Stop Being a Product Junkie: 6 Proven Ways to Save Money

How Overconsumption Took Over My Shopping Habits

The rise of the natural hair movement and online shopping changed the way 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 a comparison online 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 be the one to 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 sitting on my shelves. 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 time and time again.

That’s when I knew I needed to break the cycle.

6 Strategies That Helped Me Stop Overbuying Hair Products

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 actually ran out.

2. Watch Product Reviews with Intention

I still love watching YouTube and TikTok reviews, but I changed my mindset. 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 actually 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 main inbox is now free from constant “limited-time deals.”
• Out of sight, out of mind—I shop only when I actually need something.

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 don’t even want the product anymore.
• If I still want it after a week, I reassess if it’s truly needed.

6. Use What You Already Have

This was my biggest 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 5 left in stock!” (Creates urgency)

Forgotten Cart Emails – “Did you forget something?” (Triggers FOMO)

Bundle Deals – “Buy 2, get 1 free!” (Encourages overspending)

Influencer Hype – “This product changed my life!” (Builds desire)

Recognizing these tactics helped me make better shopping decisions.

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 actually need this?”

What’s your best tip for resisting impulse shopping? Let me know in the comments!

Subscribe for More Tips!

If you enjoyed this post, don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more honest reviews, money-saving strategies, and shopping tips!