Are we paying to much just for packaging?

[Phaer]

I notice while reading this and other forums and while watching yt videos that a lot us of seems to purchase a product based on how pretty it is. I know a lot of us, have started to look more closely at the ingredients, but, still one of the first thing I usually hear is how pretty the packaging is (this includes makeup) .
I am wondering are we doing ourself a disservice by concentrating so much on the packaging? I know that there is a whole marketting department responsible for the packaging, and I will be the first to admit that had that 'new hair growth ' product from the other thread been better packaged (and in a bigger bottle) I may have been willing to shell out $31.99 for it. I pay nearly that much for megatek, whats a few more bucks?

So ladies will we ever get to the point where we will stop paying for things that has no bearing on how a product work? Hum....??

 

[topnotch1010]

I'm a label reader. I don't buy for packaging and I don't think most of the ladies on this board buy because of a pretty package. We buy based on ingredient lists and word of mouth, which is the biggest source of advertising.

Sent from my iPhone using LHCF

 

[prettybyrd]

There are plenty of prettily packaged products that don't do squat for your hair. I buy based on ingredients and product reviews.

 

[faithVA]

I don't think I've ever noticed people mentioning packaging too much when reading or seeing reviews. My pet peeve has always been the stress on something smelling good I understand the desire for something to smell good, but when its the first thing mentioned it drives me crazy. So my hair smells wonderful but its hard, dry and falling out Getting something to smell good is easy, just add some EOs. Getting something to work, not so much. (rant over).

After a while I think you learn whose reviews to take seriously and which to ignore. Those that are serious, really do understand hair, products and ingredients and focus on that.

 

[prettybyrd]

faithVA - I'm one of those reviewers you can't stand then!

I'm so sensitive to fragrances that I have to know how strong the fragrance is before I purchase the product. I suppose because I have this problem I assume everyone else does.

I'll try to down play my focus on fragrance now, because it really is about the quality of the product not just how it smells.

 

[faithVA]

@faithVA - I'm one of those reviewers you can't stand then!

I'm so sensitive to fragrances that I have to know how strong the fragrance is before I purchase the product. I suppose because I have this problem I assume everyone else does.

I'll try to down play my focus on fragrance now, because it really is about the quality of the product not just how it smells.

I do understand that. My mom is also sensitive to fragrances. And if it wasn't so common it probably wouldn't bother me. But if I watch 10 yt reviews, I swear it seems like all 10 start with it

I had a Zuresh leave-in which worked wonderfully and felt good on my hair. And I did not repurchase because the fragrance was sooo strong.

So I get it. Its obviously me Like I said its just a pet peeve.

 

[HanaKuroi]

I would buy conditioner, shampoo, dc in those plastic refill type pouches that dishwasher detergent refills come in if it was good. I can use my own pretty containers. It would be easier to divvy up among(st) my kids.

I do not like containers that don't work well for the product it contains. Too thick for a pump or too runny for a jar. Skinny jars don't bother me because I have long fingers. I do hate scraping the bottom corners for the last of the product.

I just need the ingredients listed. A simple, label. The name, the amount and the ingredients on a printed label not handwritten. Smell is important especially if it stinks or is cloying.

 

[Raspberry]

Packaging matters more if one is looking to buy high-end products, feels more like you're getting your money's worth.

 

[SmilingElephant]

I don't think I've ever noticed people mentioning packaging too much when reading or seeing reviews. My pet peeve has always been the stress on something smelling good I understand the desire for something to smell good, but when its the first thing mentioned it drives me crazy. So my hair smells wonderful but its hard, dry and falling out Getting something to smell good is easy, just add some EOs. Getting something to work, not so much. (rant over).

After a while I think you learn whose reviews to take seriously and which to ignore. Those that are serious, really do understand hair, products and ingredients and focus on that.

This is me! I am soooo guilty of this...but i look for both scent AND ingredients. I have a sensitive nose and if it makes me feel sick on the stomach or smells like dirt and grass....i don't care how great the ingredients are or how great it made my hair feel, i'm not gonna buy it again! Lol!

