Taking the Carol’s Daughter Plunge…wish me luck (post 2)

I received my Saturday Morning Special from Carol’s Daughter on Leap Day (or whatever the hell the 29th of Feb is called). I have been anxious to test out some of the products and have this odd feeling that my readers clearly must be racing to their laptops every day to see if I have given my 2 cents on Carol’s Daughter. Well, hold your horses, because I haven’t taken the products out for a full test drive, but here’s some initial impressions.

The main difference, as with a lot of professional styling products, is that they are lighter on your hair and get the same effect. The stuff you can buy in most stores tends to be heavy and more greasy, but it still does the job. Plus, I got a mazillion (like that number?) compliments at work for my hair smelling so good. I think I’m building a reputation in that department since my other hair products have a pleasant fragrance as well. If that’s a motivating factor for you, then this line is worth a try. The special is a good buy to sample a wide range of the products.

The Saturday Morning Special includes: Rosemary Mint Shampoo with Sea Moss, Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner, Tui Hair Oil, Healthy Hair Butter, Hair Milk, and Kizzi “Stay Put” Hair Pomade.

For you Carol’s Daughter users out there, I’d like to hear from you to see how these products compare to products you’ve tried in the past.

Rosemary Mint Shampoo with Sea Moss – – 1st impression…2 nappy afro puffs down. I know that shampoo does not have to lather to be cleaning your hair, but I like lather! It felt like I was washing my hair in a stream full of grit. I can’t tell if it was effective in getting the product buildup out of my hair. If you’re the extra super earthy type the uses things like lemon as deodorant and other Mother Earth alternatives, then this is one you’ll like. For me, I do need a little pomp and circumstance to get me excited.

Black Vanilla Leave In Conditioner – – 1st impression…1 nappy afro puff up and 1 nappy afro puff down. I purposely followed the directions on the Rosemary Mint Shampoo bottle that says after washing pour a little Black Vanilla Leave In Conditioner in your hands and work through your hair. I’ve never been one to get away without putting a true conditioner in my hair and I’m still not the one to get away with that. First off, it comes in a spray bottle and is very watery in consistency. Pouring a small amount in the palm of your hand is impossible! I lost a lot of product down the sink trying to follow directions. After applying it (I ended up dumping some in parts through my hair and working through it), my naps were not loosening up at all. Unless you have very fine hair that needs a slight detangling, these directions are bogus. I had one of my sister’s girlfriends in town (campaigning for Obama) from NYC who is natural (beautiful sista, highly educated but also an aspiring model) and she uses the leave in conditioner, among other products, and was surprised that what I’m describing is the recommended regimen. The best use for this is after conditioning your hair with a real conditioner and you’re styling. You could spray it in with your other styling products. I’m no stylist, but that’s about the best use I could see for it.

Tui Hair Oil – – 1st impression…1 nappy afro puff up and 1 nappy afro puff on the way up. I kind of liked this product. It did give my hair shine, was very light, and had a pleasing fragrance. It, too, was very watery in consistency so it’s hard to apply by simply pouring some in the palm of your hand as directed. This might fair better with a pump where you could get it more evenly applied and not waste so much product. I’ll continue to use it, but I’m not sure if I’ll buy it again.

Healthy Hair Butter – – 1st impression…2 nappy afro puffs up. I liked this one and might continue this in rotation with other hair products. It’s good to use when your hair feels very dry or after you’ve shampooed and conditioned your hair. I usually put several products in my hair as I style that focus on moisturizing and defining curl. This would be good to work in with that part of my routine.

Hair Milk – – 1st impression…2 nappy afro puffs up. I also liked this one. It’s not as heavy as the hair butter so it’s good for everyday use to just keep your hair moisturized. I’ve heard a lot of Carol’s Daughter users speak fondly of this one and I can see why it has an appeal.

Kizzi “Stay Put” Hair Pomade…not yet assessed. I need to give that one a whirl when I’m just trying to smooth my hair back in a pony tail or something. More to come on this one.

So there you have it folks. My first impressions. I may post after using the products for a while longer, and if I can get organized maybe take some photos with and without the products.