No. The entire Philip B® line is phthalate-free. Even better, we’ve slashed the carbon footprint for the journey of our products — from manufacturing to distribution– to the absolute minimum. Enjoy!
I’m using the Russian Amber, Katira, Lightweight Deep Conditioning Creme and Lovin’ Leave-in and I’m very happy with the products. I’m adding more as I go along. My question concerns styling products. I have fine, curly/wavy hair and I need something that will give my waves definition without making them feel crisp. If I don’t use a styling product, I get overly-soft hair that either lies flat if I straighten it or just limps when I air dry. I’m wondering if I can use the styling gel for this and cocktail it with the leave-in to counter any stiffness. Any other suggestions are welcome!
You’ve described the challenge of fine, wavy hair perfectly: Without the right styling products, it can look puffy and undefined. Or flat and undefined. Either way, the trick is to keep the softness and touchability while creating definition and movement. So your instinct of cocktailing the Styling Gel and Lovin’ Leave-In Conditioner is right on. Comb the mixture through damp hair and shape the waves with your hands; once your hair is dry, run your fingers through it to create a sexy, casual pieciness.
No, Jet Set is ultralight enough to use every day, but it doesn’t contain nanoparticles. They aren’t something you’d want in an aerosol spray anyway: Particles that small could cause lung problems, so it’s best never to use them in a spray.
I just had my hair colored yesterday and have heard that you shouldn’t use oil shortly after a color treatment. How long should I wait before using the Rejuvenating Oil? Also, is the Peppermint & Avocado Shampoo okay to use regularly even though it soulds clarifying? I have fine hair.
Smart question. Yes, if you’ve just had your hair colored, you should skip any kind of oil treatment for 4-5 days. Otherwise, you run the risk of loosening dye molecules before they fully set. Instead, always do an oil treatment the day before you color. It can make a huge difference, because it only protects your hair from damage but paves the way for more luminous, dimensional, healthier-looking color. And yes, using the Peppermint & Avocado Shampoo is loaded with light botanical conditioning agents, so while it’s clarifying, it’s also gentle enough to use every day. It’s especially good at lending bounce and lift to fine hair like yours. I love the Russian Amber shampoo for thin hair, too — it gives it loads of texture and shine. You just need a tiny bit on fine hair.
I’ve always had very thin, fine hair and I’m frankly tired of it. Are any of Philips products used to grow new and thicker hair? I want to know if I could meet with Philip, get some advice about my hair and even get a haircut. Please let me know what I can do.
I believe in using oil that stimulate the scalp and encourage healthy growth: The Scent of Santa Fe and Peppermint & Avocado Shampoos are perfect for that. Please remember that fine hair like yours has some truly lovely qualities: It’s soft and silky and tends to have a lot of shine. And there are some easy ways to bulk up limp strands:
Consider getting some highlights or taking your base color 1-2 shades lighter. That will ruffle up the cuticle of each hair to give it more texture.
Treat your hair to frequent Rejuvenating Oil treatments, focusing on the mid-length to ends. The molecules in the plant-based oil are so tiny that they actually slip inside each strand and plump it up, while adding incredible shine.
Wash your hair every day with a volumizing shampoo like our Peppermint & Avocado shampoo; use a light conditioner only on the ends.
Run a root-lifting product or mousse through your hair and blow it dry upside-down.
Use a curling iron or hot rollers to bring out wave and volume and finish with a light spritz of Jet Set hair spray. Voilà: lasting bounce!
ISSUE: Does the Clarifying Shampoo Cancel Out an Oil Treatment?
In the Rejuvenating Oil instructions it states to use the Peppermint & Avocado Volumizing and Clarifying Shampoo afterwards to remove the excess oil. Since it is a clarifying shampoo will it wash away all the benefits of the oil treatment? I usually use a clarifying shampoo to remove all residue and build-up on my hair. Will removing all the oil with the clarifying shampoo cancel out its benefits?
It sounds counter-intuitive, but no — using the clarifying shampoo post oil-treatment is actually ideal. That’s because my Rejuvenating Oil isn’t like most oil treatments: It’s made with such fine plant, flower and carrier oils that they actually impart into each strand, rather than simply coating it. Using heat helps the oil sink in. When you shampoo, just the excess is lifted away. I like to use some Lightweight Deep Conditioning Creme after that. But if your hair is very dry and coarse and you want more intensive hydration, you could always follow the oil treatment with the richer Russian Amber or White Truffle shampoo. Or mix a few drops of the oil into your leave-in conditioner.
Do you have any sulfate-free shampoos? My hairdresser has told me I need to use only sulfate-free shampoos, because sulfate will wash out my red color.
Your colorist is correct: In many cases, shampoos that contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) can be too harsh for chemically treated hair. But it’s all about balance. I buffer down the SLS in our shampoos with such a high level of essential oils that it becomes gentle and creamy — the best possible way to clear away any dirt or build-up while distributing conditioning oils throughout your hair, even to the ends. In some cases, I use so many plant and flower oils that the SLS is rendered all but inactive: It’s just there to carry the oils and help you lather up. That’s because my shampoos aren’t the conventional detergent-water-fragrance mix. They’re made from intensely conditioning oils used at active, therapeutic levels and gathered from exotic places around the world. So, in this case, fear not. The sulfates we do use are specifically designed to deliver nutrients and potent conditioning agents to your hair, not to counteract their effects. For you, I’d recommend the African Shea Butter Gentle & Conditioning Shampoo, the White Truffle Shampoo or Russian Amber — all super nurturing and supremely hair-color-friendly.
I am contacting you in the hope that you can give me some product advice. I have a very itchy, greasy scalp although it is not flaking. My hair is also quite fine and coloured with a slight wave, and I straighten it every day. I have tried many products to try and alleviate the itchy scalp but have not yet found one that works. A colleague suggested your range but I’m not sure which products to try.
This is such a common problem, and causes so much frustration and misery. I’m going to give you the same answer as the gentleman who wrote in just before you did: It’s the system I designed for a dear friend with a troubled scalp like yours, and it has helped him and thousands of people around the globe. (A) Start with the Rejuvenating Oil: Run it though your hair and scalp and heat it with a blowdryer to ease your scalp dryness and deep condition your fine hair. (The oil molecules are so small that they sink inside each strand and plump it up, rather than simply coating the outside and weighing it down.) (B) Wash your hair with my Peppermint and Avocado Volumizing & Clarifying Shampoo. Leave the lather on your hair for two minutes so that the therapeutic levels of peppermint oil can thoroughly clean and refresh your scalp. (C) Shampoo again with the Anti-Flake Relief Shampoo. Leave it on your hair for 2 minutes so that the coal tar and scalp-healing botanical ingredients have time to do their work. You’ll get instant, life-changing relief.
Are all Philips B’s products appropriate for men or not?
Almost all of the product descriptions mention the process of blow-drying in them. Is it necessary that we always blow-dry? Won’t using that much heat damage hair?
I have a lot of dandruff, plus if I don’t shampoo for 2 or 3 days my hair becomes greasy. What do you recommend?
What products should I use to increase my hair’s volume and thickness and thicker and fill in weak spots?
I know these are a lot of queries but I am just confused…..
Thanks for all your questions!
Yes, all of my products work equally well on men and women.
No, you don’t need to blow-dry your hair to make the products work. (I never blow-dry my hair, for instance.) And yes, too much heat-styling can damage hair. If you don’t feel the need to blow-dry, don’t bother.
Here’s my surefire dandruff-obliterating method, which has drawn letters from grateful customers all over the world: (A) Start with the Rejuvenating Oil: Run it though your hair and scalp and heat it with a blowdryer to help loosen dead cells and flakes. (In this case, heat is a good thing.) (B) Wash your hair with my Peppermint and Avocado Volumizing & Clarifying Shampoo. Leave the lather on your hair for two minutes so the therapeutic levels of peppermint oil can thoroughly clean and refresh your scalp. (C) Shampoo again with the Anti-Flake Relief Shampoo. Leave it on your hair for 2 minutes so that the coal tar and scalp-healing botanical ingredients have time to do their work. You’ll get instant, dramatic relief.
