Carol's Daughter Tui Line Review

For the last three months I have been trying out some new products from Carol's Daughter's Tui Line:
1. Tui Herbal Shampoo
2. Tui Hair Smoothie
3. Tui Leave-in Conditioner
4. Tui Hair Oil

My first impression upon opening the products --- AMAZING SMELL! It's a great fruity-floral combo that seems to be pronounced enough for anyone in very close proximity to compliment you on your great smelling mane, but subtle enough not to clash with your body fragrance of choice. The four products are not identical in scent but all have the same underlying notes of Calendula flower, Rose, and Lavender.
I have used them all on a consistent basis until the containers are only about 1/5 full or completely empty.

Shampoo: infused with Calendula and Chamomile.
The new packaging on this product says it Sulfate-free, however the older packing I have does not make that claim. Yet, I see no ammonium/sodium laurel/laureth sulfate in the ingredients list, but there is disodium laureth sulfaccinate. This is considered to be a much milder (gentler on scalp and hair without stripping essential oils) cleansing agent. The product does lather and gives me a great clean feeling without the squeaky feeling of stripped hair. However, keep in mind I do pre-poo my hair and scalp with coconut or olive oil the night before my wash day regimen. I am very satisfied with this shampoo and I'd repurchase. But for some, at $12.50 for only 8 oz of product they would consider this a luxury buy, not a staple. The product does everything it claims, but like most of CD's products the price does come into play.

Hair Smoothie: Intense Deep Conditioning Treatment for Normal-to-Dry Hair
I love this product. It has a thick creamy consistency much like Greek yogurt and is rich with butters and oils that literally melt away tangles. I apply to towel dried hair in about six to eight sections and smooth from root to tip, concentrating on the ends. I work the product into the hair and detangle with a wide tooth comb or Denman brush and twist up each section as I go. I got amazing results after letting it sit for about 20 minutes and the rinsing with cool water. My favorite way to use this conditioner is in conjunction with my Huetiful Steamer. Because of the pleasant smell it's like conditioning and an aromatherapy treatment at the same time. At $20.00 for 8 oz, I consider this a splurge item that I would second guess repurchasing. As much as I love this product I'm sure my local BBS is filled with comparable products for a third of the cost.

Leave-in Conditioner - Extracts of Calendula, Lavender and Sage - Blended with the tropical fragrance of Passion Fruit, Guava and Mango.
This is a liquidy spray conditioner. Although its slightly moisturizing, being heavy handed causes the hair to be a bit tacky and sticky. I honestly only see myself using this product while my hair is in twists or braids to refresh my hair and scalp. I actually prefer Oyin Handmade's Juices and Berries or the Jane Carter Revitalizing Leave-in if I want a liquid refresher spray. I did use the entire bottle of this product, but mainly as a hair perfume. It smells incredible, but is honestly not one of my favorite conditioners. It's ok for refluffing second or third day hair but at $12 for 8 oz, I don't see a repurchase in the future.

Hair Oil
By far one of my favorites in this line. It also serves as a hair perfume, but gives great softness and shine. The packaging, with flower petals floating in the oil, is brilliantly feminine and chic. I prefer using this product as a hot oil treatment or even mixing a few drizzles into other conditioners or hair butters to enhance their scents. The fragrance concentration in this product is heavier than others so a little goes a long way. I tend to stretch the product by mixing other oils ( ie. grapeseed, sweet almond, or avocado) into a small applicator bottle and then adding the Tui oil to the mixture for a fragrance boost. Using the product in the manner makes it last an incredibly long time, so at $18 for 8 oz I'm getting a lot of bang for my buck. There is no doubt I will repurchase this product.

These products can be purchased at Sephora or in Carol's Daughter retail locations or online. CD sells a Tui Trio Set for $40.00 including the shampoo, smoothie, and leave-in which will offer about a ten percent discount form purchasing the products individually. There is also a set with all four products called Natural and Free Hair Set for $56 Happy Hearts ~ Healthy Tresses