Australia

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Canada

Croatia

Cyprus

Czechia

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Iceland

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Monaco

Netherlands

New Zealand

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

United Kingdom

United States

<p>If you continue we assume that you consent to receive all cookies on our site. You can find out more information on how we use cookies&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hairstory.com/privacy-policy/">here</a>.</p>

Afghanistan

Åland Islands

Albania

Algeria

American Samoa

Andorra

Angola

Anguilla

Antarctica

Antigua and Barbuda

Argentina

Armenia

Aruba

Azerbaijan

Bahamas

Bahrain

Bangladesh

Barbados

Belarus

Belize

Benin

Bermuda

Bhutan

Bolivia, Plurinational State of

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Botswana

Bouvet Island

Brazil

British Indian Ocean Territory

Brunei Darussalam

Burkina Faso

Burundi

Cabo Verde

Cambodia

Cameroon

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Chad

Chile

China

Christmas Island

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Colombia

Comoros

Congo

Congo, The Democratic Republic of the

Cook Islands

Costa Rica

Côte d'Ivoire

Cuba

Curaçao

Djibouti

Dominica

Dominican Republic

Ecuador

Egypt

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eritrea

Ethiopia

Falkland Islands (Malvinas)

Faroe Islands

Fiji

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French Southern Territories

Gabon

Gambia

Georgia

Ghana

Gibraltar

Greenland

Grenada

Guadeloupe

Guam

Guatemala

Guernsey

Guinea

Guinea-Bissau

Guyana

Haiti

Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Holy See (Vatican City State)

Honduras

Hong Kong

baby_hair_featured_image.jpeg

<h3 style="text-align: center;">Hair is akin to a delicate fabric, and a child’s hair is even more so. Until your kid comes home with a green mohawk and a scalp tattoo – it’ll happen sooner than you’d like – care for those tender sprouts with tender care while you still can.</h3><h4>BABY HAIR</h4>
<p>Newborn scalps are so soft and smell so good, so treat them so carefully. The diameter, texture, and color of a kid’s hair are still forming up to age 12 (sometimes beyond).</p>
<p>Don’t worry if your baby was born bald or with extremely fine hair. Every child has a unique hair growth pattern, but by age three hair typically covers the head, and begins to reveal its color and texture. Hair that is blonde at birth may slowly darken over time, and eye color may also change at around 9 months; cells that produce melanin – or pigment – are still developing and can’t yet create colors determined by genes.</p>
<p>Babies less than 6 months old may experience hair loss or bald patches, partly due to a sudden but normal drop in hormone levels. A bald spot at the back of the head is likely due to resting on that spot, and baby hair doesn’t respond well to friction. Time is the only cure: growth will improve naturally when little ones begin to roll over and crawl.<br><br>A healthy baby will have healthy hair. Proper nutrition is the key to <a href="https://uat.hairstory.com/stories/2019/03/05/how-have-healthy-hair/">healthy growth</a> overall and to developing an effective immune system.</p>

<h4>BABY HAIR CARE</h4>
<p>Washing infant hair once or twice a week is plenty. Choose a gentle formula, avoiding harsh chemicals that could irritate baby's sensitive skin or contribute to hair loss Just remember to be very gentle and avoid putting pressure on the soft spot on the top of the head. Even some children as old as five are sensitive to such pressure. As kids grow, three times a week is a good maximum. At any age, wash hair at the end of the bath so sudsy water doesn’t irritate sensitive skin.</p>

<p>Traditional shampoo is simply too aggressive for a kid’s delicate hair and scalp, and frankly, kids' hair may not be as “dirty” as you think (barring food fights, mud pits, and finger paints) and water alone will often suffice, even with sweat. But when you do need it, a <a href="https://uat.hairstory.com/products/new-wash/">hair cleanser</a> that doesn’t make eyes sting is key. <a href="https://uat.hairstory.com/catalogue/new-wash_1/">New Wash</a> is ideal for so many reasons, but among them is its dense, creamy formula that stays where you put it and won’t run or slide downward.</p><br>

<h4>KIDS' HAIR CARE</h4>
<p>Some kids would rather eat vegetables than have their hair washed, but it’s good to teach them about how important both are. Make wash time a fun time and find ways to make it a special treat. Sing, make spa jokes, blow bubbles together – anything to lighten the mood in the tub and create a distraction. Here's our foolproof kids' hair care routine:</p>

<ol><li><strong>Gently lather your son or daughter's hair until fully coated.</strong><br> </li><li><strong>Take a damp - not soaking or dripping - washcloth and wipe shampoo away.</strong> Or get babies used to water on their faces early by holding them in the shower with you. Try asking kids to look up at the shower head or hang a bright toy from the curtain bar to focus on and use a plastic bucket or cup to rinse. In any case, use lukewarm water – not too hot, not too cold, just right. And dry hair immediately as babies can catch a cold easily.<br> </li><li><strong>Skip the conditioner.</strong> If you’re using a hair cleanser like New Wash, skip the conditioner completely because it isn’t necessary.<br> </li><li><strong>Towel Dry. </strong>Kid hair is already dry, so avoid drying wet hair with a hair dryer.<br> </li><li><strong>Stick to water-based moisturizers</strong> to keep hair soft and supple in between washes (try Hair Balm). Use natural oils like argan oil and shea butter to nourish and lubricate before styling. Coconut oil is an excellent conditioner from head to toe – organic, if possible – and it’s available in a solid form that makes it easy to handle without spills. Just rub some into your hands and apply it to hair from the roots to tips.<br> </li><li><strong>Brush out the tangles.</strong> After-bath combing shouldn’t feel like torture (to parent or child). With nourishing oils in place as detanglers, use a wide-toothed comb to untangle any knots. In fact, if you use a wide-tooth comb while New Wash is still in the hair before rinsing it out, you’ve won more than half the battle. In general, though, don’t start combing at the top of the head; you’ll just make tangles worse as they tighten with downward tension. Instead, begin at the ends and slowly work your way up to the roots, gently pulling apart knots with your fingers.</li></ol>

<h4>POST-BATHTIME CARE</h4>
<p>When dry hair gets knotty, try this: fill a spray bottle with warm water and about a dozen pumps of leave-in conditioner – Hair Balm is perfect. Shake well and use it to dampen hair before combing. You’ll be amazed. Beyond that, keeping hair tied back is a good way to keep tangles to a minimum.</p>
<p>For afro textures, many parents limit “out” days and keep children’s hair in buns, braids, or twists to save tears and time detangling on wash day. Your local braiding expert can create a style that might last as long as 2 weeks. But young hairlines are sensitive – binding and pulling too tightly can cause damage and&nbsp;even recession later on.</p>

<h4>BRUSHING UP</h4>
<p>Brushing – with soft, natural bristles – helps blood circulate in the scalp and deliver nutrients to follicles. Similar to combing, start brushing at the ends and work your way up toward the scalp, removing the knots along the way. But always use downward strokes to keep cuticles as smooth as possible.</p><h4>THE FIRST CUT</h4>
<p>A salon shouldn’t be a scary place for kids (if it is, find another one) and bringing yours along to your next appointment is a good way to prove your point. Ask for a stylist who loves working with little ones, and schedule a slot after naptime or whenever your child is most alert and content.<br><br>Bring along a favorite comfort item and trust the stylist to start with the perimeter (bangs, ears, nape) so that even a cut that gets interrupted for any reason has a good chance of looking finished.<br><br>It is a common misconception in many cultures that cutting or shaving hair will magically make baby’s hair grow faster, thicker and healthier. There is no scientific proof to support this practice.<br> </p><h4>ACCESSORIES</h4>
<p>Ever wonder why little girls wear brightly colored, plastic clips? Because they’re neither heavy nor sharp and won’t damage hair. And they’re cute. And cheap.</p>

<h4>SEASONAL REASONING</h4>
<p>Hats are a must to protect babies’ tender heads from the sun. If it’s cold outside, make sure that your child waits until his or her hair is completely dry before going out. Wet hair can freeze and break in cold weather.<br><br>If swimming in a chlorinated pool, slather on some conditioner beforehand (hello, Hair Balm) and take a shower in fresh water afterward before the chlorine has a chance to dry and is nearly impossible to remove completely.<br></p>

<p>* * *</p>
<p>We hope your child’s hair story is nothing less than a fairy tale full of magic and adventure. But it’s up to you as a parent to provide the best care you can from the inside out (we can’t overstate the importance of nutritious food). So eat well, <a href="https://uat.hairstory.com/stories/2019/01/15/get-sulfates-out-your-life-and-your-hair/">wash wisely</a>, dry gently, oil occasionally, and do what you can to make haircare a joy, not a chore. And if you’re a new parent, we offer our heartiest congratulations.</p>

