The hair expert is in - and wants to answer your questions.
ASK PHILIP B.

ISSUE: Problem Scalp, Solved!

March 25, 2010 | Accolades, Damaged Hair, Dry Hair, This Month's Hair Q&A's, Troubled Scalp

Dear Philip,

I’m a stay at home mother. I started using Philip B Anti-Flake shampoo a year ago & my life has been happier. There has been such a dramatic change in my hair that it has made me happier, more youthful, and has made me feel better about myself.

Being a passionate blogger, I will make it a point to spread positive word about your Anti-Flake shampoo so that I can repay your company for making me feel & look 10 years younger with more flake-free & moisturized hair.

Seeing such a dramatic improvement in my hair, I have been paying more attention to taking care of myself as a whole. In a way, Philip B. Hair Care has helped me make my health top priority in life.

I hope many more Americans utilize Philip B hair care in their homes because I truly believe it is a miracle in itself!

Thanks so much for your letter, which cheered our whole team immensely. I’m incredibly happy to hear that the Anti-Flake helped you so much, and hope that you continue to enjoy the line!

ISSUE: Itchy, Greasy Scalp

January 20, 2010 | Damaged Hair, Dry Hair, Fine & Limp Hair, How to Use, Special Cases, Thin Hair, Troubled Scalp

Dear Philip,

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.

ISSUE: Dandruff

January 20, 2010 | Damaged Hair, Dry Hair, Fine & Limp Hair, How to Use, Special Cases, Thin Hair, Troubled Scalp

Dear Philip,

I have multiple queries:

1. Are all Philips B’s products appropriate for men or not?
2. 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?
3. 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?
4. 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!

1. Yes, all of my products work equally well on men and women.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

ISSUE: Dry, Bleached Hair

January 20, 2010 | Color-Treated Hair, Damaged Hair, Dry Hair

Dear Philip,

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.

If you buy one thing, let it be the 4-Step Hair & Scalp Treatment – it’s so nourishing for dry, color-treated, lackluster strands and the results are dramatic: Just one treatment will instantly restore your hair’s bounce and vibrance. The Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo would be amazing for you, too. And for gentle veryday care, I suggest the African Shea Butter Shampoo and Light-Weight Deep Conditioning Crème Rinse. Please keep me posted: I can’t wait to hear about your results!

ISSUE: Dry Scalp and Hair Loss

September 21, 2009 | African-American Hair, Color-Treated Hair, Damaged Hair, Dry Hair

Dear Philip,

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

ISSUE: Clown Hair

September 21, 2009 | Color-Treated Hair, Damaged Hair, Dry Hair, Fine & Limp Hair

Dear Philip,

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.

For you, the perfect fix would be the Four-Step Hair & Scalp treatment, followed by Katira Masque, followed by Lovin’ Leave-in Conditioner. Trust me: Throw in a satin pillowcase at bedtime and your clown-hair days are over!

ISSUE: Chronically Dry, Itchy Scalp

September 21, 2009 | Color-Treated Hair, Dry Hair, Sodium Lauryl Sulfates, Where to Buy

Dear Philip,

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.

It’s hard to say, since I can’t see your scalp in person. But most of my clients with itchy, flaky scalps benefit hugely from the Peppermint & Avocado Volumizing & Clarifying shampoo.

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!

ISSUE: My Hair is One Big, Dry, Frizzy Mess

September 21, 2009 | African-American Hair, Curly Hair, Dry Hair, Thick Hair

Dear Philip,

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.

1. Start with a Rejuvenating Oil treatment. Saturate your hair with the oil, apply heat, and leave it in for an hour (or all night).
2. Follow with a gentle shampoo, like the African Shea Butter or White Truffle shampoo and follow with the Light-Weight Deep Conditioning Crème Rinse (Classic or Paraben Free) and Katira Hair Masque. Leave the Katira on your hair for an hour or so until it dries completely (it should feel hard and helmet-like). Then rinse.
3. 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.
4. 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.)
5. 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.
6. Use the Rejuvenating Oil and Katira Hair Masque regularly – every time you shampoo, if you can. Your hair will love you and vice versa!

ISSUE: Chemically-Straightened, Colored Hair - REBORN!

September 21, 2009 | Accolades, African-American Hair, Color-Treated Hair, Dry Hair, Where to Buy

Dear Philip,

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!

ISSUE: Great Hair, Post-Cancer & Celiac Disease

August 13, 2009 | Dry Hair, Fine & Limp Hair, Special Cases

Dear Philip,

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!

Next Page »