Hair Tips

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 should end with proper hair brushing. It not only helps you look good, it is good for you too! Hair brushing has many benefits: stimulates blood flow to the scalp removes dead skin and dirt distributes healthy oil onto hair relaxes when done right Do it for 60 seconds before you jump into the shower or before you go to sleep.  Gentle brushing is a great de-stressor. Like many things, it is not just about brushing, it has to be done the right way. So we turned to hair brushing experts – here’s what they had to say.  ANTIDOTE’s master stylist Abigail Kuehl shares, “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.” A great way to brush: 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. 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. Watch out! 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. Start brushing! Try mixing it up by finding a brush 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 off the lights, 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. Don't just brush your hair, get into full body brushing.  Learn more about full body brushing and its health benefits in our blog "Why Body Brushing is Good for You." We'd love to hear your thoughts on brushing.  What works for you? What's your favorite brush or comb?    -- Abigail

Our goal at ANTIDOTE is to make the finest plant powered hair care products available to as many people as possible.  We recently benchmarked ANTIDOTE formulas to understand how we stacked up.  What we learned might surprise you.  ANTIDOTE formulas are among the most luxurious in the industry. At the end of the day, an 8oz ANTIDOTE shampoo retailing for $24-28 should be selling for $50. Most products on the market are mostly water, but not ANTIDOTE.  At ANTIDOTE ingredients matter because it is what’s inside the bottle that delivers benefits to your scalp and hair, and quality ingredients cost more.     Here are some of the key differences between what you’ll find in ANTIDOTE shampoos and conditioners vs. others: ANTIDOTE uses aloe vera bases, not water found in most other products ANTIDOTE uses a 4-part, sulfate-free coconut-based cleanser, not cheap detergents ANTIDOTE conditions with rich shea butter and avocado oil, not inexpensive silicones ANTIDOTE uses essential oils like rosemary and grapefruit, not artificial fragrance ANTIDOTE uses Vitamin E to protect its formulas – also great for skin, not harsh preservatives As a result, every ANTIDOTE Shampoo and Conditioner are Green Rated by the Environmental Working Group.  We haven't found another professional brand that can say that. ANTIDOTE invites you to say yes to plant powered formulas that work with your body and say no to products that are mostly water, artificial detergents, and cheap conditioners. Quality ingredients are why ANTIDOTE works   Don't take our word for it.... people are talking and here's what they are saying about ANTIDOTE hair care. "When I first started using this conditioner my hair was tangled and dry. I gave it a few weeks and WOW, my hair has never been this healthy. I realized that my other conditioner was just heavy silicones coating my hair strand, instead of actually conditioning and repairing. I am a firm believer in natural haircare, thanks ANTIDOTE for creating something so amazing." - Malory "My hair was so dry and brittle, I used ANTIDOTE shampoo for 2 weeks and noticed a huge difference in how my hair felt and managed." - Corina "Since using ANTIDOTE shampoo, I can wear black/navy shirts and not worry about flakes!  It is a change to get used to less "lather" but my hair feels so much softer." - KMS "I have relied on the ANTIDOTE Chamomile Shampoo and Cond for the past 6 months.  My hair is cleaner, has more body, and my itchy scalp has gone away!" - Mike "I have tried just about every natural brand and ANTIDOTE really delivers. This conditioner is one of my favorites. :)"-Samantha How does ANTIDOTE deliver a $50 shampoo at about half that? With our mission of making healthy living easier, we’re always looking for ways to provide quality formulas at reasonable prices.  We wanted to give you an insider’s view of a few ways that we make this possible: Small batch production Buying directly from family farms Selling direct to you and boutique salons Small batch production This not only means that your ANTIDOTE is fresh, it means that we don’t need to invest in large product runs or excess warehouse space.  Small batch production also means that we are always improving our formulas, so you’ll always get the best. Buying directly from family farms ANTIDOTE buys direct from family farms and small producers.  Buying ingredients from the producers avoids costly mark-ups that come when there are multiple steps in the purchasing process.   Buying direct also means that we can guarantee the quality and sustainability of the production method used.  For example, by buying ginseng roots from family farms in central Wisconsin, we know exactly how they grow and what methods they use.  We only sell direct ANTIDOTE only sells directly to you and through boutique salons.  With no distributor or middle-person, you get to skip the markups that comes when you buy a product that goes through multiple hands.  This also means that we have a direct connection with you and every boutique salon and business that carries ANTIDOTE.  We share your values for a plant powered world that’s better for people and the environment.  That direct connection also means that we get feedback directly from the professionals that use ANTIDOTE every day.  Their collective experience with a diverse range of hair types gets baked into every ANTIDOTE formula. We get that plant powered hair care costs more than traditional products.  That's why we offer other ways to get the most from your hair care investment: Free shipping on orders over $50 To make purchasing ANTIDOTE easier for you, we also offer free shipping on orders over $50.  Depending on how much you buy, that’s easily another $10-15 value.  And with gas prices where they are, it would be easy to spend that on a ride to the store. Subscriptions with benefits Because plant powered products work at a deeper level, it is important to use them consistently.  As a “thank you” to our regulars, we offer a free subscription program that can be selected when choosing your favorite products.  The program comes with a great deal, plus you’ll never run out.  We are currently offering a free gift with every order, usually a new formula to try.  And you can cancel or change your frequency at any time. While quality ingredients cost more, we think that the benefits are worth it, and we hope that you do too.  We work hard everyday to keep costs low so that more people have access to plant powered hair care.  We understand the ANTIDOTE isn't necessarily for everyone.   That's why ANTIDOTE offers no hassle 30-day returns.  We want you to be delighted with your ANTIDOTE products, to look forward to every time that it’s an ANTIDOTE day.  Our products perform and are fun to use.  Using plant powered products can take time to work especially if you are switching from a traditional formula, so we encourage folks to try the line for at least 30 days.  If you are not satisfied with your purchase within 30 days, we’ll happily refund you. ANTIDOTE - Quality hair care at affordable prices, because our mission is to make healthy living easier.  For amazing hair days! Abigail + David  

Knowing your curl type is the first step in understanding how to take care of your hair.  The most common types are wavy, curly, and coily.  Hair curl is a beautiful thing and something that humans from all over the world experience.  There’s even an entire industry built around the curl, helping people: make the most of their curls make their hair more curly with curls to get rid of them At ANTIDOTE, we vote for everyone to make the most of whatever curl they have To recognize your curly hair type, first take a close look at your own curl pattern. At its most basic: Wavy hair has the loosest curls of all and tends to bend in an ‘S’ shape.  Curly hair has tighter curls than wavy, and these are normally corkscrew shaped.  Coily hair, has the tightest curl pattern of them all and can either be small corkscrews or in ‘z’ patterns Professional stylists use a system to characterize hair.  Type 1 is for straight, Type 2 for wavy, Type 3 for curly, and Type 4 for coily. They then elaborate on each type with an A, B, C to describe the size of the curve. A is for wide curve, B for medium curve, and C is for the tightest curve. What makes hair curl? Dr. Yella Hewings-Martin of Medical News Today explains, “The hair follicle is a complex, multi-cellular compartment, buried deep inside your skin. Straight hair follicles produce straight hair fibers, while curly hair grows from curved follicles.” “In straight hair, all the cells in the follicle act in a coordinated fashion, leading to even hair growth from the straight follicle. These hairs are round.” “In curly hair, the way that the cells divide and produce certain proteins is asymmetrical and correlates with the bends in the curved follicle. This results in a hair fiber that has an elliptical shape, which allows it to curl.” To understand more we reviewed the work of Elsabe Cloete from the Hair and Skin Research Lab, Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa. Elsabe explains, “Each hair fibre comprises two distinct portions: namely, the growing and the keratinized portions. Below the scalp, the growing portion is generated in the follicle; above the scalp, the keratinized portion exists as a dead biological structure. The terms more commonly used for the keratinized part are ‘hair shaft’, ‘hair fibre’ or simply ‘fibre’.” Humans developed curly hair for its ability to both protect the scalp from the sun and provide a cooling effect.  Curly hair does this by creating a naturally insulating air layer between the scalp and the hair shaft.  In contrast, fine hair lays close to the scalp. Focus on curl type, not ethnicity, to avoid confusion By emphasizing curl type, you’ll be in a better place for finding the hair routine that works for you.  This will also avoid confusion that comes from assumptions that people make about ethnicity and hair type.  Elsabe explains, “The terms ‘European hair’ and ‘Caucasian hair’ are often used interchangeably and are taken to denote ‘wavy’ to ‘straight’ hair; ‘East Asian’ hair is taken to mean ‘pin-straight’ hair; and ‘African’ or ‘ethnic’ hair is taken to signify ‘curly’ or ‘very curly’ hair. A variation of ‘African hair’ is ‘Afro hair’ and afro-textured hair, to signify ‘very curly’ hair. These assumptions are essentially flawed since many individuals from both of the first two groups have curly hair.” Data shows that the majority of humans, regardless of ethnic background, have wavy to curly hair.  For example: While 41% of “Europeans” have straight hair, nearly 60% have wavy to curly hair While 47% of “Asians” have straight hair, 53% have wavy to curly hair African hair ranges widely from wavy to all types of curly When you describe your curl, avoid ethnic terms so that you don’t get the wrong routine.  Instead, use the numerical ratings system that professionals use. Do your curls frustrate you? You are not alone!  While waves and curls are so beautiful, they do come with their own challenges.  The two challenges we hear the most often: Tracking the wave.  The best hair days are when the hair wave starts in the right place and arches up and over the scalp.  These will always be followed by days when the wave flows in the “wrong” direction.  This may require changing your style or part until your back to where you want your wave to begin. Curl variety.  When you have wavy to curly hair, keep in mind that your scalp can have a variety of follicles.  That is, you might have a looser curl on top than on the sides, and maybe a third curl pattern in the back. And for those wearing a beard, keep in mind that your beard might have an even different curl pattern! Looking for advice on how to care for your curl?  Check out “Steps in building a hair care routine” blog post here.  You can also check out products best suited for different hair types here.  Always talk to your professional stylist for advice for your particular curl pattern. If you want to explore more research about “The what, why and how of curly hair” – Check out the rest of Elsabe Cloete and team’s work here.  Got a fun curly hair story? We’d love to hear from you - Abigail + David  

