Tangled Hair--It's a Thing of the Past

Information about using the Hair Wash with your kids

Q:  I am currently using the Pure Earth Hair Wash on my five-year-old daughter's hair. Her hair is very fragile and breaks easily. The one problem I have is that after I wash her hair it is so knotted that she cries when I brush it out. So I have two questions for you.  What can I do to strengthen her hair--is there another product I should be using?  And do you have something to help with the tangles?
 

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A:  Many people have found that when they massage a dilute vinegar and water  combination (50%v/50%w or even 25v/75w) through the entire scalp and all of their hair for about one minute (after rinsing the mud out of the hair with plain water first), and then rinse the hair again with plain water, provide a nice detangling effect for their hair. Be sure to read number five in the instructions (link below) for more details about this special rinse and about our deep cleansing treatment that we recommend everyone do at least once per month, or more as desired.

Finally, for more extensive information about conditioning the hair, Hair Wash tips, etc., we highly recommend that you please read through all of our excellent, detailed Hair Wash instructions article from our web site.

Good to the Last Drop!!

Information about how to get all of your Hair Wash out of the bottle

Q: I have the large bottle of Hair Wash, and it seems like halfway through the product becomes difficult to get out. I always shake the bottle before each use. Last time I used a knife to cut the bottle in half, scooped the product out and transferred it to a plastic container. It's kind of a hassle. Do you have any other suggestions or feedback from other customers regarding this issue?
 

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A: Here's our insider tip: we usually store our Hair Wash bottles upside down in the bathroom -- with the cap closed, of course! When the bottle is stored upside down we usually don't have any problems getting the product out of the bottle. In addition, on occasion if the mud Hair Wash is a thicker batch, we may gently tap the top of the cap of the bottle on the bathtub shelf while holding the bottle upside down to move the product forward to the top of the bottle for easier dispensing -- voila!

As you are aware, our products are certified organic to the USDA National Organic Program standard and, as our products are certified organic products, we do not use any strong and toxic chemical preservatives as they are not permitted under the organic regs (and we strongly agree with the NOP that toxic synthetic preservatives are to be avoided). Our Hair Wash is formulated with gentle organic herbal extracts and/or organic essential oils that are beneficial for hair and scalp, and that also help to keep the product stable and fresh in the bottle when used according to our instructions. Our Hair Wash was formulated to be used out of a bottle, NOT out of a jar or tub into which one would dip one's fingers. Dipping one's fingers into the Hair Wash product creates potential opportunities for contamination. In the future we ask that you, please, do not transfer your Hair Wash to a plastic tub or jar! Please, just use the Hair Wash out of the bottle as recommended.

What Should I Do If My Skin (and Body) Is Really Sensitive??

Information for Hair Wash users with sensitive skin 

Q: I am an extremely sensitive person, very sensitive to odors so I am in need of a fragrance free hair product. I have been experiencing terrible itching on my head this winter. So I am wondering if your Fragrance-free Hair Wash may help me.

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A: Regarding your email inquiry, we suggest that you read through all of our excellent, detailed Hair Wash instructions article to learn more about our unique hair cleansing product.

In addition, we suggest that, to begin your transition away from chemical detergent-based products, you might want to try washing your hair with our Organic Fragrance-free Gentle Bath Gel and a dilute vinegar and water rinse for 3-4 days. (See numbers 4, 5 and 6 in the article mentioned above and, in particular, note the instruction and vinegar rinse recipe in number 5. The dilute vinegar rinse can be soothing for some irritated and/or itching scalps.) After washing your hair this way for a few days, you then might wish to start using our Fragrance-free Hair Wash -- being sure to follow the Hair Wash detox protocol as outlined in the Hair Wash instructions article.

We'd like to point out that, as you stated that you are a more sensitive individual, you should be aware that both our Organic Fragrance-free Gentle Bath Gel and our Fragrance-free Hair Wash are available in trial sizes for your personal use in gauging your scalp's and skin's compatibility with our products. Sensitive individuals should always do a patch test first of only one new product at one time and then wait 24-36 hours before using any new products. Note that we only recommend our Fragrance-free products for sensitive individuals.