To increase your hair’s volume and thickness, continue using the Peppermint & Avocado Shampoo for everyday, and the Rejuvenating Oil once a week. That should do the trick, and add shine to boot.
I would like to order some products but I do not know which ones to try. I have long dyed hair (blonde) and the ends of my hair are spliced. Overall, my hair is dry.
True fact: It’s not only safe for bleached hair, it’s good for it. The light, texturizing mix of aloe vera and healing oils (orchid, Tahitian gardenia, kukui and coconut) nourish and protect chemically-treated hair. So you get conditioning benefits, more vibrant color and a sexy, perfectly piece-y look all at once.
I am male and 38 and I notice that the back of my hair is thinning — nothing too drastic but i don’t want it to get worse. I use your Katira, White Truffle Shampoo, African Shea Butter Shampoo, the Peppermint & Avocado Volumizing green one and Russian Amber and also Rejuvenating Oil. I just want to follow one regimen and stick to it, whether it’s using some of your products that I already own or my mixing my own organic oils to help my hair regain its thickness (and some regrowth, if possible). My hair texture is wavy and I have a combination scalp (not too oily or dry, though I do get itching sometimes. I get so much different advice on my hair that I don’t know what to do. Many people say that castor oil is good but it’s so thick. Please help! Also, if I mix my own hair oil, is there a combination of oils you recommend?
You bought everything you need, you just need to start using it. Start off by using the oil (apply heat to help it sink it), and then follow — in this order — with the scalp-invigorating Peppermint & Avocado Shampoo, the Russian Amber Shampoo and the Katira Masque. (Leave the Katira on until it dries to a hard shell, then rinse it out and style your hair). You should do that every week or two. On in-between days, just alternate the shampoos. I recommend that you use a leave-in conditioner as well, like my Lovin’ Leave-In Creme. You can even mix it with a bit of the Katira — that offers conditioning and beautiful hold and shine. If you buy your own organic oils, I’d recommend a mix of cold-pressed sesame oil, cold-pressed olive oil, a few drops of a nice French lavender oil, and — since you have scalp issues — one drop of tea-tree oil. Please let me know how it goes!
I have very difficult hair - it’s thin, limp and breaks very easily. It’s been the cause of many tears! I am due to get married in January and would like to find some hair care products that will actually work and leave my hair looking great on the big day. Friends have recommended your products to me but I’m reluctant to buy them in case I don’t like them. (I’ve been left disappointed by expensive products that I’ve bought in the past.) Is it possible for you to send me some samples so I can try before I buy?
I guarantee that a Four-Step Treatment Kit will remedy your problem. The day you start using it, your hair will get stronger and healthier — the treatment replenishes each strand with lipids and fats and will plump up and silken your hair without weighing it down. At the bare minimum, give yourself a treatment once a week — there’s enough product in the kit for several sessions. If you can afford to make the investment, buy the Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo and Katira Masque, too. Russian Amber works like inter-cellular cement to give the hair back its health. And the Katira will seal everything, so you get a double dose of strength. Plus, the Katira is a conditioning jelly instead of an oil, so it will volumize your hair while it heals.
I just found your site! I’m looking for hair products for my 2-year-old son. He has very thick red curly hair (ringlets) that tends to be on the dry side. I’m only given a limited amount of time to work with his hair before it becomes a battle and he runs off screaming, so what do you suggest? I usually let his hair dry naturally with a leave-in conditioner once I comb it through. Do you also have something i can use in-between washes — something I can rake through with my fingers that won’t leave his curls crunchy.
Apple Cider Vinegar Spray — it’s natural and gentle and will close the cuticle of your son’s hair, making it easier to comb and less likely to frizz. I’d use it as a finishing touch whenever you wash his hair, and then mist the spray on every day in between. It’s totally easy and fast — no hair battle required. And if his ringlets feel drier in the winter, you might want to use the African Shea Butter Shampoo, too.
Solano is my fave. It has loads of power so you don’t have to expose your hair to heat for long while you’re styling, and it uses tourmaline technology to cut frizz.
ISSUE: Long, Normal Hair (& Not Much Time to Fuss With It)
Hi. I’ve been using Kerastase but it doesn’t do the best job anymore. I’d like to try your line again, but now there are so many new products. My hair is normal, and I only get a chance to wash it twice a week. (I know, gross…but I am a single mother of a 3- and 1-year-old!) My hair is longer now — about 12 inches part my shoulders. What products do you recommend?
Wow — two kids under the age of 3! I bow to you for finding even a minute to pamper yourself, and you’re smart to do it. As long as your hair looks healthy and shiny, you can get away with styling it less often. Since you’re not washing your hair everyday, I recommend using a clarifying shampoo like the Peppermint & Avocado or Scent of Santa Fe. (Really focus on cleansing at the roots and just let the lather drift through the ends as you rinse.) Follow with the Lightweight Deep-Conditioning Creme Rinse (from the mid-length of your hair down). If the ends of your hair look dry, consider doing a Rejuvenating Oil treatment every week or so. Since you’re pressed for time, simply rub the oil into the lower half of your hair the evening before you plan to shampoo again, and twist your hair into a knot. That way, the oil can sink in which you sleep. Finally, to refresh your style on a daily basis, use a bit of the Lovin’ Leave-in Conditioner just on the ends and to tamp down any flyaways. Voila: instant polish!
Katira Mask: Can/should you use every few days in the shower? Can you put it on in the shower for a few minutes and then rinse or is that wasting it? It seems to be hard to comb thru: Do you always need to apply it with a conditioner first? Also, for bleached, thin frizzy hair, what is/are the best products to use?
You can use Katira in the shower, but for best results, you should think of it as a once- or twice-a-week deep treatment. Cleanse, condition and detangle your hair before applying Katira, then blow-dry or air-dry your hair until it’s stiff and helmet-like. (That helps Katira bond to each strand, filling in any weak spots and giving your hair a glossy sheen.) You mention that you have bleached, frizzy hair — which means you need to condition it in every step of your routine. Rejuvenating Oil treatments (once or twice a week) are a must. From there, use a gentle and nourishing shampoo like African Shea Butter, White Truffle or Russian Amber. The Lightweight Deep-Conditioning Creme Rinse would be perfect for you. And I recommend a leave-in treatment, too, like Lovin’ Leave-in Hair Conditioning Creme. Front-loading your hair with moisture not only makes it glossier and more supple; it also makes your hair less likely to absorb moisture from the air, leaving you beautifully frizz-free.
Hi! I recently ordered Pepperment & Avocado shampoo-and it doesn’t lather. Any suggestions? I have fine, color-treated hair that’s graying. Product suggestions? Thanks so much!
Thanks for writing. I should start by pointing out that none of our shampoos lather excessively, because they’re made with such high concentrations of botanical extracts. This is a good thing: Unlike cheap detergents, my shampoos cleanse your hair without stripping — they actually leave your hair healthier and shinier. (That said, make sure you’re shampooing properly. No matter what shampoo you use, it’s important to saturate your hair first, and focus the cleansing at the roots of your hair.) Given your hair type, I’d start with a Rejuvenating Oil treatment. Apply it liberally, especially through the ends, and blow-dry your hair to help the oil sink into your hair. It’s not like a standard hot-oil treatment: The plant- and flower-oils in my formula are made of such tiny molecules that they actually slip inside each strand and plump it up from the inside — rather than lying on top of your hair and leaving it flat and limp. The oil also helps remove buildup to let your scalp breathe and leave your hair supremely clean. Follow the oil treatment with the Peppermint Shampoo (use it twice, if necessary) to lift away any excess from the surface of your hair. You’ll see the difference right away — it’s a miracle worker for fine, dry hair.
Is it safe to use the Rejuvenating Oil treatment the day before getting hair color?
Definitely. In fact, I highly recommend it. Pre-color oil treatments — along with weekly oil treatments thereafter — will help strengthen your hair and and keep your shade more vibrant and luminous. Here’s the trick: After you get your color, be sure to wait about 5 days until your next oil treatment. You need to give the color molecules time to embed in the hair shaft; otherwise, the oil might loosen the color molecules from the hair shaft. After that, you’re good to go.
