As a stylist behind the chair in a low-tox hair salon, I get to style a variety of crunchy gals. Many of them are drawn to our clean, toxin free apothecary options for haircare. Some lean on the advice of well-intentioned social media influencers for how to naturally care for their mane. I would like to address some of the misinformation I have heard being spread, as natural does not always equal safe and effective.

I have heard guest’s opt to put vinegars, nut oils, fruits, sugars, baking sodas and even honey in their hair instead of traditional shampoos, conditioners or stylers. There also seems to be a challenge/ trend to see how long one can force themselves to go with just one wash. I love a good dry shampoo and go day, but listen to your scalp. Not everyone can go 2, 4, or 7 days between cleanses.

What ends up happening over the weeks and months, is the hair’s natural oils just continue to build up, resulting in so much oil that shampoo has a hard time cleaning your scalp and tresses. The water cannot even penetrate to your hair cuticle. You then need a clarifying shampoo and maybe even a couple to get it all cleared up. Don’t even get me started on trying to blow dry the hair in this condition. You can’t dry oil.

While we are here, let’s address the no poo technique. This was designed for a specific hair type, the curly and kinky haired girls and the original ‘No poo” product was simply a gentle cleanser. I’m not sure who took it to where it is now… but it’s gone too far.

In conclusion, I have been seeing some well- intentioned guest using techniques that do not properly clean their hair and scalp resulting in some serious funk, a prime spot for bacteria and fungus to grow. It’s not safe or healthy. If you are looking for something clean & toxin-free, we are very proud of Element Refillable Beauty’s ability to be a safe solution for even the crunchiest gal.