ANTIDOTE Planet Positive Hair Care is an ingredient first approach to wellness and beauty. That means using sustainably sourced ingredients that support local communities. Given that 64% of what we put on our skin gets absorbed into our bodies and 100% ends up in our streams and rivers, we believe that everyone deserves hair care products that are good for them and the planet. After all, looking good starts from within and we want you to be proud of the products you use. At ANTIDOTE, we call it Planet Positive Hair Care.  So what are the key elements of planet positivity?   Organic, sustainable ingredients.  Each is hand picked to work with your body in harmony so that you look your best.  How products are made - small batch, cold-processing means less energy consumption. How products are packed - minimizing plastic in all we do - like 50% less plastic labels and no outer packaging.  We use highly recyclable aluminum and #1 PET plastic - and ANTIDOTE is one of the first hair care brands to become Certified Plastic Neutral  How products are sent to you – ANTIDOTE using Certified Carbon Neutral Shipping.       Our commitment to your health and wellness starts with green rated formulas.  Every ANTIDOTE shampoo and conditioner is Environmental Working Group Green Rated - the highest standard in the industry. One of the most common questions we get is about plastic use. In our blog post, “Plastic Free Hair Care. Are we ready?”, we talk about the vision of plastic free shampoos and conditioners.  Unfortunately, no plastic alternative has yet been developed for shower use that keeps people and products as safe.  As soon as there is a solution, we’ll be there. Until then, let’s take action together. That's why ANTIDOTE became one of the first hair care companies to become Certified Plastic Neutral. That means that for every bottle of ANTIDOTE you purchase, we take an equal amount of plastic out of the environment. This includes all of the plastic used in that product including the bottle, cap, label, plus any other plastic used in the process of making and shipping it. To make this happen, ANTIDOTE partners with rePurpose Global, world's leading Plastic Action Platform dedicated to reducing waste, reviving lives, and restoring nature's balance.  We're proud to join the global coalition of 200+ conscious brands. How it works.  Every time you buy ANTIDOTE, 100% of the plastic recovered on your behalf is "Ocean-Bound". Your intervention diverts this plastic safely away from the oceans before it ever has a chance to leak into it. The project directly enables the ethical collection and permanent disposal of hazardous low-value, single-use plastic waste such as multi-laminate plastic. Trained waste workers segregate, clean, and transport the plastic to cement kilns for co-processing. Benefits: Removes plastic that would otherwise enter the ocean and harm animal life Recovers energy and minerals from the plastic to make cement Eliminates harmful emissions that would otherwise occur from burning Reduces the usage of coal in the cement manufacturing process, thereby reducing greenhouse gases Provides economic benefits to waste workers including a comprehensive health check-up camp ANTIDOTE specifically supports work along the beautiful east coast of India through a project called Blue Dream.  The first of its kind rePurpose Impact Project currently employs 40 people managed by a local waste management pioneer Waste Ventures India.  You  might wonder why ANTIDOTE supports waste collection abroad.  The United States exported over 1.3 billion pounds of scrap plastic overseas in 2020 alone – most going to southeast Asia.  In New York Times reporters Hiroko Tabuchi and Michael Corkery recent article, “Countries Tried to Curb Trade in Plastic Waste. The U.S. Is Shipping More,” they share “Though many American communities dutifully collect plastic for recycling, much of the scrap has been sent overseas, where it frequently ends up in … rivers, streams and the ocean.” Plastic is a global issue.  Environmental destruction affects us all.   While excited to make this commitment, this is a stop gap. Ideally, we’d move entirely away from plastic.  And while plastic reduction through package simplification is important, it’s just one step.  In our blog post, “Plastic Free Hair Care. Are we ready?”, we talk about the vision of plastic free shampoos and conditioners.  Unfortunately, no plastic alternative has yet been developed for shower use that keeps people and products as safe.  As soon as there is a solution, we’ll be there. Until then, let’s take action together.  Shopping Certified Plastic Neutral represents one step to taking responsibility.  - Abigail + David Want to learn more about RePurpose Global? About rePurpose Global rePurpose Global is the world's leading Plastic Action Platform dedicated to reducing waste, reviving lives, and restoring nature's balance. Through its pioneering ecosystem of solutions that span across advisory, action, and advocacy, the organization helps people and companies calculate, reduce, and offset their plastic footprint, while empowering grassroots innovators on the cutting edge of solving for the planet's future.  To date, rePurpose Global has created systemic change for people across 26 countries and hundreds of purposeful brands worldwide, such as Grove Collaborative, AB InBev, The Hut Group, Google, and Colgate. On behalf of its global coalition, the organization eliminates millions of pounds of plastic waste from nature every year, and in doing so, positively impact the lives of 10,000+ marginalized waste workers and community members worldwide.  Check out this 4-minute introduction video or go to the rePurpose Global website to explore their platform and join the movement. 

Baobab Fruit Protein is the newest buzzing ingredient that should be on your haircare list. If you are someone who has been suffering from dry and brittle hair then this super fruit is the perfect ingredient to bring it back to life. Baobab fruit is a rich source of omega fatty acids that fight inflammation and can help with dry hair and skin conditions for superior damage recovery. This unique protein comes from the large Baobab fruit seeds produced by the Adansonia digitat trees native to Africa.  You might know Baobab trees as the “tree of life.”  This name comes from the tree’s ability to store water and withstand the harsh climate. What are some of the benefits of Baobab Fruit Protein? Deeply nourishes and revitalizes hair for greater manageability Instantly conditions and softens hair Reinforces strands for improved strength Returns elasticity to reduce breakage Anti-aging and moisturizing properties Greatly reduces hair damage from harsh chemicals ANTIDOTE Baobab fruit protein comes from seeds obtained in an ethical and sustainable manner. It is important that we support local farmers and their communities in Africa.  We know this because the Baobab fruit protein we use is certified by ECOCERT. What is ECOCERT and why should you care? ECOCERT is one of the largest and most established organic certification organizations in the world.  Founded in 1991, they operate in over 80 countries. Their mission is to provide consumers with assurance that they are buying environmentally friendly products.  More specifically, ECOCERT certification verifies the quality of the ingredient, including: environmentally friendly production and processing processes respecting also human health responsible use of natural resources respect of biodiversity absence of nasty stuff like parabens, perfumes and synthetic colorants absence of genetically modified organisms recyclable packaging Is Baobab Fruit Protein right for you? Take the “strand test” The first step is to figure out what our hair needs – most typically, hair needs either moisture or protein. Too much of either leaves hair weighed down, too little means hair is dry and brittle. We recommend that you ask your professional stylist but if you are in between appointments, you can try this simple experiment. To figure out if your hair needs protein, give your hair the strand test. Take a wet strand and pull it from both ends. If it stretches a little before it snaps – that means it has good elasticity and is resilient – good news!  On the other hand, if it breaks right away, you’ll want to add strength back into your hair. We developed ANTIDOTE Baobab Fruit Protein Shampoo and Conditioner to strengthen the hair shaft. After all, hair is made of protein by a hair bulb that sits at the base of a hair follicle. WebMD explains how hair is formed, “In the hair bulb, living cells divide and grow to build the hair shaft. Blood vessels nourish the cells in the hair bulb and deliver hormones that modify hair growth and structure at different times of life.”  ANTIDOTE Baobab Shampoo and  ANTIDOTE Baobab Conditioner pampers your scalp and hair follicles while adding protein back into the hair.  How does ANTIDOTE Baobab Shampoo and Conditioner pamper your scalp? The other ingredients you’ll find in these products focus on scalp health and hair condition. Both the Shampoo and Conditioner also contain: Aloe Vera to soothe skin and scalp, and promote hair strength and shine. We use American plants grown organically, pesticide-free.   Vitamin E for its excellent antioxidant, moisturizing and soothing properties that reduce inflammation and repair damage to skin and hair follicles. Grapefruit peel oil to provide antibacterial and antimicrobial properties and naturally flatten and seal the hair cuticle. The shampoo uses a 4-part coconut based cleanser that is gentle but effective.  It is less irritating and can’t dry your scalp the way traditional sulfate shampoos do. The conditioner uses shea butter and avocado oil to condition and protect from within. These products are easy to use... We recommend brushing hair before washing to stimulate blood flow and exfoliate the scalp. Shake shampoo well to make sure that you get a good dose of those great plant-based ingredients.  Apply to wet hair and work from the roots out. Rinse.   ANTIDOTE Baobab Shampoo is gentle enough to use as a body wash and Baobab fruit protein is great for your skin. Pro tip: When using a sulfate-free shampoo, make sure your hair is super-saturated. Our formulas are concentrated and water “activates” the cleansing properties and makes it After shampooing, apply conditioner to damp hair for 2-5 minutes. Rinse with cool water to close the hair cuticle.  A small amount can be used as a leave-in conditioner. Watch out for too much of a good thing!  Too much protein will weigh your hair down.  If your hair is over processed, you might need a clarifying or moisture shampoo. ANTIDOTE Baobab Fruit Protein Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner comes in #1 recyclable PET bottles to protect those precious ingredients.   Ready to give Baobab fruit protein a try?  We’d love to hear from you! Abigail + David