Please do note, too, that our Hair Wash product is not compatible with conventional shampoos, conditioners, styling products, etc. In addition, please also note that we are not medical professionals and, thus, cannot offer you medical advice about your irritated scalp condition. We will share, however, that many folks have reported skin and scalp problems after using hair coloring products, hair straightening products and hair waving products. Such products typically contain strong and toxic chemicals that can cause scalp irritation and/or itching. We highly recommend foregoing the use of all such synthetic chemical hair treatment products if one has any scalp irritation.

Each Hair Wash "Flavor" is Different!?!?

Information about levels of moisturizing in Hair Washes

Q: Which of your hair washes are moisturizing? My hair gets dry sometimes and I don't know what to do about it.

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A: Our Hair Washes are formulated for different hair types and the different "flavors" actually do have different effects for different hair types. For example, most people cannot use our Left Coast Lemon version as it is our most moisturizing version that is designed for very thick, kinky, curly and/or frizzy hair. The lemon formula contains a good amount of organic citrus waxes (in the various organic citrus oils) and, while these are excellent for helping to smooth and control kinky or curly hair, they are too heavy for fine hair and may build up on finer or thinner hair. Our Lavender is our medium moisturizing formula that works well for thick, coarse or damaged hair, and our Spice is our lightest moisturizing formula that can be used by those with thicker, normal hair that may occasionally be a little dry or rough. Our Mint and Fragrance-free versions have no moisturizing components and are the best formulas for those with fine, thin, straight or oily hair.

Please Try Our Hair Wash, Even if You're Sensitive to Chemicals!!

Info for chemically-sensitive people

Q: I am very excited to try your hair wash. I have chemical sensitivities, but I am also irritated by most essential oils. So I would like to begin with the Fragrance-free Hair Wash. I have thick, wavy hair that is 50% gray - and your product descriptions do not recommend the fragrance free wash for this type of hair. Can you recommend a regimen for me, to help my type of hair work with the Fragrance-free Hair Wash?

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A: As your hair is not chemically-processed, it is most likely that you CAN use the Fragrance-free Hair Wash. We highly recommend that you read through all of the instructions in our excellent, detailed Hair Wash instructions article and, in particular, read and follow numbers five and six in the article. The article is most important for folks to gain an understanding of how the unique Pure Earth Hair Wash works, the detox process, what to expect during the detox, tips, etc.

The Fragrance-free Hair Wash does not have any moisturizing factor, so it's possible that, with your thick wavy hair, you might feel the need to use a touch of one of our organic Body Oils or Body Cremes for a little smoothing and conditioning.

Stop!! Don't Use That!!

Information about using other hair products with the Hair Wash

Q: I purchased the hair wash and am beginning the detox process. I see it says not to use with any other hair products - is that during the detox period only or permanently? I usually use mousse to give my hair volume at the roots and give the curls some definition. What do I use now? I don't see where you offer any hair products besides shampoo.

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A: About your question, the styling products that you describe are synthetic chemical glue-like polymer products that are made and/or reacted with petrochemicals. These types of products are not healthy for you or the environment in their manufacturing, their use, and when they are washed down your bathtub drain into our waterways.

In addition, such plastic-type products are not compatible with our Hair Wash. For more information about hair product polymers and our Hair Wash, please the excellent, detailed article about our Hair Wash -- how it works, what to expect, the detox protocol, etc.

Want More Information about Henna??

More information about henna hair coloring

Q: You mention organic henna colorants on your web site but don't offer them. Which do you recommend?

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A: The Light Mountain brand of pure botanical and henna hair colorings that we offer in our store is an excellent nontoxic hair coloring option. We have searched for nearly twenty years and still have not found a reliable source for an authentic USDA certified organic 100% pure botanical henna powder product...yet. The Light Mountain brand is the best completely natural hair coloring product that we have found. While Light Mountain hennas do not contain synthetic chemicals and are pure botanical products, the line is not certified organic. The Light Mountain hair coloring product is a box that contains simple combinations of ground plant powders that you can mix with organic lemon juice or water, and/or other organic herbs and spices (if desired) for unique coloring effects on different hair types.

For specific questions about the Light Mountain henna hair coloring product, we suggest directing your questions to the manufacturer, Lotus Brands.

By the way, the Light Mountain product is easy to use and gives excellent results for many different hair types. It can also be a fun and creative experience as well. Just follow the instructions and experiment!