Products for Baby Hair: From Bathtime to Playtime

how-to-know-1.jpg

<p>Have you ever looked at a photo of yourself and been absolutely floored by the visible hair damage, wondering just how long that it went unnoticed? For better or worse, hair-culture has developed an almost transactional relationship with hair damage in order to achieve certain colors, textures, and looks. We know that a number of the things we do to our hair are damaging, but we do them anyway because they give us the look we want.<br></p>
<p>In this article, we’ll get to the bottom of what causes the most damage to your hair and how to spot it, which hair types are most prone to damage, and a number of hair damage treatments to prevent, lessen, and restore the health of your hair. Let’s dive in.</p><h3>The Root of the Problem: The structure of hair</h3>
<p>Before learning about hair damage, we need to walk through the structure of a single strand of hair to understand how it can be affected.</p>
<p>Each strand of hair can be broken into three parts:</p><ul><li>The protective outer layer called the cuticle </li><li>The thick middle layer that stores pigment called the cortex</li><li>An innermost layer called the medulla — which people with fine hair often don’t even have.</li></ul>
<p>Healthy, hydrated strands of hair have a smooth, closed cuticle. Closed cuticles are shiny when their scale-like structure  all reflect light in the same direction. Healthy, closed cuticles are also smooth to the touch and less prone to tangling and knotting. On the other hand, damaged cuticles have lifted scales that make them rough, dull, and prone to tangling with other strands. Damaged shafts are also more vulnerable to <em>even more</em> damage, because they are open,leaving the cortex unprotected.</p>
<h3>What causes hair damage? </h3>
<p>There are three main types of hair damage that you should become aware of:</p><ul><li>Mechanical damage</li><li>Chemical damage</li><li>Heat damage</li></ul>
<p>While it will serve the health of your hair well to know the main types of hair damage, it’s equally important to recognize which styling and hair-care activities are common causes for day-to-day damage.</p>
<p><strong>Examples of the most common causes of hair damage include: </strong></p><br><ul><li><strong>Hair elastics, ponytails, and tight styles: </strong>It might not come as a surprise that hair ties and high-tension hairstyles stress strands, particularly at the root, and can lead to breakage. We recommend switching up your styles often!<br><br>If you need your hair off your face, pull it back in different ways to prevent a single portion bearing repeated stress. We also have a range of <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/styling/">hair styling products</a> to help you achieve fantastic everyday looks. <br><br>Another tip: Avoid putting wet hair into a ponytail. Damp hair is at its most elastic and can be stretched to the breaking point without gentle handling.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Towel drying: </strong>Speaking of wet hair, avoid drying fragile hair with a towel! Curly girls have known for years that the coarse texture of terry can rough up the hair shaft, and contribute to damage. Try a microfiber towel, or an old t-shirt instead.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Overprocessing:</strong> Overprocessing is the umbrella term for hair that has been damaged from color and bleach, chemical relaxers, and heat styling. While we will discuss the effects of all of these actions on hair, it is important to know that damage can be caused in other ways too.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Coloring and bleaching:</strong> Most people know that coloring your hair causes dryness and damage, but do they really know why that is? Let’s go beyond the surface level to learn exactly how hair dye works, and how its ingredients damage hair.<br><br>Various chemicals are combined and react to produce a haircolor. These chemicals include ammonia, the bleaching agent hydrogen peroxide, and para-phenylenediamine or PPD. Our natural hair color comes from varying concentrations of melanin, the same pigment that determines the color of our skin. In the dying process, peroxide interacts with melanin to alter its natural color, while also reacting with PPD to bind the applied color to the hair permanently. It’s specifically important to note that bleached hair, specifically, can be highly porous and vulnerable to breakage, heat-styling, sun damage, and pollution.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Chemical relaxers:</strong> Relaxers are treatments used to chemically alter the structure of tight, kinky, or extremely curly hair in order to straighten it out. Relaxers work by breaking disulfide bonds within each strand in order to permanently alter the curl pattern. Relaxing can rob hair of its natural elasticity and leaves it at an increased risk for breakage.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Using shampoo: </strong>If you know Hairstory, you know we are staunchly against shampoo. This is because shampoo contains detergents, which clean hair too aggressively.<br><br><a href="https://www.hairstory.com/stories/2021/04/02/is-shampoo-bad-for-your-hair/">Is shampoo bad for your hair</a>? Well, shampoos overclean. While they do remove impurities, they also strip away the good, natural oils our scalp produces in order to protect our skin and hair. This is why we condition – to replace that lost moisture and mimic the natural barrier that was washed away!<br><br>It doesn’t stop there – because our natural oils were stripped away, our scalp work hard to restore them, and hair gets greasy, sending us back to the shower for another wash – and a vicious cycle of cleanse, strip, and repeat.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Heat styling:</strong> With the capacity of many tools reaching 400°F (200°C), it’s tempting to crank up the heat to get the best results in the least amount of time.</li></ul>
<p>In an interview with GHD heat tools chief technology officer, Dr. Tim Moore in <a href="https://stylecaster.com/beauty/best-heat-setting-for-flat-iron/#:~:text=Most%20hot%20tools%20go%20up,get%20what%20you%20want%20ASAP.">Stylecaster</a>, he advises those who use their tools at maximum heat to turn the dial down. “You’ll burn the fat lipids in your hair and cause frizz,” he warns. Not only does heat styling cause frizz and contribute to color fade, it can affect the internal structure of your strands and damage internal layers of hair fibers.<br><br>As the <a href="https://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/beauty-style/effects-of-high-frequent-heat-usage">Naturally Curly blog explains</a>, “Water molecules inside the middle fiber – both free and bound to keratin proteins – provide critical support to the structure and properties of hair.” Heat evaporation can change the internal protein structure and change the properties of individual hair strands.</p>
<p>This can interrupt your curl patterns, cause frizz, and make hair less bouncy and more prone to breakage. The feel of hair can become less pleasant too with a straw-like texture.</p>
<p>For these reasons, it’s important to use heat tools cautiously, intentionally, and always apply a thermal protectant product beforehand. We recommend <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/styling/dressed-up/">Dressed Up</a>.<br><br></p>

<h3>What does damaged hair look like?</h3>

<p>Depending on the type of damage your hair is experiencing, there are telltale signs that you need some TLC: </p><ul><li><strong>Split ends, flyaways, or frizz: </strong>Damaged hair is at greater risk for breaking. Depending on where the break occurs along the shaft, you may experience these symptoms.<br><br></li><li><strong>Lifeless curls, no snapback: </strong>When hair has trouble retaining its natural shape, it means many of the keratin bonds in the individual strands have most likely been weakened or broken.<br><br></li><li><strong>Dry, brittle strands: </strong>Healthy hair should feel smooth and moisturized.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Color fade: </strong>Fading is a sign of highly porous hair. When the hair cuticles are openfrom damage, dye’s bond with the hair is weakened and vulnerable. This allows the pigment to essecially leak out, causing color to fade.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Tangles: </strong>According to <a href="https://www.richfeel.com/ask-hair-expert-hair-get-tangled/#:~:text=When%20hair%20is%20dry%20and,cuticle%2C%20the%20worse%20the%20tangles">RICHFEEL</a>, the national hair and scalp center of India, “when hair is dry and damaged, the cuticle is raised and remains open. These open layers snag with each other, causing tangles and knots. The more damaged the cuticle, the worse the tangles!”<br><br></li><li><strong>Lack of shine:</strong> Dull hair lacks the moisture needed for healthy, smooth cuticles. Smooth cuticles often have a more distinct shine.<br><br></li><li><strong>Easily soaked hair:</strong> Does your hair soak up a lot of product or air-dry extremely fast after a shower? This means it is highly porous (aka thirsty) and in need of moisture!</li></ul><h3>How to know if your hair is damaged</h3>
<p>It might not be obvious if your hair is damaged while looking at the entire head. Take a single strand of hair between your fingers. Is it smooth or bumpy? Bumpy strands may mean the hair cuticle is open due to lack of moisture.</p><h3>Are certain hair types more prone to damage than others?</h3>
<p>Fine hair and textured hair have the greatest risk of hair damage. Fine strands can be fragile and often do not have a medulla, which is the center layer present in thicker strands. This makes the hair more vulnerable to stretching and breaking. Generally speaking, the more tightly curled hair is the greater the risk for damage because cuticles may nit lay flat while hugging such tight curves. And those sharp angles can also become stress points for breakage.</p>

