The Truth and Lies About Hair Conditioners
Shampoos have a reputation for being filled with chemicals... How did conditioners get away?
For almost 25 years, I believed that hair conditioners would keep my hair smooth, soft, and manageable with no drawbacks. I knew shampoos contain dangerous chemicals thanks to the natural hair movement, but didn’t think the same of conditioners. It was a simple mistake: there are many hair washing trends that promote the use of conditioners. “No-poo” (no shampoo) and “co-washing” (conditioner only washing) are 2 such examples. I simply believed that conditioners were safe since no one spoke out against them. I was wrong. And my lovely locks paid the price of becoming thinner and frizzier before I found an all-natural Thai way to regain control of my hair.
The Awful Realization
June 4th, the start of when I began learning the truth. I remember this day because: one, it’s exactly 1 month away from my 15th anniversary; and two, my drain was clogged by an unnatural amount of my precious strands - which kept falling when I toweled and brushed it afterward! Needless to say, I was not keen to let my husband see me like this and began investigating the world of hair care to figure out, well, what happened?!
The Hunt for the Truth
Finding solid answers to hair problems is hard because they’re such an important part of our everyday lives. It’s easy to forget they are a form of technology backed by studies, and we treat them differently as a result. For example, your first instinct when trying to understand a scientific breakthrough might be to read the research, but when it comes to switching hair products like shampoo, your first instinct is likely to ask a friend with really nice hair. The beauty industry wants to keep it that way, and they spend millions of dollars in their marketing efforts to put clever words with big promises on their products.
Not to mention, most hair research is done by cosmetic chemists - the very people that formulate and develop these products - and their research is mainly published in academic journals like The Journal of Cosmetic Science. These journals typically have a paywall, meaning you have to pay quite a bit of money to access them (and they’re usually filled with confusing language). It’s no wonder why it’s easier to just watch commercials and ask around instead.
So after watching my bank account dramatically decrease from expensive keratin treatments, I took one for the team and began researching in earnest. Here’s what I found: conditioners chemically damage our hair, but there are natural alternatives that softens, smoothens, and moisturizes hair just as well without the use of chemicals. To understand why, you first must understand what hair is.
So What is Hair?
Hair is made of 3 components. The main component is keratin (a type of protein), which makes up to 95% of it. The remainder are essential oils (to keep hair flexible) and water.
Hair also has 3 levels: the “Cuticle” (the outside part we can all see), which is made of 5-10 overlapping layers of proteins like the tiles of a roof. These protect the middle section underneath it - the “Cortex.” The cortex keeps hair strong and prevents it from breaking by holding long bundles of protein. And at the center of the hair is an empty space called the “Medulla” that helps support the hair structure. These are important to know for the next section:
Here’s how Conditioners hurt you
Everyone knows how awful it feels when their conditioner wears off: hair becomes dry, frizzy and vulnerable to breakage. But why is that? It is because our hair didn’t absorb enough of it? No, it’s because our hair absorbed too much of it. And over too many years.
Many hair products and treatments contain harmful chemicals and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These chemicals burn both hair and scalp over time, damaging existing hair and preventing new hair follicles from growing properly if at all.
When hair absorbs these chemicals, the cuticles are the first to go. Once the protective layer gets whittled down, everything from bacteria, dirt, sunlight, and especially more chemicals has unrestricted access to the cortex. Recall that the hair is 95% protein and that the cortex holds long bundles of protein. When it gets damaged, our hair starts breaking, developing split-ends, and becoming dryer and thinner until it falls off and clogs our drains.
EDCs are also associated with cancer, asthma, chronic diseases and other serious health issues. A study by Silent Spring Institute found 45 EDCs in 18 tested hair products with up to 84% detected EDCs not listed in the product ingredients.
But the worst part? Countless ladies like you and me who were unaware of this are tricked into a vicious cycle of using more chemical products to fix this chemical damage - and our poor dried up hair thirstily drinks up these chemicals in an attempt to re-hydrate itself!
So conditioners were all marketing? Do any of them work without hurting us?