I´ve used Philip B’s products for years, and i love them. I´ve heard that Philip wrote a book. Is that true, and where can one buy it? I’d love to get it !
Yes, you can find my book, Blended Beauty: Botanical Secrets for Body & Soul at Amazon.com. The book is packed with easy recipes to help you make your own natural hair and skin treatments, from dry-skin cleansers to limp-hair revivers. I love that I’m still getting letters about the book, 14 years on. I hope you enjoy it!
I am very sensitive to fragrances, so I am wondering which of your products may be fragrance-free or the best for people like me. I know that your African Shea Butter shampoo is fragrance-free, and I’m very interested in ordering it, but I’ll need a conditioner as well. I have highlighted hair so I need something color-safe and nourishing.
The Lightweight Deep Conditioning Creme Rinse (Paraben-free Formula) would be perfect for you. It also contains African Shea Butter — one of my favorite hair-healing ingredients, because it’s intensely hydrating without adding weight — as well as nourishing proteins. So the two products work in symmetry. If you have fine hair, just use it on the mid-shaft through to the ends of your hair. If you have thicker hair, feel free to use it from the roots down. The Katira Hair Masque is fragrance-free as well. It gives your hair a shiny, glossy finish. Plus, the jelly formula is conditioning and super-light.
I’m an African-American woman with chemically-treated hair. My hair feels dry all the time, and my scalp itches in the center. I’m constantly rubbing it to stop the itching, and as a result, I have a lot of breakage and my hair is falling out. What type of regiment do you recommend?
You can’t believe how often I see this situation – I’m so sorry to hear of your struggles. The good news is that I have the perfect remedy. It involves three steps:
Coat your hair with my Rejuvenating Oil and work it into your scalp to loosen any dead cells and flaky patches. Let it sit for 20 minutes or so.
Put a dollop of the Peppermint & Avocado Clarifying & Volumizing Shampoo on your hair, work it into a lather and let IT sit for 2-3 minutes. You’ll feel your scalp tingling as the therapeutic levels of peppermint oil in the formula do their healing work. Rinse.
Immediately apply the Anti-Flake Relief Shampoo, work it into a lather, and let IT sit for another 2-3 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
If you like, you run some conditioner through the ends of your hair, or apply a leave-in conditioner – avoiding your scalp. Repeat the 3 steps as needed. You should see a huge improvement in your scalp and your hair within a week.
I just used the Katira Masque for the first time, and I LOVE it! I have 3 questions that aren’t answered by the tube or your website:
How frequently can/should the Katira masque be used?
Does the Katira Masque have to dry? Will it work if I wear a shower cap over it outside of the shower to hold in body heat?
Is the Katira Masque safe for color-treated hair and hair that’s been treated with (non-formaldehyde) keratin?
Thanks!
You can use the Katira Hair Masque twice a week, or even as a daily leave-in gel. I often mix a dab with an equal amount of Lovin’ Leave-In Conditioner and use it as a styling aid/stealth revitalizing treatment.
Wearing a shower cap might help the Katira gel sink into your hair, but a blow-dryer might be faster. You really want the gel to dry into a hard, Gordon Gekko-style helmet before you rinse it out.
I have fine, colored hair and an oily scalp. My hair appears very dry and damaged at the bottom, and the texture is both frizzy and lifeless. When I sleep, it gets all roughed up by the pillowcase, so by morning I look like I have the hair of a clown! I’m interested in the Russian Imperial shampoo and Katira Masque. Would any of you other daily shampoos and conditioners work for me? Are the White Truffle shampoo and conditioner too moisture-rich for fine hair? I’ve just tried a small sample of the African Shea Butter Shampoo. My hair looks less frizzy, but I’m not sure if this is what I should order first.
I have had problems with my scalp since I was born. It’s very sensitive – dry, itchy, flaky and red. My thick, wavy blonde hair is highlighted and in general, very dry. I’ve been color-treating it for the last 15 years (going from black to super-silver-white). Of course not so good for my poor scalp but…
I think that I’m sensitive to SLS and SLES because those ingredients just seem to aggravate the problem, but it’s hard to find good shampoos that are sulfate-free. I’ve wasted a lot of money on natural products that don’t clean my hair adequately or trigger a bad reaction.
I’ve heard that your shampoos are very good. Can you recommend some for me? Also, do you have samples that I can try just to see that I’m not reactive to them? I live in Sweden.
I’d recommend starting with my Four-Step Hair & Scalp Treatment. The oil in the kit will loosen and lift away dead cells and flakes, and the therapy-level dose of peppermint oil in the Peppermint & Avocado Shampoo (also in the kit) will leave your scalp feeling fresh, clean and healthy. (Leave the shampoo lather on your hair for 3-5 minutes to let the therapeutic dose of peppermint oil in the formula do its work.) For everyday, the Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo would be perfect for you – it’s so nourishing and strengthening for chemically battered hair and has a calming effect, too. You can get samples at any NK department store in Sweden.
As for sodium lauryl sulfate, you’re right to be wary. SLS alone is very destructive to hair and skin — it’s as harsh as some dishwashing liquids. If you want to burn your hair, destroy your color and get a skin disorder, go right ahead and throw straight SLS on it.
That said, in some cases, SLS can be amazing. It’s all about balance. I buffer down the SLS in our shampoos with such a high level of essential oils that it becomes gentle and creamy — the best possible way to clear away any dirt or build-up while distributing conditioning oils throughout your hair, even to the ends. In some cases, I use so many plant and flower oils that the SLS is rendered all but inactive: It’s just there to carry the oils and help you lather up.
That’s because my shampoos aren’t the conventional detergent-water-fragrance mix. They’re made from intensely conditioning oils used at active, therapeutic levels and gathered from exotic places around the world. So, in this case, fear not. The sulfates we do use are specifically designed to deliver nutrients and potent conditioning agents to your hair, not to counteract their effects!
I’m so unhappy with my hair. People tell me all the time that I have lovely thick, curly hair; that they (women) would love to have it; and I should love and appreciate it. But I don’t. I have very, very thick Afro/Caribbean hair with tight curls and a lot of volume – when it dries, it starts to pouf out. I’m 27 and have rarely worn my hair down: My confidence suffers and I always end up putting it back up. I’ve spent lots of money on products that don’t work.
It sounds silly and people always tell me, “It’s just hair and there’s more to life,” but I feel like I have to do something about it. The only time I like my hair is when I’ve just stepped out of the shower or when I’ve just had it styled and the volume isn’t big and my curls fall long and loose. But once it dries, it expands and you can’t see the lovely curls – just one big, dry, frizzy mess. I don’t want to keep battling with my hair. Can you recommend the right products and give me some tips?
Absolutely. Hair like yours is tricky, but with a little know-how and the right products, you really CAN learn to love it, I promise. Let’s start by giving you a new hair-care mantra: Moisturize constantly. That means not shampooing your hair often – once a week, tops – and building moisture into every step of your regimen.
Start with a Rejuvenating Oil treatment. Saturate your hair with the oil, apply heat, and leave it in for an hour (or all night).
When you get out of the shower, pat your hair dry (no rubbing), spritz on a bit of the pH Restorative Detangling Toning Mist, which will help seal the cuticle of your hair and ward off frizz.
Next, mix a dollop of Lovin’ Leave-In Conditioner with a drop or two of Anti-Frizz Formula 57 and run the mixture through your hair. Comb it through, shape your hair with your fingers and then DON’T TOUCH IT. AT ALL. (Every time you handle your hair, you rough up the cuticle and encourage frizz, so a strict hands-off policy is crucial.)
To style your hair between shampoos, just smooth some more Lovin’ Leave-in Conditioner over the surface. And try to go easy on the heat styling. The more moisture and pampering you give hair like yours, the more gorgeous it will look.