<p>Just because your hair is damaged, doesn’t mean it can’t be repaired. If you haven’t already ditched your drying shampoo and conditioner for a <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/new-wash/">New Wash hair cleanser</a>, make it your first step! New Wash doesn’t strip your scalp of its natural protective barrier like shampoo does, so your hair can return to a state of equilibrium.<br><br>Looking to treat split ends? Get a trim! Can split ends heal? Unfortunately not. The only way to get rid of them – and prevent splits from traveling up the shaft, is by cutting the hair above the damage.</p>
<p>A few of the ways to address damaged hair come directly from grandma’s handbook and encourage you to look to the pantry, as well as the past.<br><br>According to <a href="https://www.today.com/style/foods-eat-avoid-healthy-shiny-hair-t5811">today.com</a>, the best and most proactive way to help out your hair is your diet. “Meat, fish, beans, and soy will arm the body to make keratin, a fibrous protein that builds hair and nails, while omega-3 fats found in fish, walnuts and flaxseed help make hair shine,” says Dr. Apple Bodemer, an assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.Tempted to trty biotin supplements? According to Dr. Apple Bodemer, there is currently no clear evidence that vitamin B will give you thick, luscious hair, “some people swear by it, while others notice no difference.”</p>
<p>Another practice that has been around for thousands of years is hair oiling. Massaging hair oil it into your scalp helps to mimic the sebum your body makes. According to <a href="https://www.vogue.in/content/oiling-really-good-your-hair"><em>Vogue</em></a>, applying oil strengthens the hair, protects it from heat damage, stimulates growth, and moisturizes hair to prevent frizz. </p><h3>How to prevent hair damage</h3>
<p>Some of the most common things you can do to prevent heat damage include:</p><ul><li>Coloring your hair less frequently or limiting bleach use</li><li>Heat-styling less frequently and at a lower temperature</li><li>Applying thermal protective creams and hair oils</li><li>Using New Wash instead of shampoo and conditioner</li></ul>
<p>While the visible effects of damage can be made less visible, the best thing you can do for your hair is avoid those practices that damage your hair in the first place! From the inside out: Eating well is the best prescription for overall health. From the outside in, using the gentlest cleansers on your body will preserve your skin and hair. And there’s no downside to getting your hair in its best possible shape before you experiment with styling and color. It’ll only make your efforts that much more beautiful.</p><br>

How to Know if Your Hair is Damaged and How to Treat It

hair-oil-1.jpg

<h4>In recent years, hair oiling has gained popularity in the U.S., but its roots (pun intended) go back more than 5,000 years.&nbsp;</h4><h4>
Hair oiling actually comes from Ayurveda, which is thought to be theworld’s oldest healing science. This ancient ritual made modern can increase your hair’s moisture and protect it from a variety of damaging treatments. And, it’s also a scalp treatment that, when done right, is believed to calm your mind.</h4>
<p>These days, hair oil is typically used before bed or before washing your hair. But before opening your kitchen cabinets and pouring olive oil over your head every night, it’s important to find the right oil for your hair type and learn how to apply oil to hair correctly so you can achieve hair oiling’s maximum benefits. Otherwise, you may be left with nothing to show for your efforts but a greasy scalp.</p><h5>THE BENEFITS OF OILING HAIR: IS IT IMPORTANT?&nbsp;</h5>
<p>Using hair oil regularly has numerous benefits for a variety of different hair types. Overall, it restores vitamins and minerals that can get stripped from your hair if you wash it frequently or with a shampoo containing sulfates. Hair oiling can also help protect your hair from damage and breakage, reduce dandruff, prevent premature graying, increase hair growth and thickness, and even decrease frizz.</p><h5>Protects your hair from damage and breakage&nbsp;</h5>
<p>If you get into the habit of oiling your hair regularly, you’ll begin to notice that your hair becomes stronger and shinier.  Coating your hair with the right oil provides your locks with nourishment and protection all the way to the hair shaft. Not only will you see less breakage, but you’ll also gain a protective layer that helps prevent damage from your hairdryer, flat iron or other unhealthy hair processes.</p><h5>Reduce dandruff&nbsp;</h5>
<p>From a dry scalp to a yeast-like fungus, there are many reasons for dandruff. And while hair oiling can’t treat all of them, it can definitely help with these two. Massaging oil into your scalp can moisturize the skin on your head, reducing and even eliminating your dry, itchy, flaky skin. Some oils, like tea tree oil, are believed to have antifungal, antiseptic and antibiotic properties, and when mixed with other oils can it can help reduce dandruff.</p><h5>Prevents, and possibly reverses, premature graying&nbsp;</h5>
<p>Massaging coconut oil on your scalp will gradually restore your hair’s color and prevent further greying. Because coconut oil is so lightweight, it’s able to get into your hair’s cuticle, replacing some of the essential nutrients your hair has lost, which caused the graying in the first place.</p><h5>Increases hair growth and thickness&nbsp;</h5>
<p>About one-third of women will experience hair loss at some point in their lives. Before we discuss the benefits of hair oiling for hair loss, consider that a simple, daily hair massage on its own has some incredible benefits. It can stop hair loss and increase growth and actuallythicken your individual hair strands. Often, hair loss occurs because of a lack of nutrition, causing your hair to become weak. When you add oils to your massage, you’re giving your scalp that much-needed nourishment that will strengthen your hair and prevent further loss.</p><h5>Decreases frizz&nbsp;</h5>
<p>No one likes when their hair is always frizzy. But hair oiling can help. Oils that are rich in Vitamin E and fatty acids do the best job of taming your frizz. When you massage oil into your hair, you’re locking in moisture, increasing the strength of your hair and adding elasticity, which all lead to a reduction of frizz.</p>

<h5>WHAT OIL IS BEST FOR MY HAIR?</h5>
<p>Not all oils are good for your hair. Some can actually prevent your hair from absorbing water, causing more damage. But, some of the best natural hair oils that can protect your hair from everything from surfactant damage from your shampoo to damage from your blow dryer, flat iron, or other heat tools.</p>
<p>

Coconut oil is the favorite among all of the oils. It’s good for all hair types and can reduce the loss of protein, which is essential for keeping hair healthy. There are a few other oils that can be used on all hair types, including hair without any major problems. These oils are:</p><ul><li>Argan oil&nbsp;</li><li>Lavender oil&nbsp;</li><li>Lemongrass oil</li></ul><h5>Dry hair&nbsp;</h5>
<p>If you have dry and frizzy hair, consider using the following oils:</p><ul><li>Almond oil</li><li>Avocado oil</li><li>Castor oil</li><li>Cocoa-butter</li><li>Coconut oil&nbsp;</li><li>Jojoba oil</li><li>Manketti oil</li><li>Rosemary oil (mix with a carrier oil, like coconut or olive oil)</li><li>Sesame oil</li></ul><h5>Oily hair&nbsp;</h5>
<p>Oily hair is tricky as you don’t want to make it more oily with a treatment. If you’re not sure if you have oily hair, learn what oily hair looks like here. Until you get your oily hair under control, don’t treat it too often, and when you do, consider using:</p><ul><li>Argan oil</li><li>Grapeseed oil</li><li>Sesame oil</li></ul><h5>Dandruff&nbsp;</h5>
<p> If you have dandruff, consider using:</p><ul><li>Almond oil</li><li>Castor oil</li><li>Coconut oil</li><li>Grapeseed</li><li>Jojoba oil</li><li>Tea-tree oil</li></ul><h5>Essential oils&nbsp;</h5>
<p>A note about essential oils, like lavender, lemongrass, rosemary and tea tree: Never apply an essential oil directly to your scalp or skin. They won’t dilute when mixed with water. Make sure to mix it with a carrier oil, like coconut or olive oil, before applying.</p><h5>WHEN TO APPLY HAIR OIL&nbsp;</h5>
<p>The best time to oil your hair is before you go to sleep so the oil has ample time to soak into your scalp and hair. Plus, not only will the head massage feel wonderful, but it’s such a relaxing experience that it might even help you sleep better. If you can’t do it before bed, make sure to keep the oil in for at least two hours before you shampoo so that it can work its magic.</p>
<p><strong>But before oiling your hair, think about the last time you washed it. If your hair is very dirty, adding oil will trap the dirt on your scalp and clog your pores. Never a good thing. A clean, or mostly clean, scalp will allow your skin to soak in all of the goodness.</strong></p>
<p>You can oil your hair once or twice a week, depending on the natural dryness or oiliness of your scalp. Remember, your scalp naturally produces oils to protect itself, so if you over-oil your hair, your scalp could become greasy, which prevents your hair from growing – the opposite of what you’re hoping to accomplish. It may take a bit of trial and error to determine if you’re a once-a-week or a twice-a-week oiler.</p>
<p>HOW TO USE HAIR OIL</p>
<p>Hair oiling isn’t difficult, but in order to get the most benefits and prevent a greasy, oily scalp, it’s important to learn how to apply oil to hair properly.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
Follow these instructions when applying oil:&nbsp;</p><ol><li>Warm up the oil so that’s lukewarm and can spread easily.</li><li>Make sure your hair is either damp or dry before applying the oil. Dry is preferred.&nbsp;</li><li>Section off your hair.&nbsp;</li><li>Pour the oil into your hands and then massage it from the root to the tip. Never pour the oil directly onto your scalp!&nbsp;</li><li>Comb the oil through your hair to ensure that every strand is saturated in oil.</li><li>Gently massage your scalp with your fingertips for 15 – 20 minutes.&nbsp;</li><li>Once your hair is fully coated, wrap it into a loose knot or bun and secure it with a soft hairband.&nbsp;</li><li>For better absorption, steam your hair with a hot towel or stand in a hot shower.&nbsp;</li><li>If you can, leave the oil in your hair overnight.</li><li>You should wash your hair within 24 hours of oiling.&nbsp;</li><li>For best results, repeat weekly.</li></ol><h5>HAIR OIL FOR CURLY HAIR&nbsp;</h5>
<p>If you have curly hair, you know that your hair is very different from straight hair. The fibers in curly hair are unique, boasting their own physical, mechanical and biological make-up, compared to straight hair.</p>
<p>Curly hair is very delicate, and often very dry. By nature, curly hair holds less water than straight hair. Your straight-haired friends brush their hair to pull down the oil from the scalp, but in curly hair, the oils have a harder time sliding down your curls. This leads to frizz and dull-looking hair. It can also lead to brittle hair and dreaded split ends.</p>
<p>Curly hair needs a unique combination of moisture, protein and oil. Yes, not just one thing – all three. Oiling curly hair with coconut oil, or blended styling oil that works well on dry hair will help reduce frizz and create smooth, shiny curls.</p><h5>HOW TO WASH AND STYLE YOUR HAIR AFTER HAIR OILING</h5>