Given that 64% of what we put on our skin gets absorbed into our bodies and 100% ends up in our streams and rivers, we believe that everyone deserves hair care products that are good for them and the planet. After all, looking good starts from within and we want you to be proud of the products you use. At ANTIDOTE, we call it Planet Positive Hair Care.  So what are the key elements of planet positivity?   Organic, sustainable ingredients.  Each is hand picked to work with your body in harmony so that you look your best.  How products are made - small batch, cold-processing means less energy consumption. How products are packed - minimizing plastic in all we do - like 50% less plastic labels and no outer packaging.  We use highly recyclable aluminum and #1 PET plastic - and ANTIDOTE is one of the first hair care brands to become Certified Plastic Neutral  How products are sent to you – ANTIDOTE using Certified Carbon Neutral Shipping.   Our commitment to your health and wellness starts with green rated formulas.  Every ANTIDOTE shampoo and conditioner is Environmental Working Group Green Rated - the highest standard in the industry. One of the most common questions we get is about plastic use. In our blog post, “Plastic Free Hair Care. Are we ready?”, we talk about the vision of plastic free shampoos and conditioners.  Unfortunately, no plastic alternative has yet been developed for shower use that keeps people and products as safe.  As soon as there is a solution, we’ll be there. Until then, let’s take action together. That's why ANTIDOTE became one of the first hair care companies to become Certified Plastic Neutral. That means that for every bottle of ANTIDOTE you purchase, we take an equal amount of plastic out of the environment. This includes all of the plastic used in that product including the bottle, cap, label, plus any other plastic used in the process of making and shipping it. To make this happen, ANTIDOTE partners with rePurpose Global, world's leading Plastic Action Platform dedicated to reducing waste, reviving lives, and restoring nature's balance.  We're proud to join the global coalition of 200+ conscious brands. How it works.  Every time you buy ANTIDOTE, 100% of the plastic recovered on your behalf is "Ocean-Bound". Your intervention diverts this plastic safely away from the oceans before it ever has a chance to leak into it. The project directly enables the ethical collection and permanent disposal of hazardous low-value, single-use plastic waste such as multi-laminate plastic. Trained waste workers segregate, clean, and transport the plastic to cement kilns for co-processing. Benefits: Removes plastic that would otherwise enter the ocean and harm animal life Recovers energy and minerals from the plastic to make cement Eliminates harmful emissions that would otherwise occur from burning Reduces the usage of coal in the cement manufacturing process, thereby reducing greenhouse gases Provides economic benefits to waste workers including a comprehensive health check-up camp ANTIDOTE specifically supports work along the beautiful east coast of India through a project called Blue Dream.  The first of its kind rePurpose Impact Project currently employs 40 people managed by a local waste management pioneer Waste Ventures India.  You  might wonder why ANTIDOTE supports waste collection abroad.  The United States exported over 1.3 billion pounds of scrap plastic overseas in 2020 alone – most going to southeast Asia.  In New York Times reporters Hiroko Tabuchi and Michael Corkery recent article, “Countries Tried to Curb Trade in Plastic Waste. The U.S. Is Shipping More,” they share “Though many American communities dutifully collect plastic for recycling, much of the scrap has been sent overseas, where it frequently ends up in … rivers, streams and the ocean.” Plastic is a global issue.  Environmental destruction affects us all.   While excited to make this commitment, this is a stop gap. Ideally, we’d move entirely away from plastic.  And while plastic reduction through package simplification is important, it’s just one step.  In our blog post, “Plastic Free Hair Care. Are we ready?”, we talk about the vision of plastic free shampoos and conditioners.  Unfortunately, no plastic alternative has yet been developed for shower use that keeps people and products as safe.  As soon as there is a solution, we’ll be there. Until then, let’s take action together.  Shopping Certified Plastic Neutral represents one step to taking responsibility.  - Abigail + David Want to learn more about RePurpose Global? About rePurpose Global rePurpose Global is the world's leading Plastic Action Platform dedicated to reducing waste, reviving lives, and restoring nature's balance. Through its pioneering ecosystem of solutions that span across advisory, action, and advocacy, the organization helps people and companies calculate, reduce, and offset their plastic footprint, while empowering grassroots innovators on the cutting edge of solving for the planet's future.  To date, rePurpose Global has created systemic change for people across 26 countries and hundreds of purposeful brands worldwide, such as Grove Collaborative, AB InBev, The Hut Group, Google, and Colgate. On behalf of its global coalition, the organization eliminates millions of pounds of plastic waste from nature every year, and in doing so, positively impact the lives of 10,000+ marginalized waste workers and community members worldwide.  Check out this 4-minute introduction video or go to the rePurpose Global website to explore their platform and join the movement. 

One of the best parts of working at ANTIDOTE is getting to meet inspiring boutique stylists that are leaders in clean beauty. We recently sat down with industry pioneers Raina Engle and Savannah Schlehuber to hear more about their passion for “sustainable luxury hair care.” Their “wholesome wellness” approach is fresh, unique, and infectious. Looking good and feeling good extends from cuts and styles they create, to the products that they use, to the supportive community they’ve established at their boutique Twelve Fourteen Salon. Twelve Fourteen Salon’s mission is to “build and maintain a culture that prioritizes wellness, excellence, and fosters creativity throughout our community with a heart for kindness.” Here’s an excerpt of our recent discussion with Raina and Savannah. We know that you’ll love them as much as we do! Why did you get into the industry? We were first interested in the industry for the artistry but we stay in the industry because we are passionate about creating wellness for both our clients and our colleagues. Why did you create Twelve Fourteen Salon? Community!We’ve both been independent stylists for years. After breaking glass ceilings and achieving record sales goals in our former businesses we realized that we wanted something more..a team. Twelve Fourteen was born and fostered on the passion to make the beauty industry a non-toxic place both in products and in business. In creating the salon, we started with 4 core beliefs: ●  Beauty is harvested in the heart. We believe beauty starts with kindness and a heart to serve & love our neighbors.●  Education is prioritized. We're always learning, and always growing.●  Using natural & clean beauty products are essential to our wellness.● Prioritizing high quality hair services and products are worth the investment of self-care. Tell us about some of what makes your salon unique? We’re all about combining luxury hair services with products that are better for you and the planet. If healthy hair and clean beauty is a must, this is the salon for you! We’re proud to partner with Wisconsin born business ANTIDOTE 1848. They are the only professional brand with 100% EWG green rated shampoos and conditioners. Everything they make is plant powered and made with sustainable organic ingredients. ANTIDOTE’s holistic approach totally aligns with our wholesome wellness philosophy. Clean beauty is important to us because we want to provide preventative solutions that give long term results. The results we've seen when our guests go green with their haircare products have been endless. We delight in the joy of finding something that works well for them, and seeing them get motivated to make more conscious choices. What are your current favorite products? At the Salon, our current favorite product has got to be the ANTIDOTE Avocado Styling Cream. It’s so versatile and works well on a wide range of hair types. It reduces frizz and smooths split ends, conditions dry ends without weighing hair down, and we love how it increases curl when blown dried in hair. Savannah: My favorite product right now is ANTIDOTE’s Hair Protector because it detangles really well and has all the necessary heat protecting factors.Raina: My current favorite product is ANTIDOTE Charcoal Wash because it is amazing at removing blackheads and makes my skin look and feel the best it ever has. How else are you innovating? One of the ways that our client’s experience with us is unique, is our gratuity free approach. While we super appreciate the gesture, our clients appreciate the value we give without the awkward ‘how much should I tip’ moment. In exchange we ask for a referral and review, that’s the biggest compliment we can get. It’s priceless. What do you do for self-care this season? Savannah: When I’m not behind the chair or on location I love to cook new recipes, hunt for the perfect thrifted find, and go on trips with my family. This summer, give me all the fresh veggies and hummus this summer. Charcuterie boards & grazing stations are where it's at, it's my family's Sunday tradition. Raina: Some of my favorite things to do outside of the salon are going on long hikes, exploring new places, and spending a relaxing day at home with my family. Oh, and this summer, I am famous for my homemade Margarita! 1 shot of Silver Tequila (or two if you're feeling bold ;)) half of fresh squeezed lime juice, 2oz. maple syrup, and top that off with lime sparkling water. Given Twelve Fourteen Salon’s mission to build and maintain a culture that prioritizes wellness, excellence, and fosters creativity throughout our community with a heart for kindness, it’s no surprise that there’s a meaning behind the name. The name is inspired by the Bible’s verse in Corinthians 12:14 “For the body does not consist of one member but many.” Savannah explains, "Originally, we chose this passage for the influence of teamwork, but as our brand has evolved there is also a beautiful picture of wholesome wellness in it . At Twelve Fourteen we are inspired by the human body and the diverse beauty of every member working together for the mission of a thriving and wholesomely well-balanced life."  Wanna  know more about Raina and Savannah?Raina, Co-Founder & Education Coordinator is a balayage and dimensional color specialist, and the one always looking to exceed her client’s expectations. She studied at Fox Valley Technical College and graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Cosmetology. Raina’s expertise spans brands such as Masters of Balayage, Habit Hair Method, Davines International, and ANTIDOTE 1848. Savannah, Co-Founder & Director of Bridal, specializes in blonde, bridal & balayage, you can find her passionately adoring her clients and their hair. She studied at the International Academy of Florida where she earned her cosmetology degree. Savannah’s features include Fox News, 9 & 10, The Knot Magazine, and Style me Pretty, and she’s been honored as a "Best of Wedding Vendor". Ready to book an appointment or learn more about Twelve Fourteen Salon? Click here. We hope that you enjoyed meeting Raina and Savannah as much as we did. They are leading the charge that luxury hair care can be sustainable and good for you, too! Abigail + David