 

[Evolving78]

i am a scent person, more so than a package person. if it smells good, that is bait to me.

 

[Dayjoy]

This is me! I am soooo guilty of this...but i look for both scent AND ingredients. I have a sensitive nose and if it makes me feel sick on the stomach or smells like dirt and grass....i don't care how great the ingredients are or how great it made my hair feel, i'm not gonna buy it again! Lol!

Isn't that what is euphemistically referred to as "herbal" scent? I'm not a big fan of most of those either.

I think packaging is important in makeup, but outside of functionality, not so much with hair products. My weakness is the WORDS on the package. If they claim to make hair "soft" or "manageable" or "smooth" they just got my $$$.

 

[Taishan]

I love great packaging, but majority of my hair product purchases are done based on recommendation from members here.

 

[lux10023]

when i was younger big bright letters and words and anything in pink or fuschia would grab my attention with a product smdh lol--now its all about ingredients and exactly where each one is listed in order---as well as functionality i hate products in weird containers--how the heck am i suppose to get this thing outta this bottle with my hand soaken wet in the shower tryna condition or etc lol

packaging is a huge component of a product you know how many focus groups/hours and etc go down b4 a product is put on the market

 

[Taishan]

I do understand that. My mom is also sensitive to fragrances. And if it wasn't so common it probably wouldn't bother me. But if I watch 10 yt reviews, I swear it seems like all 10 start with it

I had a Zuresh leave-in which worked wonderfully and felt good on my hair. And I did not repurchase because the fragrance was sooo strong.

So I get it. Its obviously me Like I said its just a pet peeve.

I guess people start out with smell as a subconscious reaction to old time products like Sulfur 8, which works great but has your hair announcing your arrival 10 minutes before you actually show up.

 

[Prudent1]

I worked for years in retail/ marketing. We came up with all sorts of creative ways to help ppl part with their money. So, most of the time that stuff (packaging, catchy jingles, slogans, location, just seeing another black face) does not work for me. It's ingredients and product reviews (from the forum, not the seller) that do it for me.

 

[SmilingElephant]

Isn't that what is euphemistically referred to as "herbal" scent? I'm not a big fan of most of those either.

I think packaging is important in makeup, but outside of functionality, not so much with hair products. My weakness is the WORDS on the package. If they claim to make hair "soft" or "manageable" or "smooth" they just got my $$$.

Naw...its some good herbally scented stuff out there! Some things just smell like straight up fresh cut grass and dirt.

Don't get me wrong...i love the smell of grass smelling like grass....but i as a human..should not be smelling like grass!

 

[Nightingale]

I buy with ingredients and reviews in mind too, but having pretty packaging doesn't hurt. I have read stats that said packaging is half the battle, so it is in a manufacturers best interest to make it nice.

 

[MystiqueBabe]

I go by recommendations. Though I will admit anything sparkly, pink, brightly colored, wording, and yes the smell do get my attention. I want my hair to smell good. The only product that I use now that does not smell good is the ORS hair mayo but it has given me great results so I will over look the smell and packaging if it works for my hair.

 

[Seamonster]

Please keep the scent reviews coming! I have date night hair products to buy, lol.
Packaging can take a notch off of my product experience. I hate when a package makes it hard to use all of the product. Now that I have gotten my rant out, you are so right, the product performance is the most important thing.We need to make sure we get that right and go from there. When all things are equal then scent, price, and package matter.

Owee now let's take it home. The most important product is you. I have grown my hair with tree braids, and daily shampoos, with a hair piece and pink oil. I have got a banging braid out with Vaseline. The most important product to achieving our hair goals is us.

 

[greenandchic]

prettybyrd faithVA - I actually like reviews that include the scent as well. Yes, ingredients do matter, but so does smell and touch. I like to try to experience the product without having it in my hands. When I wear my hair down/out, I would hate for a foul smelling product to be in my face all day.