<p>If you’re oiling weekly, as recommended, you’ll need to wash and condition your hair after. Our New Wash is a great SLS-free shampoo alternative that will gently yet thoroughly cleanse your hair without stripping your scalp of its protective barrier. This creamy cleanser will also give your hair and scalp additional essential oils to further improve your hair.</p>
<p>As with hair oiling, finding the right wash for you can help improve your hair. Our wash comes in three options:</p><ul><li>New Wash (Original): Best for most people.</li><li>New Wash (Deep): A deeper cleansing that includes apple cider vinegar and argan oil to help manage your oiliness.</li><li>New Wash (Rich): Extra conditioning for very dry hair.</li></ul>
<p>To make sure you remove all of the oil from your treatment, along with any dirt or product build-up, you’ll need to use your fingers (or our shower brush) to massage your scalp for at least one minute.  This helps evenly distribute the wash throughout your hair and activates the cleansing ingredients.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
Our wash also works as a conditioner, so after you’ve rinsed your hair well, you should be able to easily run your fingers through your wet hair without needing any conditioner.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
After you’ve washed your hair, you can apply your typical product regimen as usual. Our hair balm is a great place to start as it serves as a conditioner, anti-frizz serum and styling gel in one. Once you’ve applied your product and styled your hair, consider using a few drops of hairstyling oil to set your hair in place and prevent frizz until your next wash.</p><h5>A LITTLE SELF-CARE CAN GO A LONG WAY&nbsp;</h5>
<p>Hair oiling may seem indulgent and luxurious (and we love that about it), but when worked into your usual routine, it’s a self-care practice with ancient roots that can help calm the stresses of a busy mind. We know self-care is important, so why not set aside a half-hour to treat yourself to this weekly routine? Including a hair treatment with a relaxing and beneficial scalp massage could become a weekly ritual that you treasure. And, it could change your relationship with your hair.</p>

<p style="text-align: center;"><sub><strong>Resources:</strong>&nbsp;</sub></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><sub>
Vasant Lad."Ayurveda: a brief introduction and guide".Ayurveda. URL&nbsp;</sub></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><sub>
Gavazzoni Dias, Maria Fernanda Reis. “Hair cosmetics: an overview.” International journal of trichology vol. 7,1 (2015): 2-15. doi:10.4103/0974-7753.153450. URL&nbsp;</sub></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><sub>
C. F. Carson, K. A. Hammer, T. V. Riley. "Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties", American Society for Microbiology. URL&nbsp;</sub></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><sub>
B B Mahajan, Raman Mahajan and Richa Nagpal.  "Premature greying of hair and role of oiling in Indian perspective". Longdom. URL&nbsp;</sub></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><sub>
"Treating female pattern hair loss". Harvard medical School. URL&nbsp;</sub></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><sub>
English, R.S., Barazesh, J.M. Self-Assessments of Standardized Scalp Massages for Androgenic Alopecia: Survey Results. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 9, 167–178 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-019-0281-6. URL&nbsp;</sub></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><sub>
Koyama, Taro et al. “Standardized Scalp Massage Results in Increased Hair Thickness by Inducing Stretching Forces to Dermal Papilla Cells in the Subcutaneous Tissue.” Eplasty vol. 16 e8. 25 Jan. 2016. URL&nbsp;</sub></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><sub>
"Oiling Tips: How Oiling Regularly Can Be Beneficial For Hair". DoctorNDTV. URL&nbsp;</sub></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><sub>
Gavazzoni Dias, Maria Fernanda Reis. “Hair cosmetics: an overview.” International journal of trichology vol. 7,1 (2015): 2-15. doi:10.4103/0974-7753.153450. URL&nbsp;</sub></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><sub>
Cloete, Elsabe et al. “The what, why and how of curly hair: a review.” Proceedings. Mathematical, physical, and engineering sciences vol. 475,2231 (2019): 20190516. doi:10.1098/rspa.2019.0516. URL</sub></p>

How To Use Hair Oil: What You Need to Know To Soak Up Every Benefit

cleaning_the_scalp.jpeg

<h4>It is fair to say that our cultural obsession with all things sparkling clean has gone way too far. Yes, life is messy, but our bodies are, for the most part, good housekeepers.</h4>

<p>Healthwise, a clean scalp is more important than clean hair. Clean hair looks, feels and smells great, but a properly cared-for scalp is what keeps all clean hair gorgeous. Fortunately, the tools for a good scalp detox are literally at your fingertips – mastering massage techniques for cleaning the scalp will never fail, no matter what else you do.</p>
<p>Some remedies for busting scalp build up lurk somewhere in your kitchen, but stay with us and we’ll help you avoid wasting perfectly good food. Others are often-hyped new products designed for scalp cleansing – but we’ll warn you to look before you leap on the scalp scrub bandwagon.</p>

