Is The Product Junkie Phase Inevitable?

Hello everyone!

Compliments of the season!

'Product junkism' is a term that has been passed around a lot especially in the natural hair community. A lot people don't realize they are product junkies until it's pointed out to them. They're just used to stockpiling products(consciously or unconsciously) in their stash until it becomes a mini store.

As I was ruminating over this topic, I realised that many if not most naturals pass through the 'product junkie phase' at one point or the other. Some at the very beginning of their journey, others like me, at the middle. Somehow, you find yourself searching for that product that will keep your hair soft and manageable for a longer period.

For instance, I recently found out that my curls are 4a. Imagine the horror after claiming 4c for almost two years. Believe me when I say that single discovery changed the game for me. Before now, I wondered why my twists weren't as defined and voluminous like my 4c counterparts. I questioned a lot of things. My hair was highly porous and wasn't able to retain moisture extensively. Mind you, my hair was healthy even though I had to moisturize daily. But then, I met Natmaine at NITC12 and explained my predicament. Let's just say I had to go back to the drawing board. When I started my journey, I decided I wasn't gonna bother myself with technicalities like hair type and porosity. Right now, I'm not very such that was a good decision.

This new realization meant that that I had to change my techniques and search for 4a friendly products.

Hello, product junkism!

For a few months now, I've been trying out different products, searching for that moisturizer that will keep my hair moisturized. But instead of stocking products up, as much as my hoarding capacity can allow me, I'm giving them out.

So, back to my question.

Is the product junkism phase inevitable? Were you able to find your holy grail products without passing through that stage? Or are you like me? Let's give each other moral support.

Love, coils and curls.
eBunite