Love the hair you have!  At ANTIDOTE, we believe that all hair is beautiful and deserves to be taken care of. Part of loving the hair you have is maintaining a good haircare routine.  Why a good hair routine? Benefits include to: Give hair more softness and shine Improve follicle health, which helps prevent hair from thinning Strengthen hair and improve elasticity – which means less breakage and longer, fuller hair Foster a balanced scalp which reduces dandruff A good place to start is to figure out your hair type.  You’ll want to consider things like your hair length, natural moisture level, and scalp condition.  There’s also how active you are (like do you swim regularly) and whether you color treat your hair.  External factors play a role too, like your local water quality and the weather. Here are some guidelines to use on building a good hair care routine for 3 common hair types: straight, wavy, and curly hair. While these are a good place to start, take the ANTIDOTE Hair Quiz to learn more about your specific situation.  After all, a good hair routine takes into account many factors.  If you're tight for time, go straight to one of ANTIDOTE's professionally selected bundles.  There's a bundle for the most common hair types: wavy, fine, curly, color treated, and sensitive.  We always recommend you ask your professional stylist for advice, too. For straight hair... Step 1:  Use a sulfate-free shampoo that helps you get rid of excess grease and dirt. ANTIDOTE Rosemary Shampoo is a great shampoo to start with and is specifically tailored to help keep oil and grease off your scalp.  Smells great, too. Anyone else into aromatherapy? Washing your hair once every 2-3 days is recommended.  Shampoo from your scalp outward and use a scalp massager for best results. What makes ANTIDOTE Rosemary Shampoo special? Whether you're looking for a clean slate or just want to get that bounce back to your fine or lifeless hair.  Blend of rosemary and nettle will promote hair growth. ACV removes harmful silicones that weigh hair down.  Clarifies hair and scalp to promote hair growth Removes excess product build up to increase hair volume Apple cider vinegar removes product and environmental build-up Refreshing rosemary fragrance Step 2: A good conditioner will strengthen and protect your hair.  This is critical for folks with fine, delicate hair because weak hair is prone to breaking.  Less breakage means a fuller head of hair.  With straight hair, look for a light conditioner like ANTIDOTE Ginseng Conditioner.  With ingredients like Aloe Vera juice and Shea butter, a little goes a long way.  Unlike your shampoo, work the conditioner into the ends of your hair. Step 3: Style for volume.  Products like the ANTIDOTE Sandalwood Styler are great to blow dry into the hair.  This adds volume and conditions hair as it holds. We joke that if you only had one styler in your bathroom, make it ANTIDOTE Sandalwood Styler. Why?  Because this lightweight styling has so many uses from creating a gentle matte hold, reducing fly-aways, and adding volume.  Made with Aloe Vera, Sandalwood and Grapeseed Oils, it conditions as it holds, leaving your hair in better shape at the end of the day.  Plus it’s easy to use: Work generous amount between palms. Apply to damp hair from the roots to the ends, style.  Air drying will leave a medium shine.  Blow dry in to add volume, matte finish. For wavy hair...  Step 1: Wash less.  Wavy hair doesn’t need to be washed as often as straight hair, as it tends to be more dry. Wavy hair should be washed once every 3-4 days. Use the sulfate-free ANTIDOTE Ginseng Shampoo, specifically designed to add moisture back into the hair.  Why do people love ANTIDOTE Ginseng Shampoo? This hydrating moisture shampoo nourishes hair and scalp. Wisconsin ginseng promotes healthy hair follicles to prevent hair loss.  Gentle coconut cleanser cleans without drying Aloe vera base protects color-treated hair Wisconsin ginseng stimulates hair follicles Awesome grapefruit and cedarwood oil fragrance Step 2: Lightly condition with ANTIDOTE Ginseng Conditioner. This hydrating conditioner nourishes hair and scalp without weighing hair down. People love this formula because Wisconsin Ginseng and Shea Butter restore hair and seal in moisture. Step 3: Style lightly to ride the wave. If you are lucky to have naturally wavy hair, focus on protecting and strengthening without weighing it down.  Too much product will flatten those waves.  ANTIDOTE Sandalwood Styler is great for longer hair. For shorter styles, try ANTIDOTE Vanilla Pomade. Both condition your hair while they work.  The Vanilla Pomade provides a "wet look" to any length of hair or style.  Fresh, slick look that lasts all day and can be freshened up with some water light vanilla fragrance Jojoba and sandalwood oils improve hair and scalp condition It’s also easy to use: Work  small amount through palms.  Apply to damp hair from roots to ends. Apply with fingers for more texture or comb through to add a smoother look.   Let dry for firm hold.  Add small amount of water during the day to refresh your style.  Blow dry in as a volumizer,  matte finish. For curly hair....  Step 1: Wash less frequently.  It’s common for curly hair to wash it just once a week.  The goal here is to prevent it from getting too dry.  Wash your hair using the sulfate- free ANTIDOTE Ginseng Shampoo or ANTIDOTE Baobab Shampoo. Only use your shampoo on your scalp as that is what needs cleansing. Avoid your hair so as not to strip it of its moisture.  Traditional shampoos can make your hair excessively dry and frizzy if applied to the hair shaft.  Step 2:  Quality conditioners matter.  Using conditioner on your hair every 3-4 days can help keep it soft and nourished. Consider a leave in conditioner like ANTIDOTE Avocado Styling Cream.  This smoothing + curl enhancing hair cream has many benefits: Reduces frizz and smooths split ends Conditions dry ends without weighing your hair down Increases curl when diffused in hair  To use, work small dab of product into palms. Apply to dry or damp hair, let air-dry or you can blow-dry or diffuse into hair to get rid of frizz and enhance textured hair. Can also be used on the ends of dry hair for a smooth texture.  All ANTIDOTE Conditioners are Environmental Working Group Green Rated – the highest rating possible.  This means that they are made with the best ingredients for your health. Other things to keep in mind when creating your hair routine If you have sensitive or dry skin, we recommend swapping any shampoo and conditioner out for the ANTIDOTE Chamomile Shampoo and Conditioner.  These hypoallergenic formulas are full of good stuff – like soothing Chamomile flowers and aloe vera – and you won’t find any fragrance or essential oils which can be triggers for dry skin. If you color treat your hair, consider the Baobab Shampoo and Conditioner combo.  Many hair treatments strip hair of protein which weakens the strand.  These formulas put protein back into hair using Baobab Fruit and Quinoa protein – 2 powerful plant-based proteins. Still not sure where to start?  Try one of our pro-tested bundles. We've got one for wavy hair, fine hair, curly hair and even sensitive and color-treated hair. We hope that this inspires you to get started on a hair routine that will help you love the hair you have.  A healthy scalp and happy follicles provide the base for great hair.  Nourishing plant ingredients are essential to strengthen hair and add shine.  Strong hair means less breakage and more volume. Every head of hair is unique, so feel free to experiment and adjust.  Don’t forget to try out the ANTIDOTE Hair Quiz and ask your professional stylist for advice.  They know best!  Want to learn more about the secret to hair growth and health?  Check out our blog post on the hair follicle! We break down how they work and how you can take care of them. Let us know what works for you.-Abigail + David

We love the sun.  A sunny day feels good. Sun on our skin has a special warmth.  There’s the marvel of a sunrise to mark the beginning of a new day.  Of course, how about watching the perfect sunset.  Healthline’s sun expert, Rachel Nall, explains the chemical reactions our bodies have to sunlight, “Did you know the right balance can have lots of mood-lifting benefits?  Sunlight and darkness trigger the release of hormones in your brain. Exposure to sunlight is thought to increase the brain’s release of a hormone called serotonin. Serotonin is associated with boosting mood and helping a person feel calm and focused. At night, darker lighting triggers the brain to make another hormone called melatonin. This hormone is responsible for helping you sleep.  Without enough sun exposure, your serotonin levels can dip. Low levels of serotonin are associated with a higher risk of major depression with seasonal pattern (formerly known as seasonal affective disorder or SAD). This is a form of depression triggered by the changing seasons.” In addition to its mood boosting properties, the sun has many other health benefits.  The sun helps to: Build strong bones Cancer prevention Promote healthy skin Sun expert Rachel Nall summaries these benefits well. Strong bones: “Exposure to the ultraviolet-B radiation in the sun’s rays causes a person’s skin to create vitamin D.   The vitamin D made thanks to the sun plays a big role in bone health. Low vitamin D levels have been linked to rickets in children and bone-wasting diseases like osteoporosis and osteomalacia.” Cancer prevention: “Although excess sunlight can contribute to skin cancers, a moderate amount of sunlight actually has preventive benefits when it comes to cancer.  According to researchers, those who live in areas with fewer daylight hours are more likely to have some specific cancers than those who live where there’s more sun during the day. These cancers include colon cancer, ovarian cancer, and prostate cancer.” Healthy skin:  “Sun exposure might help treat several skin conditions, too. Doctors have recommended UV radiation exposure to treat psoriasis, eczema, and acne.  While light therapy isn’t for everyone, a dermatologist can recommend whether light treatments will benefit your specific skin concerns.”  Moderation is key Like most things in life, there’s a balance to the right amount of sun.  Thanks to research, we’ve learned that too much sun can be harmful.  Exposure to harmful UV rays can lead to: Higher risk of developing skin cancer Skin discoloration and uneven skin tone Signs of premature aging What isn’t as well known is that too much sun can be bad for hair, too. What you need to know about sun and hair?  According to a 2019 study published by the National Institutes of Health, UV rays can damage hair and hurt the hair follicle. Women’s Health’s Sophie Cullen explains, “Just like the skin on the rest of our body, the skin on the scalp can burn in the sun, which can lead to a higher risk of skin cancer.  According to “Human Hair as a Natural Sun Protection Agent,” a 2015 National Library of Medicine published study, hair does provide a level of protection for the scalp, but the amount of protection depends on the density of the hair, and it doesn’t provide full protection.” How to protect your hair and scalp? Invest in a great hair protector. Use an SPF spray on your part and hairline. Our favorite way to take care of summer hair is ANTIDOTE Goldenseal Hair Protector.  With ANTIDOTE Goldenseal Hair Protector, you can protect hair and preserve color from sun damage.  What can this product do for you?  Our #1 reason for using this product is that Golden seal extract + Shea butter guard against UV exposure.  In addition, the formula: Reduces tangles + condition hair.  Protects color-treated hair Lowers drying time. And like all ANTIDOTE hair care products, it is vegan, cruelty free, and safe for color treated hair. To use it, just mist throughout clean, towel-dried hair prior to styling. You’ll also want to use a spray sunblock to cover your part and along your hairline before going outside.  Hair does provide some sun protection to your scalp, but look for spots where your hair isn’t going to give you coverage.  A good rule of thumb is if you are putting on sunscreen elsewhere, put some on your head, too. Keep the planet in mind Like we always say at ANTIDOTE “64% of what you put on your skin gets absorbed you’re your body and 100% ends up in our streams, rivers, and oceans.” So, always look for a coral reef friendly sunscreen - look for ones that are Oxybenzone & Octinoxate Free.  Traditional sunscreens block coral’s ability to access the sunlight that they need. As a result, coral reefs all over the world are dying. Fortunately, there are tons of reef friendly options out there. In our experience, these reef friendly formulas also feel better on our skin.  Our favorite site for information on sunscreens is Environmental Working Group. Check out their sunscreen guide here. Not feeling like sunscreen? Avoiding sun exposure can be as simple as wearing a fun hat or colorful scarf.  There are tons of fun hat options. Go retro or keep it simple with your favorite baseball cap.  We hope that you found something interesting here.  Let us know what you think! We love hearing from you. Looking for more summer hair tips?  Check out our blog post “Inside Scoop on Summer Hair Care” to learn about our 3-must have tips for summer. Happy Summer! Abigail + David

