How do U feel about hair companies jumping on the natural hair products bandwagon?

[LBellatrix]

If you go back up in the thread you'll see that Mikalia42 did a great job of explaining why. Items that have naturally-sourced ingredients cost more across the board. I mentioned food as something to use for comparison. Just look at the price of processed foods versus average or mainstream foods compared to those that are labelled "organic" or found in specialty stores such as Whole Foods.

Items are priced according to what they're made with.

Also how they're made...factory-produced is going to cost less than handmade or nearly-handmade.

As I'm sitting here with yet another KCKT/KCCC kinda-sorta WNG drying I was reminded yet again of how important "cost per use" is for me when choosing products. I bought the large jar of KCCC in January 2012 or thereabouts and although there was a period of about four or five months where I wasn't using it, I've been pretty consistent with it otherwise. This jar is now over a year old and I've only just hit the halfway mark on it. Assuming I do this same style for the rest of the year, and I do it approximately once every 7-10 days, I guesstimate I'll buy my next jar sometime in winter 2014 if not a little sooner. I bought my first bottle of KCKT in January 2012 and my second bottle in January 2013.

I've described before my experiences with Aveda Be Curly leave-in on shorter hair. Now I happen to LOVE Aveda products but as my hair grew the amount of product I needed to give me the same results became cost-prohibitive. Once upon a time I could justify dropping $20 on a tube of leave-in every month but I ain't got it like that these days. However, I can justify $27 a year on KC products ($12 for KCKT once a year, $30 for KCCC once every other year).

[KnottyAuthor]

I think it's amazing how we all have played a part in changing the game. However, I'm overwhelmed when I go to into the hair aisle and reasonably know what the ingredients mean; however, the avg consumer is absolutely confused...again. I mean, you can't even pick up a bottle of jojoba oil and trust it anymore. If you are a company that makes relaxers, slaps a brown/orange/green/yellow label with a curly girl on the front and a few natural know-how words like argan oil, jojoba blablabla I ain't steadin' bout you! You are loosing market share, Im supporting truly organic companies, and preferable small biznesses who changed the game and made the big retailers alter their strategy.And I will pay when it's quality. However, I do prefer to mix my own and remain in control of my hair care by going to the organic food store..just bc that's my habit now and all we had just a few years ago to 'keep' it natural. If I support a vendor it's usually because I want to support their business and when I find out it's a win-win I will keep on supporting.However, knowing how much these ingredients cost on my own-yeh, it's worth it to me. But, Im the same way with my food.




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[deecoily]

Some of these companies... when I see their PRIMARY lines consisting of relaxers, petrochemicals, Parabens, Urea.... they have the nerve to come out with a "naturals" product containing much of the same ingredients. They put a picture of a woman with a "good hair" natural do on the front and and market it to us as "for naturals".

"But if you want to burn the crap out of your hair and scalp using caustic chemicals to straighten it, hey we got something for that too."

IMO it is a bunch of BS.

I steer clear of these types of corporations and prefer to support those businesses who create products that are truly dedicated to the condition and health of our natural hair, not the ones in it simply to cash in on what they see as the current fad and as yet another way to get money out of us.

[akamsnikki]

I'm with some of the posters who stated that will continue to support the businesses that are in the business for naturals... and have been from jump... I can't support companies who have wide product lines for relaxers and then decided to jump on the bandwagon after seeing there was a market to make money off naturals.

I will also continue to make my own products as I have found that to be cheaper because I know what I am making and what I am putting into my hair without all the preservatives and harmful crap these companies use.

[TAZ Creations]

Its amazing how many "natural hair care products" are out there now. I have to say I still like the sistahs who research their ingredients and make products out their kitchens. Big company who suddenly want to get into natural hair care - I feel are following trends. And while much of the beauty industry is about trends - my hair is not a trend its my way of life, who I am, I am one with my locs.

TAZ Cteations
www.tazcreations.com
TAZ Adds Pizazz to the Loc Adornment Experience

[luvbear]

I think the big companys should stay with what they know and share some of the wealth. I still prefer the mom and pop store that cooks up their products in the kitchen. Its fresh and natural with no added preservitives and doesn't cost an arm and a leg to purchases. Plus giving back to the community is what I like to do. It helps us thrive.

[Phia]

Went to the drugstore recently for a styling product (I'd been using oils mainly) and the shelf that used to be 50% relaxers was considerably thinned down. I spent a good 20 minutes reading the labels of all these products marketed to people with natural hair. I'm glad there are more choices for us, but it was a bit overwhelming for me. I'm still a fan of mixing my own concoctions though.

[GalaxyGirl2012]

If you go back up in the thread you'll see that Mikalia42 did a great job of explaining why. Items that have naturally-sourced ingredients cost more across the board. I mentioned food as something to use for comparison. Just look at the price of processed foods versus average or mainstream foods compared to those that are labelled "organic" or found in specialty stores such as Whole Foods.

Items are priced according to what they're made with.

not too mention that just like food, a lot of the crap ingredients get the benefits of government subsidies and tax breaks to lower their costs of operations when lead to lower prices to the consumer.

[Joyfulocs]

I was just coming on here to rant about yet another company - MIELLE - being bought by a company that will no doubt change the formula to cater to an audience that is not us.