Are You Hooked on Discount Hair Products?

Do you scorn buying hair products for more than $5 or $10? Do you go into drugstores with a shopping list that doesn’t include hair products—and walk out with gels, shampoos, conditioners, and whatever else you could find? Do you stalk the hair aisles of discount stores, drugstores and markets, picking up and putting down products, reading ingredients?

If any of this sounds familiar, you may be addicted to discount hair products. Of course, much like our curvy tresses, discount product junkies (PJs) come in several types. So which one are you?

-The Thrill Seeker

Motto: A day without buying is a day without sunshine

The thrill seeker is an adrenaline junkie, a true, dyed-in-the-wool hair product junkie. She pours over on-line ads and imagines using the product. As she nears a drugstore or discount store and draws closer to her fix, her heartbeat accelerates with anticipation. The Thrill Seeker does not need product, motive or reason. She only needs frequency and opportunity. By indulging her habit and getting her thrill on with discount hair products, she also aims to be fiscally responsible.

-The Splurger

Motto: Shopping Spree!

Similar to the Thrill Seeker, but with one difference. Although sometimes splurging can be good, the Splurger must, must, MUST have a full shopping bag. A Splurger may also like to use her product liberally, by the handful rather than a tablespoonful, so she can replenish more often.

-The Skeptic

Motto: Expensive does NOT equal better

Does a high price really mean better quality? The Skeptic doesn’t think so. She reasons, “Why use an expensive brand when I’m just going to wash it out?” To her, using products by the handful is a good thing, especially at these low prices. After all, water is the first ingredient.

-The Bargain Stalker

Motto: Wait for it…wait for it…

A win for the bargain hunter is finding the lowest price at any cost. She needs to know she bought the product for less than anyone else. She sniffs out every sale and only buys discount hair products. The Bargain Stalker’s fix comes with waiting for and anticipating the right price—the BOGO, the coupon, the rebate, the flash sale. And when it finally arrives? Touchdown! Let the buying begin.

-The Frequent Buyer

Motto: A full closet is a happy closet

At drugstore prices, the frequent buyer can buy one or two products every week, or stock up in multiples. In fact, she can purchase an entire line of products at Wal-Mart or Target. For her, the price is always right when she’s pulling the product from her closet! After all, buying in multiples saves money, right?

-Risk Taker

Motto: What’s a dud product or two at these prices?

The risk taker doesn’t worry about buying products she hasn’t tried. With the low cost of entry, she can afford to take the plunge and risk a little trial and error. She may even find her new favorite, cheap, perfect products from her cart full of never-tried.

-Instant Gratification PJ

Motto: I can’t wait—I need it now!

Why wait even a few days and pay for shipping when the Instant Gratifier can stroll into a chain drugstore and get her product groove on immediately? The easy button, automatic doors and self-checkout was made for her. If she has access to discount hair products, she will buy them—whether she needs them or not. In fact the instant gratification PJ may already have bought the product—and forgot!

-The Tommy PJ

Motto: See it, feel it, touch it, buy it!

The Tommy PJ is visual and tactile. She needs to smell it, look at the texture, hold it, and feel it, or else she’s not buying it. No photo on a web site will ever be good enough for her. Remember, if you ever find that your concealer bottle has already been opened, never fear, the Tommy PJ was here.

-The Day Trader

Motto: Knowledge is power!

The Day Trader uses the power of the Internet to keep tabs on sales and discounts. She knows the location, current price, and inventory of every Target, CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreens within a 20-mile radius. She has an intelligence network of area buddies who report on stock at TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Trader Joes. She knows where salon brands are available for half price. She always knows where you can get it for a dollar less. And when she locates a source where she can buy discount hair products in bulk—road trip!