Taking Care of Natural Hair on a Tight Budget

December 11, 2015

I cannot count the amount of times I have heard “but isn’t it expensive to go natural”? My answer always is, not if you don’t want it to be. Taking care of hair regardless if natural, telexed, relaxed, or anything else does mean you need to spend a little money however, it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. If I am honest, I think the spending mainly comes from those of us that like to try out tons of different products. If you are constantly buying x amount of conditioners, leave-in conditions, shampoos, gels, suffles, pomades, creams, etc then yes, you might notice your wallet’s getting a little skinnier. In most cases there is a cupboard somewhere in a dark and dusty place with half used products that keeps piling up. That is where it seems to become “expensive”. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with trial and error to find the staples however, all of that can be done methodically.

I went through of buying spree at the start of my hair journey. I was in the store nearly once a week looking for “the one and only product”. This is what I have come to learn 5 years later, my hair likes it simple. I will admit I am a DIY addict and over the years have come to know what my hair likes and dislikes which allows me to mix up products I know will work for my hair. I purchase all raw ingriedents and make whatever I need. I still purchase a few store bough products such as conditioner and a backup deep conditioner however for the most part I keep it simple.

Now, DIY is not for everyone. Some of us prefer just purchasing something ready-made and there is no harm in that. However, your hair does not need 5 different conditioners, 3 different leave-in conditioners and 3 different gels and your wallet needs it even less! These are a few things that I found that helped me out with my hair care while not leaving me broke at the end of the month.

Check your Labels: Read the ingredients at the back of your products. If you notice there are common ingredients that are found in most of your favourite products make note of them. Whenever you next want to try something new check if the ingredients are there, if they’re not, try to fight the urge to purchase it because chances are it will be classified as a “fail” product for your hair once you try it.
Revisit Old Buys: Sometimes the “fail” happens when it comes to the application process. Instead of buying a whole new line, try revisit some of the old products you have stashed away, who knows they might work out this time with a little tweaking to your application process.
Try it Natural: Instead of buying “Coconut Oil for hair from brand x” get a bottle pure virgin Coconut Oil from your supermarket or Asian store. It will last you much longer! Plus, chances are the “hair oil” doesn’t contain quite as much Coconut Oil as you think. (Again check the back of the bottle, the only ingredient in Coconut Oil should be Coconut Oil, not a combo of other random ingredients).

Make your Own: There is so much information and ‘how to’ videos on the Internet that will allow you to make your own products for half the price of store bought stuff. Once you have the raw ingredients at home you can remake the recipes serval times over (trust me). Plus you will know each individual ingredient you are applying onto your hair and scalp, knowledge is power!
Buy Wisely: If I know my hair likes one particular product I can only get from one particular store, don’t make the excuse of trying another place because chances are you won’t find the product but you will walk out with yet another “must have”.
Schedule Shopping: Give yourself a particular day in the month when you will allow yourself to buy or restock your products and don’t let yourself stray. Sporadic shopping leads to sporadic purchases!
Look for Sales: You will often find Buy One Get One (BOGO) offers advertised online, you might get online deals, coupons etc., they can save your wallet!
Product Swap: if your friend bought a product your hair likes and hers doesn’t, swap products. There might be product swap events in your local area too so check online (the internet is your friend).