If your scalp is oily or itchy — or if you have limp hair and simply want extra lift at the roots — you should use Peppermint & Avocado Shampoo every day. You don’t need to apply more than a capful; just focus on cleansing your scalp and let the lather drift down through the rest of your hair when you rinse it out. Follow with a conditioner, and use it only on the ends if your hair is on the finer side. Enjoy!
Are any of your products vegan –no animal by-products, not tested on animals?
Mainly, yes. We only use animal-derived ingredients in four of our products: Crème of the Crop Original Formula, which contains acetylated lanolin oil and lanolin alcohol. (Our new version, Crème of the Crop Lite, does not). The Anti-Flake Relief Shampoo contains a very low percentage of Tallowtrimonium Chloride. Meanwhile, our Thai Tea Mind & Body Wash and Chai Latte Soul & Body Wash do contain honey – a natural humectant that softens and hydrates skin like nothing else. We are, as we’ve mentioned before, very grateful to the bees.
Through my Lucky magazine I learned of your products and just went to Blue Mercury in Philly to buy the Anti-Flake Shampoo and the Anti-Frizz Formula 57. I’m a black woman with chemically straightened hair that’s also colored. Plus, I’ve suffered from dry, itchy, flaky scalp for a few years now. I just put in a couple of drops of your Rejuvenating Oil in my hair this morning and my hair is frizz-free and I didn’t even have to use my curling iron! I love that! Listen, if just one of your products is so amazing then I can’t wait to use the other products and buy more. I believe that my hair products will be solely Philip B. Botanicals. I even plan on buying the Russian Amber Shampoo. I don’t care what my husband says! Once he feels the softness and notices the growth and shine, he will beg me to use it. Hey, you know what they say: “Happy wife, happy life!” Thanks, Philip B. So, when are you going to open a salon in Philly?
Thank You for writing in — your message cheered me immensely. You sound very cool and I’m thrilled that the products are helping you. I also have some great news: One of our all-time favorite Philip B. experts, Ross Poole, will offer our professional treatments at Bean’s Beauty in Philadelphia, starting in mid-October. We’re so happy that he’s bringing his love of Philip B. products to you and the City of Brotherly Love!
I recently purchased the Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo, but I’m not getting any lather with the product. Is that normal? When I watched the video the product looks like it lathers. Am I doing something wrong?
It sounds like you have too much product build-up on your hair, but that’s an easy thing to fix. Just start with the Peppermint & Avocado Volumizing & Clarifying Shampoo (you may need to use it twice) to clarify the hair-shaft and leave your scalp tingly clean and cool. Then go in with the Russian Amber – it will restore just the right dose of moisture and amino acids to your hair, and you’ll definitely get a rich lather. I love using those two products back-to-back.
I recently bought your Katira Masque, which I love. I have somewhat fine, highlighted blond hair that became damaged and is in recovery. Until recently, I shampooed it everyday because I have oily skin. But now I’ve cut back washing it 4-5 a week and use a dry shampoo on the off-days. What would you recommend for continued hair healing and everyday use, including styling products?
I’m so happy to hear that you’re enjoying the Katira Masque. I recommend that you alternate Katira treatments with Rejuvenating Oil treatments; they have a wonderful synergy that will transform fine, chemically-damaged hair. Simply coat your hair with oil, focusing on the mid-shaft to the ends and on any dry areas. From there, heat it with a blowdryer to help the oil sink inside your hair and let it sit for 30-40 minutes. Then wash it out with the Peppermint & Avocado Volumizing & Clarifying Shampoo. That should give you plenty of oomph. As a finishing touch, rub a touch of Lovin’ Leave-in Conditioner between your fingers and use it to smooth down flyaways and hide (and heal) dry ends. If you want more of a beachy, sexy, bed-heady effect, go with the Maui Wowie Beach Mist: Use it on damp or dry hair (experiment to see which works better for you) and feel free to scrunch away.
I need product guidance. I’m 54 years old, have dry hair and get minimal high & low lights every 8 weeks. I’m also a cancer survivor and was recently diagnosed with celiac disease, so my hair has suffered from lack of proper hydration, vitamins & nourishment as well as chemical processing & hormonal fluctuations. In addition, celiac has caused my hair to thin in one area, though I expect it to regrow when I have my diet under control. Currently my hair is limp but gets wavy & frizzy when it’s humid out. My hair type falls into several of your categories. Which products do you feel would be best?
I’m very sorry that you’ve been sick, and that your hair had to suffer, too. Since the texture is thin, limp and frizzy, I’d recommend that you start with my Four-Step Hair & Scalp Treatment. First off, it will stimulate the follicles in your scalp and clear the way for healthy regrowth. Secondly, it will fend off frizz by loading each strand with weightless moisture. And finally, it will add lift and body to your hair while it’s bouncing back to health. Good luck — I’m rooting for you!
I’ve been working with your products for the last 3 years and am in awe of your line. Are there any openings at your company? Also, I use all of your hair products and love the Rejuvenating Oil but I’m also interested in the body products and need advice: I have some eczema on my back. Can you recommend something to help?
Thanks so much for your message. We don’t have any openings at the moment, I’m afraid, but the Cucumber & Blue Orchid Hand & Body Creme is crammed with healing and soothing amino acids and peptides. It’s great for healing skin issues. Simply apply as needed.
I’m a 56-year-old Caucasian woman with very fine, thinning (peri-menopause), naturally curly hair that ALWAYS frizzes. I live on the Gulf Coast of Florida and we have very high humidity and temperatures for most of the year. My hair is home-colored, very dry and brittle and I’ve been blow drying it for 30 years. I’d love to get it into better shape and control the frizz and the pouffy swelling that I get whenever I step outside. I found your website, but am confused by your huge product line and don’t know where to start. (I also don’t like smelling like a vanilla bean or a coconut!)
Keep in mind is that frizz happens when your hair pulls moisture out of the air. If you fill each strand up with moisture from the get-go, you hair will stay smooth and glossy. In your case, a Four Step Hair & Scalp Treatment will do the trick beautifully: The Rejuvenating Oil in the kit contains molecules fine enough to slip under the cuticle of your hair, so it plumps up and nourishes hair from the inside. From there, the Peppermint & Avocado Volumizing & Clarifying Shampoo will clean away the excess oil from the surface of your hair; the Lightweight Deep Conditioner will soften the ends (use it only from the mid-shaft down); and the pH Balancing Mist will seal the cuticle shut for extra shine and bounce. On fine, dry hair, the results are a wonder to behold.
I’ve already ordered the Philip B. Rejuvenating Oil from Skincare Store. Can I leave it on (a few drops) all the time between washes? I have very thick, strong, dry hair and wash it about once a week.
Yes. Since it’s made from plant and flower extracts, the oil is ultra-lightweight and won’t weigh down thick hair; it will also leave you with a ton of shine. My question: Do you use a regular leave-in conditioner as well? Used as a finishing product on the day you shampoo (and every morning thereafter), Lovin’ Leave-in can work wonders on hair like yours.
I need something that will give my hair volume (not make it oily) and help keep my style in place when it’s humid out. My hair usually shrinks up and flops.
A scientific fact: If the roots of your hair are oily, they’ll fall flat; if they’re clean, they’ll perk right up. So invest in some Peppermint & Avocado Volumizing & Clarifying Shampoo to create body and lift from the scalp out. Volumizing mousse, dry shampoo and/or a light finishing spray can help, too. Just be careful not to weigh down your hair with too much product.
I’m a Caucasian woman but have been told that the texture of my hair is that of an ethnic woman. It’s so coarse and poufy that I have to straighten it all the time. And I wear it up a lot because I don’t have a lot of time to do anything with it. Please help!!
Easy: Once or twice a week, use a Four-Step Treatment to soften and silken your hair, followed by the Katira Masque to make it extra-manageable and soft. On a daily basis, use the African Shea Butter or White Truffle Shampoo and Conditioner. They’ll restore weight and moisture to your hair, leaving it shiny, bouncy and smooth. With coarse, poufy hair, moisture is the name of the game.
I dye my hair and use flat irons. As a result, I’ve noticed that my hair’s become extremely brittle and over-processed. I’m worried that it might be thinning, too.
