I received a package in the mail last month that contained two new beauty products on the market. Essential oils from a new brand called Ann Carol.
I have used a lot of oils in my day. I’ve spent a lot of money on quite a few teeny glass bottles in an attempt to find the right ones that will aid in slowing down my dandruff (I’ve talked about that battle ad nauseam already). But I was very excited to get my hands on these two big white bottles, specifically because they were made by renowned Trichologist Dr. Kari Williams. I was also excited because the combinations sounded delicious. Coconut and lavender oil? Peppermint and chamomile? Count me in!
After washing my hair post-vacation, and boy, were they dry, I applied the oils to my hair as I retwisted some of my locs. My scalp was ever so thankful for the moisture, but in a way that it had not been in the past. These oils immediately penetrated my scalp and stayed, specifically the peppermint and chamomile combination, which made my hair tingle and feel refreshed. I twisted and sprayed, allowing these glorious concoctions to soak into my hair. Not only did they offer relief to my often moisture-deprived scalp, but they provided a bit of shine to my locs as well. Talk about a win-win.
I recommend these products to you because not only are they inexpensive (compared to what you would pay for these particular ingredients alone) at $14.95, but they work! If you need a little more of a push, get the scoop on the products from their creator. I spoke to Dr. Williams about her oils, how they came to be after two years of experimenting with chemists, and why they are different from all the oils collecting dust in your bathroom cabinet right now. And the good news is that five more products are on the way!
Why She Chose The Combinations Of Coconut With Lavender And Peppermint With Chamomile
Coconut oil is one of the darlings of more and more women who are going natural. I know it has great emollient properties. It’s very moisturizing. I wanted to formulate a natural oil in which the primary base of the oil was coconut oil because so many people complain about dry hair. There are also antibacterial properties, but it’s really just about retaining the moisture. I added the lavender because I love the scent of lavender [laughs]. But lavender also helps support hair growth, so I thought it would be a great blend. It’s infused with other essential oils: aloe vera, tea tree, jojoba, sweet almond oil, so there are some other natural, and essential oils blended in.
The peppermint chamomile became the dominant oil that I decided to go with for the second product. I began to think about the discomfort people expressed that they felt with their dry scalp. Peppermint oil is one of those oils I recommend because of the natural antiseptic properties of it. It’s very soothing. Peppermint is a stimulating oil that also supports hair growth. And the chamomile is one of those oils that is not really celebrated. It’s very soothing, and I didn’t want to include any artificial fragrances. I didn’t want to pair peppermint oil with something that would be as dominant or conflict. Chamomile oil, in addition to its properties, its scent is not strong. It softens the scent of the peppermint oil, and it provides a nice natural scent.
The Products Coming Soon And Their Benefits
I’m releasing a clarifying shampoo, a moisturizing shampoo, a penetrating conditioner, a cleansing conditioner and a daily moisturizing spray. These first products under the brand Ann Carol are part of the essentials line. I specifically chose these products as my first line of products because of my experience in talking and teaching. I’ve worked with a number of product companies. I speak at a number of events and the common question I hear from women whether they’re natural or they’re newly natural, and also when I consult with men and women of other ethnicities at my Trichology clinic, is “What are the basics?” What do I need to keep my hair and my scalp healthy? Based on my experience in the salon and in the clinic, the items in my first product line are what I consider the basics to develop a healthy hair care regimen and maintain clean hair. You have the items you need to keep your hair clean in the clarifying shampoo. The moisturizing shampoo, which could be used more frequently to infuse moisture into the hair. A penetrating conditioner, which continues to infuse moisture into the hair as well as strengthen hair, especially dry hair. The cleansing conditioner, which has become more popular, is for women who are really active and use a lot of products. It’s a great in-between product that can be used to gently cleanse the hair and scalp in between your regular shampoo days. It also serves as a detangler. If you’re coming out of a long-term or protective style, and you feel your hair is matted and full of dirt, it cuts through buildup and allows you to easily comb through it without all the snapping and breakage. My clients who use it are like, ‘That stuff is amazing!’ And finally, there is the daily moisturizing spray. Women ask me, “What can I put in my hair daily to maintain moisture?” That daily moisturizer is going to answer the needs and prayers of people who say, “I just want something light that I can spray on my head every day that will make my hair feel nice.”
The Woman Behind The Name Ann Carol
The name comes from my mother. I’m honoring my mother with this product line, and her name is Carol Ann. She passed away in 2006 from leukemia. I was 21 when she passed. Since opening my business, Mahogany, I always wanted to do something in honor of my mother’s memory. She was one of my biggest supporters and my biggest source of inspiration. From the way I wear my hair to the fact that I’m even a natural hair specialist to just pursuing my dreams. After I finished undergrad in three years, people around me told me, “You should become a doctor.” “You should become a lawyer.” My heart was in hair. I was scared to tell my mother that after being at this prestigious university for three years, I wanted to do hair. I’ll never forget the day I told her, and just the overwhelming love and support she gave me. She was like, “You’ve been doing hair your whole life. I’m not surprised. You’re going to be successful in whatever you do.” My mother was there to support me every step of the way. It’s a great blessing that I’m able to honor her through the launch of this product line and be able to share her memory with people around the world.
Why Her Oils Are Worth Your Dime And Your Time
One, my oils are definitely all-natural. With the pure natural oils, for those who like to incorporate these oils into your regimen, it helps you save money. Because if you walk into a Whole Foods and try to buy all of those natural oils separately, you’re about to spend a lot of money [laughs]. I wanted the best ingredients, and I didn’t want to cut any corners, so it took some time. But it was worth it because the oils really work, and they penetrate. They don’t drip down your face or run, nor do they leave your hair feeling really oily. My oils have absorbent properties, so they really absorb into the skin and hair. So it’s those qualities, it’s those characteristics that stand out. People who have used the product so far say that’s what makes it different from oils they’ve used in the past.
Check out Dr. Williams’ thoughts on her line below, and be sure to order the Ann Carol products through her website, anncarolbeauty.com.
