With so many new natural hair companies popping up and just as many enthusiastic reviewers, product reviews are a dime a dozen these days. It can be easy to end up spending hundreds of dollars on products that don’t work for your natural hair. Here are some things to look for you when watching or reading a review to see if a natural hair product will work for your hair.
How did they incorporate the product into their regimen?
This has to the number one thing I look for in product reviews. Take shampoo for example; some people pre-poo and deep condition BEFORE they shampoo their hair, which makes shampoos less stripping. So, their review of a shampoo may be that the shampoo was moisturizing and didn’t strip their hair. Well, you go get the shampoo and let’s say you don’t pre-poo or deep condition before shampooing. You try the shampoo out and it strips your hair and you hate it!
What Is Their Hair Porosity?
Basically there are 3 types of hair porosity; which simply is the way everyones hair absorbs and holds moisture due to their cuticle structure. DenimPixie did a great video on porosity which you can view HERE on YouTube.
Keeping porosity in mind when watching a review will help you determine if a product will be too heavy for your hair, easily absorbed or not enough moisture. If someone mentions that certain ingredients tend to sit on their hair and build up easily over time, this will give you an idea of their hair’s porosity in comparison to yours. For some, shea butter works great and doesn’t cause very much build up, for others it can be waxy feeling and just sit on top on their hair making it dull.
What Is The Intended Purpose Of The Product?
I was watching a review where someone was reviewing a deep conditioner. The reviewer wanted the deep conditioner to detangle her hair. Well, the deep conditioner made no such promises of detangling but, even still the reviewer gave the conditioner a thumbs down. This type of review may sway you against trying the product, thinking it’s not a great detangler, etc. when in fact that’s not even what the product promises.
What Is Their Hair Type?
For me, a reviewers hair type comes into play only when it comes to stylers such as gels and hair puddings. Paying attention to hair types will help you determine how a gel will make your curls pop or not pop if the person has the same curl pattern as you do. This also helps when looking at how a product defines curls, stretches curls, etc.
What do you look for in a review? Do you watch product reviews often?
