California-based Hair Care
California-based Hair Care
Author: Jenna White | San Francisco Hairstylist
May 10th, 2022
May 10th, 2022
When thinking about California, images of surfing, sun and Hollywood glamour come to mind. It comes as no surprise that the so-called "Golden State" is the starting point for many successful beauty brands, often launched via partnerships with famous stars and starlets that call the area home. Proximity to these industry power players gives brands the ability to set the status quo, pursue innovation, push boundaries and strive to leave a legacy. I've highlighted some of the hair-specific brands I've been following below. True to California's holistic culture, most of these brands are rooted in the foundation of healthy, organic, vegan and /or cruelty free products.
Innersense was created with one of the founder's daughters in mind, who was born with special needs and inspired an awareness of the importance of living a clean and healthy lifestyle. Headquartered in Concord, CA, they are sold in salons and spas as well as green beauty boutiques throughout the United States and Europe. They're widely known for curls, but their range of hair care offerings is suitable for all hair types.
- Offers: shampoo, conditioner, masques, oils, styling products and combs
- Key focus: organic, natural, vegan, no animal testing
Founder Karen Behnke opened Juice Beauty in San Rafael located in Marin County in 2005. In 2018, they purchased a sustainable farm located in Healdsburg, California, the heart of the Sonoma Wine Country, for ingredients and inspiration. While known for skincare, they do have a small selection of hair care products. Her brand is featured in major magazines and sold at retailers like Whole Foods.
- Offers: shampoo, conditioner and masques
- Key focus: organic, natural, vegan, no animal testing
Inspired by the laid back atmosphere of Venice California, Playa offers a full range of haircare. They describe the smell of their products as “ black coconut, orange blossom, fresh sandalwood, and pacific musk”. Manufactured in Venice and sold in 25 stores across the U.S. and in 50 Mecca stores across Australia and New Zealand.
- Offers: shampoo, conditioner, masques, oils, styling products and combs
- Key focus: UV protection, recycling, cruelty free, no use of SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), parabens, phthalates or dyes
Sondra "Stefani" Padilla, a hair professional veteran that has been in the industry for 20+ years, is the creator of La Tierra Sagrada Hair. Started in Los Angeles in 2014, she launched her line after a series of health problems. With a focus on rituals and plants, she set out to create a haircare brand that aligned with her values. The majority of the product's ingredients are sourced from within the United States. You can purchase it online or in stores in the US. Sharing a list of companies that sell La Tierra Sagrada Hair here.
- Offers: shampoo, conditioner, masques, oils, styling products and combs
- Key focus: organic, natural, vegan, no animal testing
Products created by Baxter Finley Barber + Shop in Los Angeles. Baxter Finley started to develop his product line in 1965 with a focus on mens hair. Their products are sold in barber shops, salons, professional specialty stores and at their store. Their store is located 515 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA .
- Offers: shampoo, conditioner, masques, oils, styling products, combs for men or short hair
- Key focus: quality ingredients
A vegan beauty brand started in Southern California. They focus more more on skincare, but do offer a few shampoos and conditioners. Their products use California grown fruits, herbs, and botanicals, which are their preferred way to source ingredients. They offer options for getting in touch with an aesthetician to find out which products will work for you.
- Offers: shampoo, conditioner
- Key focus: 70% organic, vegan, gluten free, cruelty free
BYRD hair care is inspired by “the gentlemen surfer”. Founder Chase Wilton grew up in Newport beach, and was inspired by California surfer culture. The line is adorned with a small yellow bird mascot and is produced in a solar powered facility in California.
- Offers: shampoo, conditioner, masques, oils, styling products and combs for men or short hair
- Key focus: quality ingredients, natural extracts
Founder Amanda Chantel opened her first shop almost a decade ago in Venice, California. You can visit 507 Rose Ave to enjoy a juice, milk., tonic and/or treat. It's not your traditional shampoo and conditioner hair care, which makes them interesting. For example, they sell a multivitamin for healthier hair.
- Offers: a supplement for hair
- Key focus: organic, natural, vegan
FoxyBae Hair is a West Coast beauty brand based in Los Angeles, California. Online global ordering lists hair care and hair tools. The items sold are trendy and bright colored. Fans of marble and ombre would be interested in this brand.
- Offers: shampoo, conditioner, masques, oils, styling products, hot tools, brushes and combs
- Key focus: vegan, cruelty free, no sulfates or parabens