Hair Tips

The debate over natural versus synthetic ingredients is as heated as ever. Consumers are becoming more informed and conscious about what they put on their hair, leading to a significant shift in preferences towards natural products. However, this shift is not without its controversies and questions. Are natural ingredients truly superior to synthetic ones in terms of effectiveness and safety? Let’s delve into this debate and uncover the facts. Understanding Natural Ingredients Natural ingredients are derived from plants, minerals, and other naturally occurring substances. They are minimally processed and often retain their original properties. Examples include coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera, and essential oils. Gentleness on Hair and Scalp: Natural ingredients are generally gentler on the hair and scalp. They tend to have fewer harsh chemicals that can cause irritation or allergic reactions. Environmental Sustainability: Natural ingredients are often more environmentally friendly. They are biodegradable and have a lower impact on ecosystems compared to synthetic counterparts. Rich in Nutrients: Many natural ingredients are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids that nourish and strengthen hair. For instance, coconut oil is known for its deep moisturizing properties, while aloe vera soothes the scalp. Chemical-Free: Natural hair care products typically do not contain synthetic chemicals, preservatives, or fragrances that can be harmful in the long run. Drawbacks of Natural Ingredients Inconsistency in Consistency: The consistency and texture of natural ingredients can vary depending on factors like the source and method of extraction. Consumers may find that a particular natural product may not look or feel the same in each batch.  Shorter Shelf Life: Without synthetic preservatives, natural products often have a shorter shelf life, which can be inconvenient for consumers. Allergenic Potential: While natural, some ingredients like certain oils or plant ingredients can still cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Understanding Synthetic Ingredients Synthetic ingredients are created through chemical processes in laboratories. They are designed to mimic or enhance the properties of natural substances. Examples include silicones, sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. Benefits of Synthetic Ingredients Consistency and Reliability: Synthetic ingredients offer consistent texure and appearance. They are engineered to provide specific benefits, ensuring the same look and feel with every use. Extended Shelf Life: Synthetic preservatives help extend the shelf life of products, making them more convenient. Cost-Effectiveness: Synthetic ingredients can be produced on a larger scale at a lower cost, making products more affordable for consumers. Drawbacks of Synthetic Ingredients Potential Health Risks: Some synthetic ingredients, like sulfates and parabens, have been linked to health concerns. They can cause scalp irritation and potentially disrupt hormonal balance. Environmental Impact: Synthetic chemicals can be harmful to the environment. They may not biodegrade easily and can accumulate in water systems, affecting wildlife. Build-Up and Residue: Some synthetics, like silicones, can build up on the hair over time, leading to a dull, weighed-down appearance. Effectiveness: Natural vs. Synthetic When it comes to effectiveness, both natural and synthetic ingredients have their strengths. Natural ingredients shine in their ability to nourish and rejuvenate hair with essential nutrients. For example, oils like argan and jojoba penetrate the hair shaft, providing deep hydration and repair. On the other hand, synthetic ingredients are formulated for precise outcomes. Silicones, for instance, coat the hair, creating a barrier that locks in moisture and provides a glossy finish. They can also protect against heat and environmental damage, making them a popular choice in styling products but can have negative results on the hair long-term.  However, the effectiveness of a hair care product is not solely dependent on whether its ingredients are natural or synthetic. It also depends on the formulation, concentration, and how well the ingredients work together. Safety: Natural vs. Synthetic Given the pros and cons of both natural and synthetic ingredients, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of choosing a more natural or synthetic approach to your hair care. The best part is that enjoying the benefits of natural ingredients without sacrificing the performance and convenience of their hair care products is found with ANTIDOTE hair care products. ANTIDOTE Hair Care: Commitment to Natural Excellence At ANTIDOTE Hair Care, we believe in the power of nature to transform hair health. Our commitment to natural ingredients is unwavering, and we strive to harness the best that nature has to offer. We understand that our customers, seek products that align with their values and lifestyle. Our formulations are designed to provide the nourishing benefits of natural ingredients while ensuring safety and efficacy. We avoid harmful synthetics like sulfates and parabens, opting instead for plant-based alternatives that are gentle on the hair and scalp. Why Choose ANTIDOTE Hair Care? Transparency: We believe in full transparency about the ingredients we use. Our customers can trust that every ingredient in our products is carefully selected for its safety and effectiveness. Sustainability: Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond just the ingredients. We use eco-friendly packaging and strive to minimize our environmental footprint. Performance: Our products are not only safe but also highly effective. We combine traditional wisdom with modern science to create formulations that deliver real results. Customization: We understand that every individual’s hair needs are unique. That’s why we offer a range of products tailored to different hair types and concerns. Making an Informed Choice The natural vs. synthetic debate is complex, with valid points on both sides. Ultimately, the choice between natural and synthetic ingredients comes down to personal preference, hair type, and specific needs. It’s important for consumers to educate themselves about the ingredients in their hair care products and make informed decisions. At ANTIDOTE Hair Care, we are dedicated to providing products that are both safe and effective, using the best natural ingredients to support healthy, beautiful hair. Whether you’re looking to nourish your hair with the power of nature or seeking reliable performance, we have a solution that aligns with your values and lifestyle.