Yes, as it turns out, the best product for your hair is an all-natural hair mask made from shea butter and 3 organic ingredients grown in Thailand. It's made of:
- Coconut oil, which studies have shown has a molecular size small enough to penetrate into the cortex. This allows it to protect your hair from the inside-out to keep it soft and strong. It also coats the cuticles to improve water retention, prevent protein loss, and protect from damage
- Sesame seed oil, whose rich vitamin E content promotes blood flow to the scalp, delivering nutrients hair follicles need to grow in strength and volume.
- Bergamot oil, with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that helps cleanse chemical damage while thickening hair.
- Shea butter to keep hair moist and keep it soft.
All 4 ingredients have been scientifically balanced in one bottle to maximize each other's properties! It’s an all-natural, vegan-friendly alternative to conditioners. It has all the softening, moisturizing, and anti-frizz properties of conditioners, but without any chemicals whatsoever.
In just under one month my hair feels softer and silkier for longer periods of time... Just in time for my anniversary!
I learned that to keep my hair beautiful and healthy, I have to be mindful of what I let it absorb. This all-natural hair mask protects and nourishes the hair and scalp, for thicker, healthier, beautiful hair! It works like conditioners, but is all organic with no involvement of chemicals or EDCs to keep away hidden-scalp damage, chronic diseases and environmental problems. It's also really easy to use! Here's how:
I use this bergamot mixture as a pre-wash treatment. I pour it on my hands and gently apply it and massage it all over my hair. To make sure it gets fully absorbed, I leave it in for 15 minutes (and exercise while I'm at it!) before washing it off.
While my dryness and frizziness didn't disappear overnight, in just under one month my hair feels softer and silkier for longer periods of time while feeling more hydrated than ever - just in time for my anniversary!
There's a giveaway that you can enter below for a chance to win one of her all-natural & vegan-friendly hair masks! They're made locally in small batches to keep them fresh and efficient - I recommend you try it!
Join the Family!
Our (Hair) Ties Run Deep!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"I was skeptical, but this is all I need to hydrate my hair now. Can't believe this is all natural!"
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Noticed less breakage and my hair feels soft and hydrated! Smells great too!"
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"The film I used to have from chemical products is gone and my hair fall has stopped!"
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"This is for anyone with hair problems! My hair has never been so silky!"
$39.00
FREE SHIPPING to the U.S. (for international: applies for orders above $50)
ALL-NATURAL REMEDY BY TRADITIONAL THAI WISDOM
- Naturally helps keeps hair soft, smooth, and manageable
- Promotes long-term hair growth and slows down hair loss
- Balanced pH of 6.0 specializes in repairing all types of chemical hair damage
- Nurses damaged, dry and thinning hair back to health and strength
- Restores volume by cleansing the scalp with nourishing vitamins
- Maintains growth with moisturizing shield, protecting hair from heat and the environment
- Feel more confident in as soon as 2 weeks!
Formulated without:
Parabens, petroleum, phthalates, SLS, SLES, PEGS, TEA, DEA, silicones, or artificial dyes or fragrances.
30-DAY MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE!
$39.00
FREE SHIPPING to the U.S. (for international: applies for orders above $50)
ALL-NATURAL REMEDY BY TRADITIONAL THAI WISDOM
- Naturally helps keeps hair soft, smooth, and manageable
- Promotes long-term hair growth and slows down hair loss
- Balanced pH of 6.0 specializes in repairing all types of chemical hair damage
- Nurses damaged, dry and thinning hair back to health and strength
- Restores volume by cleansing the scalp with nourishing vitamins
- Maintains growth with moisturizing shield, protecting hair from heat and the environment
- Feel more confident in as soon as 2 weeks!
Formulated without:
Parabens, petroleum, phthalates, SLS, SLES, PEGS, TEA, DEA, silicones, or artificial dyes or fragrances.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"No more 3 hour long keratin treatments"
"Keratin treatment used to be my fix every time I had dry hair after dyeing. I also tried conditioners but it only made my hair more greasy - but the problems just came back faster.
