Sept-nov No Buy Challenge

[ElevatedEnergy]

They have it at TJ Maxx now too for the same price... It's not the big bottles but I can't remember how many ounces they are...

Thanks for the tip Sis. I love me some TJ Maxx too. Yeah the bottle is the 4 ounce size. When I saw it in the grocery store, I was so shocked. Actually, they had a pretty nice size natural hair section. Oils, Oyin handmade, Eden Bodyworks, Alikay Naturals, Shea Moisture...the stuff you see in Target. They had very little old school stuff...you know the grease and ORS stuff. I was like: OKKKK! Gone head Giant!

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

Step 2: Somewhat organized by TYPE. I added the henna to the picture, also.

Now I need to separate these into the following groups:
1. holy grail
2. staple
3. good
4. still being trialed
5. definitely being donated
6. not yet used
7. miscellaneous / not sure

 

[ElevatedEnergy]

Y'all I am so proud of myself I did not buy any hair products for a whole month! If it wasn't for the hair expo next week I could keep going on my streak but the deals are too good to pass up. I will give myself a budget too so I don't end up with too much stuff. Plus I got most of my big ticket items already although I need a thinner flat iron.

Great job!

This year is going by way too fast. Halloween is around the corner. Then Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Ya know what that means? Sales, sales and more sales. I don't mind saving money... I have to strategically plan my next haul pass so that I get the most bang for my buck!

I like the holiday season for the sales on stuff outside of hair care. I have my husband's birthday, 2 of my kids birthdays and Christmas to shop for. I never participate in hair sales during this time of the year...well I did one year and regretted it. It took forever to get to me. Nope not again.

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

Great job!



I like the holiday season for the sales on stuff outside of hair care. I have my husband's birthday, 2 of my kids birthdays and Christmas to shop for. I never participate in hair sales during this time of the year...well I did one year and regretted it. It took forever to get to me. Nope not again.

That's helpful, Lulu!

 

[ElevatedEnergy]

This is a picture of every product of mine in the house, purchased over 3 years, except for 14 products in my shower.

This is before I have organized them. And I have 2 products that I can't let be photographed. I wasn't supposed to purchase them, they were expensive, and they are hidden. So sad.

View attachment 375343

Don't feel bad. When I moved last year, I had a bath & body stash that looked just like that. It's what actually prompted me to start my personal no buy. Well almost a year later of not buying...my bath & body stash is about 90% less than what it was before. Just keep pushing. You got this!

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

Don't feel bad. When I moved last year, I had a bath & body stash that looked just like that. It's what actually prompted me to start my personal no buy. Well almost a year later of not buying...my bath & body stash is about 90% less than what it was before. Just keep pushing. You got this!

Thanks, Lulu. I really, really needed to hear this at just this moment:

I didn't realize I had THIS many products and it would take THIS long. So I got hungry. I went to the refrigerator to get some cereal. Guess what I saw? TWO DATGUM REFRIGERATED HAIR PRODUCTS.

Siiiiiiiiiiiiggggggggghhhhhh.

So far I am throwing 4 containers out and will be donating about 15 products. I know I can donate more. I'm just not quite ready because they are not trialed sufficiently, and I've already paid for them.

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

Y'all I am so proud of myself I did not buy any hair products for a whole month! If it wasn't for the hair expo next week I could keep going on my streak but the deals are too good to pass up. I will give myself a budget too so I don't end up with too much stuff. Plus I got most of my big ticket items already although I need a thinner flat iron.

Super, super impressive, @Napp

I wouldn't feel bad at ALL about this upcoming hair expo haul, if I were you. You are giving yourself a budget, you haven't bought anything in a MONTH, and you are purchasing at a discount as a very informed buyer. This is what the passes are FOR!!! Enjoy!!!

 

[CodeRed]

I don't know why but I like pictures of other people's stashes.

Thanks @YvetteWithJoy

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

I don't know why but I like pictures of other people's stashes.

Thanks @YvetteWithJoy

I am pretty embarrassed, so your post helps me feel better.

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

Pass used:

Caved and purchased Soultanicals. On one hand, it makes no sense: I don't have reason to feel confident about this line. I have no experience with this line at all. Shipping takes forever in some cases. Reports of product inconsistencies abound.

So why did I use a precious pass there? Well, knotting, SSKs, and detangling are affecting the quality of my life, like quite seriously, actually. Someone said Soultanicals new detangler has more slip than the NaturelleGrow DCs, the slip of which have saved my sanity. Shipping was $0.00. There was a 30% discount. Their oil mixture is designed to reduce SSKs. The moisturizer was raved about all over the 'net. And, I think if I could capture/freeze my elongated, detangled hair with gel BEFORE it shrinks up and therefore tangles . . . my life might change. The way the Soultanicals gel was reviewed gave me hope about using it in this way. This potential at 30% off got me.

However: I'm feeling good about my stash. It is organized and smaller. In a few weeks, I'll donate more from it. Feels great to know what is going on with the stash and not feel overrun by products all over the place!

