Hair Product Reviews: Hmm?
I have received several requests to review products many of which are from small UK and US based companies.
My general principle is not to review anything that I did not buy with my own money. I just think that it makes for a more honest review (plus I am a proud cheapskate so why should I talk about $60 product which I would never buy with my own money?).
However small companies do need support in order to just be seen by consumers. This was highlighted to me by the infamous Essence Natural Hair Chat.
I am interested in supporting small business but I need to find a structure that works for me. I think that I would be interested in passing these products on to you as a reader (after all, you are the consumer that the advertiser is seeking to find!). You would then need to give an unbiased review of the product in a standard format, comparing it to your own current favourites. I would also do a standardised review and both results would be available.
Would such a scheme be of interest to you? Would you be interested in being a reviewer?
My general principle is not to review anything that I did not buy with my own money. I just think that it makes for a more honest review (plus I am a proud cheapskate so why should I talk about $60 product which I would never buy with my own money?).
However small companies do need support in order to just be seen by consumers. This was highlighted to me by the infamous Essence Natural Hair Chat.
I am interested in supporting small business but I need to find a structure that works for me. I think that I would be interested in passing these products on to you as a reader (after all, you are the consumer that the advertiser is seeking to find!). You would then need to give an unbiased review of the product in a standard format, comparing it to your own current favourites. I would also do a standardised review and both results would be available.
Would such a scheme be of interest to you? Would you be interested in being a reviewer?
i would review it but i do. Reviews on things i would never buy for the same reason costs too much.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the response soul seeker. I do think expense has to be factor in a review too.
ReplyDeleteI think this is an excellent idea. I would love to participate.
ReplyDeleteWow thanks Eden
ReplyDeleteI too would participate, however I rarely find new products that work for me, still worth a shot!
ReplyDeleteThis is interesting . . . but isn't it both safe and fair to say that what works well on me might not on you and visa versa. Wouldn't that make the review relative? Similarly, what is considered expensive to one user may be deemed worth the cost to another. Now, having said that, I'd be happy to participate since I love trying new products and I love to write.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mo :)
ReplyDeleteJazz Wife - True, all reviews are relative. This is the reason why I don't think that I should be judge and jury. I also agree that price is relative and what might be excessive to me may be worth the price for another. In all I think that the more people review a product, the more valid the review.
I would love to participate.
ReplyDeleteyes, i think its a good idea as no two head are the same
ReplyDeleteI'd be willing. I'm in Holland though so would that be a problem?
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the responses. Carol it would be up to the company, if they offer worldwide shipping then they should be able to send to you.
ReplyDeleteI will let the comments go on for a little bit so that more people can say whether or not they like this idea. If it remains as positive as it has so far, I will give you some more details on how to register to become a reviewer!
I would be interested. I think it would be beneficial to know the reviewers' hair's porosity, texture, elasticity and density. This way readers would have a better idea as to whether or not the product would work for them.
ReplyDeleteI like your idea of fanning out and asking us to review products. I think this would be very effective. I've done reviews before on my own hair products and other products. The only reason I would review a product is if it did wonders for my hair, skin, etc or if it was HORRIBLE. It's about getting the message out so other people are helped. All the products I review I buy myself which I think is a vital component to a review.
ReplyDeleteoooh that's a great idea! i would love to review! but like Carol i am in the Netherlands! (louloumatou on YT), i usually buy all the products i review or they are gifts from family and friends, would be nice to try some products for free (i love love love products) and give unbiased reviews!
ReplyDeleteWould be Super! :)
I think that's a great idea.
ReplyDeleteI would love to be a reviewer! I think to deal with the "relativity" part of the format should be to include info about our hair (type, density, diameter, porosity, etc) and usual regimen. If the review is comprehensive it could be very useful. :)
ReplyDeletestop playing - free product, HELLS YEAH!
ReplyDeleteI'd also be interested. Two daughters and four nieces, lots of natural heads to play with, including one Alopecia sufferer!
ReplyDeleteI think it's a great idea! I would do it! BUT, I think maybe the reviews could be done "ingredient wise" such as you seeing if the product ingredients match the claims the product makes. Also, you could compare the ingredients to the price.
ReplyDeleteI think this would be great! Especially, if you get into the "Why" such as, why a product would work or wouldn't work and whose hair it would be ideal for.
*excited*
I am interested in trying products and giving reviews. I am willing to pay for products being reviewed. I think when one has paid their own money for products, the review tends to be more honest!
ReplyDeleteI'm in :)
ReplyDelete(yes, my pj might be showing)
This is a great idea! I would definitely be interested in this once I'm done with my transition.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea,
ReplyDeleteI'd love to participate!
I would particiapte
ReplyDeleteI think it'd be great for small business to get their shine, and for a lot of us to be introduced to what's up and coming!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the great responses and I'm glad so many of you are in! Please send me emails!!
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great idea. Very innovative. I'd love to participate. I'm glad to have finally found a natural hair site that is UK based! Everything I read is from across the pond lol. Other than Anita grant, are there any other UK based natural hair products?
ReplyDelete