The Story of Our Shampoo

Powerful treatments for your hair and scalp infused with wildcrafted botanicals from around the world.
Our shampoos and conditioners are different than all other shampoos in the market.
They are intended to heal, nourish, soothe and enhance the well being of your scalp and hair.  
Every company makes claims for their hair care products, so let us explain what we mean.
We do not make claims that a bottle of shampoo can thicken, grow new hair and reverse hair loss.
That is modern day snake oil. We will always be absolutely honest with you.
The only way hair quality improves is if we fundamentally change our hair care practices, stop dousing our scalp with chemicals, and change our diet.

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  • Our shampoos have no oils in them. Shampoos contain surfactants (or soaps) designed to remove sebum, the oily coating produced by the sebaceous glands. If you put oil in a shampoo, it washes off. So why put it in? Nourishing oils and butters are in our conditioners where they belong. There they feed and nourish your hair and skin. What our shampoos do contain are unique and specific botanicals that heal, exfoliate, stimulate and soothe the scalp. Please read the Ingredient Story on our website where we explain why we’ve chosen each botanical and what it does.
  • You may notice that some of our ingredients are fermented. Many plant ingredients are not bio-available to the skin cells unless they are broken down by lactobacillus or other bacteria. Using fermentation tanks to make ingredients effective is more expensive, but it is worth it.
  • We use fewer ingredients but use more of them. Shampoo labels may list many botanical ingredients and oils, but how much is actually in the product? In many cases, almost none. One-tenth of one percent is not unusual. The workers who make these shampoos call it “fairy dust.” If your hair is 12 inches long, one tenth of one percent of a dab of shampoo means you are putting on 3/1000th of an ounce on 25 sq. ft. of hair surface. It is important to have enough of an ingredient to make a difference. We measure and add all of our plant ingredient formulations in percentages, not fractions of a percentage.
  • We use organic ingredients but do not list them on our labels as organic. The reason we do this is because unlike the food industry, the organizations that certify cosmetic ingredients as being organic are not regulated or certified. Until there are reliably enforced standards, we will err on the side of caution in what we claim.
  • Ingredients are required to be listed in order of amount used. We do that. Many companies do not. Some companies do not list water as an ingredient although it comprises 70% of all shampoos and conditioners. We do. Some companies use euphemisms for chemicals.  We don’t. They will say “plant cellulose” on the label when the actual ingredient is guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, a quaternary ammonium derivative that leaves film on the hair and scalp and can cause health issues like asthma.
  • Our daily shampoos and conditioners are gentle. The Bamboo, Amla, Marine Kelp, and Exfoliating Shampoos do not strip the hair. The conditioners are soothing. We carry one shampoo designed to remove residue, minerals and gunk from your hair. The Chelating Shampoos is an important way to make our Color Restoring products work. If you are just starting to use Hairprint Color Restorer and have a shelf full of products with ingredients you never really understood, you would want to use the Chelating Shampoo first. If you have well or hard water, you likely have calcium, iron, and/or magnesium in and on your hair, and you will want to use our Chelating Shampoo first. If your hair turns brassy, (which is caused by iron in the water), our Chelating Shampoo will eliminate the brassy color from the hair.
  • To grow a beautiful plant, you need to feed the soil. To grow beautiful hair, you need to feed the cells that create hair. For that you need plants, not chemicals. Please don’t slather your hair with a foamy, perfumed, chemical soup laden with incomprehensible chemicals, especially if the product claims to be natural. If you do not understand what an ingredient is, best not to put it on your hair and skin. We believe the source of our health comes from the earth (and the incredible bounty it provides), not from chemicals. We think your hair and scalp will agree.

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    HERE IS A COMPLETE INGREDIENT LIST AND DESCRIPTION OF ALL HAIRPRINT SHAMPOOS AND CONDITIONERS. ALL ARE RATED #1 ON THE SKIN DEEP LIST, BUT WE DO NOT STOP THERE. OUR HAIR COLOUR RESTORER IS THE FIRST AND ONLY HAIR COLOURING PRODUCT TO BE CERTIFIED NON-TOXIC BY MADESAFE®, A CERTIFYING ORGANISATION WITH THE HIGHEST STANDARDS IN THE WORLD.

    Amla Fruit Extract

    Amla or Indian Gooseberry is the golden treasure of all hair treatments. Its name is derived from a Sanskrit word meaning fruit of heaven. It is laden with phytonutrients, antioxidants and minerals. The fruit, seeds, leaves, bark and flowers are employed in hundreds of Ayurvedic preparations. With respect to hair, Amla fruit soothes the scalp, and is used to treat dandruff, scalp conditions, and dryness. It penetrates the hair, nourishes the follicle, conditions your locks, adds luster, and hs long been used for millennia to stimulate healthy hair growth

    Hairprint products that contain this ingredient: Amla Shampoo + Conditioner

    Aloe Vera Leaf Juice

    Aloe Vera Leaf Juice Known as the immortality plant, Aloe has been used for nearly 5,000 years to treat and soothe the skin. It is an antioxidant, moisturizer, and prevents drying of the scalp. There are two hormones in Aloe, auxin and gibberellins that are anti-inflammatory and healing. Gibberellins also stimulate the growth of new cells. Our purpose with all our shampoos and conditioners is to promote healing of the scalp and better hair growth.