PS - We recommend washing the henna out of your hair while in the shower as it can be messy and requires a bit of patience to remove the botanical plant material from one's hair.

Visiting a Hair Salon Soon?? Remember These Tips!!

Information about using our Hair Wash and going to the hair salon

Q: I've been using your hair wash for a couple of weeks and have gone through the detox process. My hair is fuller than it has been in years! I always thought I had super-fine/thin hair!

When I go to the hairdresser to get a haircut, etc. they will want to shampoo my hair and put all kinds of products in it. Will one visit to the salon require me to go through the detox process all over again? Or should I be brave and tell my stylist no shampoo, no gels, etc.?

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A: Please use your visit to your stylist as an organic education opportunity!

We always take our mud Hair Wash with us and share the experience with the shampoo person and our stylist. We never let them put the chemical stuff on our head (yes, it will take a few days to detox that stuff out of your hair -- so why use it?) and explain to our stylist that we want cuts that don't require plastic polymer glues (!) to hold our hair in place.

We've been seeing our current stylist for years now and he is aware of and now understands our unique approach to maintaining and wearing our hair, and about our cool Hair Wash. Our stylist and even the shampoo ladies enjoy using and smelling the Hair Wash -- especially the Cool Mint and Lavender Garden! Of course, they are also able to see the results for themselves and that always seems to surprise them no matter how many times they try it out on us. It really makes for a fun visit to the salon!

Curly Hair?? There are Ways to Use Our Hair Wash AND Control Your Hair!!

Information about controlling curly hair when using our Hair Wash

Q: I have curly hair that goes crazy if I don't put gel or mousse in it. Will you be coming out with a product that can be used in place of gel or mousse or is there any other product that you would recommend?

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A: Many of our naturally curly-haired customers used a touch of one of our 100% Organic Body Cremes (in the push-up container, and also available as our Four Flavor Body Creme Sampler -- a trial kit of all four flavors) to tame and/or smooth or condition their curly locks.

You can view them on the Body Care section of our web site (scroll down after the Anointing Body Oils...which can also be used to smooth or condition curly hair!).

What's Good for My Hair??

Information about using our Hair Wash along with natural oils

Q: I have just started using your Hair Wash. If I use a little pure almond oil on my hair, would it slow down the detox process?

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A: Completely natural, and unaltered cold-pressed single base oils such as organic almond, organic cocoa butter, organic sunflower, organic coconut or organic jojoba (for example) make excellent hair and scalp conditioners and hair smoothing agents, and are perfectly compatible with our Hair Wash during the detox and after. We recommend trying out our Anointing Body Oils on your hair. They have a certified organic cocoa butter base and smell heavenly!

Do I Really Need to Do the Detox??

Information about detox if you've been using natural hair products

Q: I have been using only natural/organic shampoos for the past 6 months. Do I need to do the complete detox as recommended in your flier that came with the Hair Wash?

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A: For best results, we do recommend completing the detox as outlined in our Hair Washing instructions, as you most likely have not been washing your hair with USDA organic hair cleansing products.

Our Hair Wash instructions article provides you with much helpful information and tips on how to use our Hair Wash and our other organic products for long-term healthy hair maintenance.

Life Without Synthetic Conditioners: It's Not Impossible!!

Information about coarse or thick hair and the detox process

Q: I've been using your shampoo for about a week now (and I followed the detox directions when I got started). I have very thick, wavy, coarse hair. The idea of not using any conditioner seemed ridiculous, but I tried it. But it looks like it's not an option for my hair. There is absolutely no way to get a comb through my hair if I don't condition it. I have been using your Cocoa Butter Body Oil, since that's what you recommend for hair, and it only helps a little. I'm really concerned, because I have to comb it out when it's wet, and I'm starting to see some breakage on the ends (I just had a haircut, and normally this takes weeks or months to develop). Do you have any suggestions for my (currently unmanageable) hair?

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A: Please go back to our detox instructions, the complete long version on our web site, and read number five again -- speeding the detox. This step is a very important step, especially for folks with long, thick or damaged hair. Using the Body Wash for a few days and the dilute vinegar and water conditioning/detox rinse can really help such hair types in the early stages of the detox, and with your thick/coarse hair, your detox will likely take a few weeks.