I am glad I found this natural remedy. I've used for almost 4 months now, my dyed hair is much thicker and much healthier!"
Samantha (Verified buyer)
BRING YOUR HAIR, BODY AND FACE CARE ROUTINE TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH MORE PURE NATURAL CARE
Hair & Scalp
You're protecting your hair, but don't forget that strong hair comes from the scalp and roots. With Sudtana's Revitalization Roots & Scalp Treatment, you'll give intense scalp nourishing and revitalization for increased and healthy hair growth!
2 Month Hair Mask
Our hair mask contains enriching vitamins that nourish all types of hair, so longer use means better results! Secure your hair's long-term health with a 2-month supply for it to absorb & strengthen itself until you meet your hair goals!
2 Month Hair & Scalp
Our nourishing hair mask and revitalization roots and scalp treatment are made in small batches so you get the best and freshest products possible. So lock in your 2 months hair nourishment and scalp revitalization supply now, while stocks last!
Your dream hair in just a few easy steps!
Hair Mask
Recommended Usage
- Normal & Oily hair: 1-2 times per week (day or night)
- Dry hair: 2-3 times per week (day or night)
Step-by-step
Use as a 15 minute Pre-Wash Treatment
- Apply a generous amount onto hair
- Gently massage all over hair
- Leave for at least 15 minutes
- Rinse off with shampoo
Helpful Tips
- Establish a routine! With so many products on the market, sometimes it's hard to keep track of what we have used!
- Use side-to-side motions with your hands (be conscious of fingernails!) when applying any hair product. Rounded motions may feel nicer, but will cause your hair to tangle up and possibly damage the cuticles.
- What to do during the 15 minute pre-wash? Relax, or do some working out - you'll be showering afterwards anyway!
Watch what others have to say!
Powerful, Proven Way to Get Stronger, Silkier and Thicker Hair
- Repairs and restores your hair’s lustrous volume and shine after years of damage from products with dangerous chemicals.
- Rich in vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids which strengthen and nourish each hair strand for maximum results.
- FREE from chemicals, preservatives and synthetically made fragrances commonly found in over-the-counter hair masks.
- Made with 100% pure and organic ingredients which means you can have healthy hair which looks great.
- Stimulates hair growth and slows down hair loss by improving blood circulation giving you fuller and denser hair.
- Promotes a healthy scalp by treating dandruff, protecting it from infections and helping it fight against lice and insect bites.
- Ingredients 100% ethically sourced from local organic farmers at a fair price which gives a better quality of life to their families and their communities.
Our Natural, Organically Sourced Ingredients
Bergamot Oil* Cleanses Your Scalp
Bergamot oil has been valued for its naturally powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-fungal and antibacterial cleansing properties for generations.
- Cleanses Scalp: strips away chemicals and bacteria that clogs and dries out hair roots.
- Encourages blood flow: This ensures weak hair follicles are properly nourished with the nutrients to grow
- Shields from Oxidative stress: an oxidation reaction that contributes to hair graying and hair loss.
- Balanced Coconut and Sesame: Bergamot goes goes the extra mile by repairing hair damage by moisturizing and transitioning dull and lifeless hair into a shinier and livelier mane!
Coconut Oil** Nourishes Hair From the Inside Out
The beneficial properties of Coconut oil are boasted about by the shiny and thick-haired natives of tropical and coastal regions of the world!
- Low Molecular Weight: Coconut Oil nourishes hair follicles from the inside that other oils can't reach!
- Reduces Greying Hair: Prevents protein loss which helps hair keep its natural color while it grows
- Moisturizing Coat: Prevents dry hair, further breakage and split ends while giving it a nice shine and luster.
- Shielding Effect: Protects hair from heat sources, environmental damage, and water sources
Sesame Seed Oil* for Complete Scalp Health
Familiar throughout the world, Sesame seed oil’s nourishment comes from its vitamins, minerals, antibacterial,antiviral, and antioxidant properties.
- Revitalizes Scalp’s Surface: Rids scalp of dryness,itchiness, flakiness, dandruff, head lice, and bacterial infections.