Go ahead and embrace your hair color - after all, ANTIDOTE is color safe. If you color your hair, you are not alone.  75% of women and nearly 10% of men enhance their hair color.  Given this, it is no surprise that the #1 question that we get is whether ANTIDOTE products are color safe.  Yes!  ANTIDOTE 1848 shampoos, conditioners, and styling products are all color safe.  Whether you do your own color or use a professional stylist (which we highly recommend), you want your hair to look amazing for as long as possible. The #1 way to keep your color as fresh as the day it was colored is to not touch it.  That is, don’t wash it, don’t style it, and don’t go outside.  But that's not practical, so, what's one to do? We talked to professional stylists for their advice on how to take care of color treated hair.  We heard that to minimize shampooing, avoid excessive sun exposure, limit heat treatments, and use cooler water.   In terms of product use, they all agreed on 3 steps: minimize your shampoo usage and use shampoos with gentle cleansers (sulfate-free) be sure to close the hair cuticle with a quality conditioner (and rinse with cool water) use styling products that protect, especially from UV rays (look for natural oils like shea butter and jojoba, and vitamins like provitamin B5 and vitamin E) To understand this advice, it helps to understand how hair color works.  HowStuffWorks explains that hair color involves 3 steps: opening the hair cuticle changing the color closing the hair cuticle to lock in the new color. Each strand of hair is made up of an outer cuticle, a middle cortex, and sometimes an inner medulla. The cuticle provides protection via a shingle like structure.  The cortex - the thickest part of the hair - holds the hair’s color, shape, and texture.  The first step in coloring involves opening up the cuticle so that the color or melanin in the cortex can be lifted out or lightened and the new color can be deposited in.  The final critical step in color involves closing the cuticle to seal in the new color.  In general, water and soaps open the cuticle and conditioning oils close the cuticle.  Professionals recommend avoiding harsh detergents like Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (which unfortunately are used in most traditional shampoos). These ingredients were originally developed to de-grease industrial pipes and strip all dirt and oil from the hair. In addition to leaving a squeaky clean feeling, they expose the cortex which accelerates the loss of hair color. Natural shampoos that don’t use SLS as their cleanser gently remove dirt and oil. Non-SLS shampoos expose less of the cortex, therefore less color is lost.  Note that washing with water alone also opens the cuticle, too. The use of a quality conditioner with healthful oils like coconut, jojoba, castor, and sunflower oil close the cuticle and protect the middle cortex. Styling products that contain Vitamin B5 and E provide protection from oxidation. Considering hair coloring? Beauty expert Julyne Derrick from Birdie says, "We always recommend getting a hair color consult with a professional ... Bring pictures along of hair you like or want to achieve. .. be sure to mention any other hair processing you've had done." Go ahead, color away. ANTIDOTE’s got your back with gentle coconut cleansers, nourishing conditioning oils, and anti-oxidant rich stylers. Looking for a one stop shop?  Try ANTIDOTE's Color Treated Bundle.    

Of course, ANTIDOTE was born in Wisconsin!  It’s where we get our passion for the planet. After all, products that we use in our shower end up in our streams and rivers.  So healthier products for us also means cleaner water, healthier fish, and more wildlife!  That is why ANTIDOTE ingredients are selected with nature in mind – our goal is to restore balance for ourselves and our environment.  Wisconsin has a long tradition in environmental balance. From the first settlers to A Sand County Almanac to Earth Day. (Wisconsin Native American Indian Tribes Map, Great Lakes Intertribal Council) The first settlers got it. The area we now call Wisconsin was first settled by the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, Oneida, Menominee, and Ho-Chunk people.  While each had their unique relationship with nature, they shared a sustainability ethic. They thrived off of the land and rivers, yet cared for the land.  Award-winning poet Paula Gunn Allen explains, “We are the land ... that is the fundamental idea embedded in Native American life.... It is … a part of our being, dynamic, significant, real. It is our self ...  It is not a matter of being ‘close to nature’ ... The Earth is, in a very real sense, the same as our self (or selves) ... It is a matter of fact, one known equably from infancy, remembered and honored at levels of awareness that go beyond consciousness, and that extend long roots into primary levels of mind, language, perception and all the basic aspects of being ...” In modern times, Wisconsin has continued to play a leading role in protecting the environment. A book that changed the world.  "Long respected in his own fields of forestry and wildlife ecology, Leopold ..., in 1937, ... became focused on reaching the general public with his conservation message... of how the natural world worked and inspired them to take action to ensure the future health of the land and water that sustains all life."  - Aldo Leopold Foundation Aldo Leopold’s A Sand County Almanaccontinues to spark generations of environmentalists. Written in the 1940’s about Leopold’s home in Baraboo, Wisconsin, the book shows how a healthy planet is good for all – for our health, recreation, and our economy.  Leopold’s friendly writing style and thoughtful arguments made this a best-seller – selling over 2 million copies. Earth Day and the right to a healthy environment.  In the 1960’s, US Senator Gaylord Nelson proposed a constitutional amendment that "Every person has the inalienable right to a decent environment."  He spearheaded the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970 with the belief that the more people understood about the environment, the more they would take better care of it and demand better protection. According to Earth Day Network, on that first Earth Day “20 million Americans took to the streets, parks, and auditoriums to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment in massive coast-to-coast rallies.”  Today, Earth Day involves 5,000 environmental groups across 180+ countries and hundreds of millions of people. At ANTIDOTE 1848, we know that small things can make a big difference.  What we use to clean ourselves in our showers ends up in our streams, gets swallowed by fish who feed us and other living things.  In a world of harsh chemicals and artificial ingredients, ANTIDOTE plant powered products use ingredients that are better for people and the environment.  No matter what brand you choose, natural products are one small way we can all make a difference. Love the land!