You can also use the vinegar and water rinse as we describe in number five, as needed, along with and after using the Pure Earth Hair Wash as frequently as you'd like, and continue to use a bit of the Anointing Oil for smoothing, if desired. This should help you get through the detox more quickly.

It Says This, But I Like This Smell Better!!

Information about choosing the Hair Wash based on your hair type

Q: I tend to buy products by fragrance. I have fine, straight hair and would like to order lemon hair wash, but it's not listed as a match for my hair type. Does it really matter? Would you say that the hair washes are very similar, apart from the essential oils?

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A: Our formulas are not all the same. The various essential oil formulas DO make a difference.

Unfortunately, for your hair type -- fine, straight hair -- the lemon would be the least recommended formula as it is our heaviest moisturizing version and fine, straight hair does NOT need heavy moisturizing!

Our recommendations for you would be, definitely, Fragrance-free or Cool Mint. And possibly, Spice -- although the Spice version may even be too moisturizing for you if used every day.

Just be sure to follow all of the Hair Wash instructions for best results.

Now, if you're looking for some excitement and a pick-me-up via an aromatherapy scent, well, that's easy to fix! Try using our Left Coast Lemon Body Wash or any one of our other yummy Body Washes. They're delicious!

First Time Users - Read This!!

Information about ordering the correct amount of Hair Wash for the detox process

Q: I'd like to try your Hair Wash but I've never used it before. Can I just buy a 2 oz. trial bottle to see if it works with my hair?

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A: Our Hair Wash is NOT a shampoo and does not work like a shampoo. We're sorry, but simply ordering a 2 ounce trial bottle will not be enough Hair Wash to complete the Detox Protocol properly. When you read our Hair Wash article you will see that we recommend, at minimum, one eight ounce bottle of Hair Wash to get through the detox. We really want you to use our product correctly so that you will have a good experience with it. It is very unique, with no bubbles, no soap, and no lather.

Please do read our article for guidance on selecting the proper formula for your hair type and, in addition, be sure to read number 5 -- speeding the detox -- for very important information about the washing and rinsing process for getting through the detox more quickly.

Help!! I'm Pregnant and Addicted to Your Hair Wash!!

Information about using Hair Wash while pregnant

Q: I just found out I'm pregnant, but I've been using your Sultry Spice Hair Wash for months now and don't want to go back to using conventional shampoos. I wasn't even thinking about it this morning and I used the Spice Hair Wash again, and I've been smelling the spiciness all day. Is it safe to use your Hair Wash during pregnancy? If so, should I limit myself to a particular scent?

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A: Don't worry about the residual aroma from the Hair Wash. We think that the chemicals in the conventional shampoos out there are more of a concern than the small amount of organic essential oils in the Hair Wash when you wash your hair. Absorption of essential oils may occur only for the small amount of time that they are in contact with the scalp.

Essential oils can be stimulating -- some more than others. We feel that the certified organic FDA food-grade essential oils (these can be used in organic foods & teas) that we use are safe to use occasionally when pregnant (you shouldn't completely deprive yourself), but, generally, going the fragrance-free route might be a good idea in order to have a calmer mother (and baby!) to allow baby to grow peacefully. Birth and the life experience will be stressful enough in a few short months.

Choosing the Best Hair Wash for Your Hair is a Necessity!!

Information about choosing the correct Hair Wash for your hair type

Q: I have been using your Fragrance-free Hair Wash and am still in the detox process. My hair is long, fine, and curly and it tends to be dry and frizzy. It seems like the Fragrance-free Hair Wash makes my hair feel very weighed down and I can't seem to fully rinse it out. I ordered the Lavender as well to try to see if that works better. I like it better than the Fragrance-free but it seems to really weigh my hair down and it seems like there is a bit of residue still after rinsing. Can you recommend anything that I should do differently to keep that from happening?

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A: Our Lavender Hair Wash is formulated for folks with thick, wavy or curly hair, that may be dry on the ends. It is usually too heavy for daily use for folks with thinner and/or finer and/or straighter hair types.

It appears that daily use of the Lavender Hair Wash is too moisturizing for your hair and scalp. You could try alternating the Lavender Hair Wash with the Fragrance-free or Cool Mint formulas and following the instructions in number five in our Hair Wash article for the Body Wash deep cleanse once a week or more frequently, if desired. However, it just may be that the Lavender is too moisturizing for your needs and your best Hair Wash formula is the Fragrance-free (or the Cool Mint).