<h5><em><strong>HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A SCALP DETOX?</strong></em></h5>
<p>Worried about your scalp health? Here are the top 5 reasons to make a scalp detox a part of your regular hair care:</p>
<p><strong>#1 You wash infrequently</strong></p>
<p>A scalp detox can help purify your hair follicles and dissolve accumulated products, pollutants, sweat, and the daily grime.</p>
<p><strong>#2 You are exposed to toxins (duh)</strong></p>
<p>Boost antioxidants to limit damage from free radicals that damage hair while it incubates.</p>
<p><strong>#3 It’s a new season</strong></p>
<p>Soothe a dry scalp and slough off flakes in arid heat or freezing cold.</p>
<p><strong>#4 You love your styling products</strong></p>
<p>Prevent or soothe irritation from build-up after playing with polymers, silicones, waxes, and alcohols found in your styling products.</p>
<p><strong>#5 You’re making a lifestyle change</strong></p>
<p>If you’re on a dietary cleanse, purify your scalp of toxins being expelled through your pores.</p>
<p>If you’re experiencing dryness, itching, dandruff, or inflammation. Learn all about life above the brows – in sickness and in health – here.</p>
<h5><strong><em>HAIR DETOXING WITH THE RIGHT MOVES</em></strong></h5>
<p>Get physical to remove debris from the scalp: Friction and massage help to stimulate blood vessels while removing spent skin.</p>
<h5>A Hairbrush</h5>
<p>One of the most effective tools to start the process comes from something you already use on a daily basis. A good-quality boar bristle brush is the best way to spread nourishing sebum through your hair. Gently stroking the scalp with it feels fantastic, of course, but also helps dislodge those old skin cells. We suggest you brush before you shower or go to bed. But remember, go easy on your scalp. We’ll say it again: G.e.n.t.l.y.</p>
<h5>A Scalp Brush</h5>
<p>If you don’t use a brush, a silicone-bristle <a href="https://uat.hairstory.com/catalogue/brush_75/">scalp massage brush</a> is a great next step. Those with curly hair in particular might find a silicone shower brush a beneficial tool. Use it to get your products – from cleansers to masques – well-distributed into hair and roots. A shower brush also offers a nice, safe massage and saves your scalp from getting scratched by your fingernails.</p>
<h5>A home-made scalp treatment</h5>
<p>The next level of scalp detox involves applying an array of potions that you can buy or make. Before you apply anything, make sure your hair is <a href="https://www.byrdie.com/how-to-detangle-dry-natural-hair-400322">adequately detangled</a> so your fingers or brush can reach your scalp. Work in small sections to avoid re-tangling your hair in the process.</p>
<h5><em><strong>Scalp Detox Ingredients and Recipes</strong></em></h5>
<p>Creating a scalp scrub is the perfect project for the DIY beauty enthusiast. With a few exceptions, you may already have these cleansing ingredients already on hand. Try out several of these treatments to see which method works best for you.</p>
<h5>Apple cider vinegar</h5>
<p><a href="https://uat.hairstory.com/stories/2019/08/16/apple-cider-vinegar-good-for-hair/">Apple cider vinegar</a> for the scalp can kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi that lead to dandruff and its more severe form, seborrhoeic dermatitis. It can also help remove scalp buildup, and its acidity will close your cuticles and boost your shine. To avoid irritation, be sure to dilute the apple cider vinegar before applying. Whether you want to learn how to get rid of dandruff or you’re looking for natural ways of cleaning the scalp, apple cider vinegar is a great product for all your hair detox needs.</p>
<p>• Mix ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar with a cup of water.<br>
• Fill a spray bottle and mist your hair and scalp.<br>
• Massage into your scalp with a shower brush or fingertips and leave on for three to five minutes.<br>
• Rinse with warm water and cleanse as usual.</p>
<h5>Brown Sugar</h5>
<p>When it comes to scalp care, sugar is great as your key exfoliant. It gently buffs away sebum and product buildup while also helping to hydrate a dry scalp. Add it to your conditioner or mix with coconut or olive oil:</p>
<p>• Combine two tablespoons each of brown sugar, and two tablespoons of conditioner or oil (more if your hair is very thick or porous).<br>
• After washing your hair massage the scrub into your scalp in a circular motion with your fingertips or shower brush. Leave it for a few minutes, and rinse thoroughly.</p>
<h5>Black Pepper</h5>
<p>According to <a href="http://www.dnaindia.com/health/report-black-pepper-more-health-benefits-than-you-know-1871235">DNA India</a>, black pepper is rich in Vitamins A and C, flavonoids, carotenoids and other antioxidants that help remove harmful free radicals and protect the body against certain cancers and diseases. It is also said to have exceptional growth-stimulating and dandruff-fighting abilities.</p>
<ol>
<li>Combine 1/4 cup ground peppercorns in 1/2 cup coconut, olive, or jojoba oil in a bowl until smooth.</li>
<li>Store in a tightly sealed jar at room temperature for at least two weeks (refrigeration optional).</li>
<li>Drain the oil; discard the pepper.</li>
<li>Apply oil to the scalp, and cover with a warm towel for 30 minutes</li>
<li>Rinse thoroughly and cleanse.</li>
</ol>
<h5>Aloe Vera</h5>
<p>Aloe Vera Gel – a celebrated skin soother – contains enzymes that break down dead skin cells and promote healing. It also has conditioning and anti-itch properties for people who suffer from an itchy scalp. No recipe necessary here: Apply the product directly to your scalp and let it do its magic.</p>
<h5>Tea Tree Oil</h5>
<p>Tea tree oil is an effective solvent for sebum and dirty or oily scalp buildup, allowing your scalp to better absorb moisture from your condition and products. Like apple cider vinegar, use tea tree oil if and only if dissolved and diluted with a carrier oil first.</p>
<h5>Rosemary Oil</h5>
<p>Rosemary oil is included in many clarifying shampoo recipes to help balance natural oils in your scalp. The antioxidant powers of iron and calcium support collagen levels and promote shiny hair growth.</p>
<h5>Moringa Oil</h5>
<p>This famous tree oil is valued for its antibacterial, antiseptic, <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15776678">anti-inflammatory</a>, and antifungal abilities. It cleanses the scalp and helps soothe the cells from the inside out. Blend a few drops in coconut oil and lather onto the scalp before rinsing.</p>
<h5>Willow Bark Extract</h5>
<p>White willow bark is excellent for those prone to oily hair or dandruff, which can go hand-in-hand. It contains the highest concentrated form of exfoliating salicylic acid found in nature, and its astringent tannins counteract oiliness. Using willow bark extract is a great natural remedy that really helps with oily hair and scalp exfoliation.</p>
<h5>Bentonite Clay</h5>
<p>Typically available in powder form and loaded with pore-purifying and oil-zapping minerals, clay is a great mask for clarifying the scalp. Reconstitute it with water or oil and let it sit.</p>
<h5>Ginger</h5>
<p>Ginger has thermogenic properties, meaning it creates heat through metabolic stimulation, which helps heal the scalp. Here is an invigorating scalp tonic that you can use weekly:<br>
• Mix fresh ginger, lemon juice, and water in a spray bottle.<br>
• Mist your scalp with the mixture and massage thoroughly</p>
<h5>Witch Hazel</h5>
<p>Witch hazel is an astringent that can help remove buildup and residue. You can either soak a cotton ball and dab your scalp or dilute it with water to make a spray. To make the spray, combine one part witch hazel with two parts water in a bottle. Leave the mixture on for a few minutes, and then cleanse. When using this product, be sure to choose an alcohol-free witch hazel brand.</p>
<h5><em>IN CONCLUSION</em></h5>
<p>Remember that deep-cleansing the scalp should be done weekly. Do not over detox the scalp as this can lead to further irritation. If you are looking for new hair products that are strong enough to support your scalp but gentle enough to use regularly, try our New Wash from Hairstory. People with lifelong scalp complaints have found a lifelong partner in <a href="https://uat.hairstory.com/new-wash-pouch-product/">New Wash</a>, an oil-based hair cleanser that treats the scalp the way it deserves to be: with tender, loving care.</p>

Hair Detox: Cleansing the Scalp

synthetics-1.png

<h4>Industry leaders say synthetic ingredients can be cleaner than natural ones, preservatives are a must, and “clean” certifications are not always what they seem.</h4>
<p>If you’re an eco-conscious label-reader who wants to know exactly what is in a product before you buy it, wrapping your head around 'clean' beauty can be confusing. You might believe that 'clean' is synonymous with 'all-natural,' but when you discover that many virtue-signaling products include synthetic ingredients and even preservatives, your heart sinks. How can these brands claim to be clean?&nbsp;</p>
<p>
The Hairstory Sustainable Beauty Summit in April 2021 was a forum for clean beauty leaders to address these issues. Moderated by Jenny Jin, beauty director at Pure Wow, a focus was on consumer misconceptions about ingredients – and what clean really means to them.</p><h5>THE TRUTH ABOUT PRESERVATIVES AND SYNTHETIC INGREDIENTS IN COSMETICS AND BEAUTY</h5>
<p>“Synthetic ingredients can be some of the cleanest ingredients; it's all about how they're processed,” explained Hillary Peterson, the CEO, and founder of True Botanicals. “And, natural ingredients can be toxic, depending on exactly that same thing. Was CO2 extracted? Was it cold-pressed? Were there solvents involved in the extraction? For True Botanicals, clean comes down to safety for people and the planet.”</p>

<p>Synthetic ingredients are controversial, and not always rightly so. When Ilia Beauty founder Sasha Plavsic first launched her brand in 2009, she “got some flack” for including synthetics. But as the line grew she noticed that some products' performance was compromised without the relatively consistent nature of synthetics.</p>

<p>“Over the last five years, I started reformulating my products with a mindset of what clean is,” she said. “And I think, overall, it's where the best of natural and the safest of synthetic collide. It's where they meet in the middle. It can be a little bit different for each brand. But in general, it's the collision of the two together where you're creating efficacious products, let's say for the skin. Generally, there's a purpose to protecting the vibe of skin, if it's an active ingredient.”</p>

<p>The same goes for preservatives, which all five panelists agreed are necessary. Whether it’s fermented natural extracts or a chemical compound created in a lab, without preservatives, beauty products could easily spoil or become contaminated.</p>

