Hair Care FAQs

Be in the know! Here are answers to your most frequently asked questions.

1. Rating: +1

   

   Some natural shampoos don't seem to lather a great deal. How can a shampoo clean the hair without a lot of lather?

   Lots of lather doesn’t necessarily equal clean hair. And it certainly doesn’t equal healthy hair. This is what happens when you shampoo. Detergent and soap molecules have a hydrophilic (or water loving) end and a lipophilic (oil loving) end. So, while the oil-loving ends grab hold of the dirt and oil in your hair, the water loving ends grab on to water molecules. When you rinse, oil and dirt are are drawn from your hair. These detergent molecules also tend to form suds, or lather, on contact with water. So we’ve become accustomed to lathering up, and associate it with the cleansing process. Trouble is, most shampoos use cheap petrochemical derived detergents like Sodium Lauryl Sulphate. SLS is great for its foaming properties, but it can also strip the hair and skin of essential oils, leading to dry flaky skin, irritation and even allergic reactions.

2. Rating: +1

   

   I read that Sodium Laurlyl Sulfate (SLS) can cause hair loss?

   Yes it can, and more besides! SLS is a cheap detergent used in cosmetic cleansers, hair shampoos, bath and shower gels, bubble baths, and so on. SLS is also used used in garage floor cleaners, engine degreasers, car-wash soaps, etc. It is very corrosive and loves to attack greasy surfaces, making it one of the most dangerous ingredients used in skin and hair-care products.

   A recent study at the University of Georgia Medical College, showed Sodium Lauryl Sulfate penetrating into the eyes, brain, heart, and liver, and showed long-term retention in the tissues. The study also indicated that SLS penetrated young children's eyes, preventing proper development, and even causing cataracts to develop.

   Needless to say, SLS is potentially harmful for your skin and hair. Stripping healthy lipids from the skin prevents it from properly regulating moisture, potentially leading to compromised skin and hair follicle condition.

3. Rating: +2

   

   How do I tell if my water is effecting my hair?

   From the map below you can see there’s a good chance you’re using hard water. Washing in hard water requires more shampoo and soap to effectively clean. And because hard water doesn't rinse as well as soft water, more soap residues remain, leaving skin susceptible to blemishes and less shiny hair.

   To make an appointment to remove minerals from your hair, please visit the Kasia Service Page. Or learn more about the effects of hard water on our Malibu product page.

4. Rating: +2

   

   Does rotating new shampoo and conditioners help take off buildup?

   Afraid not. It’s just another way to waste product. Let’s look at the science. Our hair cuticle accepts two chemicals, Fatty acids and Protein. When our skin dries out, we apply a topical lotion, which is usually fatty acid-based, to restore and retain moisture. This may work on your skin - but not on your hair. As I stylist I attest to washing this complaint of build up down my shampoo bowl.

   When you switch shampoos (all ranging in a different ph), it does remove some of the product buildup, but once shampoo is accustomed to the ph of the conditioner, it builds again. You change shampoos again, trying to get rid of the heaviness of your hair. It’s a vicious circle.

   The real problem lies in the conditioner. Many conditioners contain synthetic waxes and oils (Paraffin) which coat the hair and weight it down. Go natural and break the cycle!

5. Rating: +1

   

   My husband has a dry scalp and has dry flakes, is anti-dandruff shampoo good to use?

   Most so-called anti-dandruff shampoos use a chemical designed to remove the epidermis layer of skin (top layer) so it doesn't flake. Stop using the shampoo and the dry scalp will come back. Most people don't have dandruff, which is a disease of the scalp. If you discontinue using harsh shampoos and waxy conditioners and use clean, natural products, the dry scalp should stop.

6. Rating: +1

   

   I don’t wear very much make-up, so I’m probably safe, right?

   Unfortunately, that’s not a safe assumption, because we’re talking about more than make-up. Even baby bubble bath can contain toxic chemicals!

   The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is focused on making deodorant, toothpaste, hair gels, shampoos and all the other grooming products that men, women and children use safe for consumers and the environment by removing toxic ingredients. Reducing the amount of products you use will reduce your overall exposure, but the goal is to make all personal care products safe for everyone to use (from safecosmetics.org)

7. Rating: +1

   

   Is the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics saying that my lipstick or my deodorant can give me cancer?

   No. The chemicals present in any one cosmetic product are unlikely to cause harm. But none of us use just one product. Think about how many products you use in a single day — from toothpaste to soap, shampoo, hair conditioner, deodorant, body lotion, shaving products and makeup — and how many products you use in a year, and over a lifetime. Small amounts of toxic chemicals add up and can accumulate in our bodies through cosmetic use and through other chemical exposures in food, water and air. Chemicals linked to cancer and birth defects do not belong in personal care products, period. (from safe-cosmetics.org)

8. Rating: +1

   

   Hi, What's the best(safe/organic) hair color for men's hair? Do you sell such products? I found your website on google search for safe hair color. I tried the Naturtint for men and like it but not sure it's that safe even though it's mostly natural? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

   Thanks for your question! Naturtint, unfortunately still has the MEA in it, therefore I would suggest either a a Henna, or a salon that uses mastey!

9. Rating: +1

   

   Can you recommend a color line I could purchase that is safe to dye my light brown hair? Are the brands that Whole Foods carries probabaly a safer choice?

   Hello there!

   Nature Tint - Whole Foods ARE better, although still contain MEA TEA, and Parabens, etc. Henna is the most "Organically" based.

10. Rating: +2

    

    What is your recommendation for women who have hair loss?

    There are many causes of hair loss. I would first recieve testing on your hormone levels. Address "over-stress" situations. And....of course look at your over all nutrition.