Stop Being a Product Junkie: Six Proven Ways to Save Money
How Overconsumption Took Over My Shopping Habits
The rise of the natural hair movement and online shopping changed how I spent money, especially on hair products. At the height of embracing my curly hair, I became a product junkie without even realizing it.
Recently, I stumbled upon an online comparison that made everything click: People were calling TikTok and YouTube the modern versions of HSN and QVC. For those unfamiliar, these shopping networks feature flashy product demos with taglines like, “This could be yours for just four easy payments of XYZ!”
And suddenly, I saw it—that’s exactly how I fell into the cycle of overbuying hair products.
How the Natural Hair Movement Fueled Overconsumption
As the natural hair movement gained traction, brands flooded the market with “must-have” products, many claiming to be the next holy grail for curls. Meanwhile, beloved Black-owned brands were being bought out, their formulas changed, leaving many of us constantly searching for replacements.
For years, I chased every new product launch, thinking each one would transform my curls. But the turning point came when my husband and I moved.
As I packed my belongings, I felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of barely used hair products on my shelves. Then it hit me: marketing and impulse fueled my purchases, not necessity.
I had fallen for the psychological tricks brands use to keep us spending. Eye-catching packaging, influencer recommendations, and “forgotten cart” emails had lured me in repeatedly.
That’s when I knew I needed to break the cycle.
Six Strategies That Helped Me Stop Being a Product Junkie
1. Create a Structured Haircare Routine
Instead of buying every new product that caught my eye, I built a structured routine using Pinterest and haircare blogs. This helped me identify the exact products I needed, without distractions.
What worked:
- I printed my routine and taped it to my mirror—seeing it daily kept me accountable.
- I only repurchased products when they ran out.
2. Watch Product Reviews with Intention
I still love watching YouTube and TikTok reviews, but my mindset has changed. Instead of seeing them as shopping lists, I now use them to learn about brands without feeling pressure to buy.
What worked:
- I ask myself: Do I need this, or am I just curious?
- I wait a few weeks before purchasing—if I forget about the product, I don’t need it.
3. Shop Sales and Use Cashback
Instead of impulsively buying full-price products, I learned to shop smarter.
What worked:
- I track prices using couponing apps.
- I wait for sales or use cashback offers on high-end items.
This helped me cut costs while still getting quality products.
4. Separate Your Email Accounts
Promotional emails are designed to tempt you, so I created a dedicated shopping email.
What worked:
- My primary inbox is now free from constant “limited-time deals.”
- Out of sight, out of mind—I shop only when needed.
5. Use the “Cart Trick” to Curb Impulse Buys
When I feel tempted, I add the items to my cart and log off.
What worked:
- When the inevitable “You forgot something!” email arrives, I often realize I no longer want the product.
- If I still want it after a week, I reassess if it’s genuinely needed.
6. Use What You Already Have
This was my most significant shift—I committed to finishing what I already owned before buying anything new.
What worked:
- I rediscovered old favorites I had overlooked.
- I saved money and reduced waste.
How Brands Influence Our Shopping Habits
Marketing tactics are designed to trigger impulse purchases—here’s how they get us:
Scarcity Marketing – “Only five left in stock!” (Creates urgency)
Forgotten Cart Emails – “Did you forget something?” (Triggers FOMO)
Bundle Deals – “Buy 2, get one free!” (Encourages overspending)
Influencer Hype – “This product changed my life!” (Builds desire)
Recognizing these tactics helped me make better shopping decisions.
FAQs about Being a Hair Product Junkie
How do I know if I need a product?
Ask yourself:
1. Is this replacing a product I’ve used up?
2. Does it fill a gap in my routine?
3. Have I wanted this for at least a few weeks?
If the answer is “no,” you probably don’t need it.
What’s the best way to resist impulse buying?
Try the cart trick: Add items to your cart and walk away. If you still want them a week later, consider purchasing them.
How do I stop getting tempted by influencers?
Watch reviews to learn, not to buy. If a product interests you, save it and revisit it later instead of immediately purchasing.
How can I save money on hair products?
Wait for sales and use cashback apps.
Sign up for loyalty programs for discounts.
Stick to a structured haircare routine to avoid unnecessary purchases.
How can I stop buying products I don’t finish?
Organize your current products and commit to using them before buying more.
Keep track of expiration dates to avoid waste.
Swap products with friends instead of buying new ones.
Final Thoughts: Taking Control of Your Shopping Habits
Breaking free from over-shopping wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. Now, I:
- Save money
- Have a clutter-free space
- Feel more in control of my purchases
Next time you feel tempted by an influencer or ad, pause and ask:
“Do I need this?”
What’s your best tip for resisting impulse shopping? Let me know in the comments!
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