Pamper Dad this Father's Day with ANTIDOTE 1848 Plant Powered Hair Care Sensitive Skin Bundle.   This multi-use care kit covers everything Dad needs for scalp and follicle care, hair strength, and beard care in style.  Why?  Dad wants to make sure that the hair he has will last as long as possible. After all, healthy hair starts with happy follicles.   This Bundle has it all: Chamomile shampoo  8oz  Chamomile conditioner  7oz  Sandalwood Styler  4oz These formulas are hypo-allergenic and fragrance-free.  They are made to the highest ingredient standards that has earned each formula an Environmental Working Group Green Rating. There’s a lot to love about these products: organic chamomile to soothe skin and reduce irritation caused by the sulfate cleansers found in traditional shampoos aloe vera bases to improve hair texture gentle sulfate-free coconut cleansers clean while coddling your follicles shea butter, glycerin, and avocado conditioners to strengthen hair from within, and protect scalp from dryness Vitamin E for scalp health TIPS: Make sure your hair is heavily saturated with water before using shampoo, this will help your hair lather better.  Apply Sandalwood Styler from middle of hair to ends.  This product conditions your hair while it holds. DOUBLE DUTY! Each product in the bundle has multiple uses. Beard care Beard's need pampering too!  Chamomile Shampoo will gently clean your beard without irritating your face.  A touch of Chamomile Conditioner - full of shea butter and avocado oil - works as a leave-in conditioner.  This product will soften your beard and protect your skin.  Water it down before use, or apply and just don't rinse it all out.  Because it's fragrance free, you won't have to worry about nasty perfumes against your skin. For extra thick beards, ANTIDOTE Nourishing Hair + Body Oil replenishes dry skin and prevents frizz in hair. This stuff will soften even the hardest beards.  Rich plant oils paired with squalene (a powerful antioxidant moisturizer) and vitamin E provides skin with anti-aging benefits. For all hair and skin types.  Safe for use on face and body To use on hair and beard - after cleansing, spread 1-2 pumps evenly in palms, massage into hair and beard until fully absorbed.  To use on your body- after shower spread 1-2 pumps evenly in palms, apply to skin until fully absorbed. Body Care Chamomile Shampoo is gentle enough to use all over your body.  As a body wash, wet your skin first, then apply and rinse.   The ANTIDOTE Sensitive Skin Bundle is safe for all skin and hair types. Guilt-free, too! Yep, this bundle is vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free. Plus, ANTIDOTE is Certified Plastic Neutral and every shipment is Carbon Neutral. Happy Father's Day! - Abigail + David

One of the most common questions we get is whether ANTIDOTE is for men or for women?  In short, ANTIDOTE Plant Powered Hair Care is genderless.  ANTIDOTE is for everyone. Why?  ANTIDOTE is genderless because hair is genderless.  Let’s explain.  Hair is hair. Regardless of your gender, if you have hair, the anatomy of your hair is the same. That means that we’re all capable of good hair days and bad hair days.  And sometimes, your hair will seem to have a mind of its own (whether we like it or not). Gendering hair care takes away from the fact that everyone is unique - a special, one-time-only expression of our genes, our environment, and our culture. And there are so many different ways we express our beauty. All beauty needs to be celebrated – especially when it’s good for you and the planet.     Want great hair?  Let go of gender stereotypes, learn your hair and scalp type, and take care of it. Take our genderless Hair Quiz to find your hair ANTIDOTE. Hair Type.  There are many different hair types, but they have nothing to do with gender either. The different types of hair are: Type 1 - Straight hair Type 2 - Wavy hair Type 3 - Curly hair Type 4 - Coily hair Your hair follicle, not your sex or gender, determines your curl pattern. And this is determined by genetics.  Hair follicles are made up of 2 parts: the papilla and the bulb. The bulb is where the hair strands grow, and the papilla delivers blood supply to the hair follicle so that it can do its job. The hair shaft, aka your hair strand, is made up of three layers: The cuticle is the outer layer that opens and closes to protect your hair against environmental toxins.  The cortex is where your hair gets its strength and resilience to damage.  The medulla is the innermost layer and isn’t always present.  This is the anatomy of your hair, and it’s the same for all genders.  Learn more about hair follicles in our blog post "The Secret to Hair Growth and Health." Anyone with hair needs to stay moisturized and protected against sun damage or environmental pollution. Anyone with hair needs to make sure that their hair products don’t contain chemicals that will clog their pores and weaken their hair, making it prone to damage. At the same time, everyone should use natural ingredients that encourage hair growth and a healthy scalp.  Speaking of which, scalps are genderless too! Even the American Academy of Dermatology says that basic skin-care isn’t tied to sex or gender. It’s tied to skin type. And don’t forget that your scalp is skin.  Just like the rest of your skin, it needs to be exfoliated, moisturized, protected from the sun and fed mineral-rich products that nourish it. Low-grade products give a shiny, clean look to your hair but ultimately disrupt your scalp's self-regulating system.  So if hair is genderless, and skin is genderless, then why are so many beauty products gendered? Companies use gender to make us buy more products. Gendered marketing has been extremely effective in selling products, and many companies have taken advantage of this by expanding their product lines and making people feel that they need different products for each person in their family. Gendered products sell well when the binary of male and female is the standard. The more we listen, learn, and research, we find that the concept of “binary” gender is less and less relevant every day.  Making gender binary is an over-simplification that is actually damaging to everyone who relates to the nuances of gender. Why do so many companies still use gendered marketing?  Because companies want us to buy more products.  Like you want to sell more hand soap?  Convince people that men and women’s hands are so different and they need different hand soap.  If successful, every sink in America will have one hand soap for the gals in the family, and another one for the guys.  Seems silly right?  Well, we’ve been taught that men and women need different deodorants, shaving implements, and hair care products. How many of you secretly love a product that is targeted to the other gender?  You’re not alone! Marketers tell us that women need beauty products with a softer touch.  Deodorants and hair products for women are packaged with light, soft colors and gentle scents like chamomile, rose, and cucumber.  Meanwhile, deodorants and hair products marketed towards men are packaged with dark and strong basic colors, sharp edges, and “tough” sounding descriptors like “sport.” The marketing behind gendered products play up differences that don’t really exist and our bathrooms are getting filled up with duplicate products that we don’t need.  Over time the gendering of products has resulted in a proliferation of assortment.  The average Wal-Mart carries 120,000 distinct items.   This approach draws on what we’re taught at a young age: that certain colors, toys, and activities are for girls and others are for boys. And, on that note, there are only two genders and everyone fits into one or the other. When it comes to gender, ANTIDOTE is for everyone.  We want people to use products depending on what their hair and scalp needs, not their gender.  Each product targets a specific hair need – like moisture, protein, or protection – and has multiple uses.  Instead of traditional gender cues, ANTIDOTE uses natural essential oil scents (or you can go scentless with our Chamomile Shampoo and Conditioner), and simple, straight-forward, black and white labels.  Beauty and self-care are for EVERYONE. Not just for people who identify as “male” or “female.” All people should love pampering themselves. Everyone deserves to smell nice, feel clean, and have beautiful hair that turns heads.  Genderless products recognize that men are allowed to use beauty products, practice self-care, and indulge in delicious scents and colors. It embraces that men can be soft, introspective, and beautiful.  ANTIDOTE products don’t follow gender norms--instead, they stand for what is best for your hair, your skin, and your environment.  Take, for example, the vanilla pomade that provides a firm hold and a “wet look” to your hairstyle. This fresh, slick look is great for guys and people with short hair. But it also works on long hair to smooth a braid and it can add volume to fine hair.  It has a hint of vanilla and sandalwood. This grounding, calming scent is one that everyone can love.  Our avocado styling cream is lightweight, smoothes frizz, and enhances all curl types. This is a favorite of all genders.  By making space for everyone to see themselves in our products, we’re acknowledging that the world isn’t binary. It’s made up of a spectrum, and everyone on that spectrum deserves quality products that feel good, smell good, and actually work.  We encourage you to challenge gendered beauty marketing trends and the norms that allow them to exist. Try different scents that you’re used to. Guys, buy yourself some flowers. Ladies, experiment with cedarwood oil.  Investigate what you like and ask yourself: Do I like this because I’ve been told I’m supposed to, or because I actually like it? Is this product really working for me and meeting my needs? What do I really want in a hair product? What smells good, feels good, makes you happy? Happy Gay Pride Month to all!  June invites us to pause and recognize the contributions of the LGBTQ community, celebrate the beauty in every person, and reflect on the fact that there is still work to do before all Americans are treated equally. ANTIDOTE is proud to be an early supporter of the Open To All business program.  Learn more why it's important for businesses to be open to all. Abigail + David

In total honesty, we’re sharing 3 super nutrients for hair growth: one vitamin, one mineral, and one herbal supplement. For sure, many factors affect hair growth – genetics, stress, and hormones.  We all lose our ability to grow hair as we age.   Since nutritional deficiencies have a lot to do with how healthy our hair and skin appears, why not make sure that we’re getting what we need to feed our hair from within. When it comes to understanding hair loss, Healthline explains, “Hair loss in both men and women is called androgenetic alopecia, and it’s common as everyone ages. It’s caused by the hormone testosterone, and its conversion into a molecule called DHT. This alteration causes hair follicles to shrink, resulting in hair loss. Men have more testosterone than women do, so balding is more common in men.” So what nutrients can help with hair loss?  Saw Palmetto extract - an herbal supplement Iron – a mineral Biotin – a vitamin Great news is that you can get most of these from wonderful natural foods.  If you feel that you are not getting enough of these, we always recommend tweaking your diet. Natural foods are the best sources for nutrients.  Our bodies are naturally equipped to absorb the benefits from real food.  Plus, they pack lots of healthful micro-nutrients.   If you are considering a supplement, always check with your primary health provider before taking any to confirm the amount, frequency, and duration. Why these 3 nutrients to reduce hair loss?   Saw Palmetto  Saw Palmetto, a palm-like plant with berries, has been part of Native American medicine for thousands of years. In “Natural Hair Supplement: Friend or Foe?” researchers led by Evyatar Evron of the Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles found that Saw Palmetto “demonstrated positive effects of topical and oral supplements containing Saw Palmetto extract (100–320 mg) among patients with androgenetic alopecia.” Across five clinical trials and 2 studies they discovered that among people participating in the studies:  Sixty percent reported improvement in overall hair quality 27% saw an improvement in total haircount 83% found an increase in hair density. So what’s in Saw Palmetto?  Exact quantities vary by crop and specific preparation, but in general, Saw Palmetto extract contains 70–95% fatty acids with small amounts of phytosterols such as β-sitosterol, β-carotene, vitamin E derivatives, and polysaccharides. How does Saw Palmetto work?  In “Saw Palmetto for Hair Loss: Myth or Miracle?” Healthline’s Mary Ellen Ellis explains:  “An extract of saw palmetto berries may block 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT. DHT is the molecule responsible for hair loss.”  As a result, Mary Ellen says, “Saw Palmetto is one of the most popular extracts that people use to try to slow down hair loss or to regrow hair.”  Tablets and capsules are the easiest to find and are the most common forms studied by researchers.   Biotin Also known as Vitamin H, Biotin is part of the B complex vitamins. All B vitamins help the body to convert food into fuel for our bodies to function. In  WebMD’s “The 5 Best Vitamins for Hair Loss Prevention, Based on Research”, Dr. Jennifer Haley confirms that, “Biotin (vitamin B7) is important for cells inside your body. Low levels of it can cause hair loss, skin rashes, and brittle nails. Your levels may be low if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding or taking certain antibiotics or epilepsy drugs.” Food is a great place to get biotin.  You’ll find it in: Whole grains Almonds  Grass-fed red meat Seafood  Dark, leafy greens Egg yolks In Healthline’s “Best Vitamins for Hair Growth” Registered Dietician Kayla McDonnell explains, “One of the best known vitamins for hair growth is a B vitamin called biotin. Studies link biotin deficiency with hair loss in humans (5Trusted Source).” Kayla clarifies, “Although biotin is used as an alternative hair loss treatment, those who are deficient have the best results. There’s also a lack of data about whether biotin is effective for hair growth in healthy individuals.” Iron  Iron helps our red blood cells carry oxygen throughout our body, making it a critical mineral for many of the things that our bodies do… including hair growth!  Why is iron important to hair growth? In the same article, “Best Vitamins for Hair Growth,” registered Dietician Kayla McDonnell explains, “Iron deficiency, which causes anemia, is a major cause of hair loss. It’s especially common in women (9Trusted Source, 10Trusted Source, 11Trusted Source, 12Trusted Source).” Kayla explains that people most at risk of having low iron are: women who get heavy periods  those with a chronic disease  vegetarians or vegans Good news!  Foods that are naturally rich in iron are delicious and varied: Grass-fed red meat Leafy greens like spinach Legumes Clams and oysters Eggs If hair loss has you down, we recommend that you consider all of the factors that might be affecting you.  While hair loss is a natural part of aging, there are things we can do to slow the process down.  Nutrition is one dimension to definitely consider.  A varied diet is key, but talk to your primary care health provider if you think that you might need a supplement so that you get the maximum benefit. Check out our blog post "Best foods for healthy hair" to learn more. What are you eating to stay healthy these days?  We’d love to hear from you! Abigail + David