- Protects hair shafts: Creates a barrier that protects from pollution, residue build-up, and loss of moisture.
- Naturally, Sesame seed oil’s benefits shines greatest when working together with Bergamot and Coconut.
* Certified organic
** Organically grown
The Sudtana Method:
Why our products are 100% organic, sustainable and environmentally friendly!
Sudtana was born with the inherited herbal wisdom of our grandfather, the village doctor, and the mission to share honest sustainable and ethical products made mainly from ingredients and herbs found in Thailand and South East Asia that have been scientifically proven. By carefully controlling everything step of the product process - from ethical raw material sourcing, natural extraction and small-scale manufacturing - we are proud to say that our products are 100% natural, organic, sustainable and friendly. A process we are proud of and call the Sudtana Method.
The Sudtana Method directly helps and encourages small farmholders and growers to use organic farming methods - while maximizing product quality and efficacy for our users by using only organically grown 100% natural ingredients that are scientifically proven to work their purpose.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Great! Makes my hair feel so smooth even after the first use. Best part is it has with no chemicals!"
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"2 months in and my hair hasn't seen breakage since! I love it!"
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Fantastic scalp serum. My scalp feels very clean and my hair does not feel as dry as often when I'm out all day!"
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"My hair was a wreck from the salon and this just reversed that after 1 month."
Here are the answers to a few of the most common questions we hear:
1. Who Are We?
We are Sudtana, a family business based in Thailand.
We have 6 core values centered on making the lives of everyone around us healthier and happier, and it drives our actions, goals, and ethics every day:
-
We Have a Growth Mindset: ‘Listen, learn & think positively’
Having a growth mindset means embracing challenges, persisting in the face of obstacles, acknowledging that effort is the path to success, learning from criticism, & finding lessons and inspirations from the success of others. Through active listening and empathy, we have access to unlimited knowledge and the means of understanding and using it to make more well-informed decisions to guide our actions with purpose and direction. -
Holistic Health Oriented: ‘Mind, Body & Soul’
We are motivated to engage in healthy attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors -
We Believe in the Power of Nature
We believe that tapping into the healing power of nature will keep our mind, body and soul at peak condition -
Think like a Scientist ‘Hypothesis, Fact & Data Driven’
We take the scientist’s approach to avoid biases and tunnel-vision in order to find the true path to helping those around us achieve sustainable, healthy, and happy lives. -
We Share because We Care
We believe in sharing knowledge with others so every member can have healthier and happier lives. -
We Work Harmoniously as a team
We believe that to achieving greatness requires the power of harmonious teamwork
2. What hair problems does it help with?
Our formula helps with a range of hair problems such as dryness, thinning, frizziness, brittleness, shedding, and hair fall; and a range of scalp problems such as chemical burns, bacterial infections, flakiness, itchiness, dandruff, and lice. Sudtana's hair mask and scalp serum repairs them simultaneously: it nourishes and protects existing hair making it healthier, thicker and reducing hair fall while also nourishing and cleansing the scalp to ensure a clean and healthy environment for hair growth. So whether it be problems from your hair, our hair mask and scalp serum are natural solutions for you.
3. How do I know this will work for me?
The underlying reasons for hair problems are oftentimes very personal, but nearly all of them have the same two-step solution. Whether the root of the issue stems from lifestyle, hormones or something in your environment, the first solution to resolving hair issues is to: 1. nurse existing hair stands back to being as healthy as possible to prevent further damage and 2. Increase and sustain hair growth. That's exactly what our hair mask and scalp serum does - they nourish and protect your existing hair while nourishing and cleansing your scalp for more hair growth.
All the natural ingredients used in our products are all backed by research from top universities and they have helped hundreds of thousands of people around the world already. If for any reason you’re not satisfied, or even for no reason at all, we offer a 30-day, no-questions-asked, money-back guarantee.
4. How many bottles should I order?
Like other treatments, extended use leads to exponentially positive results. So, we recommend at least 2 bottles of each to ensure continuity. Clear results start coming after 1 month of regular use.
