How do I avoid becoming a pj?

locksoftruth

A friend told me she tried a ton of stuff and I see a lot of peeps trying various products. I imagine I've got to go through some trial and error as I learn my hair, but how do I avoid becoming a product junkie?

I saw a video today and the girl had similar texture 4ab and highly rec'd Oyin Honey-Hemp conditioner. Almost ordered it but stopped short. Surely there are some natural products in Dallas, no?

Anyway, just wondering if any of y'all who have successfully transitioned have tips on how to avoid becoming a product junkie.

Ekaette

It's impossible
Just embrace it
Don't fight it lol

On a serious note transitioning involves a good bit of trial and error. I would just make a list of basics and don't buy anything new until the old product finishes. For example right now I'm using Aussie moist for my cowashes. I won't buy any new cowashing conditioners until my Aussie moist is done. I'm using Nexxus Aloe Rid as my clarifying shampoo and won't buy a new one until this one finishes. I'm not sure if I'm staying with the aloe rid but the point is I won't buy a new clarifying shampoo until I finish this one. If you stick to this you won't have too much of a problem

burgundy_locks

if you really want to avoid being a pj LEAVE NOW AND NEVER COME BACK!!!!! lol. its pretty inevitable if your active on the board. luckily, kathymac has several of the popular products, so you buy samples from her! she's saved me from so many temptations!!!

laz22girl

In the beginning it was really hard...everytime I went to the store, I was buying a new conditioner. But a few weeks ago, I stopped that.

I have my staples and only buy when I need to. It helps that i am not working, though lol.

locksoftruth

Thanks, girls. I kinda figured there's gonna be a fine line between trial-and-error and needing help for my habit. ;-)

Ekaette - I'll remember your suggestion to use it before I lose it when it comes to a product.

Do y'all think this applies already? I have some relaxed hair products left over a little bit of shampoo and conditioner but can already tell they're drying out my new growth... Co-washing tonight and may let my hubbie administer a mini chop!:shock:

Ekaette

locksoftruth wrote: »

Thanks, girls. I kinda figured there's gonna be a fine line between trial-and-error and needing help for my habit. ;-)

Ekaette - I'll remember your suggestion to use it before I lose it when it comes to a product.

Do y'all think this applies already? I have some relaxed hair products left over a little bit of shampoo and conditioner but can already tell they're drying out my new growth... Co-washing tonight and may let my hubbie administer a mini chop!:shock:

A lot of people find that their relaxed hair and natural roots like different products so you could still keep them if they work or switch products if you find your transitioning hair starts responding differently

MysticSpiral

The swap boards may save you. If you try something and don't like it, swap it out. Also, buy travel size or small sizes of a new product when you test it out, that way, you can find out if you like it before you commit to a bigger bottle. I have a 'use all of one before you try another'. Or I'll swap it out/give it away.

also, give yourself a time limit in the beauty care aisle. I could stay in that aisle for like, 3 hours. No lie. I limit myself to 10minutes instead.

yrh11

I like the time limit idea. I limit my time on You Tube. The style tutorials are good, but I learned to stay away from the product reviews. When you watch someone rave about a product, it gets real tempting. I also limit spending during sales or promotions unless I am running low on a product.

locksoftruth

MysticSpiral wrote: »

The swap boards may save you. If you try something and don't like it, swap it out. Also, buy travel size or small sizes of a new product when you test it out, that way, you can find out if you like it before you commit to a bigger bottle. I have a 'use all of one before you try another'. Or I'll swap it out/give it away.

also, give yourself a time limit in the beauty care aisle. I could stay in that aisle for like, 3 hours. No lie. I limit myself to 10minutes instead.

hmm. i didn't even know those boards existed! thanks bunches!

I'm still skiddish and after a trip to Whole Foods the other night, still didn't get anything. I'm researching KCC, Giovanni and a couple others I spotted...

afrosheenqueen

- Keep good lists of the products you like. I keep a hair diary of sorts to help me keep track of what worked and what didn't.

- I like the limiting the time on the boards suggestion.

- Have a need when you try a new products - moisture, detangling, protein, etc. I've also noticed people buying things first and then asking what do people use a certain product for later. :confused1:

locksoftruth

afrosheenqueen wrote: »

- Keep good lists of the products you like. I keep a hair diary of sorts to help me keep track of what worked and what didn't.

- I like the limiting the time on the boards suggestion.

- Have a need when you try a new products - moisture, detangling, protein, etc. I've also noticed people buying things first and then asking what do people use a certain product for later. :confused1:

Thanks for the tip, ASQ. Yesterday, I took the plunge and bought my first products. The Sephora at the mall nearest me didn't have the items I was looking for and on the way out I stopped by L'Occitane, which I know to have good stuff. I bought a travel size shampoo, conditioner and tin of shea butter.

Went to another Sephora location and bought Carol's Daughter Loc Butter, Black Vanilla shampoo and conditioner and hair balm. LOVED the CD shampoo. Not so crazy about the leave-in condish (made my hair feel stiff, a stark contrast to the soft curls i felt after poo'ing). The loc butter was okay, though a bit greasy. Haven't tried the hair balm yet.

I'm going to continue to use the CD items for a few weeks, though I'd really rather set my twists with a foam or creamier product than the loc butter... Any suggestions, anyone?

Ninjarette

I can't help you. I'm a board-certified PJ. But I will suggest that you stay off the "product" forums. There's so much great stuff out there, and I never had a goal NOT to become a PJ. I like having choices, when it comes to what I use. I have my "go to" lines/products, but I rotate products, to keep from getting bored.

My last relapse was deadly, but I'm done for about year.

Hope that helps!

bambii

Lol i have 3 months to go til my BC and I have $500 worth of products that I plan to get for my hair. PJ Junkie ? yes ... Do I care ? no .. Plus some of the products are going to be in 10s and 20s , because I dont want to risk a product being discontinued on me