<p>“You can use phenoxyethanol at a very, very low percentage truly for antimicrobial and antifungal purposes and to hold the product together,” Joe Cloyes, CEO of Youth to the People explained. “You can go in at very low percentages and be safe, but it depends on the pH of the product as well. We're using more of the fermented preservatives right now, again based on the pH of the product and what we're putting in there. Preservatives are controversial, but there are so many options and so many things that go into how you make the product.”</p><h5>BAD BEAUTY INGREDIENTS: IT’S THE BIGGER PICTURE THAT MATTERS</h5>
<p>
As Cloyes indicated, scrutinizing individual ingredients can be misleading; how ingredients work together in a formula should also be considered. But that's not easy to understand unless you’re a chemist or cosmetics expert, and every panelist agreed upon the importance of education for conscious consumers. While the demand for clean beauty has grown, education has lagged.</p>

<p>“We can do better as brands, manufacturers, and labs to contextualize a blend versus a single ingredient,” points out Sarah Lee, co-founder, and co-CEO of Glow Recipe. “There’s of a lot of information out there. Skincare enthusiasts, especially on social media, make very quick conclusions about whether a product is good or bad based on one ingredient or its percentage. And there's a lot of nuance and context behind each and every formulation. So, I do think that there is some work to be done in order to educate. It's not black and white.”</p>

<h5>CERTIFICATIONS – ARE THEY WORTH IT?&nbsp;</h5>
<p>Consumer education should also address the confusion around the many certifications products may receive. One brand might boast MADE SAFE, another may be Clean at Sephora, and in potential greenwashing fashion, a third may have no certification at all even though they claim to be 'green,' 'organic' or 'cruelty-free.'</p>

I just don't think these certifications are any good unless the consumer understands what they mean

founder of RMS Beauty

<p>In addition, the United States doesn’t have a clear and strict set of regulations for the clean beauty industry. And, based on Swift’s personal experience, other regulations, such as USDA Certified Organic, are also questionable.  While searching for a fragrance to include in the body oil she was creating, Swift received a recommendation for a certified organic supplier in Hawaii. However, when fragrance was tested, they learned it was synthetic.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
So, while there’s definitely work to be done around regulations and explaining what each certification means, brands do align with ones that speak to them. For example, all True Botanicals products are certified MADE SAFE.</p>

<p>“As someone who had recovered from cancer, I was really interested in how the beauty industry could better serve people,” said Peterson. “I learned a lot from scientists who shared their concerns around ingredients like nanoparticles and sub-ingredients in beauty products that weren't even listed on the labels. All of that led me to MADE SAFE because some of the top green scientists in the world have informed the MADE SAFE certifications. For me, MADE SAFE stands out because it's an independent certification. And that's something I'd really love to see going forward, more certifications that aren’t based on self-reporting.”</p>

<h5>CAN CLEAN BEAUTY BRANDS USE PRESERVATIVES AND SYNTHETIC INGREDIENTS?&nbsp;</h5>
<p>But if some brands use self-reported certifications and some include synthetic ingredients or preservatives, what does it actually mean to be a clean beauty product? The answer is, once again, complicated. As of now, each brand has its own definition of clean.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
“I actually like to call myself green, only because I feel I’ve really held to my value system by keeping it as raw as possible, as organic and clean as possible,” Swift explained. “Sometimes, I almost take it a step too far, because I'm kind of a purist. It seems like so many people have a definition, and different stores all have their definitions of clean. I don't know exactly where I stand on that. Because I always say there's clean, there's cleaner, and there's cleanest.”&nbsp;</p>
<p>

Clean beauty brands may be equally concerned about how ingredients are processed – and how their products are packaged.</p>
<p>“Clean is beyond just the ingredient list,” Lee said. “It's the approach to clean beauty in general – the approach to how people shop and how we educate as a brand. We want to think about how we can affect it in every aspect of product development. This might be sourcing or how it affects our skin and the earth. We want to be really cognizant of how we impact a community.”</p>
<p>Plavsic agreed with Lee. She said that over the last couple of years, she’s seen a stronger focus on packaging and sustainability throughout the industry.</p>

<p>“From a values standpoint, social responsibility includes packaging,” she explained. “Everybody was very focused on the formulas the first 10 years, but in my eyes, it’s becoming so much bigger when we're producing so much. I don't think that zero-waste is possible; I think that there has to be offsetting. How do we offset what we do? We're producing so much, and what is our responsibility as brands to the planet? That is the bigger conversation for any corporation today.”</p>

<p>As clean brands work to expand their mission beyond just good and bad ingredients to include how they are grown, harvested, and processed, they are also examining their impact on farmers and other workers along the way, and how their business as a whole adversely affects the environment.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
“No one can say they're the most sustainable or the cleanest," says Cloyes. "It's all about doing the best you can, and learning from peers and other organizations. If we can all be transparent, do the best we can, and align and help each other, that's what's going to make things better. We are making things that people buy, and at the end of the day, that's not ultra-sustainable. But that's what we do; we’re going to do the best we can to be as sustainable as possible.”</p>

Synthetics & Preservatives in Cosmetics & Beauty: Why Clean Beauty is Complicated

conscious-consumerism-1.png

<h3>Making the choice to sell products for conscious consumers or to be a conscious consumer has its challenges, but taking steps towards sustainability is always the right choice.</h3>

<h5>WHAT IS CONSCIOUS CONSUMERISM?</h5>
<p>Conscious consumerism – it’s a phrase that means exactly what it sounds like: choosing to buy – or not buy – to make a positive impact socially, economically, or environmentally. But, for those who sell products with sustainability in focus, satisfying conscious consumers can be much more complicated.</p>
<p>At Hairstory’s 2021 Sustainable Beauty Summit, held virtually on April 8, Liza Moiseeva, the co-founder & CMO of Brightly.eco, sat down with Mia Davis, who is the vice president of sustainability and impact at the  Credo, (a company that sells clean, non-toxic beauty and skin care products, and  Meika Hollender, the vice president of communications at Grove Collaborative, (a company that sells a variety of sustainable home products, including their own brand). They discussed their thoughts on conscious consumerism, greenwashing, the hard decisions they’ve had to make as leaders in sustainable beauty, and simple steps toward sustainability that we can all take.</p><h5>IS IT AN OXYMORON TO SELL STUFF WHILE PREACHING SUSTAINABILITY?</h5>

<p>“Conscious consumerism, as a term, kind of inherently makes me a little uncomfortable as I’m someone who thinks a lot about our overconsumption in the United States,” said Davis. “It’s something I grapple with all of the time because I'm a sustainability person who sells stuff. And I'm in the beauty industry. So, there's an inherent tension there.”&nbsp;</p>
<p>
The problem with working in the beauty industry, Davis explained, is that it’s an industry that generates a lot of waste. Lots of stuff is sold, and that stuff requires lots of packaging – retailing is inherently unsustainable. Plus, she’s also a consumer who buys stuff.&nbsp;</p>
<p>

So how is it possible to voice concerns about over-consumption while selling (and buying) stuff? For Davis, it’s about empowering and encouraging others to buy and sell stuff while still focusing on what is best for their own health, their children's health, and the environment.</p>

<p>“The more that consumers and customers are thinking about hard questions and thinking holistically about what the impact of their purchase might be, the better,” Davis continued. “Whether that occurs at the start of the process, or at the end of the process when something is washed down the drain – or even when something is supposedly recycled but probably isn't – that's what it’s about. It’s also about worker’s rights, of course, and other sustainability issues.”</p><h5>BEING A CONSCIOUS CONSUMER ISN’T EASY</h5>
<p>But consuming consciously means reading between the lines of marketing lingo, and that’s not always easy. Some companies claim to be all-natural, which doesn't mean much, while others make environmentally-friendly claims. But they don't always practice what they preach.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
When companies “greenwash,” the onus is on the consumer to do the work to determine if what they're being promised is right, wrong, or realistic. It requires research and critical thinking, which not everyone has the time for. Hollender gives us a place to start.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
“One of the really devastating areas around greenwashing is about plastic and recycling plastic,” she pointed out. “Only 9% of plastic is actually recycled. It doesn't matter how much is going into the recycling bin, we don’t have great infrastructure to recycle plastics. So, when you have the big consumer products and companies talking about how by X date – 10, 20, 30 years from now – they will  use 50% recycled plastic to make their products, that's just not even possible.”</p><h5>When conscious consumers use plastic, they toss it in the recycling bin once done. But not all plastic can be recycled, and even if it can, it might not be.</h5>
<p>Consumers trust that they are making informed environmental decisions when choosing what to buy or who to buy it from, but that’s not always possible.</p>
<p>

