Adopting a more sustainable beauty routine is something we all should be aiming for. With a selection of brands now offering vegan formulas and recyclable packaging, it's becoming easier than ever before to go green.
Leading the way in the sustainable haircare category, The Powder Shampoo is the waterless, sustainably packaged haircare brand on a mission to change the way we shampoo. Powered by botanical ingredients and essential oils, each of their foaming formulas are designed to tackle a key hair concern to keep your strands strong and shiny.
We spoke to founder and CEO of The Powder Shampoo, Lynn Tan, on everything from what's in the innovative powders to how to use them.
"THE POWDER SHAMPOO™ works like any regular shampoo, the only difference is that it has 0% water content and it is Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Paraben-Free, Phthalate-Free, Silicon-Free, Sulfate-Free and is free from the nasties" explains Lynn.
How do you use a Powder Shampoo?"THE POWDER SHAMPOO™ is a water-activated, concentrated formula that cleanses your hair. To use, simply wet your hair thoroughly and sprinkle the product directly onto your wet hair to foam" instructs Lynn. "Alternatively, you can sprinkle the powder onto your wet palm to lather up a foam before applying to your wet hair" she adds.
What is the consistency of THE POWDER SHAMPOO™ when wet?"THE POWDER SHAMPOO™ has a very soft and fine powder texture. When added with water, it forms into a soapy liquid that enables you to lather easily into a rich and thick foam".
Does THE POWDER SHAMPOO™ lather up as much as liquid shampoos?"Yes! Think of THE POWDER SHAMPOO™ as a highly concentrated, undiluted shampoo in powder form. Hence, you do not need as much product as compared to liquid shampoo. Each of our 100g bottle can last approximately 100x washes".
How much THE POWDER SHAMPOO™ should you use per wash?"It depends on the individual’s hair density and length, as well as their personal preference of the amount of lather" explains Lynn. In general, we recommend:
- For short hair: Using 1 - 3 sprinkles per wash.
- For longer hair: Using 3 - 4 sprinkles per wash
- It's eco-friendly: "We have 0% water in our formula and we use 0% plastic packaging, but 100% recyclable aluminium bottles and paper refill pouches, reducing carbon footprint".
- Lasts for 100 washes: "We do not dilute our shampoos with water, hence each 100g bottle gives you about 100 washes, compared to a 100ml liquid shampoo which only gives you 10-20 washes".
- 1 bottle = 1 tree: "To give back, we plant a tree with each product we sell. As of June 2022, we have planted over 4000 trees".
- Nourishes the scalp: "We developed 4 specific shampoos to treat hair loss and ageing hair, normal and sensitive scalps, oily and dandruff-prone scalps".
- Vegan: "The full range offers a plant-powered formula with over 20 botanical extracts and 5 essential oils. It is also free from animals or animal by-products".
- Clean formulas: "There are no nasties inside such as SLS, SLES, sulphates, parabens, silicones, fragrances, phthalates; they're not harmful for us or marine life".
"Regular liquid shampoo contains 80% to 90% of water. By removing water from our formula, we do not need to use plastic packaging" explains Lynn. "We also save water while manufacturing, at the same time reduce our carbon footprint by over 90% as THE POWDER SHAMPOO™ is so light to transport" she adds. "The aluminium bottles we use for our packaging is also reusable for life and 100% recyclable. We also have refill pouches available to encourage reusing of the aluminium bottles".
"1 bottle of THE POWDER SHAMPOO™ is equal to 5 bottles of liquid shampoo of the same size so you can contribute positively to the environment at the comfort of your home, saving 5 plastic bottles and 5 litres of water with just 1 bottle of THE POWDER SHAMPOO™"
Is THE POWDER SHAMPOO™ suitable for all hair types?"Just like your usual shampoo, THE POWDER SHAMPOO™ offers specific solutions for all scalp types and conditions to cater to different hair types and concerns. We have different solutions:
Strengthening & Soothing Shampoo with Thyme & Grapefruit for normal and sensitive scalps"The formula is enriched with Grapefruit Essential Oil to eliminate impurities; Licorice Root for anti-irritation and anti-inflammation effects".
Purifying & Regulating Shampoo with Thyme & Peppermint for limp hair and oily scalps"The formula is enriched with Mint Essential Oil to boost circulation, Papaya Enzyme to eliminate sebum build-up and Zinc PCA to prevent bacterial and fungal infections".
Invigorating & Stimulating Shampoo with Thyme & Bergamot for thinning and ageing hairEnriched with pre and probiotics to keep the scalp healthy and balanced, as well as bergamot essential oil which intensely hydrates the hair.
Exfoliating & Balancing Shampoo with Thyme & Tea Tree for dandruff-prone scalpsA blend of white willow tree, birch and tea tree oil, the formula exfoliates the scalp, removing dead skin cells and dandruff and fortifying with vitamins and pro and prebiotics.
Can THE POWDER SHAMPOO™ be stored in the shower without it affecting the formula?"Yes! It can be stored safely in the bathroom and shower so long as the cap is properly covered and water does not get into the product. The aluminium bottles that we use can withstand external heat and moisture from the bathroom/showers without compromising on the formula" assures Lynn.
