Rachel’s back… a 23 year old student who currently resides in Louisville, KY. She decided to transition in November 2008, and more than a year later, she is still going strong and has become well versed in dealing with the ‘terrible twos’! This is why Ms. Rachel Neirene is our new Transitioning Guru! Today, she shares her fav products!
So…I’ve been busy. But I think a product list is in order. Throughout my transition I have used lots of different products. I think I have turned into a product junkie!
Even at the beginning of my transition, I switched to products that are more friendly to the natural beauties.
Below you’ll find a list of my fav products, and what I use them for–
Carol’s daughter Khoret Amen Hair Smoothie–I use this as a pre-poo deep conditioning treatment. I pair this with Aveda Beautifying oil and leave it in overnight.
Aveda Dry Remedy Shampoo-I shampoo with this every two weeks. I love it. It smells great and my hair is dripping with moisture when after I use it. Now that I have well over 40% of natural hair grown in, I don’t shampoo half as often as I used to. I usually do the pre-poo deep conditioning treatment and use the next product on my list to co-wash.
Aveday Dry Remedy Conditioner-One word-SLIP!! It’s amazing. It detangles my hair so well. It’s at the top of my list.
Carol’s daughter hair milk– I use this as a leave-in. It works wonders and I don’t need to use a lot. A little definitely goes a long way. I was surprised by that because I have very thick hair. If you use too much, it will weigh your hair down big time, and that’s no fun. The hair milk also works well with keeping your twist-outs, braid-outs, or any other kind of style you like to wear, looking fresh.
Aveda Beautifying oil-I use this to oil my scalp and I use it to keep my ends moisturized. I love the way it smells. Heavenly.
Just recently, I started using cocoa butter on my hair as an overnight treatment– I just warm it in the microwave, put it in my hair and let it set over night.
Rachel’s Deep Treat Recipe:
I also have made my own little deep conditioner–I mash an avocado, add in some melted cocoa butter, and some Aveda beautifying oil, and let it set in the refrigerator for a bit. If you choose to make this, you don’t have to use the Aveda oil, you can add any essential oil you would like to the mixture.
So after letting it set for a bit, I wet my hair, spread the mixture throughout my whole head, put on a plastic cap, and just let it marinate for as long as I feel like it. Then, rinse thoroughly and proceed with a co-wash or a shampoo. My hair is so much softer now that I have been using the avocado yummyness. I love it!
I also have made my own little deep conditioner–I mash an avocado, add in some melted cocoa butter, and some Aveda beautifying oil, and let it set in the refrigerator for a bit. If you choose to make this, you don’t have to use the Aveda oil, you can add any essential oil you would like to the mixture.
So after letting it set for a bit, I wet my hair, spread the mixture throughout my whole head, put on a plastic cap, and just let it marinate for as long as I feel like it. Then, rinse thoroughly and proceed with a co-wash or a shampoo. My hair is so much softer now that I have been using the avocado yummyness. I love it!
As you can see I use lots of Carol’s daughter products. I just got some Oyin handmade products in the mail. I’m very excited to try them out and I will keep you posted.
I would like to hear from you guys. I want to know what your favorite products are!!

what are some good products to use daily on fine hair?
WHERE DO YOU PURCHASE BENONITE CLAY AND HENNA? I HAVE HAD NO LUCK AT SALLYS AND THE LIKE. TRIED AN INTERNATIONAL MARKET FOR THE HENNA, BUT NO LUCK. THERE IS A CLAY SOLD AT THE VITAMIN SHOP THAT CAN BE USED FOR HAIR AND SKIN…FORGOT THE TYPE/NAME BUT ITS INEXPENSIVE ENOUGH FOR ME TO TRY SOON. PLEASE RESPOND! THANKS!
I just bought the Cantu butter and the matching daily conditioner. Both are very thick products, but are good if you have thirsty hair like mine. I use the butter right after I wash and deep condition, and then use the moisturizer on my edges, and wrap it up. My hair smells SO GOOD afterwards, not to mention it is so soft and manageable.
Still getting a hang of this transitioning thing, but I think it's going well. π
What is vatika oil?? hmmm….. π
I haven't used Bentonite Clay yet….I've heard it's good for your body as well as your hair. I don't know where to get it however. Thanks guys!!!!! I'm definitely gonna try some of these products!! I'm gonna be trying out my OYIN products I got in the mail soon so I'll let you know how that goes..
I would love to try your deep conditioning recipe. I am a certified PJ, but my top favorites (at the moment) are Carol's Daughter HHB, Hair Elixir for scalp itchies, KBB Hair Milk as Leavein, olive oil, shea butter. I've been experimenting with Mane and Tail Shampoos and conditioners and love them surprisingly. Although not using much right now,I keep Qhemet Biologics, Oyin and Miss Jessie's in stock. π
My fav products so far are CD Hair Milk, coconut oil, and shea butter. I haven't tried using avacado stuff yet, but now I want to!
My top 5 products for completely natural hair:
1. Loreal Everpure sulfate free moisture shampoo (not sure on correct name)
2. Aussie Moist Conditioner
3. kbb hair butter (lavender vanilla)
4. coconut oil
5. shea butter
My top 5 products for my completely natural hair are:
1. Qhemet Biologics Burdock Root Butter Cream
2. Vatika oil
3. Bentonite Clay
4. Coconut oil
5. a tie: Aubry Organics Honeysuckle Rose and Desert Organics Green Apple Conditioner
Honorable mentions: henna, maka, and honey
I don't plan on doing the BC at all. I'm just going to continue to trim my ends every 8-12 weeks until they are gone.
Oh the CD hair butter is heaven!! I love it. As well as the Mimosa hair Honey.
Haha…it's funny I get lazy too…that's why I put my deep treatment in at night and just sleep on it most of the time. I haven't tried the Qhemets Biologics yet but i want to. And that Cantu butter sounds amazing!!!
Thanks for the tips guys!!!
I recently found Argan Oil for a nice shine and a fresh scent that's non greasy (Salleys hurry the sell out very fast). For a leave in conditioner I found (at Target) Cantu butter. But please dilute it because it can weigh heavy on your hair. I found that when I mix the Cantu butter together with light oil and a dab of water my hair has a soft shine. I'm a bantu girl so I like an even shine throughout my hair.
Thank you for the tips. I use the Aveda Dry Remedy line also and it is wonderful.
I'm currently transitioning I'm using Qhemets Biologics! I love the Burdock Root Butter and the Alma Olive Oil Heavy Cream. I'm documenting my transition on my own personal blog. http://janeensjourneyback.blogspot.com/
I am a fan of Carol's Daugghter products. I use the Black Vanilla shampoo once a month, Healthy Hair Butter on my ends regularly, and when I'm not too lazy I DC w/the Black Vanilla Smoothie. Because I love the quality of her products, I also use the Almond Cookie Souffle(winter) and Body/Bath Oil(summer). Everything smells so good.
I want to try that aveda, sounds interesting! You have pretty hair, keep it up…when are you going 100% natural/cutting relaxed ends?
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