Considering going blonde this season? Here are 5 professional tips and tricks to get the most out of the process. With only 2% of the world’s population being naturally blonde, chances are that if you want to have blonde hair, you’ll need some product (and professional help) to do so. Nobody knows more about hair color than professional stylists.  In addition to hours of training on the physiology of hair and the chemical process required, they experience the process on thousands of real heads.  Pro stylists know what works and when it won’t work. Going from brunette to blonde is a serious commitment. It will take lots of patience and extra $$$.  We hope that these 5 professional tips will help. Tip 1: Schedule a consultation with your stylist, before you commit, know the cost and how many appointments you will need.  Find an ANTIDOTE professional stylist here. Tip 2: Prepare your hair before every appointment. Use a hair mask 2-3 days before you have your visit, this will condition and strengthen your hair. Before using the hair mask, make sure that you have shampooed your hair well.  That means removing any product build up, especially silicone if you use any products with it. A great prep shampoo is the Rosemary Detox Shampoo – with Rosemary oil and Apple Cider Vinegar it provides a deep clean that prepares your hair to get the most from your hair mask.  What’s a good hair mask?  One of our favorite’s is Jojoba Deep Conditioner.  Jojoba oil and shea butter penetrate the hair shaft to strengthen from within.  For deeper conditioning, try Avocado Styling Cream as a leave-in treatment.  A little goes a long way! Tip 3:  It could take 5-10 appointments before you have achieved the desired level of hair color.  Everyone is different but it usually takes more appointments that you’d think.  Online advice that it only takes 3 appointments represents the best case scenario.  Don’t be overly optimistic. Tip 4: Don't expect to be blonde after the first visit, usually it will be a lighter shade of brown.   The pro’s we talked to shared that no matter how many times they advise clients of this, that it’s easy to be disappointed when the first visit doesn’t get their client as far as they hoped. Did we say “Be patient!” Tip 5:  Use shampoos with gentle sulfate-free cleansers.  Traditional shampoos use harsh detergents that will strip your color out and can cause further skin irritation.  Instead, opt for a sulfate free moisture shampoo like ANTIDOTE Ginseng Moisture Shampoo.  It’s made with Wisconsin ginseng to promote healthy hair follicles and contains Gentle coconut cleanser cleans without drying and Aloe vera base to protect color-treated hair. Also, be open to the possibility that hair color might not be for you.  Some people have adverse skin reactions.   After all 64% of what you put on your skin gets absorbed into your body.  If you are allergic or concerned about the chemicals you’ll be in contact with, talk to your stylist about other options.  Consider the full picture.  Hair color should complement your skin tone, eye color, and other aspects of your face – like eyebrows and eye lashes.  A professional stylist can help you fine tune what going blonde means for you.  Like is it a full color or just highlights. Have fun!  Coloring our hair is a natural extension of our intrinsic desire to change, improve, tinker.  The best part of hair color is that it’s not forever, you can always change it.  With some advance planning and realistic expectations, it can be lots of fun. For more perspective on hair color, check out Rebecca Guenard’s research on the history and development of hair coloring.  In her article “Hair Dye: A History” she shares that, “People have been coloring their hair since ancient times. But still, most know relatively little about the chemistry.”  Her writing demystifies hair color. Want to learn more about caring for color treated hair?  Check out the best products for color treated hair here.  Take the guess work out of what you'll need for long lasting color, try the ANTIDOTE Color Treated Hair Bundle. Let us know about your hair color journey.  We’d love to know what’s working for you.  - Abigail + David

Happy Earth Day to everyone!   We depend on our planet and have a responsibility to care for our it. Earth Day is all about the right to a healthy environment and reminds us that we are all connected.   At ANTIDOTE, We Try to Make Every Day Earth Day With Planet Positive Hair Care, every day includes: Organic, sustainable ingredients. Low energy, cold-processing in our manufacturing Certified Carbon Neutral Shipping Minimizing plastic in all we do, and being Certified Plastic Neutral But Earth Day Gives us a Reason to Celebrate By Doing More. How will you celebrate?  switch to sustainable products reduce, reuse, recycle drink shade grown coffee support local conservation efforts stop using plastic bags and bottles take a hike Re-use and recycle. We'll also recommit ourselves to recycling 100% of our recyclable waste - we hope that you will join us, too.  Talk about a small thing with a big impact - only 29% of people recycle their PET bottles (you know who you are!)  As a result, plastics make up a growing share of our garbage.  Recycling removes plastic from our waste, and gives trash a new life.  Get outside. Earth Day is a great excuse to plan a field trip.  Check out good hikes near you to find a new one, or revisit an old favorite.  Alltrails is our "go to" site to find hikes where ever our travels take us.  One of our favorite places is Stroebe Island Marsh Preserve.  It's beautiful any time of year.  This is the last cattail marsh on the lower Fox River - a place stewarded by native people for thousands of years and a reminder of land's ability to clean water naturally. While you are out in nature, try taking your time to do some forest bathing.  Sit under a tree, study its bark, follow its branches, feel its energy. Time Magazine's Qing Li explains, "We all know how good being in nature can make us feel. We have known it for centuries. The sounds of the forest, the scent of the trees, the sunlight playing through the leaves, the fresh, clean air — these things give us a sense of comfort. They ease our stress and worry, help us to relax and to think more clearly. Being in nature can restore our mood, give us back our energy and vitality, refresh and rejuvenate us." Encourage friends to go "green." 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.  All ANTIDOTE shampoos and conditioners are Environmental Working Group "Green Rated."  No matter what brand you choose, natural products are one small way we can all make a difference. Buy shade grown coffee.   Tropical shade trees in the tropics are home to countless migrating birds.  The loss of this habitat has a direct impact on the loss of bird population. One key driver of this is clear cutting to support cheaper sun coffee.  Give our feathered friends a break by buying shade grown coffee.  By the way, coffee prefers shade and shade grown coffee is the richest, most delicious kind you can buy. Earth Day was born in Wisconsin (just like ANTIDOTE!)...  In the 1960’s, US Senator from Wisconsin 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. 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," says the Aldo Leopold Foundation.  Aldo Leopold’s A Sand County Almanac continues 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.   Let us know how you plan to celebrate Earth Day this year, and make every day Earth Day. We love hearing from you! - Abigail + David

We made it!  Winter is behind us!!  Spring brings with it longer days and warmer weather.  The season is a time of awakening and rebirth… and time to mix up the hair care routine to reflect the new season. As always, we recommend starting out with a visit to your favorite stylist for a good trim or new hair style.  At a minimum, it’s important to clip off the driest and most damaged part of your hair, the ends.  This will eliminate split ends and increase your success at growing longer, beautiful hair.  And is it true that trimming your hair makes it grow faster?  Find out here. It’s also a good time to mix up your hair routine with a new batch of shampoo and conditioner.  This is good for keeping your scalp and follicles fresh and healthy.  If you spent the winter using a hypo-allergenic shampoo like ANTIDOTE Chamomile Shampoo and Conditioner, you might want to switch it up with ANTIDOTE Ginseng Shampoo.  Essential oils like grapefruit, bergamot, and cedar give Ginseng Shampoo a natural citrus and woody scent. No artificial fragrance here! We polled ANTIDOTE experts to find out the top 3 tips to care for your hair this spring. Here’s what they had to say: Spring Tip #1:  Take a break from the heat, spring is a great time to give your hair a rest from all the blowdrying, curling, and flat-ironing.  Warmer weather means that you can air dry without the guilt. Forbes Magazine’s Style and Beauty Expert Sarah Wu explains in The Right Way To Air-Dry Hair And Style It Without Heat, ““There are two main drawbacks to dropping the blow-dryer: it takes much longer for hair to dry—and you can’t run a towel over it and expect shiny, smooth results.” Some folks swear by microfiber towels or other absorbant, light fabric.  Flipping your hair upside down can speed the time it takes your roots to dry. For longer hair, try washing your hair the night before.  Experts recommend a satin pillow case to speed drying without tangles.  Putting your hair in a loose braid or on top of your head can accentuate natural waves and curls. When you do have to pick up the blow dryer, put it in cool air mode.  Spring Tip #2: Wear a fun new hat on a bad hair day.    Especially for guys, ditch the winter ski hat for something special.  For longer hair, braid your hair or use a fun clip. Not sure what hat is right for you?  Welcome to the club!!  Should you wear a Fedora, Fisherman, Pork Pie, or Newsboy?  Time to check in with men’s style experts.  Each of them have extensive guides that will help you find a hat that’s right for you. While everyone is unique, there are a few things that everyone should keep in mind: The Art of Manliness’ Brett & Kate McKay share that guys should look for hat styles that help them balance out their faces.  “All hats make a man look more dapper. But picking a hat that is right for your face shape will increase your attractiveness and give you a sharper appearance.”  Check out their awesome guide here. While the loose ski cap or a baseball cap say “I just got out of bed” or “I can’t be bothered,” a stylish hat shows that you made an effort.  Antonio Centeno of Real Men, Real Style says, “Men's hats – while born out of practical necessity, often evolve into fashion statements.  Hats have performed a multitude of roles for men throughout time, ranging from simply blocking out the sun to acting as sigils of status.”  Check out his super helpful tips here. Spring Tip #3:  Donate styling products you don't use and buy more of the ones that really enrich your hair with nutrients.  Look for styling products that contain aloe vera, essential oils, and organic ingredients.  For spring, look for weightless, light, and clean. This is the season that you can get away with using less product.  What are the most popular?   For people who love to rock the “wet” look it’s ANTIDOTE Vanilla Pomade.  This water soluble formula is easy to refresh during the day, and its ingredients naturally condition your hair while it works.  For a more casual look, ANTIDOTE Multi-Styler tops the list.  It will help you keep you hair shape without the sheen. It’s full of aloe vera, an ingredient that improves hair texture.  For those of us whose hair becomes frizzy as it dries,  ANTIDOTE Styling Cream to the rescue.  It’s made with Shea Butter, its natural conditioning properties will keep your hair smooth and healthy.  Natural Shea Butter penetrates deep to condition and moisturize. Good for any skin type. Shea Butter is derived from the tree nuts of the karite trees that grow in Western and Central Africa. We use shea butter in all ANTIDOTE conditioners. Curious what our 2021 Spring Hair Tips were?  Check out last year’s post here. Do you have a favorite hair tip for spring?  We love hearing from you! Abigail + David  

