Product Reviews are helpful. They are essential for some purchases and seen as important ways to be a smart consumer. Because of this consumers should be smart in who and WHO NOT to listen to regarding them. Not everyone has your best interest in heart when creating them.
No hate being spewed by me on this. I’m just giving some sound advice on how to decipher these reviews before you give your hard-earned money over for them. There’s so much info out now but not all of it is good. I’ve created a list of some do’s and don’ts when dealing with PRs.
Do consider the source
Is this review from the product itself? I would say then the review would be biased. Let’s face it….the product is trying to sell itself. Who would put any damaging reviews on it’s own site? This should be consumer 101 but sometimes it’s easier to go to the site and find out what others say about it. I would advise against it. You can put name of the product in a google search and add product review. You are expanding the search to add sites discussing many products and can get a wider range of reviews.
Do consider reviewer – 1
If you have a hair blogger or vlogger you follow who reviews a product make sure they are using the product as it was INTENDED by the manufacturer. That is extremely important. I understand you may find this blogger or vlogger as intelligent and trust-worthy but are they following directions? The product was created to doing something and be used in a specific way. Best results are achieved by this and if the reviewer is not following directions and/or trying it for something else…their review is not really fair or accurate.
Do consider reviewer – 2
Does this reviewer have hair like me? This does matter believe it or not. I listened to Curly Nikki on a few products and ended up wasting money. We don’t have the same hair! When I finally realized that I understood why some products she loved didn’t work for me and why some products she stayed away from worked wonders for my hair.
Do check out sites discussing and review many products
There are quite a few of Natural hair sites that have a big section of hair product reviews that the writers of the site as well as everyday people giving their ratings. Those sites are a good place to check out quite a few products and I’ve even seen some sites that allows the reviewers to put their hair type along with the review! Pretty helpful.
Don’t just look at one review
Big mistake! There is a wealth of info on the web so just listening to one reviewer can be a big mistake. You may need to read about 3 or 4 before you get a valid and true review of something. Everyone has an opinion so a few of them may paint a better picture of what you plan on purchasing.
Don’t just listen to a friend or co-worker
Their heart may be in the right place but your hair may be different or they not use their hair care products correctly. People can TELL you what they do but behind closed doors and in the privacy of their own home who really knows? Not trying to make you become paranoid, but checking on several reviews prior to using is always better.
Don’t assume the reviewer used the correct products along with the reviewed product.
That is important! The product they are reviewing may required additional products in the same line to work well. Make sure the reviewer mentions what they used along with it if it calls for it. That may be harder to find out but if it’s available consider that.
Hope this helps in your quest for great products for your hair. Do your research and you should have minimal bad purchases. A lot of this is trial and error, but I’m just trying to make those dollars in your wallet last a little bit longer.
Stay smart Naturals,
Sabrina
Hello Sabrina
I think you mention a lot of great things to consider. I know for a fact that a lot of people get paid to review products. Great advice and thanks
Yea, I get the need to make money but be honest about the review so you won't be passing on bad info. Thanks for the kind words.
Thanks for posting ..a lot of great advice.
Thank you!!