You’re taking a lot out of your hair; you need to give it something back. In this case, the name of the game is moisture: frequent Rejuvenating Oil and/or 4-Step Treatments; a healing shampoo like White Truffle or Russian Amber; and either a delicate conditioner like the Lightweight Deep Conditioning Crème or something richer, like White Truffle Nourishing & Conditioning Crème. And, at the risk of repeating myself: If you’re experiencing sudden or dramatic hair loss, see a doctor to rule out an underlying hormonal imbalance or medical issue. Good luck!
I’m curious to know what kind of conditioner I need for my curly/kinky hair. I’m African-American and I have usually fragile hair and a sensitive scalp – I can only use peroxide-free hair color and I sometimes get rashes from very strong products. Since ends of my hair are very dry and break off, I have to have a shorter style, but would love a little more length.
The Rejuvenating Oil would be so healing for fragile hair like yours; so would the Katira Masque and White Truffle Nourishing & Conditioning Crème. (Bonus: The extra-gentle formulas won’t aggravate your sensitive scalp.) As for cleansing, I suggest our number-one bestselling shampoo: African Shea Butter. It will restore your hair’s elasticity and much-needed moisture like that.
I’d go with White Truffle Ultra-Rich Moisturizing Shampoo. It’s loaded with more than 23% pure essential and carrier oils, and gives a nice weight to hair like yours. It’s also good strategy: Treating your hair to all that moisture up front makes it less likely to absorb moisture from the air and turn poufy.
My hair is dry, coarse, and silver-grey. How can I keep it smooth, polished and
shiny?
Hair like yours can look so gorgeous and elegant – it just needs the right care. I recommend three things: Oil treatments to silken the texture; Katira Masque to make it more manageable; and Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo to enhance everything. Check out the how-to video on my website to see how dramatic the results can be.
I’m having a really hard time growing out my fine hair: It gets to a certain length and starts to break off. I’ve tried everything. What can I do?
Two words: Oil treatments. They turn around a breakable problem like nothing else I’d invest in a Four Step Kit or a bottle of Rejuvenating Oil, and use it at least once a week – more often if your hair is extra brittle and fragile. And if you have a lot of split ends, make sure to get a trim every 6 weeks.
Bet you don’t hear this too often: I have extremely thick hair. (I describe it as a helmet.) For years my only option was a short cut, but recently I’ve managed to grow it into a blunt, shoulder-length cut with much of the bulk taken out from underneath. Even so, I can’t seem to get my hair smooth and flat, no matter how much leave-in conditioner, styling products and flat ironing I use. I already use your Katira Masque, but I think I might need something more to get the smoothness I want.
The great thing about thick, coarse hair is that it has built-in volume and texture. The trick, as you’ve found, is to make it manageable. I suggest using the Katira Hair Masque, which is so great for taming thick, unruly hair. Put it on after you wash and condition your hair; let it dry completely (a hair-dryer can help speed the process); and rinse thoroughly. Next – and this is key – mist on some Shin Shine Spray; blow your hair out and use the flat iron. That’s my favorite way to get coarse hair glassy and straight – it’s so easy, and the results are instantaneous.
I have fine hair that is curly and dense. I wash it every day; otherwise, it gets too oily. What’s the best way to keep it from drying out and frizzing? Right now I am using your Lovin’ Leave-In Conditioner and letting my hair air-dry, which works well. What else should I try?
I’ve always straightened my hair but I’d like the option to wear it curly now and then. Is there a product that can control the curl and frizz without making my hair look wet and stiff?
A combination of Lovin’ Leave-In Conditioner and Anti-Frizz Formula 57 will work beautifully. Rake a little of the Lovin’ Leave-In into damp hair, add a touch of Anti-Frizz, and shape with your fingers into the style you want. It will dry into beautiful, undone waves. (Just try not to touch it too much: Frequent handling = frizz.)
I have psoriasis on my scalp that’s kept under control with a medicinal shampoo, but I’d really like to try your products. Which would work best for me?
For clients with psoriasis, this is my tried-and-true method: 1) Rub some Rejuvenating Oil into your scalp; that will help dismantle sticky clumps of cells so you can clean the area more gently. 2) Apply Peppermint & Avocado Volumizing & Clarifying Shampoo; lather up and rinse. 3) Use the Anti-Flake Shampoo, leave it on for a minute or two, and then rinse and style. I can’t tell you how many people I’ve met who have psoriasis and were thrilled to discover Anti-Flake.
My hair is frizzy and my scalp is dry, itchy and flaky. I’m 56 years old and I have been using your White Truffle Shampoo. Is there anything else I can do for my scalp?
I’d put the White Truffle aside for a bit until you get your scalp issues under control. That means using the Peppermint & Avocado Volumizing Shampoo to clear away oil and build-up (work it into your scalp and leave it on for a minute or two) and then following immediately with the Anti-Flake Shampoo (same method). Using this duo every other day for a week can make a huge difference in a very short amount of time. And when it comes to tamping down frizz, try the Shin Shine Spray or Anti-Frizz Formula 57 – so smoothing.
Two questions: Are all of your products organic? And what do you recommend that I use on my hair, which is damaged AND dry? I’d like to use your Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo and Katira Hair Masque, but I don’t know which conditioner would be the best fit for me. And do the Russian Amber and Katira Masque contain oil? I find that when there’s no oil in my products, my hair feels harsh, not soft.
To answer the first part of your question: My products aren’t certified organic. To make them, I shop for the raw materials all over the world to make sure I’m getting the best quality. Sometimes the botanical ingredients are certified organic and sometimes they’re not – but I always make sure they’re responsibly grown and harvested.
I live in Israel and would like to purchase a few of your products but can’t find a retail store here. Please let me know if you sell your products in the country– I don’t want to pay a bomb for shipping costs.
We don’t sell our products in Israel just yet. But if you know of some stores who might be interested in carrying the line, we’d be happy to investigate. And do you get to Greece at all? If so, you can find us there.
I am a guy of Asian-Indian origin. I’ve straightened my curly hair and it looked great for a while — but now that I’ve stopped, I try to keep my hair short. I apply styling cream and gel when I get out of the shower, which works well for an hour or so. But given the humidity, my hair soon turns frizzy and dry. Someone suggested that I use a leave-in conditioner, but I’m confused. How can I maintain my style and a damp/wet look? Please help!
It’s tricky to find the right combination of products for hair like yours, but it’s possible. My guess is that a leave-in conditioner would soften your curls but for hold, you’ll do better with a cream pomade and gel mix. Don’t fear a little oil: Remember that your hair is dead and dry – you just need the right balance of moisture so it won’t feel greasy but will look healthy and supple. When you get out of the shower, mix a little Cream of the Crop Pomade with Styling Gel and work it through your hair. The less you use, the drier the effect.
My fine hair seems to be especially limp, and I’m not sure if it’s caused by color treatments. What can I do to improve the growth? I’ve heard that imbalanced hormones can cause hair to thin. Someone also suggested that I need something to remove the build-up of styling products.
It’s true that clearing away build-up (from styling products, dead cells and the natural oils of your scalp) is crucial for fine hair. Start with a boar-bristle brush to move oils off your scalp and down through the rest of your hair. Next, use the Peppermint & Avocado Volumizing & Clarifying Shampoo – really working it in at the roots – to leave your scalp tingly clean and fresh. Follow with a light conditioner (ends only) and the Katira Masque. The combination should give your hair amazing body, plus lots of shine.
Note: If you find that you’re losing more hair than usual, please see a dermatologist or your primary care physician: You need to make sure there isn’t a hormonal or medical issue at work.
I have very thin, red hair. I want to make it really strong and dye it black. What do you suggest?
First of all, a question: Are you sure you want to go that dark? If you have a redhead’s peaches-and-cream complexion, very dark hair can look harsh and unnatural. So consider the possibility of just taking your hair one or two shades deeper – you’ll get drama but more believable color (not to mention, less obvious re-growth). In any event, please use Rejuvenating Oil or Four-Step Treatments – religiously – for a week or two before you color your hair. It will help the dye take more evenly and last longer. And I recommend the Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo, too: It’s dynamite for correcting brassy tones and giving color-treated hair gorgeous luster and depth.
