Hair Tips

Perfect Summer Hair with Rosehip Root Boost Summer is the season of sunshine, beach days, and outdoor adventures. It’s also the perfect time to refresh your hair routine with products that can withstand the heat and humidity while giving you effortless volume and texture. Why Rosehip Root Boost is a Summer Must-Have The Rosehip Root Boost Volume and Texture Spray is specifically formulated to give your hair the lift and body it needs, making it an ideal choice for those looking to enhance their summer hairstyles. Here’s why you’ll love it: Effortless Volume: The volumizing properties of this spray add fullness to your hair without making it feel heavy or greasy. Whether you’re going for a voluminous blowout or want to add some oomph to your everyday look, this spray delivers. Touchable Texture: Achieve that perfectly tousled, beachy texture with ease. The spray adds just the right amount of grip and movement, allowing you to create a variety of styles from loose waves to textured braids and ponytails.     Nourishing Ingredients: Infused with rosehip oil, this spray not only volumizes but also nourishes your hair. Rosehip oil smooths hair strands, ensuring a non-drying finish that keeps your hair looking healthy and shiny. Fresh Scent: With the addition of bergamot essential oil, the spray leaves your hair smelling fresh and invigorating – perfect for those long summer days. Eco-Friendly: As a non-aerosol spray, it’s an environmentally friendly option that also provides more precise application, ensuring you get the product exactly where you need it.   How to Use Rosehip Root Boost for Stunning Summer Styles Maximize the benefits of the Rosehip Root Boost Volume and Texture Spray with these simple tips: For Voluminous Blowouts: Start with clean, damp hair. Shake the bottle well and spray evenly from roots to ends. Use a round brush while blow-drying, lifting at the roots to create maximum volume. For Textured Braids and Ponytails: Apply the spray to dry hair before styling. For braids, the added texture helps the hair hold the braid better and prevents slipping. For ponytails, the spray adds volume and texture, making the style look fuller and more polished. For Beachy Waves: Spray onto damp or dry hair, then use a curling wand or your fingers to create loose waves. The spray’s texture will help hold the waves in place and give them a natural, tousled look. The Benefits of Rosehip Oil and Bergamot Essential Oil Rosehip oil is packed with vitamins and essential fatty acids that help repair and nourish hair. It smooths the hair cuticle, reducing frizz and adding shine without weighing your hair down. This makes it perfect for summer, when hair can become dry and damaged from sun exposure and frequent washing. Bergamot essential oil not only adds a delightful fragrance but also has antibacterial properties that can help maintain a healthy scalp. Its refreshing scent is an added bonus, keeping your hair smelling great all day long. Why Non-Aerosol? Choosing a non-aerosol spray means you’re opting for a product that’s better for the environment. Non-aerosol sprays do not release harmful propellants into the atmosphere, and they allow for more controlled application, ensuring that you can target specific areas of your hair without overusing the product. This summer, achieve effortless, voluminous hair with the Rosehip Root Boost Volume and Texture Spray. Its blend of nourishing ingredients and effective volumizing properties makes it the perfect addition to your summer hair care routine. Say goodbye to flat, lifeless hair and hello to beautiful, textured locks that can withstand the summer heat. Add Rosehip Root Boost to your beauty regimen today and enjoy the benefits of fuller, more textured hair all season long.