    Hairprint products that contain this ingredient: Amla Shampoo + Conditioner, Bio-active Kelp Shampoo + Conditioner, Bamboo Shampoo + Conditioner, Chelating Shampoo

    Arginine

    One of the essential amino acids, arginine in shampoo performs several functions. It reduces pH so that the shampoo matches the acid mantle of the scalp. It also improves blood circulation in the scalp.

    Hairprint products that contain this ingredient: Amla Conditioner, Bio-active Kelp Conditioner, Bamboo Conditioner

    Bamboo Ferment

    This is a fermented form of macerated bamboo. The leaves and stalks are first shredded and pulped. Lactobacillus is then added to create bio-available silicate for the hair and bio-chelated antioxidants for the follicle and cells. Silica is a critical micronutrient for the hair and no plant contains more than bamboo. It also supplies slip and shine to the hair.

    Hairprint products that contain this ingredient: Bamboo Shampoo + Conditioner

    Brassicyl Isoleucinate Esylate

    Made from naturally fermented mustard seed oil using green chemistry principles. It functions as a cationic emulsifier, which in conditioners acts as a detangle and static agent, while providing smooth wet combing, and manageability. Unlike quaternary compounds (quats) such as behentrimonium chloride, which are also cationic, it is safe, non-toxic, and does not build up on the hair like quats do.

    Hairprint products that contain this ingredient: Amla Conditioner, Bio-active Kelp Conditioner, Bamboo Conditioner

    Coconut Oil

    The health and skin benefits of coconut oil are so well known. It is an emollient that soothes and softens the skin; it nourishes the hair, increases shine and luminescence, reduces protein loss and scalp dryness, addresses dandruff and skin flakiness, and is by itself an excellent hair conditioner.

    Hairprint products that contain this ingredient: Amla Shampoo + Conditioner, Bio-active Kelp Shampoo + Conditioner, Bamboo Shampoo + Conditioner

    Decyl Glucoside

    This gentle cleanser is made from coconut oil, sugar and alcohol. It is a mild and gentle surfactant, perfect for sensitive skin, 100% plant-based, and kind to all hair types.

    Hairprint products that contain this ingredient: Amla Shampoo, Bio-active Kelp Shampoo, Bamboo Shampoo, Chelating Shampoo

    Disodium EDTA

    This is a salt designed to act as a metal and mineral chelating agent. It has several uses as a medicine and is an approved food preservative. We use it here to remove the build up of minerals caused by hard water. Our Chelating Shampoo containing Disodium EDTA can perform miracles for hair conditions cause by hard water.

    Hairprint products that contain this ingredient: Chelating Shampoo

    Elderberry Extract

    Elderberries are loaded with anthocyanins and phenolic anti-oxidants. It is a natural detoxifying anti-bacterial agent that promotes a vibrant and healthy scalp.

    Hairprint products that contain this ingredient: Bamboo Conditioner

    Evening Primrose Oil

    The human body does not make fatty acids, but we require them to be healthy. Evening Primrose oil is rich in fatty acids, especially gamma linoleic acid (GLA), a powerful stimulant that can aid in preventing hair loss when applied topically to the scalp.

    Hairprint products that contain this ingredient: Amla Butter Conditioner, Bio-active Kelp Conditioner, Bamboo Conditioner

    Fermented Coconut and Radish Root

    This is the only preservative that is natural and which provides moisturization to the scalp. The ferment produces gram positive bacteria that provide antimicrobial protection to our products.

    Hairprint products that contain this ingredient: Amla Shampoo + Conditioner, Bio-active Kelp Shampoo + Conditioner, Bamboo Shampoo + Conditioner,  Chelating Shampoo

    Gotu Kola Extract

    Gotu Kola has been used medicinally for thousands of years in Asia and Africa for a myriad of purposes. Although it has been clinically shown to improve hair loss, we employ it in our shampoos in order to increase blood circulation and nourish the scalp. What happens after that is always good.