5. How do you source your ingredients?
We take pride in how we source our ingredients. We visit each farmer individually and carefully observe their methods. We only source from those that practice organic farming practices, so no chemicals contaminate our products.
6. How do I use it?
The hair mask is a pre-wash treatment. Pour a generous amount on to your hands and massage it on your hair and scalp. Leave on for 15 minutes and wash off. The scalp serum is a leave on treatment. Part your hair into sections and drop the serum on to scalp. Gently massage into the scalp and leave on.
7. How often should I use it?
For the hair mask, it is recommended to use 1-2 times per week if your hair is normal or oily; and 2-3 times per week if your hair is dry. For the scalp serum, it is recommended to use 1 time per week if your scalp is normal; and 2-3 times per week if your scalp is damaged.
8. How long does a bottle last?
Depending on your hair type and how much hair you have, a bottle should last 1-1.5 months.
9. Is it safe to use?
You can be sure that you are safe from harmful chemicals because the Sudtana Bergamot, Coconut and Sesame Oil Hair Mask and the Sudtana's Herbal Roots & Scalp Reviving Serum uses only natural and organic ingredients with no additions of chemicals.
10. Where is it made?
Ethically sourced, extracted and manufactured in Thailand
11. Is this a replacement for any sort of medicine?
No. While this supports your health in a variety of ways, is does not treat any disease, and does not replace any medicines you might be taking. If your doctor currently has you on any treatment plan, don’t stop that plan unless he tells you.
12. What does the EWG ingredient score mean?
EWG rates ingredients and products on its safety and hazard on human health. Scores are between 1 to 10. A score of 1 indicates low health hazard.
What are people saying about Sudtana Hair Mask and Scalp Serum?
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"I love my hair when its colored - but I always have to give up my healthy hair. I was used to have dry hair because even after treatments, it seems like it always came back dry after a few weeks. But thank to this, my hair is thicker and healthier without all the chemicals"
- Angela (MX)
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Unbelievable all natural organic products that show results just after first use. Not sure how long it needs to take effect biologically, but from my first month, my scalp is a lot less dry with a lot less hair fall. Just amazing.”
- Jessica L. (CO)
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“This is my first time using an all natural product and did not expect that I could seeing results this quickly. Just 2 washes and I can already feel my hair being more thick and silky. No wonder Asian women look so young. Thanks for sharing this recipe! ”
- Melani (OR)
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Shipping was not slow and came in very good packaging. I've been using for 5 days now and I can feel my hair being more nourished and thicker. I especially love the fact that it combs down my frizzy hair very easily and quickly.”
- Sam
Sources:
1 J Cosmet Sci. 2003 Mar-Apr;54(2):175-92. Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage. Rele AS, Mohile RB. Research and Development Department, Nature Care Division, Marico Industries Ltd., Mumbai, India.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12715094/
2 Effect of coconut oil on prevention of hair damage. Part I AARTI S. RELE and R. B. MOHILE, Research & Development Department, Nature Care Division, Marico Industries Ltd., Andheri, Mumbai 400 058, September 30, 1999.
http://www.beauty-review.nl/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Effect-of-coconut-oil-on-prevention-of-hair-damage-Part-I.pdf
3 Health Effects of Coconut Oil-A Narrative Review of Current Evidence. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30395784
4 Oxidative Stress in Ageing of Hair. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2929555/
5 Promotion Effect of Black Sesame Oil on Hair Growth in an Alopecia Model of C57BL/6 Mice. http://www.jbr.or.kr/journal/article.php?code=5524
6 Potential of herbs in skin protection from ultraviolet radiation. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3263051/
7 Qidwai, Waris, Salman Raza Alim, Raheem H. Dhanani, Sana Jehangir, Aysha Nasrullah, and Ammara Raza. “Use of folk remedies among patients in Karachi Pakistan.” J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad 15, no. 2 (2003): 31-3.
8 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ptr.5121
9 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935118301518
10 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0963996911004704
11 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15015364