Is my determination and budget holding my hair care back?

[SweetlyBlessed]

When I started to be really serious about my hair care, I swore to myself that I wasn't going to #1 be a product junkie and #2 waste the products I already have. However, I was thinking...I can't really tell if what I already have is working for me or am I using it right in the first place? Am I just wasting time using these products because I don't want to toss them and really don't have the money to buy a new system? I've lined up my products in baskets in my closet by moisturizers (or rather what I think are), shampoos, conditioners, leave ins and grease for inventory purposes.

It all boils down to me really hating to waste money and time on trial and error; even though I do say I have a patient spirit

What should I do ladies?

Is there a site where I can ask for free samples of products that I want to try without being paranoid about tossing my money literally down the drain on something that has the potential of not working?

Would it be crazy of me to take 5 mins in front of each product in my local BSS/One-Stop-Chinese Hair Shop to pray in descernment and see if I get a YES or NO from Big G to buy it and it'll actually work on my scalp and strands from root to tip? Because I'll do it! Ain't no shame in my game! ("Let us pray!")

I'm really discouraged

HELP!

 

[Artemis]

Hey!

So you can't tell if your products are working for you, right? Here's an article to read to help you figure out what's working and not working.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/288340/hair_regimen_building_for_newbies.html

Don't buy anything yet. Just go through your products and ask yourself how your hair feels after using them...If hair feels good and acting healthy, keep it. If not, chuck it and research for a replacement. Don't feel rushed to replace everything asap, just take your time and learn what your hair needs.

 

[MissMusic]

If you can figure out in what way the products you have are not working for you, maybe you can add something like oil, dilute them, shikaki, baking soda, etc. That way you do not have to buy new products and the next time you search for a new product you know what to search for and why something will work for your hair. HTH

 

[Tee]

Hey!

So you can't tell if your products are working for you, right? Here's an article to read to help you figure out what's working and not working.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/288340/hair_regimen_building_for_newbies.html

Don't buy anything yet. Just go through your products and ask yourself how your hair feels after using them...If hair feels good and acting healthy, keep it. If not, chuck it and research for a replacement. Don't feel rushed to replace everything asap, just take your time and learn what your hair needs.

ITA. Don't run out and buy yet. It is also good to clarify also. This will allow you to find out what the products are doing for your hair minus any product build-up.

 

[Barbara]

Try concentrating on using one set of products for a while to see what works. Maybe you should use what you have first.

For example, I was willing to try out a whole line of products (Verifen Complex) for one year, if my stylist said: "This works all right or this is workable." I didn't want to buy anything else until I gave this line a chance.

My stylist told me he didn't see a difference, but it's okay. Seven months later, he saw a difference. Then a month after that, he saw substantial proof. The longer he used it, the better the results--so I kept ordering it. This line has been my main staple for over ten years.

If you want a second set of products to rotate, that's fine. I was happy when my stylist told me that I could mix and rotate products he recommend, because I stumbled across this board and was "itching" to become a product junkie anyway.

My second set of staples are from different lines, but they compliment each other. These are Cream of Nature shampoo (moisturizing/detangler), Motions Moisture Plus conditioner and Infusium 23 (leave in treatment aka Repairology used as a detangler), Hairobics detangling/hair oils and TCB or Softee Indian Hemp pomades.

 

[ravenmerlita]

Before you dump your current products for new ones, try using what you have in different ways. For example, try leaving your conditioners on longer or using with heat or adding oil to them.

I did the whole PJ thing -- and since I like shopping, I enjoyed myself. But truth be told, I tossed a lot products that I ended up re-buying later and that have since become staples. I found that a lot of the time, it wasn't my products but my techniques and how I was using the products that made the difference.

 

[SweetlyBlessed]

Thank you so much ladies! I feel much better now! I will mos def check out that site!

I did clarify and I didn't see much of a difference but I will be patient to see if time will tell for certain products. I thought I had gotten the techniques down to a certain comfort level but I guess i have to alter them according to the product.

:: sigh :: I know all will be well soon enough.