We’ve all been there- sitting in the hair aisle at the store staring at two products trying to figure out what would be the best purchase or buying way too many products that we don’t need just because our favorite blogger raved about it in her last video.
With all of the products being marketed towards natural hair these days it can be hard to find the right product for your hair, especially if you are just beginning your hair journey. Here are a few tips for picking the perfect product and saving yourself, your hair, and your wallet some added stress.
1. Know what you’re looking for
Before you go to purchase a product, you have to figure out what you need and what you need it for. Look at your hair and decide what it’s lacking: if your hair has been dry then you may need a moisturizing deep conditioner* or a different oil to seal your hair.
If your hair is weak and brittle you may want to find a product enriched with protein. There are a ton of hair products out there that advertise various strengths for natural hair. Familiarize yourself with large and small natural hair companies so you have a variety of options to choose from.
2. Read and research ingredients
Product ingredients can make the difference in how a product works for your hair. Familiarize yourself with different ingredients that are used to make natural hair products and research their benefits.
If you know what product you’d like to buy beforehand you can research it at home. But if you’re out and something catches your eye, research it on your phone. Try to memorize some common no-no ingredients like sodium laureth sulfate, parabens, and -cons. Look up anything that sounds unfamiliar to learn what it is.
Also, always remember that the first five ingredients in any product are the most prevalent ingredients. The ingredients closer to the bottom are there in lesser quantity. To see what I mean, grab one of your hair products and read the ingredients.
What are the top ten ingredients? If you’re purchasing shampoo or any conditioner, the first ingredient should be water to help provide added moisture to your hair. If you’re looking for a styler that will leave your hair shiny and soft, find a product that contains shea butter* or flaxseed. Learn what ingredients are beneficial as well as those that aren’t.
Check to see whether sample sizes are available. That way if it doesn’t work out, you haven’t lost too much money.