Give It Time!!

Information about hair problems during detox

Q: I have been using your Hair Wash for about a week now. I am having a few issues and wanted to get your opinion. It seems like by now I should be seeing some benefits and I don’t feel I am. My hair feels dry, stringy and unruly. About how long should I give it? I really want to commit to the product but am wondering if it is the right thing for my hair.

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A: In reading your letter, from what you are describing, we know that you are in the beginning of the detox and that, most likely, you have not seen our Hair Wash instructions article. Relax! What you are experiencing is such a common detox condition, it is outlined in detail in our Hair Wash Detox Protocol!

We can certainly offer you some guidance with your detox. First, though, you really must read our excellent, detailed Hair Wash instructions article. It truly is best to read the entire article and, in particular, please be sure to read numbers one, four, five, six and ten in the article. You'll be surprised at what you read and are sure to experience an "Ah-ha!" moment when you've read through the article.

Using Hair Wash with Colored Hair?? It's Possible!!

Information about using our Hair Wash if your hair has been color-treated

Q: I am very interested in switching over to Terressentials. I have read through your site and my only concern is that my hair was recently colored in an effort to take it back to my "normal" color. I don't plan to continue coloring it but it will be quite some time before the colored hair grows out (my hair is below my shoulders). Should I wait until the colored hair is grown out? Or can I start using your Hair Wash sooner than that?

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A: You can certainly start using our Hair Wash now -- no need to wait! First, though, do be sure to read through all of our excellent, detailed and highly informative Hair Wash article to learn about how our Hair Wash work: what to expect, selecting the proper hair cleansing formula for your hair type, speeding the detox, the special deep cleansing Body Wash treatment, conditioning the hair, etc.

Please also do note that the longer and thicker one's hair, and/or the more chemically-processed, the longer the detox.

Our recommendation? Read and follow the Hair Wash detox protocol instructions, be patient and enjoy!

A Hair Styling Solution!!

Information about hair styling solutions

Q: My hair is very fine and has no body, and I've always struggled with it. I have tried different types of shampoo, moose, etc. I saw your product on Dirty Jobs the other day and I was thinking I might give you a try to see if your products can fix my lifeless hair. I have a few questions before I commit to the process...

1. After I complete the detox process, do I use the Hair Wash on my hair daily like I would any other Hair Wash?
2. Since my hair loses body and curl very easily I tend to use hair spray. Is that bad to do with your product?

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A: When most folks follow all of the instructions outlined in our excellent, detailed and highly informative Hair Wash instructions article (and their hair is not terribly damaged from chemical hair treatments), they experience good results in using our Hair Wash and transitioning away from the conventional synthetic hair care products. Keep in mind that making the transition to truly natural hair cleansing usually takes a few weeks and does require a commitment -- a strong desire to go organic.

Our recommended Hair Wash product formulas for fine, straight and/or thin hair (and oily hair) are our Fragrance-free and/or our Cool Mint formulas. (FYI, we also always recommend our Fragrance-free products for more sensitive individuals.)

Please note that following our Hair Wash instructions exactly is essential for best results. It is important to note that our Hair Wash products are not compatible with conventional hair styling and conditioning- type products -- sprays, mousses, gels, conditioners, etc. (Our Hair Wash instructions article explains polymer coating agent problem in detail.)

Unfortunately, the very products -- synthetic petrochemical vinyl and/or acrylate, or bio-plastic polymer coating agents -- that you use to glue your hair in place are the same products that buildup on the hair and that weigh fine hair down. These polymers are also difficult to remove completely.

We highly recommend finding a Master Stylist (they usually do charge more for a cut, but their finished hair style is healthier for you, AND you can save money because you don't need to buy all of the plastic styling/glue products to hold your hair in place) who is open-minded and who can give you a natural cut that works WITH your hair and that will not require styling glues to hold it in place. Going organic with your hair care really is better for you and our planet!

Have Fine, Thin, AND Dry Hair?

A suggestion for someone who has a combination of hair types

Q: Your information recommends different hair wash products for fine, thin hair and different products for dry hair. But what hair wash do you recommend for someone (me) who has both fine, thin and dry hair?