One of the best parts of being part of ANTIDOTE is connecting with people who share our passion for personal care, self-confidence, and vitality.  We loved our time with Dr. Shamila Gupta Rawal so much that we wanted to re-share highlights from our conversation.   One thing that she said has really stayed with us, "be grateful for the health you have." We especially connected with her holistic approach to health, wellness, and beauty, and her inspiring message about taking charge of our own well-being. She shared with us, “I am a strong believer in tapping into nature’s bounty to heal our bodies, both externally and internally.  I practice medicine from a holistic approach and strive to empower my patients to take a leadership role in their own rejuvenation process.”  Shamila is a heavyweight - a board-certified otolaryngologist/head and neck surgeon, specializing in the management of hair loss and rejuvenation of the face and neck at The Rawal Institute for Hair Restoration and Aesthetic Medicine. Dr. Rawal graduated with a Bachelor of Science magna cum laude in biomedical engineering from Northwestern University’s McCormick School of Engineering. She continued her studies at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, and following medical school, she entered the otolaryngology/head and neck surgery residency program at the University of Illinois. As a senior resident, she received recognition for her outstanding work and was presented with the Alpha Omega Alpha teaching award. And did we mention that she's also warm and down to earth?  Here's more of what she had to say: Describe your approach to health (for you and your clients)?  I practice medicine from a holistic approach and strive to empower my patients to take a leadership role in their own hair restoration and skin rejuvenation process.  Everything I do at The Rawal Institute is a slow, continuous partnership, driven by my patient’s goals and desires, but informed at every step by a thorough education by myself and my staff.  Why do you use ANTIDOTE products?  I have my own medical-grade skincare line which is produced from all natural, plant-based ingredients and is rich in antioxidants, stem cell boosters, and skin barrier repair agents, to prevent, repair and protect the skin from environmental and stress-induced damage.  ANTIDOTE products are made with a similar philosophy and ingredients, so they are a natural complement to the vision we have here at The Rawal Institute.  The best part of ANTIDOTE products are the absence of harsh chemicals, the fact that they are customizable to a variety of hair types and scalp conditions, and honestly, my hair smells and feels so great after using them.   What is your favorite ANTIDOTE product?  My favorite ANTIDOTE products are the Rosemary Shampoo and also the Jojoba Conditioner!.  The Rosemary Shampoo is an excellent clarifying shampoo, with apple cider vinegar, that helps promote strength in hair growth.  For my patients who suffer from hair thinning or loss, and even the ones on whom I have performed a hair transplant, it is an excellent shampoo to boost health and wellness of the follicles. Favorite hair or wellness tip? My favorite tip for both hair and wellness is: LOVE being who you are and be grateful for the health you have.  I love helping my patients reach their goals of optimizing their skin and hair health, but I do so within the constraints of what is naturally theirs.  I don’t do the “freeze face” or anything phony.  I want my patients to leave feeling like the best version of themselves.  My practice motto is:  You…refreshed. How did you get into the industry? I am a Board-Certified Otolaryngologist/Head and Neck Surgeon with advanced training in facial aesthetics and hair restoration.  At my practice, The Rawal Institute for Hair Restoration and Aesthetic Medicine, I have many patients asking for my recommendations for products to enhance their hair growth and reverse skin aging as complements to the various procedural treatments I offer.  Your favorite vegetable is… Ooh, this is a hard one, because I love ALL of them!  If I really had to choose, I would say zucchini.  It is such a versatile veggie: grill it, sauté it, make zoodles out of it, and my favorite-bake it into a cake!! Learn more about Dr. Shamila Rawal here. We hope the you enjoyed meeting Dr. Rawal as much as we did! Abigail + David

When you were growing up, was brushing your hair a chore or a treat?  For some of us, it was a quick morning requirement as part of getting ready for school – “don’t forget to brush your hair!”  For others, it was a pleasure, gentle strokes, time to relax.  As adults, it is easy to get caught up in the rush of life and ditch proper hair brushing. At ANTIDOTE we believe that a good day starts (and can end) with proper hair brushing.  It not only helps you look good, it is good for you too! Hair brushing stimulates blood flow to the scalp, removes dead skin and dirt, and distributes healthy oil onto hair. Do it for 60 seconds before you jump into the shower or before you go to sleep.  Gentle brushing is also a great de-stressor. Like many things, it is not just about brushing, it has to be done right.  So we turned to hair brushing experts – here’s what they had to say.  ANTIDOTE’s master stylist Abigail Kuehl adds, “there are several key benefits of hair brushing: one is to massage and exfoliate the scalp - this stimulates blood flow and healthy follicles; another is to distribute healthy oils to the hair shaft – these make your hair stronger; and you can't underestimate the relaxation benefit of a good brushing - this reduces stress.  