Frequently Asked Questions

HOW NATURAL ARE YOUR HAIRCARE PRODUCTS? 

We are always researching to make sure that the products that we’re using are the cleanest available with the highest level of performance. We use Skin Deep by EWG, as well as ThinkDirty as tools, and Diana is consistently researching ingredients to find the most effective and natural sources.

Here's what we look for when choosing our products.

• Ingredients from nature, that are grown organically and sustainably, and ethically harvested from trusted, transparent plantations, orchards and farms
• Ingredients that are cold-pressed, distilled or otherwise processed without synthetics to preserve purity and efficacy
• Formulated free of phthalates, ethoxylates, sulfates, silicones, 1,4 dioxane, parabens, petro compounds, propylene and butylene glycol, PEG, MEA, TEA, MIA, EDTA artificial dyes
• Free of fragrances and parfums. We love our products with smells of the goodness of the ingredients!
• Low water content, meaning high concentration
• Gluten-free when possible
• Not tested on animals (by the company or third parties)
• We do make sure we have vegan options, although not every product is vegan
• Professional quality. This is very important, as we are professional hairstylists first and foremost, and our job is to make sure you have amazing hair!
• Environmental impact of both the ingredients and/or the product, as well as sustainability initiatives of the company
• Representation; we are proud to offer lines from many different amazing people from different backgrounds and countries that align with our belief system and ethics

As a note - the term "natural" is unregulated and can be used in greenwashing. We prefer to use toxin free, low toxin and clean and are completely transparent on what category our products fall into.

We do our best to stock products that fall into the above requirements, however, for some speciality products, we have not found a 100% clean alternative. In this case, we decide if we feel the product aligns enough with our ethics and may choose to stock it. We do feel that these products are much better than the alternatives so we like giving you the option, and you can decide what is best for you!

We have full ingredient lists on every product, to empower your decision.

DO NATURAL HAIR PRODUCTS ACTUALLY WORK?

They do! In fact, we find that professional, clean haircare can work can work even better than traditional for not only healthy beautiful hair, but also for amazing scalp health.

There may be a transition period when you first switch, and you may feel like your hair is more dry, frizzy, your scalp may be itchy, and all these things (within reason) are normal! You can find out more on what to expect when switching to clean haircare here!

Is there a natural alternative to aerosol hairspray?

There are some great alternatives, although we will say that nothing will spray like an aerosol, other than aerosols. Unfortunately, this means that it needs to have propellants in it, which can include butane, isobutane and propane. Not to mention, you get less of the good, effective ingredients to hold your hair.

Innersense Organic Beauty has I Create Finish a non aerosol hairspray that is lovely.

We also love using a sea salt spray like Innersense Organic Beauty I Create Waves as a finishing product. Spray it gently from about 8-10" away from your head. The salt gives some texture and hold to styles.

Another great option is using a cream, such as Innersense Organic Beauty Inner Peace Whipped Creme Texturizer. Rub a small amount in your hair and gently run over flyaways. This matte cream will tame them, while staying flexible and avoiding the "crunch".

What is the best natural shampoo and conditioner for fine hair?

We love Innersense Organic Beauty Pure Harmony Hairbath and Pure Inspiration Daily Conditioner. It has a gentle cleansing effect, as well as a light moisture.

We also love High-End Hippie Wellness products, which are zero waste, salon quality shampoo and conditioner bars! Clarify and Awaken lines are the best for fine hair.

Do you carry vegan hair products?

We carry a mix of vegan and non vegan items. Our haircare products do not contain animal products with the exception of the Boar Bristle Hair Brush, however, some of our products contain honey and beeswax as a natural hold ingredient. We ensure all products and ingredients are obtained in the most sustainable and ethical way possible.

All Organic Colour Systems products we carry are vegan.

We have stocked this beautiful vegan hairbrush.

Stray & Wander is a vegan company, making beautiful, ethical hair towels.

Are your products tested on animals?

Never. All the companies we retail and use in the studio for services are tested on friends and family.

When should I use a clarifying shampoo?

In our experience, traditional clarifying shampoos can be harsh on the hair, so we prefer using a Detox Hair Mask. This will gently remove any buildup or impurities and help to ensure the hair can receive all the goodness of the products you're putting on it.

For a more environmentally friendly option, the Clarify shampoo and conditioner bars are fantastic and gentle.

Lower quality ingredients as well as silicones can buildup on the hair, then need to be removed with a clarifying product, however the products we sell should not buildup in any way. They instead are processed so that they can go inside your hair to nourish it.

The Innersense Harmonic Healing Oil can actually be used as a hair detox product as well, and is very gentle.

How often should I shampoo my hair?

This is really going to depend on your personal body chemistry, lifestyle and needs! Cleansing your hair any where from daily to once a week is totally fine, ideally we like around 3-5 days. 

If you are someone who produces more oil, daily cleansing may make sense. Make sure you're using a gentle cleanser, with lukewarm water and not using intensive heat styling every time. Sometimes when we wash everyday, our bodies produce more oil to compensate, so you may also want to try pushing your wash days and using a dry shampoo to see if your scalp will produce less. Some folks just need to cleanse daily, and that's ok!