I recently purchased a tube of the Katira Masque. How often can, or should, I use it?
As often as you like. I use it all the time – 2-3 times a week as a masque, but often as a leave-in styler, too. Rub a dab between your palms when you get out of the shower, work it through your hair (mid-shaft to ends), and let it air-dry. It will make your style look more finished and give a little bit of hold. I love the way it works.
I have the best hairdresser - in fact, I think he has the only salon in Wisconsin that carries your products, which I LOVE. Here’s my question: I have very curly hair that’s on the thin side, and it tends to get annoyingly FRIZZY in summer. I’ve tried using your Gel and Drop Dead Straight mixed together, but it doesn’t always work. I’ve also tried using your Hair Spray before/after I dry my hair with my diffuser. Any suggestions?
Yes: The Katira Masque will help relax your hair and make it more manageable. Because Katira fills in and smoothes uneven, rough spots in the cuticle, it will ward off poufiness, too. As for styling, I recommend using Anti-Frizz Formula 57, either just after a blow-out or on damp hair: Just work it through and let your hair air-dry for healthy, shiny waves.
I have fine hair that’s cut in a forward swing with the sides resting at or just below the shoulder line. My problem is that it looks really great right after I style it, but I am unable to maintain the look! I live in Texas and the hot, muggy weather flattens my hair as soon as I walk outside. I use a root lifter, medium-weight styling spray and a final heavier spray. I’ve experimented with different brands and nothing seems to work. Please help!
First off, you’re using too much product – a fatal mistake on fine hair. Try taking a different approach, where you make your hair thicker and fuller from the inside. It sounds counter-intuitive, but the 4-Step Treatment with Rejuvenating Oil would be perfect for you. The treatment plumps up and strengthens individual strands like crazy. (Fear not: The Peppermint & Avocado shampoo in the kit lifts away any excess oil on the surface of your hair.) Follow with a Katira Masque treatment (which also adds weightless volume and elasticity) and, finally, a couple of key styling products: a golf-ball-sized amount of volumizing mousse and light spray. If you need extra volume, add a touch of dry shampoo at the roots and you’re golden.
My hair tends to fall flat, and I also have dandruff. What kinds of shampoo should I use to solve the problem?
Use these two back to back: The Peppermint & Avocado Volumizing & Clarifying Shampoo, followed by Anti-Flake. Leave each one on for a couple of minutes before you rinse. The Peppermint Shampoo will clean away oil and dead cells to leave your scalp feeling clean and healthy; the Anti-Flake contains healing, dandruff-obliterating ingredients as well as aloe, to leave your hair swingy and soft. You’ll see amazing results.
I have highlighted blonde hair that’s wavy and a little on the dry side. But my big problem is my scalp, which is really sensitive and dry; I’ve had problems with it since I was a baby, and easily react to most shampoos and conditioning treatments. What do you think about Katira — do you think I’d be able to use it?
Absolutely. Like all of my products, it’s phthalate-, paraben- and petrochemical free; plus, the primary ingredients are water, glycerin and Katira, a pure, all-natural plant extract. (As with every product you use on your scalp, do a patch test before you apply it all over your hair — but I think it will work for you. Please let me know if it doesn’t.) My Rejuvenating Oil — a gentle mix of pure plant and flower oils — is another great option for sensitive types. Run it through your hair, blow-dry for a few minutes (so the oils sink in) and shampoo away the excess. The result will be bouncy, shiny, healthy perfection.
I have been using your Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo, White Truffle Conditioner, Katira Masque and 4-Step Hair & Scalp Treatment since the new year. My hair was so dried-out and straw-like from years of hair color and medicinal side effects. But today my hairdresser says my hair is healthy and strong. I’d been doing weekly jojoba-oil treatments overnight for years and while that made a difference, it was nothing like what happened over the past 4 months. I’ve been washing my hair daily and the texture still improved like crazy. Thank you — I’m so happy. The Russian Amber shampoo and Truffle conditioner are definitely worth the price. I’ve used the Russian Amber daily for 4 months on my long hair and still have a third left! It really is a miracle.?
That’s wonderful news — I love hearing success stories like yours. You chose a perfect combination of products, too: As you’ve found, they really do give seriously damaged, lifeless hair a whole new look and feel. Thanks so much for writing in!
What’s the best way to stop my hair from falling out?
The first thing to do is to see a doctor to rule out any hormonal problems or underlying medical issues. If you come out with a clean bill of health, you can do a couple of things: Protect the hair you have by (a) using a gentle yet invigorating shampoo like Peppermint & Avocado Clarifying & Volumizing Shampoo or Scent of Santa Fe; and (b) regularly stimulating your scalp with a nylon and boar-bristle brush. If you need more aggressive intervention, I’ve heard good things about over-the-counter minoxidil, Propecia and red-light laser treatments, too. Check with your doctor.
I’m a haircutter from St. Louis, Mo, with over 30 years experience. As my clients get older, I’m faced with a reccuring challenge: Women over 50 with hair that’s getting thinner, drier and losing its sheen. If I use volumizers, their hair gets frizzy. If I use smoothing products, it lies thin, flat and lifeless. Whether or not the hair is colored, it has somehow lost its youthful shine. (It’s difficult enough dealing with this personally, but most of my clients are in the same boat.) I haven’t tried your products, but would love to know what you recommend for women over 50 — especially because we’re such a fast-growing age group.
I’m so glad you wrote. I see this problem all the time and you’re right — the challenge is finding the perfect treatments to moisturize and gleamify your hair without weighing it down. It’s totally worth the effort: Restore the youthful sheen and bounce of a woman’s hair and you take a decade off her appearance, just like that. I worked for years to come up with just the right solution for my celebrity clients, and here it is: My Four Step Hair & Scalp Treatment, followed by Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo and Katira Masque. Take a look at some of my how-to videos; even the models couldn’t believe the results.
Funny you asked: I’m thinking about doing a book or a TV show and am gathering material. Please let me know if there are any particular subjects you want me to address!
I just got the Katira Hair Masque and was wondering how often I should use it.
It all depends on the condition of your hair, and how you like to style it. If your hair is damaged, or if you’re just looking for extra manageability, bounce and shine, I suggest using the Katira Masque once or twice a week. If you like to wear your hair gelled back, you can wear the Katira everyday — either on its own or mixed with a little Cream of the Crop. That way, you get it all: soft hold, deep-conditioning, protection and a healthy gleam, too.
I’ve been coloring my hair for several years, but now it’s too dark. Do you have anything to lift color so I can start new or do I need to go to a hairdresser?
Good question. One reason why your hair color is so dark might be because you’re dragging the dye all the way to the ends each time you color. It works better if you just treat the new growth; your hair is more porous at the tips, and thus more likely to sponge up dye and go to the dark side. (Not to mention, the ends should be a little lighter than the rest of your hair — that’s how it works in nature, and creates a more believable effect.) Unfortunately, there’s nothing in my line that will strip color — even my Peppermint & Avocado Clarifying and Volumizing Shampoo is tempered with so many botanical conditioners that it deep-cleans your scalp without affecting your color. In short: It’s time to go to the salon.
I have color-treated, baby-fine curly hair that barely seems to grow! As much as I enjoy the ease of wearing my hair curly (I usually let it air-dry), my ringlets always look frizzy and tight. Plus, they really shrink up by the end of the day. Any products that might relax my hair a bit and prevent frizz?
The trick is to load your hair up with the right blend of products before it dries: The more moisture you add initially, the less likely it is to expand and frizz. I suggest mixing some leave-in conditioner (like Lovin’ Leave-In Hair Conditioning Creme) with my soft-hold Styling Gel to make your curls supple and bouncy. If you see any flyaways, tamp them down with a touch of Anti-Frizz 57. (Simply rub a tiny bit between your fingers and smooth it over the surface of your hair.) As for maintenance, use a gentle shampoo like my African Shea Butter for All, and a Rejuvenating Oil or Katira Masque treatment once a week to boost strength and shine. And finally, my cardinal rule: Try not to touch your curls once they’re dry — that’s a surefire recipe for puffiness and frizz.