Packaging is secondary to me, but my packaging pet peeve is when the label ink rub off on your hands.

 

[IDareT'sHair]

I'm 'more' concerned about the Contents/Quality as oppose to "Packaging"

Although, I will admit, I hate Jars/Bottles/Containers that are hard to maneuver.

I also hate receiving stuff that has leaked, spilled etc....

I also hate J/B/C that you cannot get all the product out of (although I will cut a bottle in a minute) *ain't no shame in my pj game*

Scent is important, but not really. As long as it don't 'stank'.

I hate things that look like they were put together by a 3 year old. But most of all, I guess I hate Poor Customer Service & Nasty attitudes by vendors.

Having said all of that, packaging in and of iteself is not a deal breaker for me.

 

[JJamiah]

A pretty package is never the deciding factor on if I purchase something. I am a review junkie, I also have to have a fairly decent scent

 

[athenat]

I buy based on recommendation and scent as well. If it stinks I can't take it. I don't care how good it will be for my hair if it doesn't smell right it's not for me. The product that had the worst smell for me had to be one of Carol's Daughter products. Whewwww....perplexederplexed

 

[GIJane]

I think packaging is important in makeup, but outside of functionality, not so much with hair products. My weakness is the WORDS on the package. If they claim to make hair "soft" or "manageable" or "smooth" they just got my $$$.

I love great packaging, but majority of my hair product purchases are done based on recommendation from members here.

All of the above for me. I am a real sucker. But I am working on this.

 

[SimJam]

wow Ive never seen a review on here or YT where the main selling point or recommendation was based on the packaging.

I mean with all our focus on ingredients and performance I cant even imagine someone from hair boards basing their recommendation solely on packaging. I can understand complementing or appreciating nicely packaged or presented products and frowning on slopping labeling or inferior containers, but I have no issue once the product is properly packaged, labelled and is presented in a practical container.

but thats just me

 

[Phaer]

I am not saying that the packaging is the ONLY reason we purchase but it seems to be one of the first things mention. I will post some yt link later (when I am fully awake). I will not post comments from this forum because I don't want a whole debated that veers away from my op.

 

[lilyofthenile]

I buy based on reviews and even then I also look at the price and the ingredients. Packaging doesn't mean that much to me at all.

 

[yorkpatties]

I don't care about packaging. There are some products where the packaging contributes to the ease of use (ex: Aussie Moist 3 min miracle) but I'm purchasing for the product, not the package, ever. Could you imagine someone saying, "Oooh girl, this Aubrey Organics works wonders for my hair but the bottle is so ugly. Imma just use Bed Head cause the bottle is cute!" Extreme..... but imagine? LOL

I would like something to have a nice, clean smell, but I don't put too much stock in what people have to say about scents. Things smell different to everyone. I think we can all agree no one wants to smell like sulfur 8 or garlic, but most things won't have THAT harsh a smell anyway, so it's kinda insignificant to me. Whether it smells like passion fruit, or jasmine, or clean linen...I really couldn't care because I'll probably only smell it for 10 minutes anyhow. But of course, no one wants to have an offensive smell when they walk into a room, that's a given.

I don't see many of the ladies on this forum discuss these extraneous factors at length. Maybe someone new to the forum or new to their healthy hair journey whose read one too many issues of Hype Hair and don't know any better, but that's few and far between.

 

[BEAUTYU2U]

I admit to being a package person. I don't buy products solely on packaging but if it's down to two quality products, I'm going with the pretty one. I don't consider ugly packages just like I don't trust ugly websites/storefronts.

 

[IslandDiva08]

The package is what draws you in, when the product is on the shelf, that's what you see first, then you move on to the ingredients…… to see if the product has ingredients that works for your hair type. If it does, you would move on to check the scent and then decide if you want to purchase or not. When shopping online, its all about the product's ingredients, price and shipping cost and less about the packaging (for me at least).