Q: I've been using the Hair Wash for well over a month and have just started noticing white flakes on my hair line above my forehead. It does not itch. Is this left over residue? Am I using the product incorrectly?
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A: Regarding your question, we have three thoughts:
1. You are still detoxing and this flakiness may be polymers coming off your hair and scalp. It is normal to experience some flakiness while you are detoxing.
or
2. You have a dry scalp and might wish to consider doing the conditioning oil treatment described in our Hair Wash instructions perhaps once or twice per month, or try massaging a drop or two of one of our Super Emollient Moisturizers into your scalp after washing if your hair is not too thin or fine. You could also use an organic apple cider vinegar/water (1 part vinegar, 2 parts water) rinse a few times per week or after each washing to help balance your flaking scalp.
To read about the recommended conditioning with our Super Emollient Moisturizer treatment, see paragraph two in number six in the Hair Wash instructions article: http://www.terressentials.com/hairhelp.html
or
3. You may need to try out a different hair wash flavor. Sometimes the organic citrus waxes found in the Left Coast Lemon and Lavender Garden flavors are too heavy for certain hair types. Try the Cool Mint or Fragrance-Free, as these contain no citrus waxes. If you are already using the Cool Mint or Fragrance-Free, maybe you need more moisture. Try the Sultry Spice, Lavender Garden, or Left Coast Lemon.
See number 2 of our Hair Wash Instructions for more info about which flavor to choose for your hair type.
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.
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.
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.
