Thanks to capitalism and overconsumption, we’re constantly being sold the idea that we need hundreds of products to get our desired results. But the truth? A consistent, effective routine can be simple…and it definitely doesn’t need to take up your whole bathroom or your savings.

Let’s be real….being a naturalista often comes with a slight product addiction. From curl creams to leave-ins, edge controls to oils, it’s so easy to become a full-blown product junkie. You walk into the store for something like toothpaste and somehow leave with a new deep conditioner you swear you needed. Whether it’s the new hot leave-in that went viral on TikTok, a new drop from your favorite brand, or a “miracle” curl gel that’s finally supposed to define your coils… you’ve likely convinced yourself you needed it. Trust me… I’ve been there.

But now, your bathroom shelf looks like the natural hair aisle at a beauty supply store. No shade… from PR and personal purchases, my collection has taken over my shelves too.😅

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about intentionality in my hair care routine, and with TikTok filling my feed with “Project Pan,” it made me reconsider my consuming habits. Originally popular in the makeup community, Project Pan is all about using up what you already have before buying anything new. And when I tell you this has completely changed the way I view my product stash…

The Natural Hair Journey Cycle: Buy → Try → Abandon → Repeat

It starts with excitement. A new product promises moisture, definition, length retention and you’re sold! You try it once, maybe twice. It’s okay… but not amazing. You move on. The product sits half-used on the shelf, silently collecting dust while you chase the next holy grail.

It’s a cycle. And it gets expensive fast.

Before you know it, you’ve got:

• 4 edge controls (and none of them hold)
• 7 leave-in conditioners (but you only ever reach for two)
• 5 deep conditioners (and you only really like one)
• 3 mousses (and two of them smell terrible)

So… How Many Products Do You Actually Need?

Natural hair routines typically boil down to a few essential steps: cleanse, condition, moisturize, and style. If you’re being real with yourself, you probably don’t need 5 shampoos and 8 curl definers. You just need the ones that actually work for your hair.

Here’s what I’ve found works best:

• 1 Pre-poo
• 1-2 Shampoos (a clarifying and a moisturizing one)
• 1 Co-wash (completely optional)
• 1-2 Rinse-Out Conditioners
• 1-2 Deep Conditioners
• 1 Leave-In Conditioner
• 1 Cream or Butter
• 1 Gel or Styler (like mousse)
• 1 Oil

That’s it. A solid, effective lineup that doesn’t leave your shelves overflowing or your wallet hurting.

Enter: Project Pan

Here’s how to start your own:

✅ Step 1: Take Inventory

Go through your stash. Yes, all of it. Pull everything out from under your sink, off that top shelf, and inside those storage bins. Sort by category: shampoos, leave-ins, stylers, etc.

✅ Step 2: Choose Your Pan Products

Pick 1-2 products per category to focus on finishing. This helps rotate your stash and prevents waste. Trust me, products do expire… and using that $20 butter before it goes bad? That’s a win.

✅ Step 3: No New Products (for now)

Resist the urge to buy something new unless you completely run out of a category. Use this time to really test your products and learn what works best for your hair.

Before I buy a new product now, I ask myself:

• Do I already own something that does the same thing?
• Have I finished what I have?
• Is this product truly filling a gap in my routine—or am I just chasing hype?

Project Pan has helped me actually use up my products, save money, and make smarter purchases. It’s not about depriving yourself—it’s about being intentional and getting the most out of what you already own. And yes, finishing a product feels weirdly satisfying.

The Benefits of a Project Pan

✨ You’ll save money
✨ You’ll clear out clutter
✨ You’ll finally finish products before they expire
✨ You’ll discover which products are actually worth repurchasing

And let’s be honest, there’s something oddly satisfying about hitting the bottom of a jar… especially when you’ve had it for 8 months.

But Wait… What If I Still Want to Try New Stuff?

I get it. Part of the fun of being in the natural hair community is trying new things. If you must test something new, try these tips:

• Use travel-size or sample packets first
• Watch out for sales to save $$
• Only introduce one new product at a time to really track results

Final Thoughts

Being a product junkie isn’t all bad. It’s fun to experiment and discover new holy grails. But if you’re drowning in half-used jars and expired samples, it might be time to simplify.

Try starting your own Project Pan journey; track your empties, rotate your stash, and focus on using what works. Your hair (and your bank account) will thank you.

Are you a recovering product junkie too? Let me know how many products are in your current stash and which ones you’re trying to finish first!