It is important to keep in mind what your goal is, like if you are trying to do all or just one of these.” According to Travel + Leisure beauty author, Melisssa Locker, “Brushing your hair really is an art form, but most people treat it like a boring necessity akin to flossing your teeth or eating high-fiber cereal. At its most basic function, it’s an important step in keeping tangles away and making sure your hairdo looks fly.” Start with the right brush (or comb) for you. Real Men Real Style founder Antonio Centeno's "How to Brush Your Hair Correctly" provides the definitive guide to hair brushing for guys...down to what brush or comb to use depending on your hair type.  Here's one of several examples: Real Simple’s Chelsea Traber Burns explains, “Whether your hair is curly, fine, long, or short, there’s a brush for that. ”Curly hair types should use a wide-tooth comb.  To keep those precious curls intact, don’t over brush curls.  Fine hair types should look for a soft boar’s head bristle brush. The goal is to use a brush that takes out knots without tearing them out. Bottom’s up! Start at the base of your neck and above your ears and brush upward to the top of your head. Brushing in different directions is great for blood flow. For longer hair, start at the ends to get those tangles out.  Once that’s done, you can brush from the scalp out.  This spreads beneficial scalp oils all over the hair shaft. Dry hair and scalp? Abigail Kuehl, ANTIDOTE hair brushing “advocate” suggests, “if your hair and scalp are dry, try starting with a quality hair oil. Rub a few drops in your palms to warm it up, then run your hands through your hair until it has absorbed the oil. Brushing will help distribute quality oil along the hair shaft and into the scalp.” Kuehl also notes that dry hair and scalp might mean that it is time to change your cleansing and conditioning routine to something more gentle and natural.  Ask your professional stylist for advice on whether your hair needs more moisture or protein, and be sure to shampoo from the scalp outward, not just the hair itself. Watch outs If you are combing wet hair, beware! InStyle’s Diana Mazzone reminds us, “You’ve heard it before, but consider this your final warning: Don’t brush your hair when it's wet… doing so can cause major breakage since dampness weakens the hair shaft. The only exception to this if your hair is covered with conditioner.  In that case, combing through distributes the conditioner evenly along your strands. A good thing! If you’re in a rush, slick back your post-shower strands into a low pony using a wide-tooth comb.” Don’t over-brush. Lindsey Bordone, a dermatologist at Columbia University Medical Center in New York suggests brushing once a day. Brushing can be addictive!  Once you get into brushing your head, we encourage you to try all over body brushing.  Check out this ancient technique and its unique benefits here. Start brushing! Try mixing it up by finding a brushing buddy.   You can take turns brushing each other's hair.  If you go this route, we recommend focusing on the relaxation aspect of brushing.  Take it slow, turn on some nature sounds or just do it in silence. When done right, hair brushing is a treat and good for you.  Proper brushing stimulates blood flow to the scalp, removes dead skin and dirt, and distributes healthy oil onto hair. We'd love to hear your thoughts on brushing.  What works for you? What's your favorite brush or comb?    -- Abigail, ANTIDOTE1848

During these stressful times, we are eating more as a way to soothe ourselves.  So we thought, how can we "feed" our hair at the same time?  Well, here's how and some of the choices might surprise you! A friend sent us this wonderful article reminding us that “we are what we eat.”  What are your favorite hair healthy recipes? In her article “What to eat for healthy hair”, nutritional therapist Jo Lewin explains that “Just like skin, the condition of your hair is an outward sign of inside health. The cells that make up each strand of hair require a regular supply of key nutrients.” Proteins crucial to make hair that is strong and healthy. “Choose chicken, turkey, fish, dairy products and eggs as excellent sources of protein along with vegetarian sources such as legumes and nuts.”  Iron and Vitamin C are essential to feed hair follicles.  "Red meat, chicken and fish provide iron with a high bioavailability. Vegetarians can raise their iron stores by including lentils, spinach and other leafy green vegetables such as broccoli, kale and salad greens...  The best sources [of Vitamin C] are blackcurrants, blueberries, broccoli, guava, kiwi fruits, oranges, papaya, strawberries and sweet potatoes. Vitamin C helps in the production of collagen that strengthens the capillaries that supply the hair shafts.” Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin A keep our scalp and hair hydrated. For Omega-3’s Jo suggests, “oily fish such as salmon, herring, sardines, trout and mackerel and plant sources including avocado, pumpkin seeds and walnuts.”  For Vitamin A, try “carrots, pumpkins and sweet potatoes.” Zinc and selenium and vitamin Eto protect your scalp and hair. “Nuts are nutritional powerhouses, providing zinc and selenium as well as vitamin E.” See Jo Lewin’s complete article here. Now that’s a lot to chew on. Happy eating! Looking for other summer hair care tips?  Check out this blog post here.   -- Abigail + David, ANTIDOTE1848