I’ve been using your products for a month now and I am astonished by the results. My hair is supple, shiny and moisturized. I’m an African American woman and my hair is chemically relaxed, very dry and fine. I’ve been washing my hair twice a week, once with the 4-Step Hair & Scalp Treatment followed by the Katira Masque; and once with the Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo, also followed by the Katira Mask. The issue I now have is that I exercise 5 times a week and I am a serious sweater. I need to wash my hair but it takes a lot of time to follow this routine. Any products I could use that I could use daily and quickly after I hit the gym?
I’m so happy with the program you’ve chosen — it sounds perfect for your hair type — and proud of your dedication. It’s terrific to hear that you’re getting such awesome results. Since your hair is dry and chemically treated, I’d recommend using a super-gentle shampoo like the African Shea Butter, White Truffle or Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo after your workouts. (Focus on washing your scalp and just let the lather float through the ends of your hair.) Or, if you have an easy gym day, simply rinse your hair and apply some conditioner to the ends. That should keep it feeling fresh — and as healthy as the rest of you!
My hair is very fine, a mixture of curly and wavy. It’s also flat on top with overall puffiness and the ‘ear muffs’ on the side. Recently I’ve noticed some thinning along my hairline and at the crown of my head: I used to have to search for my part; now it’s a bit more apparent. (I attribute the hair loss to peri-menopause — I’m in my late 40s — and heredity.) I want to nourish my hair and scalp and get it in the best condition possible. I like to wear my straight on most days, but want to be able to wear it curly (without frizz), too. What products do you recommend?
I love fine, wavy hair because it can look so angelic — while it’s silky, the natural bend gives it built-in volume. The catch, as you’ve found, is that it’s crazily prone to frizz. To keep the poufiness factor to a minimum, you need to plump your hair up with moisture before you style. I recommend a 4-Step Hair & Scalp Facial to start, followed by a Katira Hair Masque. Here’s how to do it: Once you complete Step 3 in the 4-Step kit, rinse off the Light-weight Deep Conditioning Creme and comb a generous dose of Katira through towel-dried hair. From there, blow it dry or let it dry naturally till the masque hardens; then rinse. Finally, spray on a bit of the pH Detangling & Toning Mist (included in the 4-Step Kit) and style. You won’t believe how manageable, thick and unpuffy your hair will be.
A side note: If your hair loss progresses, please see your doctor to make sure there’s not a hormonal issue or underlying medical condition at fault. And talk to a dermatologist, too: There are a few promising hair-growth treatments out there; used consistently, they might help stop your thinning or even reverse it a bit.
My hair is very fine, a mixture of curly and wavy. It’s also flat on top with overall puffiness and the ‘ear muffs’ on the side. Recently I’ve noticed some thinning along my hairline and at the crown of my head: I used to have to search for my part; now it’s a bit more apparent. (I attribute the hair loss to peri-menopause — I’m in my late 40s — and heredity.) I want to nourish my hair and scalp and get it in the best condition possible. I like to wear my straight on most days, but want to be able to wear it curly (without frizz), too. What products do you recommend?
I love fine, wavy hair because it can look so angelic — while it’s silky, the natural bend gives it built-in volume. The catch, as you’ve found, is that it’s crazily prone to frizz. To keep the poufiness factor to a minimum, you need to plump your hair up with moisture before you style. I recommend a 4-Step Hair & Scalp Facial to start, followed by a Katira Hair Masque. Here’s how to do it: Once you complete Step 3 in the 4-Step kit, rinse off the Light-weight Deep Conditioning Creme and comb a generous dose of Katira through towel-dried hair. From there, blow it dry or let it dry naturally till the masque hardens; then rinse. Finally, spray on a bit of the pH Detangling & Toning Mist (included in the 4-Step Kit) and style. You won’t believe how manageable, thick and unpuffy your hair will be.
A side note: If your hair loss progresses, please see your doctor to make sure there’s not a hormonal issue or underlying medical condition at fault. And talk to a dermatologist, too: There are a few promising hair-growth treatments out there; used consistently, they might help stop your thinning or even reverse it a bit.
Everything you need to know about… SODIUM LAURYL SULFATES
These days, you’re probably hearing a lot about sulfates and how bad they can be for your hair. Since I pride myself on having educated consumers — and because you’ve all sent me so many great questions about sodium lauryl sulfates — I’d like to officially weigh in on the subject.
True: SLS alone is very destructive to hair and skin — it’s as harsh as some dishwashing liquids. If you want to burn your hair, destroy your color and get a skin disorder, go right ahead and throw straight SLS on it.
That said, in some cases, SLS can be amazing. It’s all about balance. I buffer down the SLS in our shampoos with such a high level of essential oils that it becomes gentle and creamy — the best possible way to clear away any dirt or build-up while distributing conditioning oils throughout your hair, even to the ends. In some cases, I use so many plant and flower oils that the SLS is rendered all but inactive: It’s just there to carry the oils and help you lather up.
That’s because my shampoos aren’t the conventional detergent-water-fragrance mix. They’re made from intensely conditioning oils used at active, therapeutic levels and gathered from exotic places around the world. So, in this case, fear not. The sulfates we do use are specifically designed to deliver nutrients and potent conditioning agents to your hair, not to counteract their effects!
My hair used to be thick and healthy. Now it’s thin, brittle and broken starting about 3 inches from the root. I attribute this to using a flat iron set on 400 degrees for six years now. The sides of my hair don’t grow at all and are filled with split, frayed ends. I’d like to not have to use the flat iron but if I don’t, my hair is so fried and frizzy I couldn’t possibly go out in public!
First off, you need to turn down the heat. I set my flat iron at 160-180; 400 degrees is way over the top – you’re literally frying your hair. I’d prefer that you blow your hair out with a paddle brush or Mason Pearson-type brush, and then go over the hair in sections with a small barrel curling iron. (Glide it from from roots to ends and smooth out the hair with your hands as you go). You’ll get a straight finish with a nice little bend – and all for a fraction of the heat damage you’re currently inflicting on your dry strands.
As for daily care, someone with your degree of breakage needs an ultra-nourishing, restructuring cleanser like Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo (or White Truffle Moisturizing Shampoo) and the White Truffle Nourishing Hair Conditioner. I also recommend a weekly Katira Masque to fill in broken areas of the cuticle with light, oil-free moisture, lending you a smooth texture that never feels greasy. And Lovin’ Leave-In Conditioner would make a nice finishing – and healing – touch that you can use day or night. The bottom line? If you want to have fantastic, long, goddess hair again, soap and water won’t cut it. You need to feed your hair to bring it back to life.
What products are best for my thin, fine, curly, black hair? I’ve been using Samy Big Curls Curl Defining Creme. It works pretty well, but I’m over 50 now and would like more volume and curl definition.
It’s not always about the finishing product. Your situation is a case in point: Volume and defined curls start at the roots and with the condition of the hair itself. First, please give it a strong foundation with weekly deep conditioning – a Rejuvenating Oil treatment followed by the Katira Masque. That combination will make all the difference. And finish your hair by putting a leave-in conditioning cream like Lovin’ Leave-In on the ends. Alternately, try Anti-Frizz Formula 57: Rub 2-3 pumps of it between your palms, work it through wet hair, and let it air-dry. Your curls will look soft, bouncy and shiny – in other words, naturally gorgeous.
My hair is dry and damaged and always in a frizzy state. Which products do you recommend for a guy like me?
Katira Masque all the way. It’s great for killing frizz. I’d use it like a hair gel. Your hair will stay slicked back all day - and later, when you rinse it out, you’ll find that the texture is suddenly incredibly soft and manageable. (If you want a gel with a softer hold, mix the Katira with a touch of the Lovin’ Leave-In.) No frizz, no fuss.