 

[Napp]

I didn't buy the keratin I took the class for yet. They gave a really good deal but I don't have the clientele to justify buying such a large quantity of product. So I have to leave that on a side burner.

Also I stopped by Marshalls to get some toiletries and was about to buy some bottles of joico. I decided to wait until the show and get a better price plus I will know if they are fresh and genuine

 

[Prettymetty]

@Napp what brand of Keratin are you using for your hair?

 

[Napp]

@Napp what brand of Keratin are you using for your hair?

I'm currently using RG Cosmetics BB Creme. I have a liter I haven't even touched yet. I feel like it's pointless to bkt and just braid my hair for wigs so I am going to try to stretch until wash n go season comes back again.

I like that the one I'm certified with gives a good result and is formaldehyde free but it's really expensive unless you buy the bundle deal.

 

[Aggie]

Pass used:

Caved and purchased Soultanicals. On one hand, it makes no sense: I don't have reason to feel confident about this line. I have no experience with this line at all. Shipping takes forever in some cases. Reports of product inconsistencies abound.

So why did I use a precious pass there? Well, knotting, SSKs, and detangling are affecting the quality of my life, like quite seriously, actually. Someone said Soultanicals new detangler has more slip than the NaturelleGrow DCs, the slip of which have saved my sanity. Shipping was $0.00. There was a 30% discount. Their oil mixture is designed to reduce SSKs. The moisturizer was raved about all over the 'net. And, I think if I could capture/freeze my elongated, detangled hair with gel BEFORE it shrinks up and therefore tangles . . . my life might change. The way the Soultanicals gel was reviewed gave me hope about using it in this way. This potential at 30% off got me.

However: I'm feeling good about my stash. It is organized and smaller. In a few weeks, I'll donate more from it. Feels great to know what is going on with the stash and not feel overrun by products all over the place!

I saw a lot of gels on Soultanicals. Which one are you referring to @YvetteWithJoy?

 

[Prettymetty]

@Napp I basically wear braids under a wig once my bkt starts to wear off. When it's fresh, I straighten it once a week and it won't revert at all. Since it was my first bkt it only lasted about 8 weeks. I'm hoping that the next one lasts longer...

 

[Prettymetty]

Tonight I used up a bottle of Nioxin system 1 scalp treatment. I'm almost out of the Nioxin Density Restoration too. Once I'm out I might just let my scalp breathe for a while (no oils, creams or growth aides).

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

I saw a lot of gels on Soultanicals. Which one are you referring to @YvetteWithJoy?

I chose their Curl Blaze Hair Glaze. It got good reviews. One reviewer said LOTS of water made it work really well. So, I am curious to see if this gel will improve the Anthony Dickey method for my hair (which I saw him demo on YouTube/Vimeo).

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

Step 2: Somewhat organized by TYPE. I added the henna to the picture, also.

Now I need to separate these into the following groups:
1. holy grail
2. staple
3. good
4. still being trialed
5. definitely being donated
6. not yet used
7. miscellaneous / not sure

View attachment 375345

I am donating the products with smells I can't deal with and the products that do nothing for my hair. That's 15 products!

I need to think about the women in the shelter and let go of MORE of these products, especially the ones containing ingredients I want to avoid but that others may be fine with.

I need to let go of the Marc Anthony products, the Giovanni silk DC (did nothing for me), the Honey's Handmade oil sample that Hattache sent me for free, the Pantene products, the S-curl activator, the Taliaah Wajid curl sealer (the name makes me want to to keep it; I'll try it so I can let it go), and at LEAST 2 refresher sprays.

 

[Aggie]

I chose their Curl Blaze Hair Glaze. It got good reviews. One reviewer said LOTS of water made it work really well. So, I am curious to see if this gel will improve the Anthony Dickey method for my hair (which I saw him demo on YouTube/Vimeo).

Okay looks like I may have to look that one up and add it to my wish list on Soultanicals.

 

[Prettymetty]

I need to figure out a way to use up my Mane n tail conditioner and Aphogee 2 minute. I'm thinking of doing a mid week cowash followed by a moisturizing dc. I can mix the 2 with some aloe vera juice and peppermint oil.

I'll try it out tomorrow and see how my hair responds.

 

[ElevatedEnergy]

This has been a huge use up month for me.

Used up
1 Joico Moisture Recovery Balm
1 Curl Junkie Argan & Olive cond
1 Joico Color Endure shampoo

All staples!

Updated stats
10 products used up
0 products purchased

I will be using a pass next month to purchase some pomades/butters for my ends as I know I will run out of what I'm currently using soon. I have no backups of it either. Don't know if I'll be joining next session as I'm only buying items as needed which is the purpose. Plus I'm a few products away from having only staples in my stash. I only have 9-10 staple products so I wont have anything new to report other than I'm using those and not buying. LOL But I'll still finish out this session.

Update:

Used up Natures Blessing pomade. I already purchased Extra Dark JBCO to replace it.

11 products gone
1 product purchased

 

[Aggie]

Update:

Used up Natures Blessing pomade. I already purchased Extra Dark JBCO to replace it.

