When Janey sat down with renowned organic hairdresser Tabitha James Kraan, what started as a catch-up between old friends quickly turned into an eye-opening conversation about what we’re really putting on our scalps—and why it matters more than most of us realize.
The two met over a decade ago on an organic perfume-making course, bonding over their shared passion for natural products. Since then, Tabitha has built a reputation as a pioneer in organic hair care, creating a line of products that’s gained a cult following among those who take their ingredients seriously.
A Wake-Up Call During Pregnancy
Tabitha’s journey into natural hair care wasn’t just a business decision, it was deeply personal. “My midwife told me that hair dyes could be absorbed into the bloodstream during pregnancy,” she recalls. That conversation changed everything. As a hairdresser working with chemical dyes daily, she realized she needed to completely rethink her salon practices.
This realization sparked a transformation in how she approached her craft, leading her to develop safer, natural alternatives that wouldn’t compromise her health – or her clients’.
The Shampoo Problem We’re Not Talking About
Most of us don’t give much thought to our shampoo beyond whether it makes our hair look good. But Tabitha warns that many conventional products contain plastic fillers that don’t just sit on your hair, they’re absorbed by your body and contribute to environmental pollution.
I’ve been banging on for 2 decades about this stuff (my first best selling book Imperfectly Natural Woman is 20 next year!) and I always remind clients to focus not on what is in a product – it’s more important to focus on what’s not in it. A well meaning au pair once presented me with a gift, a bottle of ‘Organic Aloe Vera’ shampoo’, but it had a tiny amount of said aloe vera – and every other synthetic chemical that I would never put near my scalp!
Tabitha’s shampoo is certified by both the Soil Association and Cosmos, rigorous standards that aren’t easy to achieve. She works as an ambassador for both organizations, helping to educate consumers about what organic certification really means.
Greenwashing: When “Natural” Doesn’t Mean Natural
The beauty industry has caught onto consumer demand for cleaner products, but not all “natural” or “sustainable” labels are created equal. Tabitha and Janey discussed how common it is to find products marketed as organic that still contain hormone-disrupting phthalates and plastic-based ingredients.
“The Soil Association’s accreditation is particularly important for organic products in skincare,” Tabitha emphasizes. It’s one of the few certifications that consumers can truly trust, cutting through the marketing noise to identify genuinely clean products.
Less Is Actually More
One of the most surprising pieces of advice? Wash your hair less. Much less.
Tabitha recommends giving your body time to find its natural equilibrium with gentle products, a process that can take a few months. She suggests using dry shampoo between washes to absorb oil and add volume, while conserving water and reducing chemical exposure.
“Give new skincare products at least a month for cell renewal,” she advises. Your scalp needs time to adjust, especially if you’ve been using harsh chemical products for years.
When Hair Care Affects Your Face
Here’s something many people don’t realize: your hair care routine might be causing your skin problems. Harsh chemicals in shampoos and conditioners don’t just affect your scalp, they can run down onto your face, contributing to breakouts and irritation.
Tabitha advocates for organic, high-quality ingredients and reducing daily shampooing. “The chemicals can affect the scalp and contribute to facial issues,” she notes, recommending a gentler approach that respects your skin’s natural balance.
Hair Loss and Hormones
The conversation took a deeper turn when discussing hair loss, a concern many people face but few understand. Tabitha explained that hair loss can stem from various factors: diet, stress, and chemical exposure all play a role.
Perhaps most concerning is the link between long-term use of chemically laden cosmetic products and hormone imbalances. “Anyone experiencing hair loss should consider cleaning up their cosmetic routine,” Tabitha suggests, while also recommending working with health practitioners to achieve hormonal balance.
The holistic approach takes time, your body needs to adjust to natural products after years of chemical exposure, but the results speak for themselves.
Tabitha offers a 22% discount code: JLGSC22. Use at checkout
The Basics: Oils and Brushing
Getting back to basics is often the best approach. Tabitha shared her expertise on using natural oils and proper hair brushing techniques to maintain healthy hair. Her hair oil works wonders not just on hair but on skin too, and it’s even gentle enough for hair extensions.
For those with curly hair, she recommends co-washing (washing with conditioner) and minimal washing overall, using pure conditioners without plastic ingredients. A cold water rinse can also work wonders for curl definition and shine.
Is It Worth the Investment?
Let’s address the elephant in the room: quality natural hair care products aren’t cheap. Tabitha’s line is premium-priced, but as Janey pointed out, they’re worth the investment. The high-quality ingredients and potency mean you use less product, and the bottles last longer than conventional alternatives.
Plus, there’s the small matter of not absorbing harmful chemicals through your scalp daily. That’s priceless.
Making the Switch
For those ready to clean up their hair care routine, Tabitha offers a 22% discount code: JLGSC22. Use at checkout Her products are made by a small British company committed to quality and purity.
She also offers online consultations for those dealing with specific issues like grey hair coverage or hair loss, providing guidance on natural colouring methods and personalized care approaches.
The key takeaway? What you put on your scalp matters. It’s absorbed into your bloodstream, affects your hormonal balance, and impacts both your immediate health and long-term wellbeing. As Tabitha’s journey shows, making the switch to truly natural products isn’t just about following a trend, it’s about taking care of yourself from the outside in.
I personally find that Tabitha’s Clean Shampoo, The 4 in 1 conditioner, the Hair Oil and the Dry Shampoo (I use the Fair one) are literally game changers that I can’t live without!
For more information about Tabitha James Kraan’s product line and to book consultations, visit her website. Currently, the company is working on setting up U.S. shipping options to make their products more accessible internationally.