Grove Collaborative recently became a Certified B Corporation. To achieve this, a business must “meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.” Hollender believes this is the way forward.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
“There's still a lot of work to do to hold companies accountable,” she admits. “Outside of them electing to become a B Corp, or a public benefit corporation, how do we put laws in place to check what they're doing? That's the part that we obviously haven't solved yet.”</p><h5>BEING A SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS ISN’T EASY EITHER, ESPECIALLY WHEN DECISIONS HAVE FINANCIAL CONSEQUENCES</h5>

<p>But as some businesses work to create a strong and honest environmental or sustainability policy without laws to hold them accountable, they have to consider what it might cost their business. They could lose valuable vendors or clients. Making these decisions are difficult, but both Hollender and Davis believe they’re worth it.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
“For Credo, clean is really defined as the nexus of safety, sourcing, sustainability, and ethics,” Davis explained. “In April of 2020, we launched our industry-leading sustainable packaging guidelines. One of the first milestones that our brands have to meet, according to those guidelines, is no more single-use containers, no more sampling. That milestone is coming right up on June first of this year.”&nbsp;</p>
<p>
This wasn’t an easy business decision for Davis and her team. It was hard and uncomfortable. They knew they were rocking the boat and that their decision would be controversial. But, she said, the decision was “also kind of simple.”</p>

<p>“Sustainability is part of what we're doing,” she said. “When you really look at what's at stake, or when you really take a step back, you see that there's approximately 122 billion little sachets and packets that are produced annually – and some people think that's a really conservative number, that it's actually much higher. Those are never recyclable, because they're tiny, little flexible packages. They blow away in the wind. And, they’re made of mixed materials, so they're never going to be recycled. So, we just had to say no. And that's really weird for beauty. Beauty samples. That's how it's done. So, us saying no was actually a very big business decision.” </p><h5>THE PANDEMIC CHANGED THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY</h5>
<p>As hard as those business decisions are, COVID-19 was possibly more stressful for many eco-conscious businesses. When the pandemic hit, consumers re-evaluated everything in their lives. Many clean business owners weren’t sure how their brands would fare. But, Hollender said, it was actually a boom for environmentally and socially conscious consumerism.&nbsp;</p>
<p> 

“Sustainability, particularly in the consumer space, was a silver lining during COVID,” said Hollender. “At the beginning of the pandemic, I was pretty nervous that we were going to see a big flip back to the traditional brands, to this idea that people want the strongest, most powerful, most established brands disinfecting their homes. But looking back on the year, what we ended up seeing was actually natural products in all categories continuing to steal market share from traditional brands. How amazing is that, especially during a pandemic?”&nbsp;</p>
<p>
Hollender explained that while people were spending so much time in their homes, as were their kids, people became hyper-aware of what they were using every day – they literally sat with their choices, smelling and breathing them. And, because the efficacy of less toxic products is rising and the prices are falling compared to standard brands, it became a no-brainer.</p><h5>HOW TO BE A CONSCIOUS CONSUMER: TAKING ONE SMALL STEPS TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY</h5>
<p>At the end of the day, economic, environmental, and socially conscious consumerism is about both the big and small decisions we make as consumers. In fact, there are plenty of simple, actionable steps towards sustainability that you can take today.</p>

<p>“One of the most actionable things people can do is to stop using single-use items,” Davis recommended. “No more water bottles, no more coffee cups, and definitely no more cutlery from takeout containers. At first, it might be annoying to remember to say no and to remember your cup, but you know what, we can totally do this. And once you start doing it, it's just like anything else you're in the habit of doing it.”&nbsp;</p>
<p>
When you place a takeout or delivery order and you plan to eat at home, Davis recommends you politely request that the restaurant not include cutlery. Or when you’re purchasing beauty products, opt for low or no-waste options like refillable shampoo and wash products.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
“They’re made out of thin plastic,” she said. “They’re meant to be used for seconds, and then they’ll never leave the planet. If every single person who didn't need it said no to it, we would be making an impact.”&nbsp;<br></p>

<p>With recycling a pretty flimsy bandaid for the plastics problem, The most effective form of conscious consumerism is finding ways to reduce and reuse.<br></p>
<p>“I have a new baby, and we've been using reusable dishcloths instead of paper towels for cleaning up after him when he’s eating or playing,” said Hollender. “We just have two cloths, and they get us through the day, every day. I've been amazed at how much paper towel we've eliminated from our home.”&nbsp;</p>
<p>
If becoming a conscious consumer seems overwhelming, take it one step at a time. It won’t cost you anything, and in fact, you'll even save money.  Sustainability is a journey, so start exactly where you are, and then don't stop!</p>

Conscious Consumerism: It’s Not Always Easy, But It’s Worth It

green_marketing_deception.png

<h3>Defining corporate greenwashing with Executive Director and Made Safe founder Amy Ziff, and Ronie Schmelz, Counsel</h3>

<p><a href="https://www.madesafe.org/">Made Safe</a> was founded by Amy Ziff, a journalist and mother who was on a mission to solve her youngest children’s severe allergies to things even sent home with her from the hospital by her doctors. Joining her is Ronie Schmelz, an attorney specializing in regulatory compliance and helping companies to stay out of trouble whenever they communicate with consumers.</p>

<p>A self-proclaimed “ecoista,” Amy shopped at places like Whole Foods and thought she was doing right by her family and her children to buy them healthy, clean, often expensive products. “It turns out that there really is so little regulation and so little definition that you can think you’re buying something good, and it can be filled with <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/stories/2019/05/30/these-ingredients-do-not-belong-in-your-hair/">nasty chemicals</a>.” Amy’s journey with her own children led her to this market realization that there are over 84,000+ chemicals in use today, with roughly 700 untested chemicals being added every year. </p>

<h5>GETTING AHEAD OF CORPORATE GREENWASHING MARKETING</h5>
<p>Amy wanted to make a change and inform people, so she strove to create a highly defined set of principles that outlines what it means to make a product from safe ingredients that won’t harm humans or the wider ecosystem. As Ronie notes, “there is this vacuum that has been created on the regulator front and there’s no definition by the government of ‘clean.’ People like Amy have stepped into the void to help educate consumers” and bridge the knowledge gap for them to make better-informed choices while shopping. </p>

<p><em>“Most of the chemicals that are widely used today were never put through any kind of review.”</em> Made Safe vets these chemicals for human health first then eco-health, including testing ingredients against: soil, air, water, flora, and fauna. Made Safe has a ‘banned list’ of nearly 6,500 chemicals, which is nearly 4x the size of that of Europe, and 50x of the United States.&nbsp;</p>
<p> 

Amy notes, <em>“we prioritize people”</em> using a precautionary approach. How? Made Safe test chemicals before they are put into products and proven innocent, and work to prevent bad ones from ever being used, rather than a chemical being deemed unfit and having to be pulled from the shelves or undergo a class action lawsuit.</p>

<h5>WHAT IS GREEN MARKETING?</h5>
<p>So <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/stories/2021/03/05/what-is-greenwashing/">what is greenwashing</a> and green marketing? Amy first encourages people to ask, “what is sustainability?” “It’s not okay to use ingredients that are taking so much from the earth and causing harm that way… these words are so loaded and can mean virtually anything. It’s the wild west.” This is why Made Safe has decided to remain a third party and not align to any brand. This is important because big brands often seek to be defined by loose terms like “green” and “clean” in order to attract consumers, and can simply pay for a certification by scientists that they have paid. Made Safe has chosen to grow organically - pun intended. They aren’t bought. “We need consumers to understand this complexity, and we need more terminology that is more understood across these entities.” For example: the birth of “clean” actually came from lawsuits surrounding brands falsely using the term “green.” For this reason, it’s important to truly understand what the “clean” in <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/stories/2021/03/05/what-is-clean-beauty/">clean beauty</a>, food, or otherwise means.</p>

