The Toxic Truth About Hair Products — And the Organic Alternative
As the golden light of September graces our days, we are invited to slow down and reconnect with what truly matters. This month, celebrated as Organic September, is a timely reminder that our quest for well-being extends beyond the food on our plates to the very products we use on our bodies. It’s a moment to ask: are your personal care products nurturing your body, or are they contributing to a hidden burden of chemicals?
In a recent episode of the Diary of a CEO, Dr. Ivon Burkart revealed a surprising truth: many everyday items like shampoos and deodorants can be sources of harmful toxins and endocrine disruptors. Dr. Burkart noted that ingredients listed simply as "fragrance" can be a red flag for a cocktail of chemicals, and that products absorbed by the skin, like those we use on our hair and scalp, pose a higher risk. This perspective underscores the power of conscious choices, and for the discerning individual, those choices are often guided by a deeper appreciation for wellness and quality.
"The easiest and most obvious way that you can weed products out is just look for the word fragrance or parfum and if there's no indication that it comes from plants that it's from essential oils, then that's not something that you want to use." [43:35] Dr. Ivon Burkart
At Tabitha JK, we understand that your hair is a reflection of your overall health, not a canvas for temporary fixes. Our brand's foundation is built on a timeless commitment to sustainability, purity, and luxury, free from chemicals and toxins. This isn't just about beautiful hair; it’s about a holistic approach to beauty that works in harmony with your body and the environment. We nurture and nourish both your hair and your well-being.
The True Cost of Conventional Hair Care
For decades, we’ve been conditioned to seek that rich, foamy lather from our shampoo. However, that sensation often comes from harsh chemicals like sulfates, which strip your hair and scalp of their vital natural oils, leading to a vicious cycle of over-washing and long-term damage. The chemical runoff from these products, including nanoplastics and microplastics, also poses a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems.
"For the most part, if you grab a product off of a store shelf, nine times out of 10 there are chemicals of concern in them. And we're talking about major retailers, big box stores." [13:36] - Dr. Ivon Burkart
Our founder, Tabitha James Kraan, embarked on her pioneering journey after a life-changing realization during her first pregnancy in 1999. A midwife's advice about the dangers of hair dye ingredients made her reconsider the products she used, as ingredients can be absorbed by the scalp and enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting the body and an unborn child. This discovery led her to prioritize safety and natural ingredients, proving that a pure approach yields superior results.
The Tabitha James Kraan Solution: 3 Easy Steps
Our products are meticulously formulated to offer not just a product, but a transformative ritual. Our approach is built on three core principles that represent a profound shift from conventional methods:
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Oil Balancing: Based on the "Law of Similars," our weekly pre-wash treatment gently tricks the scalp into maintaining its natural oil production rather than overproducing sebum in response to dryness. This simple, yet potent, ritual results in stronger, glossier, and more manageable hair over time.
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Correct Cleansing: We use gentle, natural cleansers like soap bark, which clean without stripping your hair of its essential moisture. Our formulas are designed to help you "rewild your hair" by breaking the cycle of frequent washing and promoting a healthy, balanced scalp.
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Moisture Layering: Our products work synergistically to address dehydration. By layering hydrating products, you can infuse and seal moisture into the hair shaft, resulting in smoother, shinier, and more resilient hair. This provides true health and vitality without the superficial shine created by harmful silicones.
Every product is meticulously crafted with high-quality, certified organic ingredients, a commitment proudly reflected in our Soil Association COSMOS Organic certification. We use powerful botanicals like oat milk and aloe vera to soothe and strengthen. We also use gemstones, such as amethyst and rose quartz, believed to bring calming and healing properties, elevating the hair care routine to a luxurious, holistic experience.
This Organic September, we invite you to experience the difference. Investing in Tabitha James Kraan is an investment in yourself—a conscious choice that honours your health, your well-being, and your unwavering commitment to a more beautiful, sustainable world. It’s a way to honour your body and the earth, one beautiful strand at a time.
To learn more about the harmful chemicals in everyday products and why making a change matters, watch the full Diary of a CEO episode here.