The beauty of natural hair has taken the world by storm, with celebrities like Issa Rae, Yara Shahidi, and Sanaa Lathan proudly flaunting their gorgeous natural tresses.
Achieving and maintaining those stunning natural hair looks often requires high-quality products, and brands like Mielle Organics and Tracee Ellis Ross’s Pattern Beauty have stepped up.
However, a recent video has sparked a debate about the exorbitant prices of natural hair products for people of color.
The Inquiry: Are Natural Hair Products Really that Pricey?
In a video posted on September 10, 2023, an uploader, Arrington, took to a drugstore, clutching two products from Mielle Organics, and posed a question that resonates with many Black individuals.
Why are hair products for African Americans more expensive than other races?
The response from the social media poster was swift and empathetic, with many echoing Arrington’s sentiments about the steep prices of natural hair products. Some shared their experiences of shelling out large sums for their hair care routines, highlighting the financial strain.
Understanding the Costs
The price disparity between natural hair products and those designed for other hair types has left many consumers wondering why these essential products come with a hefty price tag. Aisha Crump, the owner of Honey Baby Naturals, shed light on this issue during a 2017 interview with NaturallyCurly.
She explained that larger companies can order vast quantities of units, benefiting from lower costs per item, while smaller companies pay higher costs per item, sometimes three times more.
Volume and packaging are pivotal in pricing, and smaller brands that produce fewer units bear the brunt of these expenses.
Moreover, natural hair products often feature organic ingredients like African butter and oils, contributing to their higher cost. The use of these premium ingredients in natural hair products further justifies their relatively higher price compared to hair products formulated for those without Black or People of Color (BPOC) hair.
Strategies to Save on Natural Hair Products
Here’s a summary of the key information and discussions from the provided sources:
1. Water is Essential
Water can be a simple and effective way to moisturize your hair.
2. Household Oils
Common household oils like olive oil and coconut oil can seal moisture from water and prevent moisture loss in your hair.
3. Homemade Products
Creating your hair care products can be cost-effective. For example, you can make flaxseed or chia seed hair gel at a low cost. However, some DIY items may require refrigeration to prevent bacterial growth.
4. Avoid Product Buildup
Too much can lead to product buildup, hindering moisture penetration into the hair.
5. Essential Products
Focus on purchasing essential hair care products like shampoo, conditioner, oil or butter, and leave-in conditioner. Styling products are optional.
Going Natural on a Budget- 1. Coupon Codes
Before making online purchases, search for coupon codes related to the products or websites you intend to buy from. Coupon aggregator sites can help you find deals that may not be advertised on the company’s website.
2. Shampoo Tips
To make your shampoo last longer, use less product by sectioning your hair, soaking it briefly, and focusing on the scalp. Diluting shampoo with water can also extend its use.
3. Create Your Own Shampoo
Some naturals create their own shampoos using ingredients like castile soap, natural oils, apple cider vinegar, and lemon.
4. Conditioning with Household Items
Avocado and mayonnaise can be natural hair conditioners. They are both cost-effective options for moisturizing and conditioning your hair.
5. Stretching Shampoo
Adding water to your bottle can help you get a few extra uses.
6. Apply to Scalp Only
Focus on applying shampoo to the scalp rather than saturating the entire hair strand, as this can prevent hair from drying out.
7. Generic Store Brands
Consider buying generic store brands for products like mayonnaise to save money.
8. Multipurpose Products
Look for hair care products that can serve multiple purposes, reducing the need for an extensive product collection.
These tips and strategies help individuals save money on natural hair care products while maintaining healthy and beautiful natural hair.
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Sources
- naturalandproud.com/ways-to-save-money-on-natural-hair-products/
- napturally-dany.com/2015/07/hair-8-ways-to-save-money-on-natural.html
- napturallycurly.com/2013/01/save-money-natural-hair-products/
This article was produced and syndicated by Viral Chatter. It was inspired by this video:
@arrington171♬ original sound – Arrington
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.