<h5>GREEN PRODUCT CERTIFICATIONS & SEALS: NOT ALL CREATED EQUAL</h5>
<p>Made Safe works with a couple hundred brands and has certified thousands of products. In order to be certified by Made Safe, products have to undergo an extremely rigorous testing period, including avoiding over 6,500 known harmful ingredients that make up our “banned list,” making sure no ingredients were named dangerous by global scientific sources, ensuring they are not harmful to animals or the environment…</p>
<p>So how do brands make a decision to get certified by whom? Amy says “there is a time and place for all kinds of certifications, and the others are offering brands a place to start. You can’t just out of the gate become Made Safe certified because you ‘got lucky,’ it’s too hard. You might start with a more permissive eco-seal that works for your brand where you are… We stand on the shoulders of many [seals] who came before us and would not be here without the work they have done for years.” She encourages brands and consumers to do their homework and make a plan, emphasizing “progress over protection.”</p>
<p>“Seals are so helpful because instead of self-defining, [brands] are using this third party to have clarity.” Ronie notes, we want the industry to make their own definitions, as she often sees lawsuits in which companies make their own definitions and therefore are able to bend the rules.</p>
<p>Made Safe does not certify packaging, and recognizes that ingredients are just one leg of the stool. Instead, they partner with NY State Pollution Prevention Institute to help guide brands on looking at their overall product and packaging sustainability and [provide best practices. Zero-waste is another grey term. Do you have a collection process to collect the packaging back? Is your manufacturing process zero-waste?</p>
<p>Plastic leaching can be harmful, which is why Amy promotes virgin plastic over recycled plastic. This is not-popular to say because it is more wasteful, but recycled plastic might leach chemicals into your beauty products.</p>
<p>“I constantly walk with brands about their choices and encourage better ones, but what we define as better… maybe someone else wouldn’t. These conversations are so multi-layered and it’s hard.” The good news? These conversations are more frequent, which is opening the door for innovative entrepreneurs.</p>
<p>Greenwashing marketing is conveying messaging in a certain way to make a product seem more eco or green than it is. It can be expressed in many ways, including telling a half truth, for example: listing ingredients as they are raw and NOT what they become once they chemically interact with another ingredient.</p>

Green Marketing Deception: Why Some Green Products Might Not Be So Green

haircut-salon-hairdresser-redhead.jpeg

<h3 style="text-align: center;">Most articles on this subject invite you to put yourself in a box (or an oval, square, or “squoval”). If your face is oval in shape, good news: You can wear any style!&nbsp;</h3>

<p style="text-align: center;">Square? Hmmm… you need to be softened. Rectangle? Disguise those corners! Sharp angles need airy layers; roundness must be elongated. It’s limiting, and it’s negative, frankly. That is exactly why we asked iconoclastic scissor wizard Wes Sharpton to break down the conventions and give us another way to look at haircutting – which is a couture experience that doesn’t fit in any box of any shape – and neither should your face, angles and all.</p>

<p>“A long time ago, I made a vow to not have conversations with my clients that are focused on face shape. The media asks you to look at yourself, find what you don’t like, and then run to your hairdresser and ask for ways to hide it. God forbid that you have a square jawline and get a bob! That’s not a conversation that I want to be a part of anymore. Here at Hairstory, we talk a lot about being in a new world where old rules don’t apply – and the old rules involve a lot of body-shame.</p>
<p>I am interested in redirecting the conversation. It’s the same as looking at a curvy girl, and saying, ‘Don’t wear anything form-fitting.’ I find that hiding behind our hair because we aren’t perfect little ovals is not a message that we need to stand behind. At the same time, how do I approach a consultation if those rules are taken away, or a client comes in saying, ‘I’m square so I can’t have this,’ or ‘I’m round so I can’t have that?’</p>

I find that hiding behind our hair because we aren’t perfect little ovals is not a message that we need to stand behind.

<p>Instead, Why not have a conversation about what we like? Rather than looking at yourself in the mirror and thinking, ‘Oh God, I’m not an oval,’ think: ‘Oh my God! I have really amazing eyes!’ Then go to your hairdresser and say, ‘How do we celebrate my eyes? What can we do to bring focus to what’s really great about me?’</p>
<p>So, this idea of celebration allows me to look someone in the eye and say, ‘I really like this about you, and if we add a little bang, or cut this little corner off, or bring that line right to your jaw and celebrate it,’ the conversation becomes more exciting. The power of owning who you are and what you look like is something that I hope for myself and for others.</p>

<p>I remember watching a Diana Vreeland documentary and thinking how great she was at celebrating almost everything. She was the one person who looked at Barbra Streisand’s famous nose and said, ‘Shoot her in profile.’ You look at that photo and she looks confident and proud. So I thought, ‘What if we could inject that into hairdressing? How can we look at people in a fresh way that leads to different conversations that will resonate when they look at themselves at home?’ At the end of the day, fuck that whole face shape thing!</p>
<p></p>

As a hairdresser, I have the luxury to see you as you are – and not as you view yourself – because I don't have to look through your lens.

<p>When we’re thinking about a face, we want to discover what we can reveal and think about how to do it. So look at yourself in the mirror honestly and make a positive assessment. Shift that lens. As a hairdresser, I have the luxury to see you as you are – and not as you view yourself – because I don't have to look through your lens.</p>
<p>Maybe your hairdresser can even help you celebrate that thing that you think is so terrible. I’ve cut off a lot of hair in my time, and I don't think it’s necessarily the answer for everyone, but it is an exercise in how to navigate the world when you can’t hide behind hair. How do you stand when you are fully exposed?</p>
<p>If I cut your hair off and it launches an emotional journey, the value isn’t just in a great-looking result; it lies in the fact that you can get through discomfort to self-acceptance in 45 minutes. And you have a physical manifestation of the process. You get to take it outside into the world and see how people respond – which may be very different than what you expect.</p>

Does Your Face Shape Dictate Your Haircut?

hairstory-blonde-short-roots.png

<h4>Best Hair Color Trends and Ideas for 2020</h4>
<p>Dealing with roots during the Spring lockdown was tough, but the 2020 Summer season is going to be even tougher. Colorists will likely be working overtime to see clients clamoring to get their color done while following new safety guidelines. So if you’re the type who used to pop in every few weeks for a touch-up, you may want to adjust your expectations (and learn how to prepare for your first visit&nbsp;<a href="https://uat.hairstory.com/stories/2020/05/08/the-post-pandemic-salon-tips-to-keep-you-and-hairdressers-healthy/">here</a>.)</p>
<p>But back to those roots: Don’t be so quick to send them back into hiding. What if we told you that they could be your best asset this season? Our summer hair color directions are designed to last – and grow out as long as you please. Why? Most are achieved with a process called balayage. From the French word for “sweeping,” color – and/or bleach – is painted onto hair with a precise placement that does away with the hard line when regrowth appears.</p>
<h5>Our summer hair color directions are designed to last – and grow out as long as you please.</h5>
<p>A “shadow root”– darker roots melting into lighter ends – is what the technique is after, no matter what your natural color is. The goal here is to achieve a seamless gradation from shade to sun-kissed and infuse it with any color palette you choose. Let our top shots inspire your perfect summer hair color.</p>

<h4>Anything-but-basic Blonde</h4>
<p>These pale tints are summer classics, but notice how none of them pretend to be 100% natural, with an unapologetic “regrowth” that keeps the focus on the blonde. Keeping bleach away from the roots is a scalp-saver and eliminates the guesswork when trying to get new roots to match the old tones. Add a suntan and a shimmer lotion, and you’ve got California chic.</p>

<h4>Ash Blonde</h4>
<p>The coolest of these summer looks are icy blondes with washes of silver or gray that unlike the warmer and honeyed tones are summer’s true neutrals. It’s also a perfect blank canvas for weaving in some pastels.</p>

<h4>Golden Blonde</h4>
<p>Also called Bronde, or golden bronze, these blends of golds and browns are celebrity favorites and the best of both light and dark worlds. Hair regrowth is a non-issue, and selective lightening is easier on fragile or <a href="https://uat.hairstory.com/stories/2019/04/16/six-sure-fixes-for-dry-hair/">dry hair</a> that might be susceptible to chemical damage.</p>

<h4>The Copper Club</h4>
<p>Copper is good at killing viruses, and although these colors don’t use the real thing, their warmth could give you symbolic peace of mind. Also referred to as “rose brown,” this range is an evolution of the rose gold trend, but whatever you call it, these are pastels that brunettes can more easily embrace as the lightening process needn’t be extreme to prepare hair to accept a blend of brown and red dyes. </p>

Blog

Products for Baby Hair: From Bathtime to Playtime

Inspiration

How to Know if Your Hair is Damaged and How to Treat It

Tips

How To Use Hair Oil: What You Need to Know To Soak Up Every Benefit

Tips

Hair Detox: Cleansing the Scalp

Hair health

Synthetics & Preservatives in Cosmetics & Beauty: Why Clean Beauty is Complicated

Expert advice

Conscious Consumerism: It’s Not Always Easy, But It’s Worth It

Community

Green Marketing Deception: Why Some Green Products Might Not Be So Green

Community

Does Your Face Shape Dictate Your Haircut?

Expert advice

7 Hair Color Trends: Summer 2020

Inspiration

Subscribe to our newsletter