Hopefully you know the feeling of a good scalp massage.  Your skin tingles, you get goosebumps along the back of your neck.  You forget that list of errands.  Problems fade into the background.  Your mind clears.  You are in the moment. I recently had sat down with Abigail Kuehl, master stylist, to talk about the benefits of a good scalp massage.  She’s made the scalp massage part of her guest regimen for over 10 years.  Her technique is legendary among her clients. Why do scalp massage? “I like to help my guests make the transition from the busy outside world to the restorative space of the salon, but it’s much more than just about making my guests feel good.”  Kuehl explains that there are physical benefits that come from a good scalp massage too.  “A good massage increases blood flow to support the body’s natural internal cleansing process, and reveals healthy skin cells.  I like to enhance the process with a high quality plant based oil blend, the combination promotes healthy skin and improves hair texture.  My favorite blend is ANTIDOTE 1848 AVOCADO HAIR + BEARD OIL with organic avocado, grape seed, jojoba, and grapefruit oil. These are great for soothing skin and strengthening the hair and this product doesn’t have harsh additives.” The ideal brush? Our favorite is a boar's hair and nylon bristles in a soft rubber bed.  Kuehl’s explains her approach, “I like to start by brushing the hair in multiple directions to expose the scalp, remove dead skin cells and stimulate circulation.  Then I rub a few drops of a good hair oil into my fingers and start taking long strokes across the scalp from back to front and side to side to transfer the oil onto the scalp and hair.  For people with long hair, I also apply hair oil to the ends of their hair.  Starting from the forehead and moving to the back of the neck, I use gentle circular motions across the crown and then from the temples.” You can enjoy the benefits of a scalp massage by giving one to yourself. “Find a quiet spot and give yourself 5-10 minutes. Even a couple of days a week can make a difference. Feel free to mix it up – so you don’t have to do the same thing each time. Nature sounds can be fun to use. The National Park Service has some great options.  And don’t forget to take deep slow breaths to make sure you get lots of fresh air!” “If you want to get more adventurous, find a scalp massage buddy!  It’s good for you, fun and a great way to improve your technique.”   -- Abigail + David, ANTIDOTE1848

We hope that 2019 is off to a good start for everyone!  Thanks for sharing your new year's resolutions.  One of our favorite's- Dry body brushing! This easy addition to any morning routine, takes about 5 minutes.  The results include improved skin health, reduced stress, increased energy, and better digestion.  Dry body brushing isn’t new. For centuries, Native Americans here in Wisconsin used brushes made from dried corn husks to improve circulation and skin health.  In Ayurvedic healing, dry massage is called Garshana. The Chinese integrated body brushing into their daily routines as an extension of eastern medicine.  Today’s techniques come from insights into how energy flows through the body. It’s fun and easy to do. Find a soft natural bristle brush that won't scratch.  Beginners should start with a softer brush. You might want several brushes – like an even softer brush for your face and tummy.  In general, take long, slow strokes and brush toward your heart.  To benefit, plan on brushing once per day. It's easy to do:  Brush the soles of your feet which include important pressure points that relate to the rest of your body Brush your legs in long strokes from your toes to the hips Brush your arms in long strokes from fingers to the shoulders Brush the back of your neck to your lower back Brush your throat from your chin to your chest Brush your sides in toward your heart Brush your tummy in a clockwise direction to follow the path of your colon Brush your ears with a soft brush – ears are full of pressure points How does it work?  Chinese medicine practitioner Matthew Scott explains why dry brushing works, “regular brushing clears away dead skin cells and improves skin tone and texture. The more substantial internal benefits, however, are due to the fact that the skin is the largest eliminative organ in the body. Regular brushing not only helps the skin to sweat away toxins, it also stimulates the underlying circulation of blood and lymph (a waste-removal fluid), which helps the body eliminate deeper level toxins.” ANTIDOTE Avocado Hair, Beard, and Body Oil complements body brushing. The Center for Accunpture and Herbal Medicine adds that brushing, "enables lymph to perform its house-cleaning duties by keeping the blood and other vital tissues detoxified.  In addition, skin brushing is highly stimulating to surface circulation of blood and leaves you feeling invigorated." Some people recommend adding a few drops of body oil to the skin before brushing. Watch-out! Because body brushing energizes, do not do it right before going to sleep.  And never brush your private or tender parts. Already a dry body brusher? We’d love to hear how you got into it… and keep the wellness tips coming in!    -- Abigail + David, ANTIDOTE1848 ANTIDOTE1848 Avocado Hair, Beard, and Body Oil