Carol's Daughter 1-2-3 transitioning kit review

So, I was so kindly given this Carol's Daughter transitioning 1-2-3 kit at a focus group a few weeks back (see Rachel O's blog for more info http://www.makeupbyrachelo.com/2012/05/31/transition-with-carols-daughter/#more-2044) to try out and give my opinion on so here goes on 12 month transitioning tresses.

According to the website:

http://www.carolsdaughter.com/Portal.aspx?CN=C0B4D6EFEFD1

The First & Only Relaxed-To-Natural Hair Solution Specifically Made For Transitioners!
93% Less Shedding, Healthier Scalp & Softer Strands*
This easy 3-step kit offers a solution to the 3 problems transitioners face: product build-up, scarred scalp & breakage at the points of demarcation. Now big choppers, long grow-outs and protective stylers can transition from relaxed to natural hair with less shedding, a healthier scalp and softer hair.

The Good!!

1. I love that this product is specifically for transitioners. 
2. Natural hair stayed soft. 
3. Hair felt hydrated.  
4. It gives you a step by step guide as how to cleanse and treat your hair. 
5. The smell is wonderful. 
6. The tingling is great. 
7. It has biotin in it to promote hair growth which is always good.  Us transitioners want our curls now!!!! 

The Bad :(

1. The detangling process is the same to worse. 
2. The point of demarcation is very evident my relaxed hair matted up but my natural hair remained softened. 
3. Its time consuming.  

In summary, the product is ok.  I think its a great product for someone that has no clue as to what you are to do to manage transitioning hair. It gives you a guide to how to cleanse, massage and condition your hair.  Sometimes we leave out the massage part of our regime this product forces you to incorporate that into your routine.  Also this product adds biotin, a known hair growth vitamin, to your list of products used on your hair in a convenient way.  

 But if you already have a routine then this kit may slow you down a bit.  Someone that already knows how to wash, detangle, condition, and massage/exfoliate their hair will not necessarily see an added benefit from this product.

I did notice that I had no product build-up after I washed and conditioned.  As far as breakage I wasn't impressed by that claim.  I've used the product a few times and my breakage has not decreased as of yet.  When I was using my old shampoo my breakage was very minimum. 

IMPORTANT!!!!! Comment Below!!!!!

What do you think?  Have you tried the transitioning kit?  What have been your results?  Let's share so we can help others that is transitioning as well. Everyone will have different results so its good to share and hear other opinions!!!!

A Transitioner's Tale (Ode to self): I'm getting so anxious.....Big chop???????

I'm getting so anxious to cut my hair! I can already feel the texture of my unrelaxed hair.  Its beautiful :-) I love how silky my hair feels after I wash it.  I enjoy learning about what my hair likes and how it behave in its natural state.  I have been thinking of all the many, many styles I can't wait to try when I'm fully unrelaxed.  I had planned on transitioning for 12-24 months (they say don't put a number to it).  But idk I am too anxious to see my hair without straight ends. We'll see. I wanted to at least last until my vacation this summer so i can rock a new look.  But I'm thinking spring is right around the corner and what better time to refresh your look.  Plus I may need some time to "play in my hair" to get used to styling.  Pictures will be nice.  Yep, they will be! I have some time.  I can revisit the "cut or not to cut" issue in the March/April months.  Yep,  I can make my decision then. I hope I can make it thru to 24 months so I can just go straight to what I'm used to which is length. But I never have had short hair and it excites me right now. Seriously, just thinking of the feeling of having only unrelaxed hair and being able to experience it! Lol......this type of decision may be very trivial but hey if I have time to allow this type of "dilemma" to occupy my thoughts then I know Life is so good! no BIG time major decisionmaking going on right know (thank ya Jesus) :-). Plus I'm pretty sure I can rock some short hair. ;-) and make it look damn good! 

So we shall see.  Can I hold out or will I allow my anxiousness to get the best of me? Stay tuned to see.........

Transitioning to Natural (Hair that is): Its a family affair

This is a hair blog!!!!


So I have a little one that has never had a relaxer.  For years I have wrestled with the thought of letting my relaxer go.  I tried once last yr and lasted about 3 months.  Recently a family member of mine mentioned on facebook that she was thinking of going natural, so I commented well if u do it I will too.  Thus here I am today!!! I have decided yet again to go natural.  I have so many reasons as to why I would like to take this journey.  But one of the most inspirational one would be because my oldest daughter would like to join me.  So this will truly be a family affair.  As I stated earlier I already have one that has never had a relaxer (my youngest daughter) my oldest daughter has decided she also wants to see how her hair is in its natural state.

Ultimately we have the same end goal but are  going to achieve it a little differently.  I want to learn how to style my hair so that when it is in its completely natural state I will have it mastered already.  So I will be experimenting with transitioning styles.  She, on the otherhand, will be wearing braids and weaves until she has her desired length and ready to cut off her relaxed ends. Mainly because she is on here way to high school and is not all that comfortable with dealing with two hair textures.   My last relaxer was in June of this year 2011. Her last relaxer was about May of this year. 

During this transition we both will achieve healthy hair, as much growth as possible, as well as establish a regime that is suited for our lifestyle and hair type.  I am so excited about this hair journey I can't wait until I have no more traces of relaxer in my hair.  I am eager to see my curls.  For anyone that is reading and has transitioned GOOD FOR U I CAN'T WAIT TO CATCH UP TO U, to those that are TRANSITIONING STAY ENCOURAGED ITS GONNA BE A GREAT RIDE and for those thinking about it I HOPE WILL WILL JOIN US ON THIS JOURNEY.