11 products gone
1 product purchased

I really want to get where you are with your staple products @lulu97. I have some idea now what my hair likes with certain brands but I need to spend some time narrowing down that list.

I know that I only want to have 4-5 major brands. Right now I think I might have like 15-20 I'm playing with. Each brand has their unique product that works well for my hair but there is no particular brand that exclusive for me in all the products that I need.

For example, my deep conditioners are predominantly Kerastase, Redken, Naturelle Grow, SSI and Annabelle's Perfect Blends. My leave-ins are APB, Bekura and NG. My butters and creams are SSI and possibly QB. Shampoos are Elucence, Redken and KeraCare.

I have so many others in my stash that I am trying to use up right now and feverishly working on it. I hope I can get down to the 4-5 brands and no more than that but it will be very hard for me, I know

 

[ElevatedEnergy]

I really want to get where you are with your staple products @lulu97. I have some idea now what my hair likes with certain brands but I need to spend some time narrowing down that list.

I know that I only want to have 4-5 major brands. Right now I think I might have like 15-20 I'm playing with. Each brand has their unique product that works well for my hair but there is no particular brand that exclusive for me in all the products that I need.

For example, my deep conditioners are predominantly Kerastase, Redken, Naturelle Grow, SSI and Annabelle's Perfect Blends. My leave-ins are APB, Bekura and NG. My butters and creams are SSI and possibly QB. Shampoos are Elucence, Redken and KeraCare.

I have so many others in my stash that I am trying to use up right now and feverishly working on it. I hope I can get down to the 4-5 brands and no more than that but it will be very hard for me, I know

@Aggie Sounds like you are on the right path. Just keep chugging along and using the process of elimination.

For me what helped was:
*Unsubscribing from all the sales emails in my personal inbox. *Staying away from certain threads around the forum
*Knowing that there will always be sales and that there will always be new products being released. So if I miss a few, the world will still go on tomorrow and the next sale/new product will still come.
*Stop fooling myself that I need a million different items in each category. Just really focusing in on what my hair loved and eliminating the rest.
*Buying as needed

Good luck Sis. You got this.

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

I have a feeling that Curl Junkie -- a line I haven't had the opportunity to yet try -- might be a game changer brand for me. I won't let myself order the two Curl Junkie sample packs yet, because I already have too many products to use up and trial.

If I could find a deep conditioner that rescues/heals/resets/softens/detangles my hair like Shea Moisture's High Porosity Masque, then I could abandon Shea Moisture as a brand completely. I really wonder if Curl Junkie has anything like it. I hope so. I won't get to find out for quite a while, though.

 

[Napp]

I've decided to stick to two lines from now on. I really love Vitale Pro products. I have not been dissapointed yet from what I have tried already. Also I plan on using Joico.

My hair was at its longest when I was using the kpak line and Vitale products together so I am going to try and see if these two will help me get some length in my curly hair journey.

 

[Prettymetty]

I cowashed with Aphogee 2 minute, aloe juice and peppermint oil. Now I'm doing a dc with Kerastase Chroma Riche.

I put some flat twists in my daughter's hair earlier and used Mane n tail as a detangled/leave in. But, we went to the park and she got in the Splash pad. I cowashed her hair afterwards with Therapiste.

Busy day for hair... Thank God I only have 1 girl

 

[Aggie]

@Aggie Sounds like you are on the right path. Just keep chugging along and using the process of elimination.

For me what helped was:
*Unsubscribing from all the sales emails in my personal inbox. *Staying away from certain threads around the forum
*Knowing that there will always be sales and that there will always be new products being released. So if I miss a few, the world will still go on tomorrow and the next sale/new product will still come.
*Stop fooling myself that I need a million different items in each category. Just really focusing in on what my hair loved and eliminating the rest.
*Buying as needed

Good luck Sis. You got this.

Great tips @lulu97. For sure I know that I'm probably subscribed to too many vendors so I can definitely start with that and then work on the other bolded tips.

Also I am putting my list together right now - the brands I will not be purchasing anymore on one list and the ones I'm sticking with on another list including the products in those brands that have been really good to my hair.

 

[Aggie]

Today I deep conditioned with one of the newer brand DCs in my stash I've been researching and found it to be very moisturizing. Because it's new, I will not be repurchasing. If I could get it on the ground, then maybe, but I can't. When it's done, it's done!

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

Today I deep conditioned with one of the newer brand DCs in my stash I've been researching and found it to be very moisturizing. Because it's new, I will not be repurchasing. If I could get it on the ground, then maybe, but I can't. When it's done, it's done!

Very strong, @Aggie!

All, I am tempted to "proceed to checkout" at the Komaza website. Resisting . . . resisting . . .

 

[Prettymetty]

I have my team together (co wash, dc, leave in and heat protectant) except for a shampoo. After Cream of Nature changed their formula, I have used at least 6 shampoos with meh results.

I'm not sure whether to end my search for the perfect poo or keep up with trial and error. So far Keracare detangling shampoo is the best (closest to Cream of Nature).