    Hairprint products that contain this ingredient: Amla Shampoo

    Green Coffee Extract

    Green coffee is a renowned anti-oxidant, a cold-pressed scalp stimulant that is rich in phytosterols. It treats brittle and dry hair as well as dry scalp conditions. Green coffee extract is emerging as a significant element in treating thinning hair and hair loss, so much so that we are formulating products focused on hair growth and thickening that will contain Green Coffee Extract as a main ingredient. Hair loss and thinning can be caused by stress and hormonal changes, and Green Coffee Extract has been shown in clinical trials to reduce thinning and hair loss by stimulating the hair follicles while calming and soothing the scalp and reducing inflammation.

    Hairprint products that contain this ingredient: Chelating Shampoo

    Hibiscus Petals

    Hibiscus petal is an Ayurvedic botanical that was traditionally used to stimulate hair growth, graying hair, and hair loss. In our shampoos and conditioners, it acts as an emollient combining beautifully with our Amla products as a conditioning agent for the hair.

    Hairprint products that contain this ingredient: Amla Shampoo, Bio-active Kelp Shampoo, Bamboo Shampoo

    Japanese Bloodgrass

    One of the most effective long-term moisturizers we use. Its plant extracts and potassium content promote increased and sustained skin moisturization, which is critical to healthy hair and hair growth.

    Hairprint products that contain this ingredient: Amla Shampoo + Conditioner, Bamboo Conditioner

    Lactic Acid

    Lactic acid is what makes milk sour, a natural product produced by fermentation of lactose. It is an exfoliant that helps remove dead skin from the scalp, and a pH adjuster for our shampoos.

    Hairprint products that contain this ingredient: Amla Shampoo + Conditioner, Bio-active Kelp Shampoo + Conditioner, Bamboo Shampoo + Conditioner, Chelating Shampoo

    Meadowfoam Seed Oil

    This is an extraordinary oil that we use in great quantity in our conditioners. Some companies list it on their label for the glory but do not put enough in to make a difference. We pack it into our conditioners in high percentages. You will notice its superior properties once you use our conditioners. It is cold-pressed from the seeds of Limnanthes alba, a small plant with delicate flowers native to Oregon and northern California. It produces oil that has the ideal make up for the human scalp and hair. It will moisturize and rejuvenate your hair, making it smoother, radiant, lustrous and soft.

    Hairprint products that contain this ingredient: Amla Conditioner, Bio-active Kelp Conditioner, Bamboo Conditioner

    Olive Leaf Extract

    Olive leaf extracts have long been used as potent antioxidants with the additional benefit of having anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. Fungus and bacteria in the follicle and on the scalp have been show to inhibit hair growth or cause hair loss. With its high level of phenolic compounds, it is the perfect way to treat hair and scalp health.

    Hairprint products that contain this ingredient: Chelating Shampoo

    Panthenol

    This is pantothenic acid, commonly known as Vitamin B5, a humectant that attracts and holds moisture to the hair. Dry hair will deteriorate more quickly in quality whereas moist hair maintains its shine, body, and strength. For these reasons Panthenol softens the hair. reduces frizz, and provides added body. As a vitamin, it helps the body create more nutrients for the hair and skin.

    Hairprint products that contain this ingredient: Amla Conditioner, Bio-active Kelp Conditioner, Bamboo Conditioner

    PCA Glyceryl Oleate

    It is an emulsifier and emollient. It is an extract of vegetable oils and glutamic acid. Its function is a conditioner as it softens and smooths the hair, enhancing wet combing. Made from RSPO, responsibly sourced palm oil.

    Hairprint products that contain this ingredient: Amla Conditioner, Bio-active Kelp Conditioner, Bamboo Conditioner

    Pea Peptide

    Pisum Sativum is a hydrolyzed protein for the hair. It provides volumizing, smoothing, and hydrating benefits and is hypoallergenic, non-GMO, and gluten free.

    Hairprint products that contain this ingredient: Amla Butter Conditioner, Bio-active Kelp Conditioner

    Pomegranate Enzyme

    This is made by fermenting portions of the pomegranate fruit and skin. The resulting enzyme is an excellent and gentle exfoliants that cleanses the scalp of the outer layer of dead skin while also removing build up on the hair. We use this in our shampoos extensively. You want gentle cleansers and exfoliants in a shampoo, not chemicals, and Pomegranate Enzyme is one of the best.

    Hairprint products that contain this ingredient: Amla Shampoo, Bio-active Kelp Shampoo, Bamboo Shampoo

    Rose of Jericho

    Instead of quaternary ammonium compounds like Behentrimonium Chlorides, we use Rose of Jericho. It is a marvelous humectant and along with our Pea Peptide, it provides slip and smoothness to your conditioned hair. It also is a wound healer (plants are amazing). If you have a sensitive scalp that itches or burns, Rose of Jericho can soothe and help heal the micro-fissures that are the cause of the irritation.

