Sep
2012
Submissive Hair: Carol’s Daughter Hair Balm
I am, admittedly, not the ideal Carol’s Daughter consumer. The brand, started by owner Lisa Price, is really focused on African-American and ethnic consumers. And I am certainly far from African-American or ethnic.
Lisa Price began working on the products that would eventually become Carol’s Daughter in the 80′s while working on the set of The Cosby Show. She experimented with natural oils like Jojoba, Almond and Soy Oils in various types of products. The popularity of the organic products she was making in her own kitchen spread and eventually became a mail order and online business.
The first Carol’s Daughter store – named for Price’s mother – popped up in Brooklyn in 1999. The products began to hit the mainstream with the support of celebrity investors such as Mary J. Blige, Jada Pinkett Smith, Will Smith and Jay-Z among others.
I am a huge fan of Carol’s Daughter and I am faithful to her Gelee de Soleil SPF 15. It has Palm Kernel Oil, Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter and Mango Butter that not only moisturize your skin but protects it. And the scent is ridiculously divine. So when I was on the hunt for a hair oil/balm that would not only moisturize my color-treated hair but protect it and keep the frizz at bay (tall order, I know) I thought I would try Carol’s Daughter.
Hair Balm is a kind of oil/pomade type product that has Sweet Almond Oil, Coconut Oil and Wheat Germ in it. The oils work to moisturize your hair to add more manageability, smooth the cuticle to add shine, and fortify the hair to build it’s strength.
I have used many a leave-in conditioner, hair balm, hair oil and hair everything to try and get control of my highlighted, in some places wavy and in others curly hair to no avail. I have to admit though, my hair hasn’t really ever been so soft before. Usually, there are products I use to make my waves less frizzy then there are others I use when I straighten my hair. This product eliminates the need for a dual set of products.
My hair is soft, manageable and… wait for it… SHINY!!! I have highlighted, blond-ish hair and it’s difficult for me to get shine. I’m always envious of dark haired girls for that reason. I covet their shine. With Hair Balm, my hair is shiny – even with a wave/curl. Seriously. Shine. Me.
I also tend to have problems with my hair snapping and breaking when I put it up in my typical messy bun or braid. I’ve used this product for about a week and I haven’t noticed any snapping. At all. None. No hair around the rubber band, no breakage when I twist my long hair into a bun. Nothing.
The scent is the only drawback. I expected something sweet and almond-y but I don’t know what I smell. It’s faint and I don’t notice it in my hair only in my hand but it definitely leaves something to be desired. And the product is strong. Be careful that you use only a small amount or your hair will be greasy. My first time using this product, I used a quarter size for my almost waist length, thick head of hair and I wound up looking like I was a greaser from the 50′s. Not attractive. The second time, I used half that and that was perfect.
Right now, Hair Balm is on sale at the Carol’s Daughter web site for $11.20. It’s normally $14, so that’s a pretty amazing sale! And because you don’t need so much product, the 4 oz. bottle – thought it looks small – will last a very long time.
Bottom line… great product for not only relaxed or ethnic hair but also for color treated, wavy and curly hair. And right now… you really can’t beat the price!