Because green shampoo works! People are noticing that their hair has more shine and elasticity, that their scalp feels better – less dryness and less itchiness. Folks with color-treated hair, love green shampoos because they protect their color. Plus, green shampoos are a much better bang for your buck. While traditional shampoos are mostly water, green shampoos like ANTIDOTE use Aloe Vera bases.  That means that you can use less and get better results. And, green shampoos are better for the planet. 64% of what you put on your skin gets absorbed into your body and 100% of it ends up in streams, rivers, lakes and oceans.  Green companies like ANTIDOTE are also more environmentally minded – check out our Plastic Neutral Certification. For every bottle of ANTIDOTE you buy, we’ll take out an equal amount of ocean bound plastic. Green shampoos - more than a trend, a way of life. At ANTIDOTE, we aren’t going green, we were born this way!  We are thrilled that personal health and wellness have become increasingly important to everyone - now more than ever.  At ANTIDOTE, being green means that every day includes: Organic, sustainable ingredients. Low energy, cold-processing in our manufacturing Certified Carbon Neutral Shipping Minimizing plastic in all we do, and being Certified Plastic Neutral As consumers have become more ingredient savvy and more aware of the damage that what we use in our shower can have on the planet, companies have been faced with a choice: adapt or fade away like a bad dye job.  When it comes to looks, people are beginning to understand the relationship between what we ingest and how we look and feel. Beautiful hair starts with a healthy scalp, but most traditional hair products out there are at odds with this.  So what does it really mean to go green as a consumer in the hair industry? Why does it matter? Which companies are genuinely using best practices and which ones are hiding behind buzzwords like “botanical essences?”  In this article we’ll unpack what green beauty is and what it’s not, and show how you can develop an eye for the products that will actually help you go green. Because looking good starts with feeling good Green beauty is inspired by ancient practices. Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine and Native American health practices reflect that all the parts of our bodies are connected.  That looking good – on the outside – starts with feeling good – on the inside. These ancient health practices are time tested across generations.  So why not continue to benefit from these insights. Native American practices teach us to respect the planet we live on. When we care for Mother Earth, she cares for us.  Here at ANTIDOTE, we’re guided by the idea that what’s good for the environment is also good for you. Green beauty is a movement that has injected sustainable, earth-friendly practices and ingredients into the products that we put on our bodies and in our hair. It’s an approach to taking care of yourself and looking good without damaging your health or the environment. So why now? What’s driving this trend?  Sustainability wasn’t always as popular as it is today, but it sure has been gaining traction lately. Whether it was the outcry over animal testing, new ways of packaging and water use, or understanding gender, the beauty industry has been challenged to evolve in many ways over the years.  Today, toxic ingredients and environmental impact are hot topics. It’s empowering to invest in companies that aren’t hurting the earth, and the more we know, the smarter consumers we can be.  An article recently published in The Washington Post notes that the green beauty movement started to really gain traction in the early 2000's when the word “clean” started popping up in skin-care line advertising. The shift away from words like “natural” and toward “clean” triggered more scrutiny from consumers, and slowly ingredients like sulfates and silicones began to score bad reputations. When it comes to regulation of ingredients, the US is lagging. In 2003, the EU banned chemicals that cause cancer and birth defects. Today they’ve banned around 1,300 chemicals from cosmetic use, while the US has placed restrictions on a mere 11. Why Green Beauty Should Matter to You 64% of what you put on your skin gets absorbed into your body. Because the US doesn’t regulate most of the ingredients that the beauty industry uses, it’s up to us to stay informed. It’s up to us to choose who we give our money to.  It’s up to us to advocate for our health. The benefits of going green are plenty, but here are just a few.  Reduced exposure to toxic ingredients Lower chance of irritated skin Less build-up on your scalp Supporting low impact businesses Greater awareness of the cosmetic and medicinal uses of different plants Reduce water pollution As consumers, we have power. How and where we shop has an impact on the health of the planet, and therefore our own health as well.   People are certainly beginning to get smart about what’s good for them and what’s not. At ANTIDOTE, we want to be a part of your process as you continue to learn and empower yourself. Since there aren’t federally regulated standards for going green in the beauty industry, we’ve compiled a list of qualities that you’ll find in products that meet our personal standards. And we’ve compared them to characteristics of traditional products so you can train your eye. Is Going Green Worth It? Natural ingredients are more expensive and harder to work with. This means that they cost more to make than traditional products, so green products are going to cost more too.  On average, green products cost about 25%-50% more. It’s up to you to decide the value of all of the benefits of going green. For us, we look at buying green products - in any area of our lives - as an investment in our health, our environment, and in our future. 3 Ways to Tell If Your Products Are Actually Green Use this list to help you develop an eye for which products really mean it when they claim to be “green.”  There are also independent rating organizations like Environmental Working Group that can also help. Foam (good) vs. Bubbles (bad) Traditional products use sulfate cleansers that bubble up when they come into contact with water. Bubbles are fun, but these sulfates are used in dish detergent.  They completely strip your hair and scalp of all it’s moisture.  “Green” products use gentler, non-sulfate cleansers that foam up when put into contact with water, but don’t create bubbles. So you get a clean scalp without sacrificing all of those beneficial oils.  Natural oils (good) vs. Silicones (bad) The natural oils used in green products mimic the natural oils that our bodies produce for healthy hair. Natural oils penetrate deep into the hair to restore strength, flexibility, and shine. It takes time for the hair to absorb these healthy oils.   Traditional products use silicones to add instant volume and shine. But the result is dry, weak hair that’s prone to breakage. The silicones sit on top of the hair, suffocating it and preventing it from absorbing any oils.  All things in moderation are okay, but you don’t want to use products with silicones in the long term.  Shorter shelf life (good) vs. Long shelf life (bad) Because green products use gentler preservatives, their shelf life tends to be shorter. This is okay. If you find a product that has a longer shelf life, it may be because it contains formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.  A common misconception is that any product with preservatives is bad for you. That’s not exactly true.  Any product that contains water requires a preservative. However, green products use gentler preservatives that are proven to be less irritating. Vitamin E and Grapefruit Peel Oil, for example, help to preserve formulas while also being good for your skin and hair.  The controversy lies in the use of formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. Some studies have linked the use of these preservatives in cosmetics to cancer and allergic reactions. Canada has restricted the use of them, and the EU requires any product to clearly label “contains formaldehyde.”  So don’t be afraid of preservatives, just know which ones have proven to be safer.  How To Go Green With Your Hair Routine Right Now  Green hair care products can be a little hard to find. That’s because their companies represent about 10% of the total market.  The good news is that there are ways to make finding them easier. Here are some ways you can find all the best and safest products.   The Environmental Working Group has assembled a database of green products, as well as an excellent rating system. They’re a non-profit whose mission is to educate you so that you can live a healthier life and be a smart consumer.  Healthline is a wonderful resource for information about health and wellness.  More and more brands are responding to the desire to use safe products.  Professional salons are adapting too. Stylists are educating their clients on the technical aspects of “green” beauty products. Ask your local salons if they recommend any clean brands. If they don’t, express your interest. Support salons that go green - it’s good for you and the stylists, too. No matter the brand you choose, when you become a consumer of clean beauty products, or when you choose to carry green products in your salon, you join a community of environmental advocates.  We know that change starts with us, and that the choices we make every day can be a form of fighting for the kind of world we want to live in.  Are you already a green shampoo user?  If so, what difference has it made to you? We’d love to hear from you. Leave us a comment below!  Abigail + David  