At ANTIDOTE, we believe in being open to all and treating people the way we want to be treated. True story.  A few years ago a son invited his mom to help him and his fiancé pick out a wedding cake.  The mom, Debbie, shared her excitement in a recent TIME magazine essay. Debbie described that her son finding the love of his life was “a source of great joy for me” -  how pleased she was to be part of planning the hometown reception.  Her son invited Debbie to join the couple in Colorado to shop for a cake for their wedding reception. "Like so many mothers before me, I was honored and excited to be a part of this step.”  The couple did their research, chose a design, flavors, and colors.  With Mom along for the ride, the couple arrived at the bakery for their scheduled appointment full of joy and excitement. What was meant to be a fun and routine part of the wedding planning process turned into a nightmare. Debbie, shared what happened next. “We walked into the bakery for our appointment. We were motioned to a small table inside the bakery. The owner looked at [us] and [said] that he would not sell [us] a wedding cake [and] would not bake one for [us].” What happened? The baker refused to serve them because Debbie’s son was marrying another man; he would not sell a cake to a same-sex couple. This situation could happen to anyone.  Over 40% of Americans have a close friend or family member who is gay, according to the Pew Research Center. Why not just go to another baker?  What happens when the person refusing the service is a gas station, bank, insurance company, restaurant, or funeral home. More importantly, once it is ok to single one group out, what’s keeping others from being refused service. After all, Colorado law states “It is unlawful for a person … to refuse, withhold from, or deny to an individual … because of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, or ancestry, the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities … of a place of public accommodation.” In order to prevent this from happening to others, the couple decided to take the baker to court. While they won in Colorado court, the case was appealed to the Supreme court. Last month, the court ruled in favor of the baker due to a technicality but stated that “the laws and the Constitution can, and in some instances must, protect gay persons and gay couples.”  Really? The “Open to all” campaign supports the notion that people should be free to go about their day-to-day lives without fear of being  turned away from businesses simply because of who they are. The campaign is about treating people the way we want to be treated. ANTIDOTE 1848 was among the first who proudly joined 2,000+ businesses across America that are open to all.  We hope you’ll join us too.   -- Abigail + David

Any time is a great time to celebrate women in science, wetlands, and beauty. These 3 topics might seem like an unusual combination but at ANTIDOTE 1848, it's what we are all about. Professional clean beauty! We'll be celebrating this month with a partnership with our local Boys and Girls Clubs SMART Girls and STEM Girls programs, and the Northeast Wisconsin Land Trust. This week we demonstrate the water cycle and the power of nature to clean our water, especially through wetlands.  "Wetlands can reduce surface run-off by as much as 60%."  We'll also talk about how the water cycle is affected by what we use in our beauty products.  After all, most of what we use in the shower ends up in our streams. Yes, being beautiful can be good for the environment too. And next week, we have some of our favorite scientists (who happen to be women,) plus great professional stylists taking girls on a nature hike at the Northeast Wisconsin Land Trust's Stroebe Island Marsh Preserve. This property, saved by the Northeast Wisconsin Land Trust, is the last cattail marsh on the lower Fox River. Our salons are participating in the program by raising awareness and providing stylist/ nature guides. Visit your ANTIDOTE salon to contribute to the SMART Girl program. Your donations go to your local program - making a difference right in your community.  SMART Girls is all about "Giving girls confidence.  SMART Girls is a small-group health, fitness, prevention/education and self-esteem enhancement program designed to meet the developmental needs of girls in three age groups, spanning ages 8 to 18. Through dynamic sessions, participatory activities, field trips and mentoring opportunities with adult women, Club girls explore their own and societal attitudes and values as they build skills for eating right, staying physically fit, getting good health care and developing positive relationships with peers and adults."