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A: We would recommend either our Fragrance-free or our Cool Mint Hair Wash for the hair type that you describe.

Please do be sure to read through all of our web site's excellent, detailed Hair Wash instructions article to learn more about our Hair Wash and how it works and, in particular, about speeding the detox, the periodic deep cleansing treatment, and conditioning the hair and scalp.

Some Problems Don't Have Immediate Solutions

Information about styling agents

Q: I don't see any conditioner, gel or hairspray on your site. Can you suggest some? Even though you have a good Hair Wash don't most people still want to use these items? And most women curl and spray their hair to keep the style...

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A: We have found no completely natural and/or USDA certified organic styling products. Conventional and so-called "natural" hair styling products are not compatible with our Hair Wash. The vast majority of liquid shampoo products, specialty conditioners and styling aids (sold in "health" food stores, discount stores, drug stores, grocery stores, on the internet and through other retail outlets) that are labeled as "natural" are not really even truly natural (let alone truly certified organic). Such surfactant/detergent products do not meet the USDA definition of "natural" (because of the chemical-intensive manufacturing process used to produce them) or even the dictionary definition of the word "natural." What this means is that you have been using conventional detergent products with added oleochemical fatty acid emollients and/or other thickeners and synthetic coating agents (soy, wheat or other "protein" polymers, or polymers or PVP co-polymers, acrylates, silicones, dimethicones, carbomers, etc.) and you have plastic polymer build-up on your hair that you will need to remove. Using these styling aids with our hair wash will end up being counter-productive because you will be using our products to remove the build-up, only to put it all back onto your hair when you use the styling aids.

Henna: A Safe Alternative to Chemical Hair Dyes

Information about henna hair coloring products

Q: What henna do you offer and which color would be best for my hair if I just want to make the gray a little darker but not completely like it used to be, but don't want the gray looking yellowish or another icky color.

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A: We don't make the henna that we offer in our stores. We offer the Light Mountain Brand, and we are not experts in the use of henna. We suggest contacting the henna's manufacturer, Lotus Brands, for their expert advice on the use of their henna coloring product to cover the gray on different hair types (and on chemically-treated hair if this is the case). The company also provides another product line for use if you'd like to color your hair but don't have gray hair.

A Simple Solution to Sticky Swimming Problems

Info about washing chlorine and/or salt out of your hair after swimming

Q: I love your Pure Earth Hair Wash! I am going with my family to the Caribbean in a few weeks and I was wondering if you had any special guidance for hair washing during extreme exposure to sun, chlorinated pools and salt water. Pools tend to make my hair "sticky". Should I wash more frequently, use an additional wash or switch products while I am there?

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A: Our recommendation is to apply a light coating of one of our 100% Organic Body Cremes to the hair (yes, the hair will be oily) BEFORE swimming. This will put a light barrier on the hair (it is a barrier cream) to help protect the hair from the harsh effects of pool chemicals, or salt and sun. Alternatively, our Anointing Body Oil may be used also, although the Body Cremes are more protective products as they are heavier barrier moisturizers. After swimming, wash the hair normally with our Hair Wash, or follow the instructions in number five (speeding the detox) in our Hair Wash instructions article by washing with one of our Body Washes and a vinegar/water rinse as step one, and following with the Pure Earth Hair Wash as step two.

Of course, the added benefit of following this protocol, in lieu of using rubber bathing caps, is that, in addition to simplifying your toiletries packing for travel, you will have the Hair Wash to cleanse your hair, you will be able to feel refreshed and have fun using one of our delightful organic Body Washes (Cool Mint is especially lively!) to wash the pool chemicals and/or salt/sand off your body, and you will have a yummy, rich moisturizer to protect and soothe your skin from the effects of sun/sand/chemicals. Perhaps best of all, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that you won't be contaminating the ocean with synthetic toxic chemicals.

Snowflakes falling from the sky--or your hair??

Dandruff problem

Q: I have been using your Lavender Pure Earth Hair Wash for several months now, and I have recently discovered dandruff on my scalp! It's itchy and I can see white flakes on top of my head. Will frequent washing help cure this? I don't have any of your body oils, so I can't use them to moisturize. This has been going on for a couple of weeks and I thought it would have gone away by now. Can you give some advice asap as this is gross and embarrassing!