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

Do you think that you might have oily scalp?  Here are 3 telltale signs that your scalp needs a reset: Scalp irritation Overly greasy hair Hair Loss that might be from clogged follicles When your hair gets oily too fast, our sebaceous glands produce too much sebum.  Our bodies naturally product sebum to nourish skin, including our scalp.  Sebum protects us from environmental stressors and keeps us waterproof.  Normally, sebum travels down the hair shaft to condition it, keep it flexible and shiny.  Too much sebum and our scalp feels dirty and the oil weighs hair down.  Clogged hair follicles can also inhibit hair growth. According to Healthline, the most common causes of oily scalp are: overwashing your hair using shampoos or hair products with a lot of artificial chemicals skin conditions – you’ll want to see your doctor about this genetics – thank your parents In “ Why Your Hair Gets Greasy and What to Do About It” Danielle Dulchinos of Men’s Health shares, “Anything from an unhealthy diet to high stress to your genetics or how often you shampoo can play a role here.” What to do about your oily scalp? Since we can control the most common causes easily, it’s worth trying to reset your oily scalp with these tips.  Of course, if these don’t work or you suspect a skin condition, talk to your doctor. Cut out fragrance and using gentle ingredients like aloe for more soothing moisture. Try a hypo-allergenic shampoo like ANTIDOTE Chamomile Shampoo for 2 weeks  Add rosemary essential oil and apple cider vinegar to your shampoo or try ANTIDOTE Rosemary Detox Shampoo once per week or every month. This will help to rebalance the scalp and remove unwanted product build up.  Shampoo less. This seems counter-intuitive, but often oily scalp is our body’s reaction to over shampooing. If you use traditional shampoos, their harsh detergents strip us of sebum.  Even if you are already using sulfate-free shampoos, shampooing too much can be sending the wrong signal to our sebaceous glands.  Our glands react to the perceived dryness by producing more… sometimes too much more. Hair Type Matters Keep in mind that hair texture matters.   Danielle Dulchinos of Men’s Health shares, “Your hair type matters, too. Thick hair, for example, has more sebaceous glands and produces more oil, whereas fine hair can look greasier than thick hair (even with the same rate of sebum production) because there’s less hair for the oil to cover.” Ingredients to Look for In Healthline’s “What Causes an Oily Scalp, and How Do I Treat It?” Tim Jewell shares more about ingredients to look for:  “Aloe vera is a natural remedy for dandruff that’s backed by older research. Its use may be derived from its potential to control inflammation that leads to flare-ups.  Apple cider vinegar is a well-loved anecdotal therapy, but it lacks sufficient evidence to support routinely in skin disorders. Some say it’s an effective anti-inflammatory and can help reduce the pH balance of your hair. Both of these capabilities may help reduce oil production and stop flare-ups of skin conditions.  However, apple cider vinegar may further irritate your skin if you have eczema.  If you decide to try apple cider vinegar, put a few (diluted) drops of it on your scalp after washing your hair. Leave it for a few minutes, then rinse well.”  If you use apple cider vinegar make sure it’s diluted!! Every ANTIDOTE Shampoo and Conditioner uses Aloe Vera as it’s base ingredient. Things to Avoid Regarding what not to do, avoid overly moisturizing hair conditioner and stylers.  “All of the above not only make hair greasier, but they attract particles in the air, which weigh strands down and make them appear dirtier,”  shares Shannon Farrell of Women’sHealthMagazine. If you think you have oily scalp, check for the telltale signs.  Make some easy changes that address the most common causes – these can only help.  Be ready to consult your healthcare provider if the issue persists as you might need a little extra help. Often times, oily scalp is accompanied by dry scalp.  Check out our blog on dry scalp here. We hope this helps.  Let us know what’s worked for you! - Abigail + David

Spoiler alert:  Trimming your hair does not stimulate hair growth. But wait, there are SO many benefits to a hair trim that we hope you’ll read on. Even though a trim doesn’t make your hair grow faster, it does make your hair appear healthier, thicker, and shinier.  By trimming, the older, weaker portion of the hair strand, you can avoid having your hair break off further up the strand.  By reducing split ends, a good trim protects the hair you have.  Getting a good trim also makes us feel better, builds confidence.  And we love spending time catching up with our favorite stylist!  Benefits of a good hair trim Hair appears healthier, thicker, and shinier Protects newer hair from breaking prematurely Helps hair grow longer with less likelihood of breaking Boosts self-confidence Fun to spend time with your favorite stylist “Basically, if you don’t have a trim, your split ends will run riot and likely split further up the shaft eventually snapping and making your hair short, which stops it from growing long. This way, your hair can continue to grow healthily from your roots, but the ends won't fray and snap shorter. So while cutting your hair won't make it grow faster, it will ensure that the length you have is strong and beautiful, rather than wispy and damaged. Hence, trims can help your hair to grow longer,” explains Glamour’s Elle Turner. How often should you get trimmed? In general, you should get a regular trim about every 4-8 weeks.  If not, then your hair will become dry and brittle at the ends and break off.  Like a lot about hair, everyone is unique and your specific trim frequency depends on your length, growth rate, and texture. Very short styles should plan on every 3-4 weeks A bob might be every 6-8 weeks Long hair can go as long as 2-4 months Very curly hair can go as long as every 2-3 months, fine straight hair depends on how fast it grows. Maximize your Trim When you schedule your trim, ask your stylist about any special treatments focused on hair health.  If hair growth is on your mind, pamper your follicles with these blog posts: Why brushing matters Best oils for a healthy scalp The power of a scalp massage What to eat for healthy hair There is no silver bullet to hair growth.  Life brings with it natural changes in the rate of growth of our hair as we age.  Like other parts of our bodies, genetics plays a large role in determining our hair condition. Other factors can definitely help (or hurt) our hair.  Why not give your hair follicles their best chance at growing thick and strong hair?  After all beautiful hair starts with happy hair follicles. Any other “Hair Myths” you’d like us to explore? -Abigail + David

Dry scalp sucks!  If you’ve ever had dry scalp, you know what we mean.  It’s uncomfortable and can also come with visible flakiness.  The itchiness can be unbearable, leading to constant scratching.  It’s like your scalp has turned into a prickly cactus.   If you have dry scalp, you are not alone.  Dry scalp is so common that one of ANTIDOTE’s best-selling bundles is the “Dry Scalp Bundle.” Fortunately, most cases of dry scalp can be taken care of at home with some common sense remedies. After all, dry scalp is most caused by a reaction to seasonal change in weather or a reaction to harsh ingredients in the hair and personal products you use. Our #1 favorite “remedy” is a weekly scalp pampering session.  This is as simple as a nourishing oil based scalp massage followed by a gentle cleansing.   Do it right with these simple steps: Brush your hair gently for 5 minutes – use a brush for your hair type – the goal with this brushing is to stimulate blood flow to the scalp and to gently remove dead skin - our favorite is a combination nylon and boar bristle-like brush Apply a nourishing oil to your scalp – you can make your own with coconut oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E – or you can try ANTIDOTE Nourishing Oil Massage into scalp for a few minutes.   Wash with a chamomile and aloe shampoo like ANTIDOTE Chamomile Shampoo. Be sure to wash from the roots out. Repeat one time per week until symptoms alleviate Take a Holistic Approach Dry scalp might not have anything to do with your scalp itself.  Instead, it can be a reaction to the products you are using.   Harsh detergents found in traditional shampoos can over dry your scalp, and your hair glands might not be able to compensate.  Typical conditioners use artificial fragrance.  Fragrance is one of the most common skin irritants.  Don’t forget to look at your whole routine.  During months when you typically suffer from dryness, change to a “free and clear” laundry detergent, and avoid fabric softener.  Softeners and detergents usually have high doses of artificial fragrance.  If that doesn’t do the trick, look for other products that might be triggering your sensitive scalp – like dish soap and deodorant.  What do the experts have to say about Dry Scalp? StyleCraze writer Shaheen Naser explains, “dry scalp is the result of dormant and/or underactive oil glands in the scalp, which are not capable of producing the required amount of natural oil in your skin.”  She goes on to say that the most common cause of dry scalp is the “prolonged use of harsh shampoos that contain a lot of chemicals.” Healthline’s Ana Gotter recently wrote, ”The telltale sign of a dry scalp is persistent itchiness, but it may also be accompanied by dandruff, soreness, and hair loss. Dry scalp can have a number of different causes, though the most common is a reaction to the change in weather or a harsh ingredient in hair care products. Sometimes, something as simple as not drinking enough water or washing your hair daily can be the culprit, though medical conditions like eczema or psoriasis could also be the cause.” Dry scalp or dandruff? Medical News Today’s Zawn Villines explains that there is a difference between dandruff and a dry scalp, “A dry scalp can cause dandruff, but the two conditions are distinct. Dandruff causes the scalp to flake and may cause visible flakes on clothing or in the hair. In some cases, it is due to a fungal or other scalp infection. Dry scalp, by contrast, occurs when the scalp does not produce or hold enough moisture.” Understanding the difference between dandruff and a dry scalp can help with choosing the right treatment. If you are dealing with an underlying skin condition like eczema or psoriasis, definitely contact your health care provider. What are the best ingredients for Dry Scalp? It turns out that the best ingredients for dry scalp are the same ones that are good for normal scalp.  After all, 64% of what you put on your skin gets absorbed into your body.  Healthful ingredients will go a long way to helping your body take care of itself. Good news - you’ll find these ingredients across the ANTIDOTE line. Aloe Vera Aloe Vera is one of the main ingredients in every ANTIDOTE Shampoo and Conditioner, as well as in our Multi-styler and Styling Cream. Aloe has been used for thousands of years in ancient medicine.  Healthline explains the science behind Aloe, “Aloe vera has a number of properties that can help with dry scalp. It has anti-inflammatory propertiesTrusted Source that can help reduce skin irritation, and it’s also an effective moisturizing agent.”  To use aloe vera alone, apply it to your scalp and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it out.  Aloe is not only good for your scalp but also improves hair texture. Apple cider vinegar “Apple cider vinegar has several great health benefits that can reduce symptoms of dry scalp. It’s an antimicrobial, which means it can eliminate the bacteria or fungi that could be causing itchiness. It’s also anti-inflammatory and can help exfoliate your scalp, both of which can help treat dry scalp itselfTrusted Source,” according to Healthline.  You’ll find apple cider vinegar in ANTIDOTE Rosemary Shampoo, or you can mix your own: Mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water, and apply it directly to the scalp. Let it sit for five minutes Wash out with a gentle shampoo Conditioning your hair like normal. Jojoba and Avocado Oil “Jojoba oil can be an effective moisturizerTrusted Source, which can relieve dry scalp quickly. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that may treat skin conditions affecting the scalp.” - Healthline “Avocados contain monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids that can both moisturize and protect your skin. You can apply avocado oil topically to soothe dry scalp.” - Healthline You'll find Avocado Oil in ANTIDOTE Styling Cream. Want to read more about healthy oils for scalp health?  Check out our recent blog post here. Vitamin E “Vitamin E oil will keep your scalp hydrated and also protect it from free radical damage as it is an antioxidant. This may help resolve the issue of dryness of the scalp,” according to StyleCraze. For a quick Vitamin E treatment, massage some vitamin E oil onto your scalp, leave in for 20 minutes, then wash hair with a gentle sulfate-free shampoo.  You’ll find Vitamin E in ANTIDOTE Nourishing Oil and ANTIDOTE Avocado Styling Cream. We are What We Eat Finally, dry scalp can result from a poor diet.  Don’t forget to stay hydrated with water and Shaheen reminds us to eat well, “Include nuts, eggs, seafood, chicken, tofu, dairy products, soybeans, canola oil, papaya, oranges, and green leafy vegetables in your diet. This will take care of your dose of zinc, iron, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids required for a healthy scalp. If dryness in your scalp is the result of a deficiency of nutrients, this tip will help you.” Have any of these tips worked for you?  Let us know what you do when you get dry scalp.  We’d love to hear from you! -Abigail