    Hairprint products that contain this ingredient: Amla Shampoo + Conditioner, Bio-active Kelp Shampoo, Bamboo Shampoo + Conditioner

    Saw Palmetto Extract

    Saw Palmetto berries contain over 100 known bioactive compounds, a rich assortment of fatty acids, plant sterols, and flavonoids. It may stop hair loss by lowering levels of DHT, an androgen hormone that causes hair follicles to shrink and stop producing hair. We include it in our products without that claim. However, we know the berries are excellent for nourishing the scalp and hair given their high content of fatty acids and antioxidants 

    Hairprint products that contain this ingredient: Chelating Shampoo

    Schisandra Fruit Extract

    The tart berries of Schisandra have been valued in Chinese medicine as a tonic and for its hair growth and anti-aging properties for millennia. This one of two-dozen ingredients we use in our shampoos and conditioners that are superfoods.

    Hairprint products that contain this ingredient: Amla Shampoo, Bio-active Kelp Shampoo, Bamboo Shampoo

    Sea Buckthorn Fruit

    The sea buckthorn berry is a superfood grown primarily in China, Russia and Canada. To date, over 190 biologically active compounds have been found in the fruit. For hair it is a restorative that impacts a number of hair conditions including hair loss and premature grayness. We include it in our products for its skin (scalp) healing properties as healthy hair can only come from healthy skin.

    Hairprint products that contain this ingredient: Chelating Shampoo

    Shea Oil

    Derived from the fruit seeds of the Vitellaria tree indigenous to Africa, Shea Oil contains significant proportions of stearic, linoleic and oleic acids. It remains liquid at room temperature and does not weigh the hair down, as does shea butter. The oleic acid moisturizes the hair and scalp, and linoleic acid stimulates hair health and growth. The phenolic compounds in Shea Oil are strong anti-oxidants. The oil softens dry cuticles, helps prevent breakage at the ends, is antifungal and antibacterial, and provides luster and sheen.

    Hairprint products that contain this ingredient: Bio-active Kelp Conditioner, Bamboo Conditioner

    Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate

    This is one of the mildest of all surfactants, a sodium salt of coconut-derived glutamic acid. It also helps remove minerals from the hair caused by hard water.

    Hairprint products that contain this ingredient: Amla Shampoo + Conditioner, Bio-active Kelp Shampoo + Conditioner, Bamboo Shampoo + Conditioner, Chelating Shampoo

    Sodium Cocoamphoacetate

    When washing one’s hair, you have a choice between soaps or surfactants. Soaps clean well, but leave a residue that builds up on the hair. Surfactants are made from oils, and can range from mild, low-foaming cleansers this and decyl glucoside to sulfate surfactants like SLS that are harsh, damaging and harmful to both the hair and skin. Sodium Cocoamphoacetate is a mild, green, biodegradable surfactant made from the fatty acids contained in coconut oil.

    Hairprint products that contain this ingredient: Amla Shampoo, Bio-active Kelp Shampoo, Bamboo Shampoo, Chelating Shampoo

    Wakame Bioferment

    Healthy skin cells in the scalp require nutrients, moisture, and a way to detoxify from the toxins in our environment. Chemicals in and on our body are aging our surface skin. Bioactive Wakame sea kelp produces a cultured extract that is an effective means to cleanse the cells in the scalp and follicle. Wakame Ferment targets mitochondria to promote cell health, stimulates collagen production while providing powerful antioxidant properties.

    Hairprint products that contain this ingredient: Bio-active Kelp Shampoo + Conditioner

    White Mulberry Root

    Healthy hair grows on a healthy scalp. White Mulberry Root extract has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to rejuvenate the follicle and strengthen hair.

    Hairprint products that contain this ingredient: Amla Shampoo, Bio-active Kelp Shampoo, Bamboo Shampoo

    Willow Bark Extract

    Willow bark contains natural salicylates that reduce inflammation in the skin cells and promotes clean, clear, smooth skin .

    Hairprint products that contain this ingredient: Bio-active Kelp Shampoo, Bamboo Shampoo, Chelating Shampoo

    Xanthan Gum

    Xanthan gum is a food-thickening agent made from fermenting polysaccharides. There is no such thing or plant known as “xanthan”. The term is a nickname for the bacteria used in the process of sugar fermentation.

    Hairprint products that contain this ingredient: Amla Shampoo + Conditioner, Bio-active Kelp Shampoo + Conditioner, Bamboo Shampoo + Conditioner, Chelating Shampoo

     

    We place our faith in the world of plants. We do not use the word as a way to attract a customer. To grow a beautiful plant, you need to feed the soil. To grow beautiful hair, you need to feed the cells that create hair. For that you need plants. The last thing you want to do is slather your hair with a foamy, perfumed, chemical soup laden with dozens of incomprehensible chemicals.
    We believe the source of our health comes from the earth (and the incredible bounty it provides), not from chemicals. We think your hair and scalp will agree.