Here are some of the commonly asked questions we've received over the years.
We've organized them by category so you can easily find answers.

ISSUE: Curl Remedies

June 26, 2009 | Curly Hair

Dear Philip,

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.)

ISSUE: Psoriasis

June 26, 2009 | Special Cases

Dear Philip,

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.

ISSUE: Dry, itchy flaky

June 26, 2009 | Dry Hair

Dear Philip,

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.

ISSUE: Organic?

June 26, 2009 | Damaged Hair, Dry Hair

Dear Philip,

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.

As to the best treatments for your damaged hair: You’re a perfect candidate for Rejuvenating Oil treatments. If your hair is on the finer side, I suggest the Lightweight Deep Conditioning Crème. If it’s thicker, use the White Truffle Crème instead. Also: The Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo contains fantastically high levels of healing plant oils; it will magically transform hair like yours. Katira is completely oil-free.

ISSUE: Seeking Philip B. Products in Israel

June 26, 2009 | Where to Buy

Dear Philip,

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.

ISSUE: Curly, Frizzy & Dry

June 26, 2009 | Curly Hair, Damaged Hair, Dry Hair

Dear Philip,

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.

ISSUE: Ultralimp Hair

June 26, 2009 | Color-Treated Hair, Fine & Limp Hair, Thin Hair

Dear Philip,

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.

ISSUE: Seeking Strength – and a Major Change

June 26, 2009 | Color-Treated Hair, Thin Hair

Dear Philip,

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.

ISSUE: How Often Should I Use Katira?

June 26, 2009 | Hair Masque

Dear Philip,

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.

ISSUE: Summer frizzies

June 26, 2009 | Curly Hair, Thin Hair

Dear Philip,

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.

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