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A: Our recommendation for you is to follow number 6 and 5 (in order) in our excellent detailed Hair Wash instructions article. In addition, we also recommend switching over to either our Fragrance-free and/or our Cool Mint Hair Wash for a week or so. It is possible that, after you do the Body Wash/vinegar rinse deep cleanse, going forward, you may find it to be beneficial to alternate your Hair Wash between the Lavender and the Fragrance-free and/or our Cool Mint Hair Washes to minimize build-up of natural sebum and/or citrus wax.

Lastly, we would recommend that you do the Body Wash/vinegar rinse deep cleanse once or twice per month, or as often as desired to refresh and balance your hair and scalp.

Using Our Hair Wash with Hard Water?? No Problem!!

Info about TE hair wash and hard water/vinegar rinse concerns

Q: I was wondering if there is an issue with your Hair Wash and hard water. I have been told that with some shampoos, specifically castile type, a vinegar rinse is necessary.

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A: Please read the following excellent, detailed article (link below) about our Hair Wash to learn more about what it is and the unique way that it works. It contains much detailed and useful information about our very different hair cleanser. We highly recommend reading it more than once to gain maximum insight into the Pure Earth Hair Wash and how to make the transition away from conventional shampoo products, and the conventional hair cleansing, conditioning and styling methods! Information about using a vinegar rinse is provided in question #5 on the hair help section of our website.

As our Hair Wash is NOT a shampoo -- it contains no soap or detergents -- hard water quality is not really an issue.

Vinegar rinses can be healthy and delightful additions to a non-toxic hair cleansing regime and some folks find them refreshing, balancing and detangling; however, a vinegar rinse is not an absolute necessity when using our Pure Earth Hair Wash.

Truth: It will get better!!

Info about how hair should feel after detox

Q: Thank you for providing so much detail on how the clay hair wash should be used. My question is related to what kind of result we should expect to see at the end of detox, which is not specified on the Hair Help page.

According to your website, the mud hair wash will remove all the chemicals that create the fake healthy look. What will the detoxed hair look like? Will your hair wash product repair and strengthen the detoxed hair with long term use? If I don't have the fake smoothness or the fake shine, will I ever get a real shine or real smoothness? Will my hair get stronger and shed less? Or will I just get the miserable truth about how my naked hair really looks?

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A: The hair care industry phrase that you used in your email -- "repair and strengthen" -- is a phrase used to describe what a hair care product is advertised to do for one's hair. It is a common personal care industry romantic marketing phrase used to allude to the process of coating hair (that has been damaged/weakened by chemical processing) with plastic polymers to reinforce degraded and broken hair. Emotional and/or aesthetic adjectives such as "texturizing", "shine ingredients", "proteins", "volumizers", etc., are often used in place of the more accurate industrial/technological phrase "plastic polymer bonding agents" in an attempt to distance the customer's perception of the ingredients from what they actually are -- synthetic chemical plastics.

Your understanding of the hair detox is fairly accurate, although your comment about getting "the miserable truth about how my naked hair really looks" might be a little extreme. : ) If your hair has not been bleached, permed, straightened, dyed, or otherwise chemically- damaged, your hair is likely to have minimal damage from the shampoo detergents that you have used. The more natural one's hair (and the shorter one's hair), the shorter the detox transition, and the more likely it is that one will be satisfied with the look and feel of the hair without all of the synthetic plastic coating agents. As everyone's hair is different, widely so, and as an individual's hair care product choices and treatments vary greatly, it is not possible to predict each person's level of satisfaction with his or her hair after going through the detox. We'd like to share, however, that our Pure Earth Hair Wash line is definitely very popular with many thousands of happy, and long-term users.

An interesting opportunity that one may choose to experience after moving away from washing one's hair with detergent shampoo products is to not use any detergent shampoos, or conditioners, or styling products for a year or so and then, as an experiment, wash your hair with a conventional detergent shampoo. You will then get to experience how unnatural and, frankly, freaky the polymers feel on your hair. Feeling the polymer coating agents on your natural -- "naked" -- hair, after being away from them for a long time, is a truly bizarre feeling!

When one follows the instructions in our Hair Wash article on our web site, and takes care to be patient, most folks have a smooth transition and enjoy the hair washing experience, and the good results with their hair.