I’m a 32-year-old Polish American woman with long, ash-brown hair that’s curly and very, very thick. I don’t blow dry it or use any styling products. Nevertheless, in the last year or two, I’ve noticed that while my hair is still thick, the top is thinning in a few places. Also, I’ve had my hair colored in expensive salons, and after the last trip I’m seeing what looks like gray cowlicks, like the hair broke off or something. I’ve very concerned and so is my panicked mother. (She says that I have no reason to have thinning hair or gray hair – all the women in my family gray at 50.) Whatever. I need an exact product prescription, before the family drama kicks in at the next Polish wedding. I’m lean and healthy and have been checked for hormonal imbalances. I don’t take any medications. Help, help, help. Also, should I stop coloring my hair for now?
Ring the alarm for Hair 911. We have two issues here. One is the health of your hair. I’d get a second opinion from a dermatologist and/or endocrinologist, just to make sure there’s nothing going on internally. If not, you might want to look into using Rogaine, an over-the-counter, topical hair-loss treatment that can be very effective when used consistently. My Peppermint & Avocado Shampoo is a very good scalp stimulator - I’d get that for your regular shampoo. And proper brushing - with a boar-bristle brush, from roots to ends – can help, too. The second issue is addressing your breakage. That means Rejuvenating Oil Treatments and the Katira Masque: Both of those will help to replenish your hair’s moisture levels from the inside out, leaving each strand shinier, stronger and more resilient. Finally, I’d recommend a nourishing conditioner like the White Truffle Conditioner. For now, stick to single-process color with built-in conditioners; your colorist should be able to steer you to the gentlest formula. And let me know how it goes. I’m rooting for you.
It’s designed to be safe for everyone, but check with your doctor. (As wonderful as it is, Anti-Flake is a medical treatment, so it pays to be extra cautious.) I’d start with another great option: The Four Step Hair & Scalp Treatment. It’s perfectly safe and a surefire way to clear away dandruff and itchiness. The healing, therapeutic levels of pure peppermint extract in the formula act like a natural antiseptic. After just one treatment, your scalp will feel tingly-clean, cool and refreshed. A final word of advice: Be sure to use the Peppermint & Avocado Shampoo in the kit every day until you have the problem under control. Unless you have a very severe case of dandruff, it shouldn’t take more than a week.
I bought the Rejuvenating Oil and want to know how often I’m supposed to use it. I typically don’t have enough time before work in the morning to apply the oil and let it sit for 30 minutes. Probably two or three times a week I get up to run for 30 – 40 minutes before I get in the shower. Can I apply the oil before I go running? Or will sweating not be good for the process? (I have long hair that is non-chemically treated and is fairly healthy, just a little dry.)
I’m in the same boat: I have natural, healthy hair that occasionally gets a little dry because of the length – and not a lot of time to spend on it in the morning. So I always run a little bit of the Rejuvenating Oil through my hair before my morning workout. (Adding perspiration and body heat just intensives the treatment.) When you get home, take some shampoo in your hands and run it through your hair dry; then get in the shower and work in some water and rinse it out. A Katira Masque would be great for you, too. Take some time on a weekend to do the full treatment. Then you can cruise for a month.
About 7 months ago, my hair left me under the dryer for what I think was too long. Since then, my bangs look fried. I have blonde hair, so I’m sure the bleaching and processing doesn’t help. I’ve stopped using my flat iron but my hair in this one spot is still very damaged - frizzy, fried and crinkly. Do you think the Katira masque is the product I should try first?
You sound like the perfect candidate for a Rejuvenating Oil treatment and a Katira Masque. I’d use them back to back: Apply the oil to your hair, concentrating on damaged areas and ends, and heat it up with a blowdryer so that the oil really soaks in. Next, shampoo your hair, towel it dry, and work in a generous dollop of Katira Masque from roots to ends. For best results, wear the masque all night and rinse it out the next morning. Odds are, you’ll be writing me a thank-you note: Your hair will be transformed!
I’d just like to know if your products work well on black hair - relaxed or natural?
Good news: All of my treatments are designed – first and foremost - to nurture and heal, so they’re ideal for black hair. In fact, I get thank-you letters from women of color from around the world. Ethnic hair tends to be very fragile, coarse and porous, so it needs that much more TLC. Treatments with the Rejuvenating Oil and Katira Masque are a must; the African Shea Butter or White Truffle shampoos and conditioners will make a perfect complement. (The Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo would be wonderful, too, especially if you have ultra-delicate hair that’s been relaxed and needs some restructuring.) All of these products are superhydrating and nourishing, so they’ll give your hair back its naturally healthy shine and bounce.
I have a question about my recently purchased Shin Shine. I bought it as a pure shine spray, but it just makes my hair limp and look like it has a plastic coating on top… hair that can only be described as Wig Hair! I have fine, cropped, choppy hair with a lot of texture. Am I using the product the right way, or should I do something else with it instead of spraying it straight onto my hair after styling?
Don’t ever spray Shin Shine directly onto dry hair. The effect will be much more flattering if you mist a cloud above your hair, shake your head beneath it, and then work the product through with your fingers. (My clients call this the Shin Shine Shake.) If that doesn’t work for you, please send back the product and ask for Shinade Pomade instead. It’s wonderful for creating that choppy, sexy look. Plus, it has a water-base, so it’s very light.
I would like to order the Anti-Flake shampoo, but have some questions: Is it gentle enough to use every day; and which conditioner should I use with it? I have long, colored hair that is dry.
Anti-Flake is wonderfully conditioning and gentle enough to use everyday: It contains 7% pure aloe extract to leave your hair bouncy and silky. That said, I don’t think you’d need to use it that often. If you have an extreme flare-up of dandruff, I’d start with the Peppermint & Avocado Shampoo to clarify and detox your scalp, followed by the Anti-Flake. (Leave each on a few minutes before you rinse, so that the healing ingredients have a chance to do their work.)
From there, you’ll probably only need to use the Anti-Flake every three days; if you shampoo more often, use the Peppermint Shampoo in between. As for conditioning, I recommend that you use the White Truffle Conditioner, focusing on the middle to lower half of your hair. And for extra shine and smoothness, run a little Rejuvenating Oil through your hair and heat it with a blow-dryer (that helps it penetrate) before you shampoo.
I’m looking for products – including shampoo and conditioner – to make my hair sleek and shiny. My hair is shoulder-length and fine, although I have a lot of it. I think it’s in reasonably good condition, but no matter how I try to style it, my hair always seems to look fluffy.
To take the fluff out of fine hair and make it look shinier and healthier, the way to go is with some light conditioning agents. The African Shea Butter Shampoo and Conditioner would be perfect for you – nourishing but not at all heavy. I’d follow up with a nice lightweight styling cream like Lovin’ Leave-In or Anti-Frizz 57. Just rub some into your hands after you blow-dry and work it through your hair from the mid-section to the ends. If you need even more sleekifying, try the White Truffle Conditioner – you’ll go from poufy to polished in no time.
ISSUE: African-American Hair With Dry Scalp and Breakage
I just want to say thank you. I read about your products in Vogue magazine and they have changed my life. I’m an African-American woman with chemically treated hair and I suffered with breakage and extreme dry scalp for years. I started using the Anti-Flake shampoo, the Rejuvenating Hair Oil and the Katira Hair Masque and the condition of my hair changed dramatically and in an instant.
I no longer have dandruff, I have little to no breakage when I brush my hair and my hair is bouncing and behaving. I’ve spent thousands of dollars on special treatments, prescription shampoos and high-end hair products. In just one use, Philip B. products corrected scalp and hair issues that neither doctors nor top stylists could resolve.
As a black woman, I often feel that top-of-the-line hair products aren’t designed with my hair type in mind. I can say with confidence that Philip B. is perfect for my hair!
Thanks for your beautiful letter. It not only made my day, but everyone in my company’s day as well! It’s wonderful that Vogue has supported our brand from the beginning, and that you found us. I’ve made it my mission to create intensive rejuvenating treatments for EVERY hair type, yours included. And I’m glad that you discovered Anti-Flake too. That product has a following like you can’t believe.
