.

 

[HoneyDew]

Girl, if you need some stuff, PM me. I have NEW stuff you can HAVE if you don't mind paying for the shipping. I can send you a bunch of stuff in one of those flat rate shipping boxes ($8.95 I think). Protein, moisturizing, even some higher end stuff.

CONGRATS on the new crib! That is always exciting and really is more important than being a PJ!

 

[nappity]

I highly recommend the Herbal Essence line. Their conditioners are so thick and rich you won't want anything else. Also the various lines they have (straightening, moisturizing, etc) actually work. I've use the pin straight line and the moisturizing line and both have given me phenomenal results.


I agree. Its heavy in cones but you can releive that symptom by using apple cider vinegar. My trisk would be to buy the suave brands and doctor them up with Olive oil Honey and/ or molasses to get deep conditioning. A very good hot oil treatment is EVOO and Honey.

Get DPR-11. Its 5.99 here where I live for a tub and it makes the best Deep conditioner . Other people swear by Lekair deep condishes too.

Congrats on your new home!!!

 

[Mandy4610]

Congrats on the house!

Questions:

Are the lines you listed your staples? I say stick with them but only them. Buy in bulk and look at ebay or if you know someone who is licensed you can go to those professional stores where items are cheaper.

PJ's (I am reformed), get into trouble because they don't stick to staples and buy everything. I know what it is like to have lean times but I figure if you have to keep trying cheaper products to see what works 3 or 4 cheap products could of been your one staple.

Never thought of this. thats a great idea. I do not exactly have staples, Mizani and Keracare have been by lines for about Six months now. I like your thoughts

 

[Mandy4610]

Girl, if you need some stuff, PM me. I have NEW stuff you can HAVE if you don't mind paying for the shipping. I can send you a bunch of stuff in one of those flat rate shipping boxes ($8.95 I think). Protein, moisturizing, even some higher end stuff.

CONGRATS on the new crib! That is always exciting and really is more important than being a PJ!

Oh...I am definately taking you up on this one. PM on the way.
Yes...Crib is more important than PJism..I just have to repeat that 1000 more times and I will be ok.
Thanks so much

 

[BeautifulFlower]

Super advice.

It'll all be all right. There are many products out there that aren't expensive and work wonders for the hair. And there are places that you can go that sell for cheaper than others. I'm the cheapest person ever when it comes to buying things. Here's some tips that I follow:

1. Try to go to Wholesale Beauty Supply places to get your things. They usually sell for cheaper than Sally's and salons and often times carry the same things.

2. Get rid of the unnecessaries. For instance, I found it unnecessary to waste money on a leave-in conditioner when I can dilute my regular conditioner, put it in a spray bottle, and spray that in my hair. It works just as well and saves me money!

3. Indian Stores-I just discovered this. If you are fortunate enough to have one near your home, they sell oils like Coconut and Amla for a lot cheaper than online, and they are good quality. Also, I bought an herbal cleanser called Aritha there (soapnut powder) and it only cost 2 dollars. And they sell Henna really cheap. I guess you can look in phone books to see if there's any near you.

4. Health Food Supermarkets-I love Whole Foods. I can buy a big 32 ounce bottle of 365 brand conditioner for less than 4 dollars, and it lasts a long time. I also use it as a leave-in so it kills two birds with one stone. I like the fragrance free conditioner because it's simple, not overpowering, and very moisturizing. They also sell a lot of other things that may be useful for cheaper.

5. Wally World!-Walmart also sells a lot of good products for cheap. For instance, they sell organic root stimulator deep conditioning packs for cheaper than convenience stores. Also ORS deep conditioning packs are a good alternative to expensive deep conditioners. They only cost around $1.20 a pack, and I can sometimes make that pack stretch to two servings!

6. Dilute it or spread it thin-I love doing this. A lot of times I can be guilty of using too much product unnecessarily, and this wastes money!Now, when I Deep Condition my hair I try to use just enough to lightly coat my hair. It's going to seep into the hair anyway, so piling a lot of product on defeats the purpose. And also, If I see that my conditioner is running low, I dilute it with water. That makes it last until I can go out and buy some more of it.

All and all, those are just a few suggestions I came up with. I hope they helped! But there are always ways of getting the products you like for cheaper or finding products that are just as good but cost a lot less.

 

[thegirltolove]

My advice would be to first of all....DILUTE YOUR SHAMPOOS!!!! I put mine in spray bottles now with just a little of the actual poo and I add bottled water. They still lather well and I still have the same great effects that I would normally have. I'm tellin' you, I have been milkin' this bottle of Aveda DR for I don't know how long...

Also, the "Generic" brand at Sally's is terrific!!! They make products that are so similar to the real brands that you can't tell the difference.

Then again, why don't you try making your own products.... find out what your hair likes and add those things to some cheapie conditioners and poos. I found that adding things like EVOO and Honey to my conditioners can completely transform my conditioning experience.

In all honesty, the more that I experiment, the more I find that my hair prefers the cheaper, more natural products. Good news for my wallet.

Also, Cream of Nature (green label) is the best cheapie poo EVER!!! It is better than a lot of expensive stuff I have tried, plus it's only a couple of dollars!!!!!

I'd say diluting and doctoring up your products are a great way to go...especially with the poo. You'd be surprised how much you actually wash down the drain.

 

[thegirltolove]

WOW, is there anything that you guys don't have answers for?:wow:
I will definately take these suggestions to heart....or else..........my DH will divorce me.
My problem is that I only have one choice of a place to buy my products. They usually don't have sales because they are the only BSS that carry some of these products made for women of color. We do have wal-mart, but they don't carry alot of these things. This BSS is also very far from my house, so I can't check for sales on a regular basis.
Thanks to all your advice, I think I will be able to do this mortgage thing.....while maintaining my hair's health.........and my DH.

Girl, I am in Iraq right now with VERY limited access to products....and especially good products for OUR hair. Adding a few things (like EVOO and Honey) to the few so-so products that I already have is making ALL the difference. The great thing is that now you get a chance to experiment with different things. So you kinda get a chance to be a PJ on a different level....

 

[Mandy4610]

Girl, I am in Iraq right now with VERY limited access to products....and especially good products for OUR hair. Adding a few things (like EVOO and Honey) to the few so-so products that I already have is making ALL the difference. The great thing is that now you get a chance to experiment with different things. So you kinda get a chance to be a PJ on a different level....

Thanks for you advice and suggestions. I will definately try all the good things that everyone is suggesting.
Thanks alot and good luck in Iraq

 

[Sui Topi]

bravenewgirl, how do you use your garnier long n strong (thats what its called over here lol) i find it leaves my hair hard and dry.....do you think its because i dont blow dry my hair after i put it in?